Jim West hit title-winning fielder's choice; Saw two pro seasons, made single-A

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Spokane catcher Jim West's regular season in 1990 amounted to a .216 average and six RBI, but his postseason contribution was just enough, The Spokane Spokesman-Review wrote.

In the deciding game of the league championship series, West knocked in what amounted to the game-winning and series-winning RBI on a fielder's choice as he bunted and the pitcher couldn't barehand it, The Spokesman-Review wrote.

West got that game-winner at the end of his first pro season. He would only see a brief part of another. He topped out at single-A.

West's career began that year in 1990, taken by the Padres in the 38th round of the draft out of the University of San Francisco.

West hit .295 at San Francisco and threw out more than 50 percent of runners attempting to steal. 

With Spokane, West singled and scored in a June game. In August, three runners attempted to steal against him and he threw two out. Overall, he hit that .216 in 42 games and knocked in those six runs.

He then returned for 1991. He singled in a run in an early April exhibition game. He then waited out a mid-April rain delay in his catching gear. 

Overall, though, West got into just five games for Waterloo. He went 3 for 14. That season proved his last as a pro.

1990 Minor League Tally 
Players/Coaches Featured:4,062
Made the Majors:1,348-33.2%
Never Made Majors:2,714-66.8%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors:548
10+ Seasons in the Minors:333

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