Wayne Masters, Championship City - PC2459

When Wayne Masters arrived to his 1990 assignment, he probably felt at home. Or at least the locals likely welcomed him as one of their own.

That was because Masters' 1990 assignment was in Augusta, Ga., with the Augusta Pirates. Augusta, Ga., of course, is the home of another sport's most famous tournament, with a name shared with the player.

But, while Masters stayed in Augusta for the season, he never got to see other baseball cities, never getting close to the ultimate goal for a minor leaguer in his system, a city with a few championships of its own, Pittsburgh.

Masters' pro career began the year before, signed by the Pirates in June 1989 as a 21-year-old undrafted free agent. Masters was a native of West Caldwell, NJ.

With the Pirates, Masters played his first season at short-season Welland. There, he served as a full-time reliever. In 13 appearances, he pitched well. He gave up just four earned runs over 30.2 innings of work, for a 1.17 ERA. He picked up one win and one save.

For 1990, Masters moved up to single-A Augusta. There, Masters continued his relief work, getting 37 total outings on the year. In 68 total innings, Masters' ERA moved upward to 3.18, giving up 24 earned runs. He also went 2-1 and picked up five saves.

For Masters, though, that second year with Augusta was also his last, his career ending after 50 total relief outings and a 2.55 overall ERA.

1990 CMC-Pro Cards Tally
Players/Coaches Featured:1,079
Made the Majors: 658 - 61.0%
Never Made Majors: 421   -39.0%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors: 287
10+ Seasons in the Minors: 169