1990 Pittsburgh Pirates Minor Leaguers
Features on each of the 1990 Pittsburgh Pirates minor leaguers
Complete:
- AAA - Buffalo Bisons (32)
- AA - Harrisburg Senators (25)
- High-A - Salem Buccaneers (27)
- Single-A - Augusta Pirates (26)
- Short-Season - Welland Pirates (37)
1990 Buffalo Bisons (32)
1 - Moises Alou knew about body English, as hitter, in field
1 - Moises Alou knew about body English, as hitter, in field
2 - Stan Belinda saw 12 majors seasons, two after MS diagnosis
3 - Dann Bilardello's first majors home run came off Tom Seaver
4 - Jackie Brown kept eyes open, made majors as player, coach
5 - Kevin Burdick suffered broken nose at AAA, saw five seasons
6 - Steve Carter hit home run in 6th majors game, saw 14 total
7 - Wes Chamberlain had fun, played hard over six majors seasons
8 - Terry Collins has spent life in game, 3 bigs manager stints
9 - Jeff Cook credited kissed bat with home run, saw 9 seasons
10 - Gordon Dillard faltered in only ML start, saw 7 games total
3 - Dann Bilardello's first majors home run came off Tom Seaver
4 - Jackie Brown kept eyes open, made majors as player, coach
5 - Kevin Burdick suffered broken nose at AAA, saw five seasons
6 - Steve Carter hit home run in 6th majors game, saw 14 total
7 - Wes Chamberlain had fun, played hard over six majors seasons
8 - Terry Collins has spent life in game, 3 bigs manager stints
9 - Jeff Cook credited kissed bat with home run, saw 9 seasons
10 - Gordon Dillard faltered in only ML start, saw 7 games total
11 - Steve Henderson focused, made 12 majors seasons, coached
12 - Mark Huismann saw 9 ML campaigns, car issues headed to first
13 - Hugh Kemp showed college competitiveness, saw 8 pro seasons
14 - Steve Kiefer returned from assault to bigs, saw 6 ML seasons
15 - Randy Kramer knew role with Pirates, saw 4 majors seasons
16 - Carlos Ledezma was minors trainer, majors clubhouse manager
20 - Orlando Merced played through injury, saw 13 majors seasons
21 - Armando Moreno got his majors call, he didn't play, get back
22 - Vicente Palacios saw 8 majors campaigns spanning 14 seasons
23 - Tom Prince took clean in 1995, saw time in 17 majors seasons
24 - Rick Reed saw majors over 15 seasons, best over second half
25 - Jeff Richardson looked out for family, saw 3 majors seasons
26 - Mike Roesler showed nasty stuff with Reds, 2 majors seasons
27 - Mark Ross' expectations raised in 1990, saw 6 bigs seasons
28 - Mark Ryal stayed ready over 6 ML seasons, 5 organizations
29 - Danny Sheaffer took advantage of chances over 7 ML seasons
30 - Tommy Shields worked to prove self in majors, later managed
31 - Dorn Taylor made bigs in 6th season, got 1st W in 5th start
32 - Mike York swore off alcohol, made bigs, saw 18 majors games
12 - Mark Huismann saw 9 ML campaigns, car issues headed to first
13 - Hugh Kemp showed college competitiveness, saw 8 pro seasons
14 - Steve Kiefer returned from assault to bigs, saw 6 ML seasons
15 - Randy Kramer knew role with Pirates, saw 4 majors seasons
16 - Carlos Ledezma was minors trainer, majors clubhouse manager
20 - Orlando Merced played through injury, saw 13 majors seasons
21 - Armando Moreno got his majors call, he didn't play, get back
22 - Vicente Palacios saw 8 majors campaigns spanning 14 seasons
23 - Tom Prince took clean in 1995, saw time in 17 majors seasons
24 - Rick Reed saw majors over 15 seasons, best over second half
25 - Jeff Richardson looked out for family, saw 3 majors seasons
26 - Mike Roesler showed nasty stuff with Reds, 2 majors seasons
27 - Mark Ross' expectations raised in 1990, saw 6 bigs seasons
28 - Mark Ryal stayed ready over 6 ML seasons, 5 organizations
29 - Danny Sheaffer took advantage of chances over 7 ML seasons
30 - Tommy Shields worked to prove self in majors, later managed
31 - Dorn Taylor made bigs in 6th season, got 1st W in 5th start
32 - Mike York swore off alcohol, made bigs, saw 18 majors games
Harrisburg Senators (26)
1 - Steve Adams, Bad Inning
Steve Adams had a bad inning in 1990. He played six seasons as a pro.
