Features on each member of the 1990 Houston Astros farm system.
Complete:
- AAA - Tucson Toros (27)
- AA - Columbus Mudcasts (34)
- Single-A - Asheville Tourists (27)
- Short-Season - Auburn Astros (29)
To Come:
- High-A - Osceola Astros
Tucson Toros (27)
1 - Ryan Bowen, Hard Luck
Ryan Bowen took a no-hitter into the sixth in his major league debut. He ultimately took the loss.
2 - William Brennan, Feet Wet
William Brennan got his feet wet in his major league debut. He had few other opportunities in the majors.
3 - Terry Clark, Plugged Away
Terry Clark dreamed about making the majors, then made it for parts of six seasons.
4 - Gary Cooper, To Win
Gary Cooper used his BYU Hall induction to look back on his career, one where he made the Astros for nine games.
5 - Kevin Dean, More Fortunate
Kevin Dean was fortunate enough to get taken in the first round, but not enough to make the majors.
6 - Brian Fisher, Good Idea
Brian Fisher moved from reliever with the Yankees to starter with the Pirates. He played in seven major league seasons.
7 - Randy Hennis, Roller Coster
Randy Hennis' major league career began hot, one hit in 9.2 innings. It also ended quick with injuries.
8 - Darryl Kile, Announced Starter
Darryl Kile was listed as a starter for his debut, for his no-hitter. He was also listed as the starter for his memorial.
9 - Louie Meadows, Into Place
Louie Meadows didn't mind that he was competing for a backup Astros spot. As long as it was a major league spot.
10 - Brian Meyer, Hanging Slider
Brian Meyer tried to get the double play in one game, but gave up a home run and got the loss.
11 - Carl Nichols, High Pressure
Carl Nichols broke up a tie major league game in 1990 with a single. He played all of 96 games in the majors.
12 - Jim Olander, Something Good
Jim Olander made the bigs after a decade in the minors. He called it a dream come true.
1 - Ryan Bowen, Hard Luck
Ryan Bowen took a no-hitter into the sixth in his major league debut. He ultimately took the loss.
2 - William Brennan, Feet Wet
William Brennan got his feet wet in his major league debut. He had few other opportunities in the majors.
3 - Terry Clark, Plugged Away
Terry Clark dreamed about making the majors, then made it for parts of six seasons.
4 - Gary Cooper, To Win
Gary Cooper used his BYU Hall induction to look back on his career, one where he made the Astros for nine games.
5 - Kevin Dean, More Fortunate
Kevin Dean was fortunate enough to get taken in the first round, but not enough to make the majors.
6 - Brian Fisher, Good Idea
Brian Fisher moved from reliever with the Yankees to starter with the Pirates. He played in seven major league seasons.
7 - Randy Hennis, Roller Coster
Randy Hennis' major league career began hot, one hit in 9.2 innings. It also ended quick with injuries.
8 - Darryl Kile, Announced Starter
Darryl Kile was listed as a starter for his debut, for his no-hitter. He was also listed as the starter for his memorial.
9 - Louie Meadows, Into Place
Louie Meadows didn't mind that he was competing for a backup Astros spot. As long as it was a major league spot.
10 - Brian Meyer, Hanging Slider
Brian Meyer tried to get the double play in one game, but gave up a home run and got the loss.
11 - Carl Nichols, High Pressure
Carl Nichols broke up a tie major league game in 1990 with a single. He played all of 96 games in the majors.
12 - Jim Olander, Something Good
Jim Olander made the bigs after a decade in the minors. He called it a dream come true.
13 - Javier Ortiz, Gained Confidence
Javier Ortiz saw an opening in the Astros offense in 1991 and hoped he'd stick. He played in 47 games, but didn't return.
14 - Karl "Tuffy" Rhodes, Looked Back
Tuffy Rhodes hit three home runs Opening Day 1994. He then became a star in Japan.
