Scott Holcomb saw eight pro seasons, AAA, some bad luck
Scott Holcomb had a rough first look at AAA in 1989. In 14.1 innings at AAA Tacoma with the Athletics, he gave up 19 earned runs.
But his hometown St. Joseph News-Press wrote that he remained optimistic.
"I'm having a great time," Holcomb told The News-Press. "I'm just having some bad luck right now."
Holcomb eventually made it back to AAA two more times in his eight-season career. But, slowed by injury, he didn't make it higher.
Holcomb's career began in 1986, signed by the Athletics as a undrafted free agent out of El Dorado High School in California.
Holcomb played his first season between single-A Madison and short-season Medford. He went 1-2 in 13 outings, four starts, between them. He then played 1987 at single-A Modesto He went 12-6 there, with a 3.38 ERA in 27 starts.
Holcomb made AA Huntsville for 1988 and 29 outings, five starts and ended with a 4.78 ERA. He also lost time mid-year due to shoulder problems, The Huntsville Times wrote. He returned in mid-August.
"I only pitched three innings, but I felt good," Holcomb told The Times after his first outing back. "I could have gone on and pitched more. But I guess they're doing it for my own good - easing me back slowly, trying not to hurt my arm."
For 1989, he saw 29 outings at AA Huntsville and those 10 at Tacoma. He went 4-6 overall, with a 4.71 ERA.
Holcomb then moved to the Yankees in a trade. He started the year at AAA Columbus, but quickly encountered a setback with a muscle tear in his left shoulder, The News-Press wrote that May.
"During spring training, I was positive I would make it to the big leagues this year," Holcomb told The News-Press. "This is kind of a setback but, if I can get healthy, I think I can be in the 'bigs' by September."
Holcomb, however, ended up having rotator cuff surgery that year. He saw only six other outings at AA Albany-Colonie. He then played 1991 between Albany and high-A Prince William. In 1992, he returned to AAA for 18 more games at Columbus.
He started spring training 1993 with the Rockies, but got released. He signed with the Reds, but saw just six outings at AA Chattanooga before having to undergo another rotator cuff surgery. The surgery ended his season and, ultimately, his career.
- Huntsville Times, Aug. 18, 1988: Hammond baffles the Stars
- St. Joseph News-Press, July 27, 1989: Local baseball player labors in Class AAA
- St. Joseph News-Press, May 27, 1990: Holcomb keeps on hummin'
Made the Majors:1,462-31.8%-X
Never Made Majors:3,141-68.2%