local players / friends in the majors?

jcheatle · 03-17-2003, 08:49 PM

Just curious as to how many people actually know somebody playing in the major leagues at the moment. Any majors for that matter... MLB, NFL, NBA, whatever... I just thought of this after responding to the biggest busts thread and relating my memories of Jim Pittsley. Unfortunately, my area (North Central PA) is fairly devoid of high profile athletes.

Joe Beimel of the Pirates (middle relief, spot starter) went to my high school and graduated a few years before me. I played football with him my freshman year when he was a senior. That's about the extent of it though. I realize it's pathetic when a middle reliever on the brink of AAA is the best you can produce.

Maybe somebody else can show me up. I would hope so anyway.

ill16ca · 03-17-2003, 08:56 PM

A cousin of mine has a book of all players that ever played in the majors, dating back to the 1800's sometime. I found a relative of mine in there. Also, a guy I know had a tryout with the Pirates as a catcher, and he has a great arm, but I don't know how far he'll go.

LivnLegend · 03-17-2003, 09:37 PM

My first realization of how completive pro ball truly is happened was when a former little league teammate of mine was drafted by the Dodgers.

German Gonzales (not the pitcher of the same name from the wins in the late 80's) was a teammate of mine. He was the best hitter and the best pitcher in our 13-14 year olds league. He seemingly never made an out (must have batted .900) and when he pitched he would often throw near no-hitters. He played shortstop when not pitching and was flawless in the field. He was truly head and shoulder above everyone. No suprise when the Dodgers drafted him out of high school.

He never made it out of Class A ball.

Many players from Glendale, CA have played major league ball. Some had a cup of coffee, others had long playing careers: Mike Lieberthal, Scott Radinski, Gary Sutherland, Mike Lacoss, Kurt Stillwell, Greg Zaun, & Pete Redfern among them.

Stealth · 03-17-2003, 10:03 PM

Guys from my High School that play or played MLB. I know them all. First was a guy named Jed Hansen who played for the Royals for three years. Next was Travis Lee of the Phillies. I actually played with his little brother Taber who got drafter the first pick of the third round in last years ammy draft. And lastly Jared Sandberg of the D-Rays.

sixto · 03-17-2003, 10:10 PM

More than 5 of my high-school teammates went on to minor-league baseball, including one of professional baseball's most futile players, Jerry Salzano, who is in like his 8th year of AA or something like that. Gotta give him some credit for sticking to it.

Other than Dahntay Jones, though, my high school hasn't produced anyone of note since 1978.

Steve Kuffrey · 03-17-2003, 10:30 PM

Cam Bonifay graduated a few years ahead of me. Front office of Pittsburgh till he got fired, is he working anywhere in baseball now?

sixto · 03-17-2003, 10:39 PM

C'mon, Steve. Of course he is working for the Devil Rays. No other team would have him.

dbacks · 03-17-2003, 10:42 PM

Bret Prinz. Really, really nice guy, but at the moment, I can't say I'm terribly proud of this. I'm just trying to be honest. We're not close friends or relatives either -- I don't even have his autograph! That was a long time ago, though - couple years ago - before he made the majors (has he ever?). Haven't talked to or seen him since. I also know some guys that used to be in the majors. Can't think of their names, though.

Steve Kuffrey · 03-17-2003, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sixto
C'mon, Steve. Of course he is working for the Devil Rays. No other team would have him.

Hehe, yeah well that shows you how well I've been keeping up w/ "real" baseball these days....

Dwolfson20 · 03-18-2003, 02:37 AM

Prinz did make the majors for a while... I'm not sure if he's still there or not.

Carlton · 03-18-2003, 03:21 AM

I had a Florida League tryout with The Mets...met a man by the name of Todd Hundley, touted to be the next big thing in the Big Apple, he sure could hit and of course he played my position....C

I never made it out of tryouts, nothing is more wicked than an 88mph slider or a 80mph curve ugh

Total Nirvana · 03-18-2003, 11:26 AM

Plenty of people have come from San Diego and ended up in Pro Sports

Aaron Boone
Bret Boone (Actually was born in the same town I currently reside)
Troy Glaus
Reggie Bush (Not much of a star at the moment, but watch out for him at USC)

Tony Gwynn
Junior Seau
just to name a few names

spleen1015 · 03-18-2003, 12:06 PM

I am Guillermo Mota.