15 - David Rohde, Made Adjustments
David Rohde made the Astros and hoped he could keep going. He played in a total of 93 major league games.
16 - Randy St. Claire, First Win
Randy St. Claire used his first major league hit to pick up his first major league win as a pitcher.
17 - Pedro Sanchez, Grand Slam
Pedro Sanchez hit a walk-off grand slam at AA in 1989. He never had a chance to do the same in the majors.
18 - Scott Servais, His Opportunity
Scott Servais never just watched games as a backup catcher. He'd study and grade.
19 - Mike Simms, Bench Player
Mike Simms was a bench player. When he got to play, he took advantage.
20 - Bob Skinner, Much Pride
Bob Skinner managed the Phillies in '68 and '69. He went on to a long career as a coach.
21 - Craig Smajstrla, Not Quite
Craig Smajstrla went as far as he could as a player. That included eight games spent with the Astros.
22 - Harry Spilman, Manny's Mom
Harry Spilman knew he had to be patient to make the bigs. He played in 12 major league seasons.
23 - Doug Strange, Some Perspective
Doug Strange gained perspective then gained nine seasons with time in the bigs.
24 - Brent Strom, Understands That
Brent Strom knew each pitcher was different. He brought that to his work as a coach.
25 - Jose Tolentino, Best Chance
Jose Tolentino took his best major league chance and made the Astros in his ninth season. He has gone on to be an announcer.
26 - Tim Tolman, Different Role
Tim Tolman made it back to the bigs as a coach, then stepped down due to Parkinson's disease.
27 - Lee Tunnell, Had Confidence
Lee Tunnell didn't lose confidence in his ability. He played in six major league seasons.
Javier Ortiz saw an opening in the Astros offense in 1991 and hoped he'd stick. He played in 47 games, but didn't return.
14 - Karl "Tuffy" Rhodes, Looked Back
Tuffy Rhodes hit three home runs Opening Day 1994. He then became a star in Japan.
15 - David Rohde, Made Adjustments
David Rohde made the Astros and hoped he could keep going. He played in a total of 93 major league games.
16 - Randy St. Claire, First Win
Randy St. Claire used his first major league hit to pick up his first major league win as a pitcher.
17 - Pedro Sanchez, Grand Slam
Pedro Sanchez hit a walk-off grand slam at AA in 1989. He never had a chance to do the same in the majors.
18 - Scott Servais, His Opportunity
Scott Servais never just watched games as a backup catcher. He'd study and grade.
19 - Mike Simms, Bench Player
Mike Simms was a bench player. When he got to play, he took advantage.
20 - Bob Skinner, Much Pride
Bob Skinner managed the Phillies in '68 and '69. He went on to a long career as a coach.
21 - Craig Smajstrla, Not Quite
Craig Smajstrla went as far as he could as a player. That included eight games spent with the Astros.
22 - Harry Spilman, Manny's Mom
Harry Spilman knew he had to be patient to make the bigs. He played in 12 major league seasons.
23 - Doug Strange, Some Perspective
Doug Strange gained perspective then gained nine seasons with time in the bigs.
24 - Brent Strom, Understands That
Brent Strom knew each pitcher was different. He brought that to his work as a coach.
25 - Jose Tolentino, Best Chance
Jose Tolentino took his best major league chance and made the Astros in his ninth season. He has gone on to be an announcer.
26 - Tim Tolman, Different Role
Tim Tolman made it back to the bigs as a coach, then stepped down due to Parkinson's disease.
27 - Lee Tunnell, Had Confidence
Lee Tunnell didn't lose confidence in his ability. He played in six major league seasons.
