Ed Yacopino worked on good numbers over seven seasons, made AAA

By his seventh professional season, Ed Yacopino had made AAA, but he hadn't made the majors.

Assigned to AAA Rochester in April 1993, Yacopino's prospects of making it to the bigs took a hit as he lost his starting job, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote.

"The only way I'm ever going to get a shot at the big leagues is by putting up good numbers," Yacopino told The Post-Gazette. "But I won't be able to do that from the bench."

That season ended up being Yacopino's last. He didn't make the majors.

His career began in 1987, signed by the Pirates as an undrafted free agent out of his native Pennsylvania.

Yacopino started for the Pirates at single-A Salem. He hit .247 in 117 games. He first made AA Harrisburg in 1988, getting 34 games.

He then returned to Harrisburg in 1989 and 1990. He also got 27 games at AAA Buffalo in 1990. He hit .283 that year between the two levels.

His 1991 season was another started at AA for Yacopino. It was also one where his frustration grew. In May, he asked for his release, then left the team. He told his manager he was burned out on baseball, The Post-Gazette wrote.

After about a week away, he was allowed to return. Soon, he asked for and received his release. He signed with the Orioles and played out the year at AA Hagerstown.

"I just wanted a fresh start and a chance somewhere else," Yacopino told The Beaver County Times the next spring. "Some people thought I was crazy, but I knew it was time to move on."

He made Rochester for all of 1992, but he didn't see Baltimore. His final season then came in 1993, with 17 games at Rochester and 23 with the Brewers at AAA New Orleans.

• Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, May 22, 1991: Pirates place Yacopino on suspended list
• Beaver County Times, March 1, 1992: It's tough road to majors for local minor-leaguers 
• Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, April 8, 1993: Yacopino fighting for chance to play

More: The 1990 Harrisburg Senators

1990 Minor League Tally
Players/Coaches Featured:1,703
Made the Majors: 820 - 48.2%
Never Made Majors: 883-51.8%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors: 357
10+ Seasons in the Minors:205