2 - Moises Alou, Body English
Body English helped Moises Alou homer in the 1997 World Series.
3 - Joe Ausanio, Come True
Joe Ausanio made the bigs for the greatest month of his life. He's now with the Hudson Valley Renegades.
4 - Jeff Banister, Kept Going
Sometimes the only thing that kept Jeff Banister going was baseball.
5 - Scott Barczi, Defensive Catcher
Scott Barczi was one of AA league's top defensive catchers. He never made the majors.
6 - Marc Bombard, His Role
Marc Bombard threw a minor league perfect game. He had a long career as a coach.
7 - Terry Crowley, Infield Prospect
Terry Crowley was acquired for a major leaguer. He never made the majors.
8 - Jim Czajkowski, Big Leaguer
Jim Czajkowski got to the majors with hard work. He's now a coach in the minors.
9 - Carlos Garcia, Every Time
Carlos Garcia stayed ready to play in 10 major league seasons. He's now a minor league manager.
10 - Miguel Garcia, Like Everyone
Miguel Garcia liked to be in the majors. He just had to do his job to stay.
11 - Robert Harris, Not Fulfilled
Robert Harris and his family made sacrifices in the minors. He never made the majors.
12 - Trent Jewett, Baseball Man
Trent Jewett got experience as a minor league player and coach. He then made the bigs.
13 - Blas Minor, Around Awhile
Blas Minor believed the Pirates organization gave him a good shot. He got into six major league seasons.
14 - Pete Murphy, Continued Playing
Pete Murphy endured his college football coach's tirade. He continued in baseball.
15 - Jeff Osborne, Do Both
Jeff Osborne liked to hit for both power and average. He never got to the bigs to hit for either.
16 - Julio Peguero, Waiver Rules
Julio Peguero had a quick, short stroke. He made the majors for all of 14 games.
17 - Julio Perez, Manufactured Run
Julio Perez manufactured a run at single-A. He played six seasons in the minors.
18 - Keith Richardson, Strong Start
Keith Richardson started his career strong. He couldn't keep it up.
19 - Mike Sandoval, His Goals
Mike Sandovall had a trainer's goals: Keep his players on the field.
20 - Randy Tomlin, Was Alright
Randy Tomlin's heart beat fast before his major league debut. He then threw a complete game.
21 - Jim Tracy, Career High
Jim Tracy played nine seasons in the minors. He never made bigs.
22 - Junior Vizcaino, Making Assessments
Junior Vizcaino was assessed as a player. He's now doing that as a scout.
23 - Ben Webb, No Regrets
Ben Webb had his chance. He didn't make the bigs. He had no regrets.
24 - John Wehner, In The Dirt
John Wehner played for his hometown Pirates. He's now announcing for them.
25 - Spin Williams, So Excited
Spin Williams became Pirates pitching coach and was so excited.
26 - Ed Yacopino, Only Way
Ed Yacopino knew he had to put up numbers to make the bigs. He never made it.
Steve Adams had a bad inning in 1990. He played six seasons as a pro.
2 - Moises Alou, Body English
Body English helped Moises Alou homer in the 1997 World Series.
3 - Joe Ausanio, Come True
Joe Ausanio made the bigs for the greatest month of his life. He's now with the Hudson Valley Renegades.
4 - Jeff Banister, Kept Going
Sometimes the only thing that kept Jeff Banister going was baseball.
5 - Scott Barczi, Defensive Catcher
Scott Barczi was one of AA league's top defensive catchers. He never made the majors.
6 - Marc Bombard, His Role
Marc Bombard threw a minor league perfect game. He had a long career as a coach.
7 - Terry Crowley, Infield Prospect
Terry Crowley was acquired for a major leaguer. He never made the majors.