MrWorkrate · 03-18-2003, 12:14 PM

Carl Yastrzemski grew up (despite what anything you might read about him says) in Bridgehampton, where I grew up. He went to school with my dad, who still swears that his brother was just as good of a player as he was.

As for Bridgehampton now, A.J. Pierzynski was born there and spent a few years there, but ended up moving down to Florida when he was young. It was smart for him, because scouts generally don't come out this way too often. I worked with his uncle for a little while, and his uncle is a good friend of my family.

However, the one I follow the most is Ross Gload. Yes, _that_ Ross Gload. I played against Ross in a very cold game in March of '92. He hit a ball that may still not have come down yet. He was like a pro player mixed in with a group of kids. Swore he would have gotten drafted out of high school, but as I noted before, scouts don't come out that far, so he ended up going to JuCo before getting drafted (originally by Florida, I believe).

blubbla · 03-18-2003, 12:17 PM

Only player from my area that's in the bigs (and has had a pretty long career) is Tom Prince. I think he's the only big leaguer that Kankakee Comunity College can claim.

atarizx3 · 03-18-2003, 12:58 PM

An older friend at work was a minor league pitching prospect for the Orioles in the 60's. Unfortunately for him, the O's had some pretty good young arms at that time, and he didn't make it. He did go to a few Spring Trainings though, and met a lot of interesting people.

Rizon · 03-18-2003, 04:24 PM

Jeff Pico: His grandparents lived a few doors down from me. I think hes the pitching coach for the DBacks now. He pitched in the late 80s/early 90s.

Jeremy Newberry: Center for the 49ers. Went to school with him, had him in several of my classes. Typical brain dead dumb jock.

Michael Lucky- TE for the Cowboys. Nice guy, was a great basketball player. We were all pretty surprised he chose football over bball.

Aaron Miles: Played baseball with him for 2 years. He's in the minors, and I just read how he was a good prospect for the Angels or something. Player of the year, or some jazz. Dude is VEYR small, but hes built like a truck.

Rasmuth · 03-18-2003, 05:09 PM

Tim Redding (Astros)grew up and currently still lives in the same little town that I do (Churchville, NY).

Ed Wojna (pitcher for San Diego and Cleveland) went to the same High School I did (at the same time I did too). He played in the 80's. Not much in the majors but very sucessful in Triple A.

Mike Gminski (Duke Alum...his number is retired and NBA center for 16 years) went to my high school also but I was in junior high then.

James Black (played in the NHL a bit in the 90's mostly with Chicago and Washington) lived in the apartment above me for 1 season when he played with the Rochester Americans. It was always entertaining when he'd "get it on" with his girlfriend.

Draft Dodger · 03-18-2003, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by spleen1015
I am Guillermo Mota.

you fight like a girl

Modern Relic · 03-18-2003, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rizon
Jeff Pico: His grandparents lived a few doors down from me. I think hes the pitching coach for the DBacks now. He pitched in the late 80s/early 90s.

I remember Jeff Pico. Cubs prospect. He threw a shutout in his debut and must have used up all the "stuff" he had. A whole lotta nothing after that one great game.

03-17-2003, 08:49 PM	#1
jcheatle Bat Boy Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: PA Posts: 8	local players / friends in the majors? Just curious as to how many people actually know somebody playing in the major leagues at the moment. Any majors for that matter... MLB, NFL, NBA, whatever... I just thought of this after responding to the biggest busts thread and relating my memories of Jim Pittsley. Unfortunately, my area (North Central PA) is fairly devoid of high profile athletes. Joe Beimel of the Pirates (middle relief, spot starter) went to my high school and graduated a few years before me. I played football with him my freshman year when he was a senior. That's about the extent of it though. I realize it's pathetic when a middle reliever on the brink of AAA is the best you can produce. Maybe somebody else can show me up. I would hope so anyway.

