Newkirk then was playing for the University of Texas and he was hitting well.
"I don't talk as much as a leader might," Newkirk told The Express-News. "I try to lead by my actions. I'm not big on talking."
Newkirk helped take the Longhorns to the championship game of College World Series that year. He then went on to a career as a pro. His pro career, though, ended up being a quiet one, lasting four seasons, Newkirk never making AA.
Newkirk's pro career began that year in 1989, signed by the Rangers as an undrafted free agent out of Texas.
With the Longhorns, Newkirk had a key three-run double in a February 1988 game. He hit a home run in a May game to break a tie.
In 1989, Newkirk helped the team in the College World Series. In one game against Miami, Newkirk hit two home runs. Both came off Miami star Alex Fernandez, according to The Associated Press.
"I'm a streak hitter," Newkirk told The AP. "After I hit the home run, the first one on a fastball, the next time he got me (on a strikeout) on two curve balls. I guess he felt I couldn't hit his curve ball and he threw me one on a three-two pitch and I took it out."
With the Rangers, Newkirk started at rookie Butte. He hit .339 over 58 games. He knocked in 34 and had 10 doubles. He knocked in one of those runs on an August double.
He moved to single-A Gastonia for 1990. He hit .268 there, with five home runs and 46 RBI. He then made high-A Port Charlotte for 1991. His average dropped further, to .233.
Newkirk returned to Port Charlotte in 1992, but his average sunk to .209. He hit two home runs and knocked in 24. It was his final season as a pro.
- San Antonio Express-News, April 27, 1989: Newkirk quiet, but bat speaks loudly for UT
- Indiana Gazette, Associated Press, June 6, 1989: Pitchers take a pounding at College World Series
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