Andy Rush explained the differences between high school and professional baseball to The Elmira Star-Gazette in July 1988.
Hitters, the pitcher told The Star-Gazette, showed more discipline. But the pitcher also spoke about his own prospects.
"My scout, Phil Rossi, said I could move up (to the majors) in three or four years," Rush told The Star-Gazette. "I'll try to improve in each game."
Rush ended up playing professionally for five seasons - and was credited in a sixth. But he could only improve so much. He topped out at high-A.
Rush's career began that year in 1988, taken by the Red Sox in the second round of the draft out of Somerset High School in Pennsylvania.
Rush started with the Red Sox at short-season Elmira. He went 3-8, with a 4.15 ERA over 14 outings, 13 starts.
Going into his second season, Rush spoke to his hometown Somerset Daily American about how he'd been doing to that point.
"Most of the coaches are real pleased with my progress," Rush told The Daily American.
Rush played 1989 between single-A Winter Haven and Elmira. He went 4-6, with a 3.26 ERA. he played 1990 at high-A Winter Haven, then 1991 and 1992 at high-A Lynchburg.
He saw 15 outings, six starts at Lynchburg in 1992, his season slowed by scar tissue in his elbow. He had been tagged for AA New Britain, but his season - and main career- ended with Lynchburg.
Rush is later credited as returning in 2003 with independent Pensacola and Selma and seeing 10 outings, his last recorded time as a pro.
Rush has since returned to Somerset. In 2019, he served as CEO of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center at Somerset. He started there in 2000 as director of physical therapy and rehabilitation services.
- Elmira Star-Gazette, July 10, 1988: Life in the pros throws some a curve
- Somerset Daily American, Jan. 26, 1988: Rush continues to climb stairway to Boston
- Somerset Daily American, May 10, 2019: Rush to speak at DA sports awards
Made the Majors:1,307-33.3%
Never Made Majors:2,613-66.7%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors:530
10+ Seasons in the Minors:326
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