03-17-2003, 09:37 PM	#3
LivnLegend Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: 100% pure adrenaline! Posts: 5,624	My first realization of how completive pro ball truly is happened was when a former little league teammate of mine was drafted by the Dodgers. German Gonzales (not the pitcher of the same name from the wins in the late 80's) was a teammate of mine. He was the best hitter and the best pitcher in our 13-14 year olds league. He seemingly never made an out (must have batted .900) and when he pitched he would often throw near no-hitters. He played shortstop when not pitching and was flawless in the field. He was truly head and shoulder above everyone. No suprise when the Dodgers drafted him out of high school. He never made it out of Class A ball. Many players from Glendale, CA have played major league ball. Some had a cup of coffee, others had long playing careers: Mike Lieberthal, Scott Radinski, Gary Sutherland, Mike Lacoss, Kurt Stillwell, Greg Zaun, & Pete Redfern among them. __________________ Excess ain't rebellion. You're drinking what they're selling.

03-17-2003, 10:30 PM	#6
Steve Kuffrey Administrator Join Date: Jul 1999 Location: S.E. TN - Georgia born and raised Posts: 17,023	Cam Bonifay graduated a few years ahead of me. Front office of Pittsburgh till he got fired, is he working anywhere in baseball now? __________________ Steve Kuffrey DABS Atlanta Braves - 2008 Eastern Division Champ *DBLC Atlanta Braves - 2011, 2014 East Division Champ, 2012, 2013 NL Wildcard Baseball Maelstrom-Montreal Expos-2013 Tourney winner, 2014 WC Team Sparky's League - Tampa Bay D'Rays Epicenter Baseball League - Astros 2014 The CBL Rewind - Phillies '95

03-18-2003, 02:37 AM	#10
Dwolfson20 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Not St. Louis Posts: 2,872	Prinz did make the majors for a while... I'm not sure if he's still there or not. __________________

03-18-2003, 03:21 AM	#11
Carlton Hall Of Famer Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 3,765	I had a Florida League tryout with The Mets...met a man by the name of Todd Hundley, touted to be the next big thing in the Big Apple, he sure could hit and of course he played my position....C I never made it out of tryouts, nothing is more wicked than an 88mph slider or a 80mph curve ugh __________________ "I am at that stage of my life where I keep myself out of arguments. I am 100% self sufficient spiritually, emotionally & financially. Even if you say 1+1=5, you are ABSOLUTELY CORRECT. Enjoy!"

03-17-2003, 08:56 PM	#2
ill16ca All Star Reserve Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Montreal Posts: 690	A cousin of mine has a book of all players that ever played in the majors, dating back to the 1800's sometime. I found a relative of mine in there. Also, a guy I know had a tryout with the Pirates as a catcher, and he has a great arm, but I don't know how far he'll go.

03-17-2003, 10:03 PM	#4
Stealth Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 144	Guys from my High School that play or played MLB. I know them all. First was a guy named Jed Hansen who played for the Royals for three years. Next was Travis Lee of the Phillies. I actually played with his little brother Taber who got drafter the first pick of the third round in last years ammy draft. And lastly Jared Sandberg of the D-Rays.

03-17-2003, 10:10 PM	#5
sixto Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 2,262	More than 5 of my high-school teammates went on to minor-league baseball, including one of professional baseball's most futile players, Jerry Salzano, who is in like his 8th year of AA or something like that. Gotta give him some credit for sticking to it. Other than Dahntay Jones, though, my high school hasn't produced anyone of note since 1978.

03-17-2003, 10:39 PM	#7
sixto Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 2,262	C'mon, Steve. Of course he is working for the Devil Rays. No other team would have him.

