Jim Spivey took temperament, work ethic to pros, 2 seasons
Former Southeastern Illinois College outfielder and catcher Jim Spivey signed as a pro after a tryout with the Cardinals in 1990 and his old coach saw potential, The Carbondale Southern Illinoisan wrote.
"He's got the temperament and the work ethic to go a long way," Southeastern Illinois coach Dave Montfort told The Southern Illinoisan wrote.
Spivey went from there on to two pro seasons. He topped out at single-A.
Spivey's career began that year in 1990, signed by the Cardinals as an undrafted free agent out Southeastern Illinois and Arkansas State-Little Rock.
Spivey started with the Cardinals at rookie Johnson City. He got a start in late July and hoped to show what he could do, hitting a late two-run home run that proved the difference, The Johnson City Press wrote.
"I've got to try to prove myself as quickly as possible," Spivey told The Press. "I want to get some playing time so I have to do something when I'm in there."
He saw 23 games in all for Johnson City that year. He also saw six at single-A Savannah. Overall, he hit .297 in 29 games, with four home runs.
Spivey returned to Savannah for 1991. He got into 28 games and hit .178. That season proved his last as a pro.
- Carbondale Southern Illinoisan, July 6, 1990: SIC's Spivey signs
- Johnson City Press, July 31, 1990: Spivey makes most of chance for Cards
Made the Majors:1,423-32.1
Never Made Majors:3,013-67.9%-X
