Guy Normand saw 6 pro seasons, went to Mexico, made AAA
After declining the opportunity the previous year to turn pro, Washington State hurler Guy Normand finally signed in 1986, taken by the Astros, The Portland Oregonian wrote.
"I'm glad it's over," Normand, who played his high school ball in Oregon, told the paper. "I want to give pro ball a shot. I want to go back to see what a real professional career is like. I'm just happy to get the chance."
Normand eventually took that chance to six pro seasons. He topped out at AAA.
Normand's career began that year in 1986, taken by the Astros in the 13th round of the draft out of Washington State.
Normand started with the Astros at short-season Auburn. He got into 8 games, starting six and had a 4.28 ERA.
He moved to single-A Asheville for 1987 and went 16-5, with a 3.48 ERA in 31 outings, 25 starts. Normand then pitched 1988 and 1989 at single-A Osceola.
Normand then started 1990 at AA Columbus, agreeing to go to Mexico and playing for Monclova.
Normand expressed optimism that July in Mexico to The Oregonian.
"I have gotten good exposure down here," Normand told The Oregonian. "Each team is allowed three Americans, and it gives you a chance to stand out. There are 10 scouts down here representing major-league clubs, and several have talked to me lately about my plans."
Normand saw three games at Columbus that year and then four at AAA Tucson, along with Mexico.
His 1991 season, however, proved brief. He saw nine outings, seven starts, back at single-A Burlington. That season proved his last as a pro.
Normand soon returned home to Oregon, where he took a job as a youth sports coordinator with a local YMCA, where he worked for five years before entering the private sector, The Oregonian wrote in 1999.
"The toughest thing about leaving is all the ties you build with coaches, principals, secretaries, all the people in the community," Normand told The Oregonian upon his departure. "But I'll still be a part of the community. That won't change."
- Portland Oregonian, June 12, 1986: Ex-Gresham star hurler gives major-league baseball a shot
- Portland Oregonian, July 18, 1990: Guy Normand makes his pitch to Astros in Mexico
- Portland Oregonian, Sept. 29, 1999: Guy Normand wraps up YMCA career
Made the Majors:1,437-31.6%
Never Made Majors:3,116-68.4%-X