8 - Jim Czajkowski, Big Leaguer
Jim Czajkowski got to the majors with hard work. He's now a coach in the minors.
9 - Carlos Garcia, Every Time
Carlos Garcia stayed ready to play in 10 major league seasons. He's now a minor league manager.
10 - Miguel Garcia, Like Everyone
Miguel Garcia liked to be in the majors. He just had to do his job to stay.
11 - Robert Harris, Not Fulfilled
Robert Harris and his family made sacrifices in the minors. He never made the majors.
12 - Trent Jewett, Baseball Man
Trent Jewett got experience as a minor league player and coach. He then made the bigs.
13 - Blas Minor, Around Awhile
Blas Minor believed the Pirates organization gave him a good shot. He got into six major league seasons.
14 - Pete Murphy, Continued Playing
Pete Murphy endured his college football coach's tirade. He continued in baseball.
15 - Jeff Osborne, Do Both
Jeff Osborne liked to hit for both power and average. He never got to the bigs to hit for either.
16 - Julio Peguero, Waiver Rules
Julio Peguero had a quick, short stroke. He made the majors for all of 14 games.
17 - Julio Perez, Manufactured Run
Julio Perez manufactured a run at single-A. He played six seasons in the minors.
18 - Keith Richardson, Strong Start
Keith Richardson started his career strong. He couldn't keep it up.
19 - Mike Sandoval, His Goals
Mike Sandovall had a trainer's goals: Keep his players on the field.
20 - Randy Tomlin, Was Alright
Randy Tomlin's heart beat fast before his major league debut. He then threw a complete game.
21 - Jim Tracy, Career High
Jim Tracy played nine seasons in the minors. He never made bigs.
22 - Junior Vizcaino, Making Assessments
Junior Vizcaino was assessed as a player. He's now doing that as a scout.
23 - Ben Webb, No Regrets
Ben Webb had his chance. He didn't make the bigs. He had no regrets.
24 - John Wehner, In The Dirt
John Wehner played for his hometown Pirates. He's now announcing for them.
25 - Spin Williams, So Excited
Spin Williams became Pirates pitching coach and was so excited.
26 - Ed Yacopino, Only Way
Ed Yacopino knew he had to put up numbers to make the bigs. He never made it.
Salem Buccaneers (27)
1 - Rob Bailey, Turf Player, 4/14/18
2 - Steve Buckholz, Young Arm, 3/26/18
3 - Stan Cliburn, Care For, 9/4/16
4 - Tom Deller, Gutsy Performance, 3/27/18
5 - Chip Duncan, Every Minute, 3/19/18
6 - Chris Estep, Own Run, 3/30/18
7 - Antonio Felix, Career Night, 4/11/18
8 - Tim Hines, Successful Trip, 4/12/18
9 - Mike Huyler, That Call, 4/13/18
10 - Sandy Krum, Great Opportunity, 3/11/18
11 - John Latham, Best Of, 3/4/18
12 - Chris Lein, That Insight, 3/12/18
13 - Tim McDowell, Another Profession, 3/25/18
14 - Glen McNabb, Strong Arm, 3/31/18
15 - Paul Miller, Late Pick, 3/21/18
16 - Domingo Merejo, Among Them, 4/1/18
17 - Brian Morrison, More Polished, 4/2/18
18 - Darwin Pennye, Young Start, 7/15/15
19 - Mike Pomeranz, Different Perspective, 3/16/18
20 - Keith Raisanen, Every Moment, 3/18/18
21 - Mandy Romero, Up There, 4/7/18
22 - Butch Schlopy, Better Opportunity, 3/10/18
23 - Bruce Schreiber, Best Shot, 4/8/18
24 - Ben Shelton, Very Special, 4/9/18
25 - Greg Sims, Wind Aided, 4/10/18
26 - Tim Wakefield, Cool Story, 3/5/18
27 - Flavio Williams, Big Day, 3/13/18
2 - Steve Buckholz, Young Arm, 3/26/18
3 - Stan Cliburn, Care For, 9/4/16
4 - Tom Deller, Gutsy Performance, 3/27/18
5 - Chip Duncan, Every Minute, 3/19/18
6 - Chris Estep, Own Run, 3/30/18
7 - Antonio Felix, Career Night, 4/11/18
8 - Tim Hines, Successful Trip, 4/12/18
9 - Mike Huyler, That Call, 4/13/18
