Fernando Arguelles won college title; Saw 4 pro seasons

Fernando Arguelles knew what it was like to be at the top. He had been there with his Florida Southern College three years earlier.

In 1988, he got to go there again, helping his teammates there, as well, as Florida Southern again won the NCAA Division II championship.

"I wanted this one not just for myself," Arguelles told The Associated Press afterward. "I wanted it more for the guys who have never been here."

Arguelles went on from his college career to a career in the pros. He never got to experience the top in the pros. He played four seasons, never making it to AAA.

Arguelles' career began that year in 1988, taken by the Pirates in the 46th round of the draft out of Florida Southern.

At Florida Southern, Arguelles scored three times and knocked in four in an April 1987 game. In a March 1988 contest, the catcher went 4 for 4, scoring all four times.

With the Pirates, Arguelles started at short-season Watertown and single-A Augusta. He hit .222 over 32 games, with seven RBI.

In 1989, he got into 50 games between Augusta and single-A Salem. His average that year was just .185.

Arguelles moved to the Mariners system for 1990, signing with them as a free agent. Assigned to high-A San Bernardino, he had perhaps his best year. He hit .249 in 82 games.

He made AA Jacksonville in 1991. In 50 games there, he hit just .196. It was his final season as a pro.

Auguelles then went on to another career, one in scouting for the Mariners. In February 1993, Arguelles assessed some Cuban defectors, finding they needed some work.

"They got some natural ability," Arguelles told The South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "Maybe a couple of them could play Double-A this year. But another scout may say something else. Maybe just A ball."

Originally published Nov. 3, 2014

• Indiana Gazette, Associated Press, June 1, 1988: FSU takes title
• South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Feb. 25, 1993: Cuba Defectors Help Redefine Field Of Dreams

More: The 1990 San Bernardino Spirit