Columbus Mudcats (34)
- Harold Allen, Work Habits, 7/3/16
- Willie Ansley, More Passionate, 5/10/11
- Eric Anthony had a quick bat with pop, worked to be consistent; Made bigs over nine seasons, 2/7/21
- Jeff Baldwin, Took Notice, 10/6/12
- Daven Bond, Perfect Fit, 7/4/16
- Ryan Bowen, Hard Luck, 1/5/19
- Mike Browning, Couldn't Wait, 7/10/16
- Jose Cano, Gentleman Pitcher, 7/12/16
- Andujar Cedeno, Base Hits, 2/22/12
- Fred Costello, Never Know, 7/16/16
- Todd Credeur, Another Career, 7/18/16
- Diamond Jim Devitt earned two Purple Hearts in Vietnam, then worked in radio, TV and advertising in Columbus, Ga., 2/14/21
- Tony Eusebio, Hit Anything, 8/19/16
- Luis Gonzalez, One Hit, 1/14/12
- Rusty Harris, Doubled Off, 6/11/17
- Dean Hartgraves, Long Time, 7/19/16
- Bert Hunter, Biggest Adjustment, 8/21/16
- Bernie Jenkins, Set In, 8/24/16
- Jeff Juden, Unique Player, 1/5/19
- Belinda Kay earned fans middays at Columbus, Ga.'s South 106; Got sponsor card with Mudcats, 2/16/21
- Tom Madison - as Mason Dixon - helped run Columbus, Ga., radio station; Also got own baseball card, 2/15/21
- Joe Mikulik, Personal Challenge, 9/7/16
- Andy Mota, More Confident, 4/18/11
- Al Osuna, Established Himself, 7/24/16
- Ron Porterfield couldn't play anymore, so he chose training; Made bigs with Tampa, Dodgers, 2/13/21
- Edinson Renteria, Another Job, 8/20/16
- Shane Reynolds, Frustrated Hitters, 8/8/16
- Bob Robertson played a decade in bigs, later coached minors; Missed bunt sign in World Series, hit home run, 2/12/21
- John Sheehan, Three Innings, 8/11/16
- Rich Simon, Lead Protected, 8/12/16
- Rick Sweet, That Mentality, 9/13/16
- Dennis Tafoya, Showed Dedication, 8/14/16
- Charley Taylor, Fun Time, 9/15/16
- Wally Trice, New Pitch, 8/15/16
Asheville Tourists (27)
1 - Rich Aponte, Same Approach
Rick Aponte has handed out pitching advice for three decades, after his own brief playing career.
2 - Ed Beuerlein, Baseball Rat
Ed Beuerlein's work ethic earned him the name 'baseball rat.' It didn't earn him a long career.
3 - Frank Cacciatore, Long Time
Frank Cacciatore wanted to be a coach for a long time, has been one now for more than three decades.
4 - Craig Curtis, Bright Spot
Craig Curtis was a bright spot for the GCL Astros in 1989, but he couldn't keep it up. He played just three more seasons.
5 - Gershon Dallas, Two Doubles
Gershon Dallas helped his high-A team with two doubles in 1991 contest. He could only help himself to four seasons as a pro.
6 - Troy Dovey, Another Career
Troy Dovey played 5 seasons as a pro, then eventually went into another career - show business.
7 - Juan Encarnacion, Produced Many
Juan Encarnacion came from baseball hot bed. Only managed three pro seasons for himself.
8 - Chris Gardner, Confidence-Builder
Chris Gardner's manager let him pitch, build confidence. He played a single month in the bigs.
9 - Ben Gonzales, Continued His
Ben Gonzales made the All-Star team at high-A in 1991. His career didn't last much longer. He never made bigs.
10 - Anthony Gutierrez, Get Worse
Anthony Gutierrez gave up big first inning in 1992. Played 6 seasons, never made AA.
11 - Dave Hajek, Made Himself
David Hajek was tagged as major league prospect. He eventually made it, though not in the best circumstances.
12 - Brett Holum, Fundamentally Sound
Brett Holum wanted his players to stay sharp, have fun playing the game. Once had fun himself, as a player.
13 - Brian Hunter, Working Quickly
Brian Hunter had a good season in 1997 with help of his family. He played a decade in the bigs.
14 - Luther Johnson, Put That
Luther Johnson had his ups and downs as a pro. He had them in four seasons, never made AA.