03-17-2003, 10:42 PM	#8
dbacks Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 2,735	Bret Prinz. Really, really nice guy, but at the moment, I can't say I'm terribly proud of this. I'm just trying to be honest. We're not close friends or relatives either -- I don't even have his autograph! That was a long time ago, though - couple years ago - before he made the majors (has he ever?). Haven't talked to or seen him since. I also know some guys that used to be in the majors. Can't think of their names, though.

03-18-2003, 11:26 AM	#12
Total Nirvana All Star Reserve Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: San Diego, California Posts: 750	Plenty of people have come from San Diego and ended up in Pro Sports Aaron Boone Bret Boone (Actually was born in the same town I currently reside) Troy Glaus Reggie Bush (Not much of a star at the moment, but watch out for him at USC) Tony Gwynn Junior Seau just to name a few names __________________ Total Hockey Commissioner Your Off-Topic Nightmare. Free Agent OT Player - Plays 1B/3B/OF, hits for power on all fields, great fielder, can hit .330 a season!

03-18-2003, 12:06 PM	#13
spleen1015 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 6,002	I am Guillermo Mota.

03-18-2003, 12:14 PM	#14
MrWorkrate All Star Starter Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 1,262	Carl Yastrzemski grew up (despite what anything you might read about him says) in Bridgehampton, where I grew up. He went to school with my dad, who still swears that his brother was just as good of a player as he was. As for Bridgehampton now, A.J. Pierzynski was born there and spent a few years there, but ended up moving down to Florida when he was young. It was smart for him, because scouts generally don't come out this way too often. I worked with his uncle for a little while, and his uncle is a good friend of my family. However, the one I follow the most is Ross Gload. Yes, _that_ Ross Gload. I played against Ross in a very cold game in March of '92. He hit a ball that may still not have come down yet. He was like a pro player mixed in with a group of kids. Swore he would have gotten drafted out of high school, but as I noted before, scouts don't come out that far, so he ended up going to JuCo before getting drafted (originally by Florida, I believe). __________________ I used to come here a lot. Now, not so much.

03-18-2003, 12:17 PM	#15
blubbla Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Herscher, IL Posts: 2,457	Only player from my area that's in the bigs (and has had a pretty long career) is Tom Prince. I think he's the only big leaguer that Kankakee Comunity College can claim.

03-18-2003, 12:58 PM	#16
atarizx3 All Star Reserve Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Allenstown, NH Posts: 987	An older friend at work was a minor league pitching prospect for the Orioles in the 60's. Unfortunately for him, the O's had some pretty good young arms at that time, and he didn't make it. He did go to a few Spring Trainings though, and met a lot of interesting people. __________________

03-18-2003, 04:24 PM	#17
Rizon Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: SF Area, California Total Posts: 531,691 Posts: 2,369	Jeff Pico: His grandparents lived a few doors down from me. I think hes the pitching coach for the DBacks now. He pitched in the late 80s/early 90s. Jeremy Newberry: Center for the 49ers. Went to school with him, had him in several of my classes. Typical brain dead dumb jock. Michael Lucky- TE for the Cowboys. Nice guy, was a great basketball player. We were all pretty surprised he chose football over bball. Aaron Miles: Played baseball with him for 2 years. He's in the minors, and I just read how he was a good prospect for the Angels or something. Player of the year, or some jazz. Dude is VEYR small, but hes built like a truck. __________________ JML MILKSHAKES

03-18-2003, 05:09 PM	#18
Rasmuth All Star Starter Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Upstate Western NY Posts: 1,760	Tim Redding (Astros)grew up and currently still lives in the same little town that I do (Churchville, NY). Ed Wojna (pitcher for San Diego and Cleveland) went to the same High School I did (at the same time I did too). He played in the 80's. Not much in the majors but very sucessful in Triple A. Mike Gminski (Duke Alum...his number is retired and NBA center for 16 years) went to my high school also but I was in junior high then. James Black (played in the NHL a bit in the 90's mostly with Chicago and Washington) lived in the apartment above me for 1 season when he played with the Rochester Americans. It was always entertaining when he'd "get it on" with his girlfriend. __________________ http://www.soundclick.com/bands/defa...?bandID=250426