Virginia Military Institute tried Andy Beasley at a unique double position in 1988, at pitcher and at catcher, The Newport News Daily Press wrote. In one game, he even did both.
That eventually gave way to full-time catching and the left-handed hitting Beasley responded well enough at the plate for his coach to see good things in his future, The Daily News wrote.
"His potential is unlimited," Maini told The Daily News. "With his work ethic, there's no limit to how good he can be."
Beasley's work ethic eventually took him on to the pros. He played over four seasons. He topped out at high-A.
Beasley's career began in 1990, taken by the Cardinals in the fourth round of the draft out of VMI. His name was also spelled as Andy Beasly.
Beasley started with the Cardinals between short-season Hamilton and single-A Savannah. He got into 48 games and hit .178.
He then moved to single-A Springfield for 1991. He hit .284 there over 100 games. Early that August, with a .301 average, he spoke to The St. Louis Post-Dispatch about his transition to the pros from military life at VMI.
"In baseball, the team concept comes easy to me," Beasley told The Post-Dispatch. "Living military-style in barracks with 24 other guys, you have to learn to get along or you just won't make it."
Beasley arrived at high-A St. Petersburg for 1992. He went 2 for 3, with two RBI in an August game. But he hit .180 over 68 games. He then returned there for 1993. He got into 13 games that year to end his career.
- Newport News Daily Press, April 28, 1988: VMI's Beasley gives up oddball positioning
- St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Aug. 3, 1991: Cards Prospect At Ease After The Rigors Of VMI
Made the Majors:1,285-33.7%
Never Made Majors:2,525-66.3%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors:526
10+ Seasons in the Minors:320
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