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Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Bruce Prybylinski came back from bad arm to make AA; Saw six pro seasons, missed bigs


Arm troubles plagued previous campaigns for Bruce Prybylinski. But, after surgery, he came out strong , The Washington Post wrote in July 1992.

"When I had a bad arm, I would walk off the mound and I couldn't even raise it," Prybylinski told The Post then. "I would grind my teeth just to get another pitch to the plate. Now I feel strong. It's a big boost of confidence to know that after throwing seven innings I could come out the next day and play catch."

Prybylinski came back strong enough to make the Carolina League All-Star team, and then to make AA Albany-Colonie the next year, though briefly. In a career that spanned six seasons, he couldn't make it higher.

Prybylinski's career began in 1988, taken by the Yankees in the 21st round of the draft out of Illinois State University.

Prybylinski started with the Yankees at short-season Oneonta. He went 1-2, with a 1.17 ERA over 19 relief appearances.

He moved to single-A Prince William for 1989 and went 4-1, with a 2.84 ERA in 28 outings, one start. He then returned to Prince William at high-A for 1990 - and underwent rotator cuff surgery - and part of 1991. He also saw high-A Fort Lauderdale in 1991.

At Prince William and healthy again in 1992, Prybylinski went 12-10, with a 3.01 ERA in 26 starts. That May, he went seven innings in a start, giving up just a single hit.

"I stayed with my fastball and my location was pretty good," Prybylinski told The Raleigh News and Observer afterward. 

Prybylinski then returned to Prince William for 1993, and also saw single-A Greensboro and AA Albany-Colonie. He went 6-3 on the year, with a 3.91 ERA in 19 outings, 13 starts. That season proved his last as a pro.

1990 Minor League Tally 
Players/Coaches Featured:4,074
Made the Majors:1,351-33.2%
Never Made Majors:2,723-66.8%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors:549
10+ Seasons in the Minors:333

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