Johnson City high school senior Chris Lowe knew scouts were interested, just not interested enough for him to go in the 13th round, he told his hometown Johnson City Press.
The Phillies expressed enough confidence in the outfielder to take him in the 13th round.
"This is awesome, I had no idea I would go this early," Lowe told The Press after being selected. "I didn't care if it was the 50th round, it's an honor to just get drafted."
Lowe ultimately signed with the Phillies and started his pro career. That career, however, proved brief. He spent two seasons with the organization in rookie ball, then signed on with the Cardinals briefly for a third campaign. He topped out at short-season.
Lowe's career began that year in 1988, taken by the Phillies 328th overall out of Johnson City's University High School.
Lowe started with the Phillies at rookie Martinsville. He helped the club to an early win against his hometown Johnson City Cardinals, with a triple, single and two walks, The Press wrote.
"I've got a lot to learn," Lowe told The Press afterward, "and I'm getting a lot of good instruction."
Lowe got into 25 games for Martinsville and hit .253. He then returned there for 1989. He also earned a spot in the team's outfield early on, The Press wrote.
"I've been more aggressive at the plate," Lowe told The Press early that July. "I learned a lesson last year. You can't go up there and watch fastballs and strikes go by you. You've got to hit."
Lowe hit .217 overall with Martinsville in 42 games. He didn't return with the Phillies for 1990. Instead, he signed with the Cardinals and started at short-season Hamilton. He got into nine games and picked up three hits, marking the end of his pro career.
- Johnson City Press, June 2, 1988: University High's Lowe picked by Phils
- Johnson City Press, June 24, 1988: Lowe paces Martinsville to win over Cards
- Johnson City Press, July 10, 1989: Lowe making his mark with Martinsville
Made the Majors:1,280-33.8%
Never Made Majors:2,511-66.2%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors:526
10+ Seasons in the Minors:316
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