Ruben Escalera, Denver Zephyrs - 49

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Be sure to check out the revisited Ruben Escalera feature from June 2011: Ruben Escalera, Rookie Manager

Ruben Escalera, also known as Carlos Escalera, is another player with a long minor league playing career who turned his sights on a minor league managing career.

Escalera played eight seasons in the minors from 1985 to 1992, spending all but his final season in the Brewers' system. He got as high as AAA, playing for the Denver Zephyrs in 1990 and the Nashville Sounds in 1992, but he never made the majors.

He debuted in 1985 with the rookie league Helena Gold Sox, hitting .349. But he wouldn't bat over .300 again until 1991 with the AA El Paso Diablos. It was with El Paso that the outfielder even tried his hand at pitching, tossing two scoreless innings over two seasons.

It was in 1995, after his playing career was over, that Escalera joined the Athletics, becoming a scout, according to his listing at the Baseball Reference Bullpen. He then worked to help others have rookie league success, first as a coach of the AZL Athletics, then six seasons managing the team, winning Arizona League Manager of the year in 2006.

Cards Reviewed: 3/880
Major Leaguers: 1
Never Made the Majors: 2
100+ Games in the Majors: 0
10+ Seasons in the Minors: 1

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