10 - Sandy Krum, Great Opportunity, 3/11/18
11 - John Latham, Best Of, 3/4/18
12 - Chris Lein, That Insight, 3/12/18
13 - Tim McDowell, Another Profession, 3/25/18
14 - Glen McNabb, Strong Arm, 3/31/18
15 - Paul Miller, Late Pick, 3/21/18
16 - Domingo Merejo, Among Them, 4/1/18
17 - Brian Morrison, More Polished, 4/2/18
18 - Darwin Pennye, Young Start, 7/15/15
19 - Mike Pomeranz, Different Perspective, 3/16/18
20 - Keith Raisanen, Every Moment, 3/18/18
21 - Mandy Romero, Up There, 4/7/18
22 - Butch Schlopy, Better Opportunity, 3/10/18
23 - Bruce Schreiber, Best Shot, 4/8/18
24 - Ben Shelton, Very Special, 4/9/18
25 - Greg Sims, Wind Aided, 4/10/18
26 - Tim Wakefield, Cool Story, 3/5/18
27 - Flavio Williams, Big Day, 3/13/18
Augusta Pirates (26)
1 - Felix Antigua, With Consistency
Felix Antigua gave his single-A Pirates a good start in a 1990 contest. He played four seasons, never made the bigs.
2 - Scott Arvesen, Really Good
Scott Arveson pitched well for Augusta in a July 1990 game. He played four seasons as a pro, never made the bigs.
3 - Rich Aude, Being Consistent
Rich Aude worked to be consistent, then made the the Pirates. He played in three major league seasons.
4 - David Bird, Great Game
David Bird pitched well enough for Chapman College to get a pro career, but not a long one.
5 - Michael Brewington, Still There
Michael Brewington remains in his college's record book. His impact on the pros was more fleeting.
6 - Lee Driggers, More Satisfaction
Lee Driggers played in the minors, but he got so much more satisfaction out of coaching.
7 - Willie Greene, His Game
Willie Greene could have played basketball or football. Baseball, though, was his game.
8 - Bill Holmes, Major Prospect
Bill Holmes put on a hitting display in college. He couldn't put on one in the pros. He played just two seasons.
9 - Brent Honeywell, Increased Velocity
Brent Honeywell took what he learned in college to his job as a high school coach. He played three seasons as a pro.
10 - Deron Johnson, His Niche
Deron Johnson found his niche in scouting. He became head scout for the Twins. His playing career lasted three seasons.
11 - Austin Manahan, Struggled A Bit
The Pirates liked what they saw in Austin Manahan. He ended up playing eight seasons, but he never made the bigs.
12 - Ramon Martinez, Three Runs
Ramon Martinez went four pro seasons, served mostly as a reliever. He never made the majors.
13 - Wayne Masters, Championship City
Wayne Masters only got two seasons as a pro. He never got to see the big championship city of Pittsburgh.
14 - Jason Nixon, Few Marks
Jason Nixon made the Marshall University record books. He played a single season as a pro.
15 - Eric Parkinson, Up-and-Coming
Eric Parkinson had a incredible feeling pitching against AAA players in an exhibition. He never got into an actual AAA game.
16 - Will Pennyfeather, Major Asset
Will Pennyfeather played for nearly two decades. He made the bigs in three seasons with the Pirates.
17 - Darryl Ratliff, Was There
Darryl Ratliff ran down balls in 11 pro seasons. He never got the chance to do so in the majors.
18 - Roman Rodriguez, Bullpen Catcher
Roman Rodriguez never made the bigs as a player. He made it as a bullpen catcher. He's served with the Yankees for a decade.
19 - Kevin Rychel, Pitch Count
Kevin Rychel pitched well in 1990, even on a pitch count. He played eight seasons, but he never made the bigs.
20 - Delvy Santiago, Extremely Proud
Delvy Santiago as a scout saw potential in a prospect. That prospect made the bigs, Delvy didn't.
