1990 Houston Astros minor leaguers

Features on each member of the 1990 Houston Astros farm system.

Complete:

• AAA - Tucson Toros (27)
• AA - Columbus Mudcasts (34)
• High-A - Osceola Astros (40)
• Single-A - Asheville Tourists (31)
• Short-Season - Auburn Astros (39)
• Rookie - Gulf Coast League Astros (44)

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.

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.

Columbus Mudcats (34)

1. Harold Allen, Work Habits, 7/3/16
2. Willie Ansley, More Passionate, 5/10/11
3. Eric Anthony had a quick bat with pop, worked  to be consistent; Made bigs over nine seasons, 2/7/21
4. Jeff Baldwin, Took Notice, 10/6/12
5. Daven Bond, Perfect Fit, 7/4/16
6. Ryan Bowen, Hard Luck, 1/5/19
7. Mike Browning, Couldn't Wait, 7/10/16
8. Jose Cano, Gentleman Pitcher, 7/12/16
9. Andujar Cedeno, Base Hits, 2/22/12
10. Fred Costello, Never Know, 7/16/16
11. Todd Credeur, Another Career, 7/18/16
12. Diamond Jim Devitt earned two Purple Hearts in Vietnam, then worked in radio, TV and advertising in Columbus, Ga., 2/14/21
13. Tony Eusebio, Hit Anything, 8/19/16
14. Luis Gonzalez, One Hit, 1/14/12
15. Rusty Harris, Doubled Off, 6/11/17
16. Dean Hartgraves, Long Time, 7/19/16
17. Bert Hunter, Biggest Adjustment, 8/21/16
18. Bernie Jenkins, Set In, 8/24/16
19. Jeff Juden, Unique Player, 1/5/19
20. Belinda Kay earned fans middays at Columbus, Ga.'s South 106; Got sponsor card with Mudcats, 2/16/21
21. Tom Madison - as Mason Dixon - helped run Columbus, Ga., radio station; Also got own baseball card, 2/15/21
22. Joe Mikulik, Personal Challenge, 9/7/16
23. Andy Mota, More Confident, 4/18/11
24. Al Osuna, Established Himself, 7/24/16
25. Ron Porterfield couldn't play anymore, so he chose training; Made bigs with Tampa, Dodgers, 2/13/21
26. Edinson Renteria, Another Job, 8/20/16
27. Shane Reynolds, Frustrated Hitters, 8/8/16
28. Bob Robertson played a decade in bigs, later coached minors; Missed bunt sign in World Series, hit home run, 2/12/21
29. John Sheehan, Three Innings, 8/11/16
30. Rich Simon, Lead Protected, 8/12/16
31. Rick Sweet, That Mentality, 9/13/16
32. Dennis Tafoya, Showed Dedication, 8/14/16
33. Charley Taylor, Fun Time, 9/15/16
34. Wally Trice, New Pitch, 8/15/16

Osceola Astros (40)

1. Manny Acta became trusted voice as majors coach, manager
2. Don Angotti played four seasons, then became a teacher
3. Peter Bauer learned screwball change, saw 6 seasons, AA
4. Mike Beams worked 8 seasons in Astros, Red Sox systems
5. Jack Billingham gave up Aaron's 714th, saw 13 ML seasons
6. Scott Black got degree, drafted, played single season
7. Sal Butera made majors as player, then helped others there
8. Carlo Colombino tried over decade. made AAA with Astros
9. Gene Confreda served as trainer in minors, passed in 1990
10. Gary Cooper played to win for decade, saw 9 majors games
11. Chris Correnti became go-to trainer for Pedro, others
12. Ruben Cruz played four seasons, made high-A with Astros
13. Kevin Dean became Expos 1st-rounder, saw 8 seasons, AAA
14. Troy Dovey played five pro seasons, later went into movies
15. Rick Dunnum pitched wherever needed over 4 pro seasons
16. Bryan Foster improved enough for 5 pro seasons, high-A
17. Brian Griffiths picked up confidence then saw 6 pro seasons
18. David Henderson played 6 seasons, suffered collapsed lung
19. Cole Hyson gave best shot over 5 seasons, opened pawn shop
20. Todd Jones fulfilled potential over 16 ML seasons, 319 saves
21. Jeff Juden proved a unique player over eight majors seasons
22. Frank Kellner saw 8 pro seasons, 5 in hometown, coached
23. Larry Lamphere made Pan Am team, saw three pro seasons
24. Mica Lewis worked on consistency, saw six seasons, AA
25. Kenny Lofton helped teams many ways over 17 majors seasons
26. Ken Luckham proved encouraging in AA start, 6 seasons
27. Lance Madsen tried to relax, concentrate, saw 6 seasons, AAA
28. Scott Makarewicz thought big things at AA, saw 10 seasons
29. Rob Mallicoat worked hard to make majors, then get back
30. John Massarelli showed positive attitude over decade in pros
31. Dan Nyssen played 4 seasons, grew frustrated with progress
32. Joe Ortiz made AAA after others' injuries, missed bigs
33. Ed Ponte made AA, then wanted to get back, saw 9 seasons
34. Howard Prager swung bat well in AAA game, saw seven seasons
35. Matt Rambo had jitters early, saw 5 seasons, AA, injury
36. Bobby Ramos showed heart, passion over decades-long career
37. Toncie Reed showed potential at Osceola, saw 3 pro seasons
38. Gabriel Rodriguez walked Griffey at AA, played 6 seasons
39. Dennis Tafoya showed dedication, saw seven seasons, AA
40. Rodney Windes proved reliable over 6 seasons, made AAA

