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 (31)
• Single-A - Asheville Tourists (27)
• 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 (31)

1. Manny Acta played in minors, became manager, trusted voice, 2/29/24
2. Don Angotti played, hoped to coach, instead he taught, 3/23/24
3. Peter Bauer learned screwball changeup, saw 6 seasons, AA, 2/24/24
4. Mike Beams kept working over eight seasons, made AA, 3/29/24
5. Jack Billingham got raise, made bigs, gave up Aaron's 714th, 2/9/24
6. Sal Butera made bigs as player, then helped others there, 3/16/24
7. Chris Colombino tried hard over decade in pros, made AAA, 3/21/24
8. Gene Confreda enjoyed work as trainer, passed in 1990, 3/17/24
9. Chris Correnti became go-to trainer for Red Sox, Pedro, 3/18/24
10. Troy Dovey played five pro seasons, later went into movies, 9/22/13
11. Rick Dunnum pitched wherever needed over four pro seasons, 3/12/24
12. Brian Griffiths picked up confidence then saw 6 pro seasons, 3/7/24
13. David Henderson played 6 seasons, suffered collapsed lung, 3/19/24
14. Cole Hyson gave best shot over 5 seasons, opened pawn shop, 2/13/24
15. Todd Jones fulfilled potential over 16 ML seasons, 319 saves, 2/18/24
16. Jeff Juden proved a unique player over eight majors seasons, 1/5/19
17. Frank Kellner saw 8 pro seasons, 5 in hometown, coached, 3/27/24
18. Larry Lamphere made Pan Am team, saw three pro seasons, 3/26/24
19. Mica Lewis worked on consistency, saw six seasons, AA, 3/25/24
20. Kenny Lofton helped teams many ways over 17 majors seasons, 2/22/24
21. Ken Luckham proved encouraging in AA start, saw six seasons, 2/8/24
22. Lance Madsen tried to relax, concentrate, saw 6 seasons, AAA, 2/11/24
23. Scott Makarewicz thought big things at AA, saw 10 seasons, 2/19/24
24. John Massarelli showed positive attitude over decade in pros, 3/2/24
25. Dan Nyssen played 4 seasons, grew frustrated with progress, 3/11/24
26. Ed Ponte made AA, then wanted to get back, saw 9 seasons, 3/17/24
27. Howard Prager swung bat well in AAA game, saw seven seasons, 2/14/24
28. Bobby Ramos showed heart, passion over decades-long career, 3/9/24
29. Toncie Reed showed potential at Osceola, saw 3 pro seasons, 2/10/24
30. Gabriel Rodriguez walked Griffey at AA, played 6 seasons, 3/5/24
31. Rodney Windes proved reliable over 6 seasons, made AAA, 3/24/24

Asheville Tourists (27)
1 - Rich Aponte, Same Approach
Rick Aponte has handed out pitching advice for three decades, after his own brief playing career.
2 - Ed Beuerlein, Baseball Rat
Ed Beuerlein's work ethic earned him the name 'baseball rat.' It didn't earn him a long career.
3 - Frank Cacciatore, Long Time
Frank Cacciatore wanted to be a coach for a long time, has been one now for more than three decades.
4 - Craig Curtis, Bright Spot
Craig Curtis was a bright spot for the GCL Astros in 1989, but he couldn't keep it up. He played just three more seasons.
5 - Gershon Dallas, Two Doubles
Gershon Dallas helped his high-A team with two doubles in 1991 contest. He could only help himself to four seasons as a pro. 
6 - Troy Dovey, Another Career
Troy Dovey played 5 seasons as a pro, then eventually went into another career - show business.
7 - Juan Encarnacion, Produced Many
Juan Encarnacion came from baseball hot bed. Only managed three pro seasons for himself.
8 - Chris Gardner, Confidence-Builder
Chris Gardner's manager let him pitch, build confidence. He played a single month in the bigs.
9 - Ben Gonzales, Continued His
Ben Gonzales made the All-Star team at high-A in 1991. His career didn't last much longer. He never made bigs.
10 - Anthony Gutierrez, Get Worse
Anthony Gutierrez gave up big first inning in 1992. Played 6 seasons, never made AA.
11 - Dave Hajek, Made Himself
David Hajek was tagged as major league prospect. He eventually made it, though not in the best circumstances.
12 - Brett Holum, Fundamentally Sound
Brett Holum wanted his players to stay sharp, have fun playing the game. Once had fun himself, as a player.
13 - Brian Hunter, Working Quickly
Brian Hunter had a good season in 1997 with help of his family. He played a decade in the bigs.
14 - Luther Johnson, Put That
Luther Johnson had his ups and downs as a pro. He had them in four seasons, never made AA.
15 - Justin McCray, His Recommendation
Justin McCray was once given chance as a pro. He's now giving others that chance as scout. 
16 - Mike McDowell, More Fun
Mike McDowell played three seasons as a pro, later coached youth sports, took a job with the local CPS.
17 - Orlando Miller, That Far
Orlando Miller homered in his third major league game. He hit 24 over parts of four seasons. 
18 - Julio Munoz, Short Line
Julio Munoz pitched well in an early 1990 outing. He only pitched as a pro in two seasons.
19 - Francisco Perez, Mistake Inside
Francisco Perez gave up a grand slam in 1990. He played just four seasons, never made bigs.
20 - Ed Quijada, Another Transition
Ed Quijada tried to make transition to pitching. Now has made another big transition after serious car accident. 
21 - Limbert Rivas, Good Outing
Limbert Rivas pitched well in an early 1990 contest. He played in just two pro seasons.
22 - Eliezel Rosario, Started Off
Eliezel Rosario started off his pro career strong, but he couldn't keep it up. He played three seasons, never made bigs.
23 - Jose Santana, Stolen Bases
Jose Santana showed his speed right away, but he couldn't keep it up. Played just three seasons as a pro.
24 - Kevin Scott, Veteran Type
Kevin Scott hit a playoff home run in 1992, but few others. Played five pro seasons, never made the bigs. 
25 - Mark Small, Not Enough
Mark Small wanted to make the bigs. Once he got there, he wanted to get back.
26 - Donne Wall, Hungry Guy
Donne Wall was a hungry guy. Eventually took that hunger to time in eight major league seasons.
27 - Ken Wheeler, More Leeway
Ken Wheeler threw a marathon game at single-A in 1990. He played five seasons as a pro.

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