15 - Justin McCray, His Recommendation
Justin McCray was once given chance as a pro. He's now giving others that chance as scout.
16 - Mike McDowell, More Fun
Mike McDowell played three seasons as a pro, later coached youth sports, took a job with the local CPS.
17 - Orlando Miller, That Far
Orlando Miller homered in his third major league game. He hit 24 over parts of four seasons.
18 - Julio Munoz, Short Line
Julio Munoz pitched well in an early 1990 outing. He only pitched as a pro in two seasons.
19 - Francisco Perez, Mistake Inside
Francisco Perez gave up a grand slam in 1990. He played just four seasons, never made bigs.
20 - Ed Quijada, Another Transition
Ed Quijada tried to make transition to pitching. Now has made another big transition after serious car accident.
21 - Limbert Rivas, Good Outing
Limbert Rivas pitched well in an early 1990 contest. He played in just two pro seasons.
22 - Eliezel Rosario, Started Off
Eliezel Rosario started off his pro career strong, but he couldn't keep it up. He played three seasons, never made bigs.
23 - Jose Santana, Stolen Bases
Jose Santana showed his speed right away, but he couldn't keep it up. Played just three seasons as a pro.
24 - Kevin Scott, Veteran Type
Kevin Scott hit a playoff home run in 1992, but few others. Played five pro seasons, never made the bigs.
25 - Mark Small, Not Enough
Mark Small wanted to make the bigs. Once he got there, he wanted to get back.
26 - Donne Wall, Hungry Guy
Donne Wall was a hungry guy. Eventually took that hunger to time in eight major league seasons.
27 - Ken Wheeler, More Leeway
Ken Wheeler threw a marathon game at single-A in 1990. He played five seasons as a pro.
1 - Rich Aponte, Same Approach
Rick Aponte has handed out pitching advice for three decades, after his own brief playing career.
2 - Ed Beuerlein, Baseball Rat
Ed Beuerlein's work ethic earned him the name 'baseball rat.' It didn't earn him a long career.
3 - Frank Cacciatore, Long Time
Frank Cacciatore wanted to be a coach for a long time, has been one now for more than three decades.
4 - Craig Curtis, Bright Spot
Craig Curtis was a bright spot for the GCL Astros in 1989, but he couldn't keep it up. He played just three more seasons.
5 - Gershon Dallas, Two Doubles
Gershon Dallas helped his high-A team with two doubles in 1991 contest. He could only help himself to four seasons as a pro.
6 - Troy Dovey, Another Career
Troy Dovey played 5 seasons as a pro, then eventually went into another career - show business.
7 - Juan Encarnacion, Produced Many
Juan Encarnacion came from baseball hot bed. Only managed three pro seasons for himself.
8 - Chris Gardner, Confidence-Builder
Chris Gardner's manager let him pitch, build confidence. He played a single month in the bigs.
9 - Ben Gonzales, Continued His
Ben Gonzales made the All-Star team at high-A in 1991. His career didn't last much longer. He never made bigs.
10 - Anthony Gutierrez, Get Worse
Anthony Gutierrez gave up big first inning in 1992. Played 6 seasons, never made AA.
11 - Dave Hajek, Made Himself
David Hajek was tagged as major league prospect. He eventually made it, though not in the best circumstances.
12 - Brett Holum, Fundamentally Sound
Brett Holum wanted his players to stay sharp, have fun playing the game. Once had fun himself, as a player.
13 - Brian Hunter, Working Quickly
Brian Hunter had a good season in 1997 with help of his family. He played a decade in the bigs.
14 - Luther Johnson, Put That
Luther Johnson had his ups and downs as a pro. He had them in four seasons, never made AA.
15 - Justin McCray, His Recommendation
Justin McCray was once given chance as a pro. He's now giving others that chance as scout.
16 - Mike McDowell, More Fun
Mike McDowell played three seasons as a pro, later coached youth sports, took a job with the local CPS.