Asheville Tourists (31)

1 - Rick Aponte played in minors, coached in bigs with Nationals

2 - Perry Berry saw 4 seasons, high-A, went into education

3 - Ed Beuerlein took work ethic to three pro seasons, made AA

4 - Frank Cacciatore took coaching from college to minors

5 - Craig Curtis proved bright spot, saw 4 seasons, high-A

6 - Gershon Dallas played over four pro seasons, made high-A

7 - Troy Dovey played five pro seasons, later went into movies

8 - Juan Encarnacion went from baseball city to 1 pro season

9 - Chris Gardner built confidence, made 5 ML appearances

10 - Ben Gonzales pitched well at Osceola, saw 6 seasons, AA

11 - Anthony Gutierrez saw six seasons with Astros, high-A

12 - Dave Hajek turned prospect, saw 13 major league games

13 - Brett Holum played 3 pro seasons, later coached youth

14 - Brian L. Hunter showed speed over 10 major league seasons

15 - Luther Johnson saw ups, downs in 4 seasons, made high-A

16 - T.J. Lucin hoped to be FMLBBP, saw 2 seasons, single-A

17 - Justin McCray played 3 pro seasons, later turned scout

18 - Mike McDowell played 3 pro seasons, coached, instructed

19 - Orlando Miller made 4 majors seasons with Astros, Tigers

20 - Julio Munoz got big Asheville win, saw two pro seasons

21 - Francisco Perez played over four seasons, made single-A

22 - Jorge Pineda made perfect throw, played one pro season

23 - Ed Quijada played 7 seasons, later paralyzed in crash

24 - Limbert Rivas played two pro seasons, made single-A

25 - Eliezel Rosario started strong, saw 3 seasons, single-A

26 - Jose Santana showed speed quickly, saw four pro seasons

27 - Kevin Scott saw 5 pro seasons, called 'veteran-type'

28 - Mark Small got taste of majors with Astros, passed in 2013

29 - Edwin Valentin saw 3 seasons, single-A, from Puerto Rico

30 - Donne Wall proved hungry, made 8 major league seasons

31 - Ken Wheeler saw marathon outing, 5 pro seasons, high-A

Auburn Astros (39)

1 - Don Alexander coached in minors with Astros, Padres, others
2 - Dave Allen won statewide HS honor, played 7 pro seasons
3 - Jeff Ball got first - and only - ML hit in 9th pro season
4 - Efrain Barreiro went from Puerto Rico to pros, saw 2 seasons

5 - Duane Brown's career spanned decade, saw high-A, Taiwan
6 - Marc Copeland went from minors trainer to medical career

7 - Mark DelPiano showed work ethic as player, coach, scout
8 - Jose Flores saw 5 seasons, AA, later made bigs as coach
9 - Tony Gilmore had confidence at plate, saw 6 seasons, AAA
10 - John Graham worked as general manager in baseball town

11 - Lincoln Gumbs played three pro seasons, made two returns

12 - Mark Hampton played over decade, saw high-A, independents
13 - Chris Hatcher took opportunity to 8 games with Royals
14 - Bob Hurlbutt worked to prove himself, saw 3 pro seasons

15 - Bob Hurta played pro over six seasons, made AAA in two
16 - Michael Irwin took good college ERA to pros, one season
17 - Marty Jones made pro improvements, saw three seasons
18 - Doug Ketchen worked on consistency, made 6 seasons, AAA
19 - Layne Lambert played over three pro seasons, made AA
20 - Louie Martinez, from Virgin Islands to Austin to pros

21 - Steve McCumiskey went from college catching to pros

22 - Ray Montgomery stayed healthy enough to see 3 ML seasons
23 - Gary Mota could do some things, saw 8 pro seasons, AA
24 - Brian Porter played, turned assistant general manager

