Rich Bristow went from HS to 5 pro seasons, passed in 2010

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Rich Bristow 1990 Kingsport Mets card

Rich Bristow pitched well for Geneva High School in this May 1986 game, but sometimes pitching well isn't enough.

Bristow didn't give up a hit in the scoreless contest - until a late bunt, according to The Chicago Tribune. That bunt, though, brought home a runner Bristow had hit by a pitch. That one run proved the difference as Bristow took the loss.

Bristow went on from Geneva High to a career in the pros. Bristow played in four seasons. He never made AA.

Bristow's pro career began in 1988, taken by the Mets in the 32nd round of the draft out of Geneva, Ill.

At Geneva, Bristow also played football and baseball. He scored 17 in a February 1986 basketball game and threw for 162 yards in an October 1987 football game.

Bristow started with the Mets in the rookie Gulf Coast League. He got into 13 games, starting one. He went 2-3, with a 8.31 ERA.

Bristow returned to the GCL for 1989. He improved his ERA to 2.78 over 19 outings, four starts. He went 3-3.

He played 1990 at rookie Kingsport, then 1991 at single-A Columbia. He turned in a 2.92 ERA at Kingsport and a 3.21 mark at Columbia, ending his affiliated career.

Bristow returned home to Illinois and played two final games in 1994 at independent Champaign-Urbana, ending his career.

Bristow then eventually moved into auto parts, becoming general manager at a store. He passed away in May 2010 in a car accident.
Originally published March 9, 2017
Rich Bristow 1990 Kingsport Mets card

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