17 - Orlando Miller, That Far
Orlando Miller homered in his third major league game. He hit 24 over parts of four seasons.
18 - Julio Munoz, Short Line
Julio Munoz pitched well in an early 1990 outing. He only pitched as a pro in two seasons.
19 - Francisco Perez, Mistake Inside
Francisco Perez gave up a grand slam in 1990. He played just four seasons, never made bigs.
20 - Ed Quijada, Another Transition
Ed Quijada tried to make transition to pitching. Now has made another big transition after serious car accident.
21 - Limbert Rivas, Good Outing
Limbert Rivas pitched well in an early 1990 contest. He played in just two pro seasons.
22 - Eliezel Rosario, Started Off
Eliezel Rosario started off his pro career strong, but he couldn't keep it up. He played three seasons, never made bigs.
23 - Jose Santana, Stolen Bases
Jose Santana showed his speed right away, but he couldn't keep it up. Played just three seasons as a pro.
24 - Kevin Scott, Veteran Type
Kevin Scott hit a playoff home run in 1992, but few others. Played five pro seasons, never made the bigs.
25 - Mark Small, Not Enough
Mark Small wanted to make the bigs. Once he got there, he wanted to get back.
26 - Donne Wall, Hungry Guy
Donne Wall was a hungry guy. Eventually took that hunger to time in eight major league seasons.
27 - Ken Wheeler, More Leeway
Ken Wheeler threw a marathon game at single-A in 1990. He played five seasons as a pro.
Auburn Astros (29)
1 - Don Alexander, Something Special
Don Alexander knows coaching has its own timetable.
2 - Dave Allen, Statewide Award
Dave Allen won a statewide award in high school. He never made the bigs.
3 - Jeff Ball, Extra Time
Jeff Ball got his first major league hit. He needed time to enjoy it.
4 - Efrain Barreiro, Very Different
Efrain Barreiro's journey went to Puerto Rico, Kentucky, and 2 seasons as a pro.
5 - Marc Copeland, Director Honor
Marc Copeland won an honor in his post-training field in hospital work.
6 - Jose Flores, Hit Streak
Jose Flores hit in 18-straight games at high-A. He never made the bigs.
7 - Tony Gilmore, Much Confidence
Tony Gilmore had confidence hitting in college. He played six pro seasons.
8 - John Graham, Baseball Town
Served as GM in the baseball town of Auburn, NY
9 - Lincoln Gumbs, Two Returns
Lincoln Gumbs twice returned to the pros. He's now an instructor.
10 - Mark Hampton, Good Pitcher
Mark Hampton pitched well in independent ball. He never made AA.
11 - Chris Hatcher, Caught On
Chris Hatcher's future included eight games with the Royals in KC.
12 - Bob Hurlbutt, Prove Himself
Bob Hurlbutt didn't plan for injury, or for a short career.
13 - Bob Hurta, To Use
Bob Hurta played six pro seasons. He made AAA, not the bigs.
14 - Michael Irwin, Low ERA
Michael Irwin posted a low ERA in college. He played a single-season as a pro.
15 - Marty Jones, All Together
Marty Jones improved early in 1989. He never put it all together.
16 - Doug Ketchen, Pitch Consistently
Doug Ketchen looked to pitch consistently. He made AAA, but not the bigs.
17 - Layne Lambert, Only Run
Layne Lambert made AA briefly in 1992. He played three seasons.
18 - Ray Montgomery, Paid Off
Ray Montgomery stayed healthy, made the Astros over three seasons.
19 - Gary Mota, Some Things
Gary Mota was once a top Astros prospect. He never made bigs like other Motas.
20 - Brian Porter, Two Roles
He had two roles at Auburn, player and assistant GM.
21 - Rick Peters Kids' Dream
Rick Peters realized a kids' dream.
22 - Steve Powers, Freshman Outing
Steve Powers had good freshman outing in college. He played four pro seasons.
