Barry Lyons believed in himself, saw 7 majors seasons
Lynchburg Met Steve Lyons couldn't get consistent playing time early in 1984, The Lynchburg News and Advance wrote.
When he got it, he excelled. By August, he was indispensable, The News and Advance wrote.
"I always believed in myself," Lyons told The News and Advance then. "I've always thought I could have this kind of season if I ever got the chance to go out there every day. I knew, deep down, that the sun would eventually shine on me."
Two seasons later, the sun shown on Lyons in the majors. He eventually saw time in seven major league campaigns, with the Mets, Dodgers, Angels and White Sox.
Lyons' career began in 1982, taken by the Mets in the 15th round of the draft out of Delta State University in Mississippi.
Lyons started with the Mets at single-A Shelby. He made AA Jackson in 1985, then AAA Tidewater and Queens in 1986.
Lyons debuted with the Mets in April 1986, making the club out of spring training to backup Gary Carter. He saw six games that year and went 0 for 9.
After winning the early roster spot, Lyons spoke to The Jackson Clarion-Ledger.
"I'll just contribute in any way I can," Lyons told The Clarion-Ledger. "I'll do whatever they ask me. Right now, I'm just happy to be a part of it."
Lyons returned to the Mets for 53 games in 1987, hitting a grand slam in an August game. He then 50 games in 1988 and 79 in 1989. He hit .247, with three home runs in 1989.
He saw 24 games with the Mets in 1990, then got released and signed with the Dodgers in late September and saw three games there. He also saw 57 games with the Mets at AAA Tidewater.
Lyons saw another nine games with the Dodgers in 1991, along with two with the Angels.
Lyons then saw AAA with the Astros, Cardinals and Reds over the next three seasons, before returning to the majors with the White Sox in 1995. He saw 27 games with the White Sox to end his major league career.
- Lynchburg News and Advance, Aug. 5, 1984: L-Mets' Lyons finally gets a shining chance
- Jackson Clarion-Ledger, April 5, 1986: Lyons' bat earns him quicker trip to Major Leagues
Made the Majors:1,476-31.7%-X
Never Made Majors:3,172-68.3%