Darren Niethammer updated his hometown Evansville Courier and Press in November 1987 on his first professional season and talked turned to the constant work of life in professional baseball.
Niethammer hadn't worked so hard on any one thing in his life, he told The Courier and Press.
"But you got to do it," Niethammer told The Courier and Press. "You've got to show the people in the organization you can work."
Niethammer eventually worked over six pro seasons, including at one point having to work himself back into the game. His worked took him to AA, not higher.
Niethammer's career began that year in 1987, taken by the Rangers in the 16th round of the draft out of the University of Evansville.
Niethammer started with the Rangers in the rookie Gulf Coast League. He hit .247 over 52 games as he played multiple positions. He moved to single-A Port Charlotte for 1988. He hit .314 over 35 games there.
Then, as he came off arm surgery, the Rangers released him, The Courier and Press wrote. He couldn't find another team, but he continued to work out and played semi-pro ball. The Rangers rewarded him by signing him back for 1990.
"The only reason I came back this year is I know I can still compete," Niethammer told The Courier and Press. "My arm is stronger; I think I'm throwing better than I threw in college."
Niethammer played that year and the next at high-A Port Charlotte. He hit .279 his first year there and .228 in his second.
He then started 1992 at AA Tulsa. He got into 34 games and hit .206. That season proved his last as a pro.
In 2016, Niethammer was inducted into the Greater Evansville Baseball Hall of Fame.
- Evansville Courier and Press, Nov. 7, 1987: Darren Niethammer has new perspective
- Evansville Courier and Press, April 3, 1990: Darren Niethammer gets another chance to chase The Dream
Made the Majors:1,314-33.3%
Never Made Majors:2,627-66.7%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors:535
10+ Seasons in the Minors:328
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