Mark Mitchelson took potential to 3 pro seasons, high-A
Tampa Catholic High School pitcher Mark Mitchelson chose his college in May 1987, Hillsborough Community College, The Tampa Tribune wrote.
His high school coach Joe Caro explained to The Tribune what could happen next for Mitchelson.
The tag on him," Caro told The Tribune, "is he has enormous potential. He's a big kid, about 6-foot-3, and he's a left-hander. And once he puts on some weight, he could be a prospect."
Mitchelson eventually became enough of a prospect to turn pro. His pro career lasted three seasons. He topped out at high-A.
Mitchelson's career began in 1990, signed by the Red Sox as an undrafted free agent out of Hillsborough.
At Hillsborough, Mitchelson helped his team to the 1988 National Junior College World Series title, defeating defending champ San Jacinto to make the title game.
"I only pitched one good game this year, and believe it or not, that team wore the same colors as these guys," Mitchelson told The Associated Press after the win. "So all I thought about was the colors and I beat them."
Mitchelson started with the Red Sox in the rookie Gulf Coast League. He saw five games there and then 10 at short-season Elmira. He went 5-5 overall, with a 3.88 ERA.
With Elmira that August, he worked on four days rest go nine innings for a win, The Elmira Star-Gazette wrote.
"I haven't felt that good in a long time," Mitchelson told The Star-Gazette. "I was throwing pretty good in the pen (before the game) and I knew if I threw that well on the mound, I'd be okay."
Mitchelson returned to Elmira and saw high-A Winter Haven for 1991. He went 7-7 overall in 38 outings, 13 starts. He had a 4.18 ERA.
He started 1992 back at Winter Haven, but moved to the Angels system and played at single-A Quad City and high-A Palm Springs. He saw 32 relief innings in all, with a 2.51 ERA. That season marked his last as a pro.
- Tampa Tribune, May 14, 1987: Mitchelson makes Hawks his choice
- Anchorage Times, June 2, 1988: '87 JUCO champ upset
- Elmira Star-Gazette, Aug. 26, 1990: Pioneers split pair with Cubs
Made the Majors:1,481-31.8%
Never Made Majors:3,184-68.2%-X