It took the recent high school graduate just two days to choose the Cubs over the University of Washington, according to The Times.
"I think I'll be able to handle it, doing something I want to do and making a living at it," Godfrey told The Times. "I want to play pro ball. I felt I went in an extremely high round. I would have liked to play at the UW, but I couldn't pass up this offer."
Godfrey eventually made a living at playing baseball for four professional seasons. But he never made it higher than single-A, never making the majors.
Godfrey's professional career began that June, taken by the Cubs in the fifth round, out of Aberdeen High School in Aberdeen, Wash.
Godfrey drew the attention of the Cubs after a season at Aberdeen where he went 7-2, with a 0.82 ERA, according to The Times. The 6-foot, 4-inch right-hander also played basketball, once scoring 39 points in a contest.
With the Cubs, Godfrey spent his first season at rookie Huntington, also getting time at short-season Geneva. Between the two, he went 10-2, with a 3.18 ERA. In early August, Godfrey went seven innings in a loss.
As that season started, Godfrey was quoted on his ProCards card back as saying he would try to make the most of his skills.
"I'm going to do my best and go as far as my abilities will allow," Godfrey was quoted as saying.
For 1991, Godfrey moved to single-A Peoria, but his record dropped to 7-14. His ERA also increased to 5.45 over his 26 starts. He returned there for 1992, getting 18 outings, five starts. He finished with a 4.62 ERA. It was Godfrey's final year in the Cubs system.
Godfrey is credited as returning for one more season, in 1995, at independent Grays Harbor. He went 4-5, with a 6.99 ERA, ending his professional career.
Godfrey is currently listed on LinkedIn as working in the pharmaceuticals industry in his native state of Washington.
- Seattle Times, May 3, 1990: Prep Blue-Chip Baseball List Isn't State's Rosiest Ever
- Seattle Times, June 9, 1990: Godfrey Passes UW Offer For Cubs
Players/Coaches Featured:1,225
Made the Majors: 692 - 56.5%
Never Made Majors: 533-43.5%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors: 297
10+ Seasons in the Minors: 177
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