23 - Vince Roman, Big Role
Vince Roman helped his college to the Division III World Series title. He never made the bigs.
24 - Tyrone Scott, Live Arm
Tyrone Scott had a live arm in high school. He played four seasons, never made AA.
25 - Bryan Smith, Exciting Plan
Bryan Smith's own exciting baseball plan never fully came to be.
26 - Marc Techman, Other Pursuits
Looked forward to a career in baseball administration, didn't stick.
27 - Fletcher Thompson, His Speed
Fletcher Thompson showed off his speed in college and the pros. He never made the bigs.
28 - Steve Veit, Day Before
Steve Veit waited a year to sign. He played two pro seasons.
29 - David Wilson, Ready To
David Wilson popped the ball to the pros, but not well enough for the bigs.
1 - Don Alexander, Something Special
Don Alexander knows coaching has its own timetable.
2 - Dave Allen, Statewide Award
Dave Allen won a statewide award in high school. He never made the bigs.
3 - Jeff Ball, Extra Time
Jeff Ball got his first major league hit. He needed time to enjoy it.
4 - Efrain Barreiro, Very Different
Efrain Barreiro's journey went to Puerto Rico, Kentucky, and 2 seasons as a pro.
5 - Marc Copeland, Director Honor
Marc Copeland won an honor in his post-training field in hospital work.
6 - Jose Flores, Hit Streak
Jose Flores hit in 18-straight games at high-A. He never made the bigs.
7 - Tony Gilmore, Much Confidence
Tony Gilmore had confidence hitting in college. He played six pro seasons.
8 - John Graham, Baseball Town
Served as GM in the baseball town of Auburn, NY
9 - Lincoln Gumbs, Two Returns
Lincoln Gumbs twice returned to the pros. He's now an instructor.
10 - Mark Hampton, Good Pitcher
Mark Hampton pitched well in independent ball. He never made AA.
11 - Chris Hatcher, Caught On
Chris Hatcher's future included eight games with the Royals in KC.
12 - Bob Hurlbutt, Prove Himself
Bob Hurlbutt didn't plan for injury, or for a short career.
13 - Bob Hurta, To Use
Bob Hurta played six pro seasons. He made AAA, not the bigs.
14 - Michael Irwin, Low ERA
Michael Irwin posted a low ERA in college. He played a single-season as a pro.
15 - Marty Jones, All Together
Marty Jones improved early in 1989. He never put it all together.
16 - Doug Ketchen, Pitch Consistently
Doug Ketchen looked to pitch consistently. He made AAA, but not the bigs.
17 - Layne Lambert, Only Run
Layne Lambert made AA briefly in 1992. He played three seasons.
18 - Ray Montgomery, Paid Off
Ray Montgomery stayed healthy, made the Astros over three seasons.
19 - Gary Mota, Some Things
Gary Mota was once a top Astros prospect. He never made bigs like other Motas.
20 - Brian Porter, Two Roles
He had two roles at Auburn, player and assistant GM.
21 - Rick Peters Kids' Dream
Rick Peters realized a kids' dream.
22 - Steve Powers, Freshman Outing
Steve Powers had good freshman outing in college. He played four pro seasons.
23 - Vince Roman, Big Role
Vince Roman helped his college to the Division III World Series title. He never made the bigs.
24 - Tyrone Scott, Live Arm
Tyrone Scott had a live arm in high school. He played four seasons, never made AA.
25 - Bryan Smith, Exciting Plan
Bryan Smith's own exciting baseball plan never fully came to be.
26 - Marc Techman, Other Pursuits
Looked forward to a career in baseball administration, didn't stick.
27 - Fletcher Thompson, His Speed
Fletcher Thompson showed off his speed in college and the pros. He never made the bigs.
28 - Steve Veit, Day Before
Steve Veit waited a year to sign. He played two pro seasons.
29 - David Wilson, Ready To
David Wilson popped the ball to the pros, but not well enough for the bigs.
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