25 - Rick Peters lived kids' dream, made majors, coached
26 - Steve Powers pitched well in college, saw 4 pro seasons

27 - Dennis Reed turned to pitching, then pros, saw 3 seasons

28 - Kevin Rinaldi saw pros over two seasons, made single-A

29 - Vince Roman helped Ithaca College, saw 5 pro seasons, AA
30 - Tyrone Scott had live arm, saw 4 pro seasons, single-A
31 - Bryan Smith worked for excitement playing and afterward

32 - Lance Smith caught, but liked hitting best, saw 3 seasons

33 - Mark Stiteler threw well in college, saw 3 pro outings
34 - Marc Techman served as Auburn Astros hometown trainer

35 - Fletcher Thompson used speed in college, 6 pro seasons

36 - Steve Veit waited to sign before pros, saw two seasons

37 - Jason Wall gave solid college relief, saw 1 pro season

38 - Brian Williams strove for best over nine majors seasons
39 - David Wilson healed from injury to make pros, 3 seasons

1990 Gulf Coast League Astros (44)

1. Sam August saw 8 pro seasons, then returned to surfing, 4/7/25
2. Marsalis Basey played minors baseball, college basketball, 5/11/25
3. Brian Bennett started as catcher, pitched, saw 4 seasons, 4/26/25
4. Jeff Bennington fulfilled dream as pro; passed in 2023, 5/29/25
5. Scott Black got degree, drafted, played single season, 4/24/25
6. Steve Boatman went from high school to two pro seasons, 3/27/25
7. Duane Brown's career spanned decade, saw high-A, Taiwan, 2/25/25
8. Scott Bullard got credit for 4 pro games, passed in 2020, 6/1/25
9. Miguel Cabrera, of the Dominican, played 3 pro seasons, 5/21/25
10. Raul Chavez saw bigs over 11 seasons with Astros, others, 5/19/25
11. Gary Christopherson showed maturity early, saw 3 seasons, 3/16/25
12. Jorge Correa played 3 seasons, turned coach, instructor, 4/28/25
13. Ruben Cruz played four seasons, made high-A with Astros, 5/3/25
14. Juan De La Cruz played only season in Gulf Coast League, 6/1/25
15. Corey Diggs played Vellejo's Wilson Park, 2 pro seasons, 5/24/25
16. Gordy Farmer helped Arizona State, saw 5 seasons, high-A, 6/14/25
17. Mark Hampton played over decade, saw high-A, independents, 1/14/16
18. Quentin Harley went to play everyday, saw AA with Padres, 3/16/25
19. Javier Hernandez worked on strikes in three pro seasons, 5/27/25
20. Samir Jarad played over two pro seasons, six pro games, 5/11/25
21. Doug Kemp's pro career proved brief, three appearances, 4/27/25
22. Raphael Lanfranco caught in 4 minors seasons with Astros, 3/10/25
23. Julio Linares has coached, scouted, more over 4 decades, 6/18/25
24. Joey Locke played in minors, turned instructor, musician, 5/17/25
25. Rob Mallicoat worked hard to make majors, then get back, 6/8/25
26. Sixto Alberto Montero saw both Phillies, Astros systems, 2/28/25
27. Luis Navarro helped high school no-hitter, saw 3 seasons, 3/8/25
28. Tom Nevers made 1st round, saw 13 seasons, AAA, coached, 3/30/25
29. Fionel Nieves struggled with control, saw 2 pro seasons, 3/26/25
30. David Nix learned as pro, then injury, passed in 2018, 6/10/25
31. Roberto Petagine made bigs for Dad, saw 6 seasons, Japan, 3/8/25
32. Norbert Pickering made pros from Virgin Islands, 16 games, 3/15/25
33. Mario Prats saw 3 minors seasons with Astros, single-A, 3/1/25
34. Jon Quaid's career consisted of one season, 12 outings, 5/24/25
35. Glen Reyes sprinted from high school to pro baseball, 3/22/25
36. David Richison played high school football, pro baseball, 4/3/25
37. Kevin Rinaldi saw pros over two seasons, made single-A, 5/5/25
38. Guillermo Sabino saw just 10 pro games in rookie ball, 6/9/25
39. Lance Smith caught, but liked hitting best, saw 3 seasons, 4/25/25
40. Jermaine Swinton followed heart to decade-plus in pros, 3/23/25
41. John Vandemark gained new focus, saw 9 seasons, high-A, 6/17/25
42. Max Vejar came from baseball city, saw 13 pro outings, 6/15/25
43. David Wallace topped one scout's NYC list, saw 3 seasons, 5/31/25
44. Jimmy White showed patience, saw 7 pro seasons, made AA, 3/25/25