21 - Winston Seymour, Little Luck
Winston Seymour had little luck on one night in 1989 and had little luck with a long career. He never made AA.
22 - Jessie Torres, Home Run
Jessie Torres didn't hit a lot of home runs, but he hit one this night in August 1992. He never made the bigs.
23 - Ken Trusky, Hopefully Improve
Ken Trusky wanted to get off to a good start. He never got a good enough start to make AA.
24 - Bobby Underwood, Fine Pitcher
Bobby Underwood was fortunate his college coaches pitched him when they did. He got a four-season pro career.
25 - Paul Wagner, One Night
Paul Wagner had it fixed for one night, then saw a no-hitter go past him with one out to go.
26 - Ron Way, Likely Wasn't
Ron Way played four seasons as a pro, but never made it out of high-A. He has since helped open a restaurant.
1 - Felix Antigua, With Consistency
Felix Antigua gave his single-A Pirates a good start in a 1990 contest. He played four seasons, never made the bigs.
2 - Scott Arvesen, Really Good
Scott Arveson pitched well for Augusta in a July 1990 game. He played four seasons as a pro, never made the bigs.
3 - Rich Aude, Being Consistent
Rich Aude worked to be consistent, then made the the Pirates. He played in three major league seasons.
4 - David Bird, Great Game
David Bird pitched well enough for Chapman College to get a pro career, but not a long one.
5 - Michael Brewington, Still There
Michael Brewington remains in his college's record book. His impact on the pros was more fleeting.
6 - Lee Driggers, More Satisfaction
Lee Driggers played in the minors, but he got so much more satisfaction out of coaching.
7 - Willie Greene, His Game
Willie Greene could have played basketball or football. Baseball, though, was his game.
8 - Bill Holmes, Major Prospect
Bill Holmes put on a hitting display in college. He couldn't put on one in the pros. He played just two seasons.
9 - Brent Honeywell, Increased Velocity
Brent Honeywell took what he learned in college to his job as a high school coach. He played three seasons as a pro.
10 - Deron Johnson, His Niche
Deron Johnson found his niche in scouting. He became head scout for the Twins. His playing career lasted three seasons.
11 - Austin Manahan, Struggled A Bit
The Pirates liked what they saw in Austin Manahan. He ended up playing eight seasons, but he never made the bigs.
12 - Ramon Martinez, Three Runs
Ramon Martinez went four pro seasons, served mostly as a reliever. He never made the majors.
13 - Wayne Masters, Championship City
Wayne Masters only got two seasons as a pro. He never got to see the big championship city of Pittsburgh.
14 - Jason Nixon, Few Marks
Jason Nixon made the Marshall University record books. He played a single season as a pro.
15 - Eric Parkinson, Up-and-Coming
Eric Parkinson had a incredible feeling pitching against AAA players in an exhibition. He never got into an actual AAA game.
16 - Will Pennyfeather, Major Asset
Will Pennyfeather played for nearly two decades. He made the bigs in three seasons with the Pirates.
17 - Darryl Ratliff, Was There
Darryl Ratliff ran down balls in 11 pro seasons. He never got the chance to do so in the majors.
18 - Roman Rodriguez, Bullpen Catcher
Roman Rodriguez never made the bigs as a player. He made it as a bullpen catcher. He's served with the Yankees for a decade.
19 - Kevin Rychel, Pitch Count
Kevin Rychel pitched well in 1990, even on a pitch count. He played eight seasons, but he never made the bigs.
20 - Delvy Santiago, Extremely Proud
Delvy Santiago as a scout saw potential in a prospect. That prospect made the bigs, Delvy didn't.
21 - Winston Seymour, Little Luck
Winston Seymour had little luck on one night in 1989 and had little luck with a long career. He never made AA.
22 - Jessie Torres, Home Run
Jessie Torres didn't hit a lot of home runs, but he hit one this night in August 1992. He never made the bigs.
23 - Ken Trusky, Hopefully Improve
Ken Trusky wanted to get off to a good start. He never got a good enough start to make AA.
24 - Bobby Underwood, Fine Pitcher
Bobby Underwood was fortunate his college coaches pitched him when they did. He got a four-season pro career.
