Rex Peters turned 24 years old in August 1989 - a year that marked his first season of pro ball, The Salem Statesman Journal noted.
Peters had gone to college and graduated. He'd also bypassed earlier chances to sign, to ensure he finished his degree, he told The Statesman Journal.
"I don't regret not signing," Peters told The Statesman Journal. "I'm glad I went to college. My family is education-minded, and I'm glad I did it. I'll always have that degree to fall back on. I'd tell any high school guy to go to college and not sign."
Peters' career ended up brief. He played three seasons and topped out at AA. But he later likely continued his advisement to go to college over the pros, with some personal interest, as he turned college coach.
Peters started his pro career in 1989, taken by the Dodgers in the 24th round of the draft out of Cal State Fullerton.
Peters played his first season at short-season Salem. He hit .313 over 76 at bats. He also hit five home runs and had 40 RBI.
He moved to high-A Vero Beach for 1990. He hit .271 in 120 games there. That May, he took home league player of the week honors. He then went 3 for 5, with a two-run home run in a game, The Indian River Press Journal wrote.
"When I got two strikes, I was just trying to protect the plate," Peters told The Press Journal of his home run. "Then (the pitcher) threw one down and inside and I just put the head (of the bat) out there."
Peters moved to high-A Bakersfield for 1991. He also saw 39 games at AA San Antonio. He hit .204 at San Antonio and .271 overall. That season proved his last as a pro.
Peters then got into coaching. He first served as an assistant coach at Chapman University, then as head coach. He spent nine seasons as Chapman head coach, before spending nine more at UC Davis. He then moved to UCLA as an assistant coach in 2012 and stayed there through 2021.
In 2003, during his first year at UC Davis, Peters told the school's site what he liked best about his job.
"Working with the kids," Peters told the site, "especially the ones who are goal-oriented on the field and in the classroom. We’re helping them build skills for later in life."
- Salem Statesman Journal, Aug. 17, 1989: Older rookie is young at bat
- Indian River Press Journal, May 15, 1990: Vero's Win Streak Hits Seven
- UC Davis, April 4, 2003: Rex Peters gets into the swing of Aggie baseball
Made the Majors:1,292-33.5%
Never Made Majors:2,562-66.5%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors:528
10+ Seasons in the Minors:323
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