John Sellick went up against major leaguer Fernando Valenzuela in this June 1991 game and he worked two walks, The Associated Press wrote.
Sellick got the walks as he managed to bypass Valenzuela's screwball, The AP wrote.
"It's a nasty pitch, and he keeps it just outside the plate," Sellick told The AP. "He is just so consistent. Too bad we couldn't get to him, but it was fun going against Valenzuela and playing in front of so many fans."
Sellick faced Valenzuela in a AA rehab start for the legendary pitcher and in his own fifth professional season. Sellick, however, never got to face a major leaguer in a big league game. He played in one more season. He didn't make it higher.
Sellick's career began in 1987, taken by the Cardinals in the 28th round of the draft out of the University of California-Riverside. He also attended Santa Rosa Junior College.
Sellick started with the Cardinals at short-season Erie and single-A Savannah. He hit .177 in 55 games.
He then played all of 1988 at Savannah, then 1989 at single-A Springfield. He hit .267 at Savannah and .230 at Springfield. He hit a home run and scored twice in an August win.
Sellick played 1990 at high-A St. Petersburg. He hit .197 in 110 games. He then made AA Arkansas for 1991 and 1992. He hit .246 his first year there and .256 in his second. His 1992 campaign proved his last as a pro.
Sellick then returned to California and worked in the tech sector. He later worked as a financial advisor. He also coached his son and daughter in sports, including his son's youth travel team.
He passed away in February 2021 at the age of 55 from kidney cancer, according to his obituary.
"We are deeply thankful for the 55 years that John was here," his obituary reads, "but heartbroken that he is gone, and the life he so enjoyed could not have gone on for a just a little longer."
- The Temecula Californian, Associated Press, June 3, 1991: Fernando may be back this week
- Oakmont Mortuary Tribute: John Dominick Sellick
Made the Majors:1,324-33.3%
Never Made Majors:2,652-66.7%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors:541
10+ Seasons in the Minors:329
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