25 - Paul Wagner, One Night
Paul Wagner had it fixed for one night, then saw a no-hitter go past him with one out to go.
26 - Ron Way, Likely Wasn't
Ron Way played four seasons as a pro, but never made it out of high-A. He has since helped open a restaurant.
Welland Pirates (37)
- Rocky Bridges knew baseball - and one-liners; Played and coached in majors, managed in minors, 2/13/20
- Anthony Brown grew up a Pirates fan, then played in the organization for three seasons, 2/16/20
- Mike Brown hit a game-winner in 1993; Played nine seasons, including two as a pitcher, made AA, 2/26/20
- Scott Bullett had a big night for the Cubs in 1996; Played in four ML seasons in 19 pro campaigns, 3/7/20
- Bob Burgess picked up his first baseball job down the road from college, then moved to Canada, 3/21/20
- Genaro Campusano played five pro seasons, made high-A; His son later followed him to pros, 2/12/20
- Lynn Carlson played two pro seasons, has since coached more than two decades at alma mater, 2/17/20
- Steve Cooke lived on the edge of the plate; Saw the majors over six seasons, 3/4/20
- John Curtis signed to play football in college, later signed in pro baseball; Played two seasons, 3/13/20
- Tim Edge knew he had to wait his turn; Played at AAA over five seasons, his majors turn never came, 2/22/20
- Juneiro Feliz played four seasons, then later killed his ex-girlfriend's new boyfriend, another man and killed himself, 2/23/20
- Fuss and Fuss Lincoln Mercury sponsored the 1990 Welland Pirates card set; Neither remains in Welland, 2/9/20
- Mark Futrell believed pros would be opportunity of lifetime; Saw six pro seasons, four in independent ball, 2/15/20
- - Tom Green wanted a chance to contribute; Did so over four seasons, made AAA, not bigs, 2/25/20
- - Wes Grisham helped his LSU Tigers to the College World Series; Played one season as a pro, 3/23/20
- - Marcus Hanel missed the bigs in 11 seasons; Been there in two decades since as bullpen catcher, 3/22/20
- - Ben Johnson scored winning run in high school playoff game; Played single season as pro, 3/10/20
- - Jeff Lyle held his high school strikeout record; Played three pro seasons, 3/24/20
- - Jim Mallon worked as a college coach to improve his players on and off the field; Briefly managed in minors, 3/17/20
- - Jon Martin played three pro seasons, then had to give up on his dream, 2/16/20
- - Kurt Miller started with pressure of first-round pick; Saw time in five ML seasons, Japan, 3/20/20
- - Troy Mooney threw a seven-inning no-hitter at single-A; Played six seasons, made high-A, 3/19/20
- - Jerry Nyman wasn't a big talker; Played in three ML seasons, coached in minors for longer, 2/10/20
- - Alex Pacheco started slowly in first pro season; Season also proved his last, 3/21/20
- - Rob Peterson played two pro seasons, then returned home to coach basketball and teach, 2/15/20
- - Steve Polewski's father served as a coach on his high school team; Played two pro seasons, 3/16/20
- - Andre Redmond played five pro seasons in the field and on the mound; He then returned home, 3/21/20
- - Rich Robertson moved his fastball over six major league seasons, 2/19/20
- - Steve Roeder got enough details right to play five pro seasons, but not above short-season, 3/13/20
- - Joe Ronca hit a game-tying grand slam in 11th season in pros; Made AA, not bigs, 3/2/20
- - John Schulte worked hard enough to turn pro out of high school; Played three pro seasons, 3/13/20
- - Brian Shouse saw 13 major league outings over his first 12 seasons, then his career took off, 2/18/20
- - Doug Simpson played three sports in high school, a season in pro baseball, became fireman, 2/21/20
- - David Tellers turned his height into finesse pitching; Played seven pro seasons, made AA, 2/28/20
- - Welland Stadium served six seasons as a NY-Penn League stadium; Later home to other teams, 3/14/20
- - Kevin Young played baseball for that winning feeling; Played in bigs over 12 seasons, 3/14/20
- - Mike Zimmerman played a decade, never made bigs; Later became scout and agent, 3/25/20
