Friday, June 26, 2020

Gordon Powell was always taught to run hard; Did so over 10 pro seasons, made high-A

Gordon Powell hit a two-run shot for high-A Stockton early in this July 1995 contest, but his base running, rather than strength, ultimately drew everyone's attention, according to The San Bernardino County Sun.

That's because as he rounded the bases after hitting the shot, Powell tripped on first - and then fell flat on his face, The Sun wrote.

"I was always taught to run hard whenever you hit the ball," Powell told The Sun afterward. "Oh man, was I embarrassed."

Powell ran hard in that game in his seventh professional season. It was also his last in affiliated ball. He played in three more independent campaigns, but he never made it above high-A.

Powell's career began in 1989, taken by the Brewers in the first round, 30th overall, out of Hughes High School in Cincinnati.

Powell started with the Brewers in the rookie Arizona League at at rookie Helena. He hit .302 over 54 games that first year.

He returned to Helena for 1990. He hit .217 in 45 games that year. He hit a late two-run double in a June win.

Powell then made single-A Beloit for 1991, and he stayed there three seasons. He hit a high of .285 in 78 games in 1992.

He then made high-A Stockton for 1994 and 1995. His 1995 campaign, where he hit .254 over 111 games, marked the end of Powell's affiliated career.

Powell then moved to independent ball. He played 1996 largely at Regina, but also saw time at Grand Forks.

A throwout of his at Regina made the book "Leagues of Their Own" as scouts discussed the throw and what it meant.

"If I like what he's doing after I've seen a couple of games and if I think he's healthy, I'll fill out a scouting report and send it to the Braves," Braves scout Lionel Ruhr was quoted in the book as saying.

If Ruhr filled out the card, it didn't get Powell back to affiliated ball. He returned to Regina for 1997 and he then ended his career in 1998 at independent Bend.
1990 Minor League Tally
Players/Coaches Featured:3,406
Made the Majors:1,202-35.3%
Never Made Majors:2,204-64.7%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors:499
10+ Seasons in the Minors:293-X

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