Eric Bickhardt took competitiveness to pros, saw 4 seasons

Charlotte Ranger Eric Bickhardt's task on this day in July 1991 was a little different, but no less intimidating.

His task, according to The Sarasota Herald-Tribune, was to get kids interested in reading.

"Even if you're not playing baseball,"Bickhardt told the kids at the local library, according to The Herald-Tribune, "it's still great to read about."

Bickhardt was playing baseball for high-A Charlotte that summer in his third season as a pro. He ended up playing baseball for just one more. He never made AA.

Bickhardt's career began in 1989, taken by the Rangers in the 45th round of the draft out of St. Joseph's University.

At St. Joseph's, Bickhardt pitched four seasons. He got 28 starts, 213.1 innings pitched, 126 strikeouts and 15 complete games, according to SJUHawks.com. He also, years later, made the school's Hall of Fame.

In his final season, though, he was 3-4, with a 5.15 ERA, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. But the Rangers took him anyway.

"We just liked his makeup and competitiveness," Rangers area scout Dick Coury told The Inquirer. "We're not always signing players because of their numbers. This kid knows how to pitch. With the proper instruction, he might be able to improve."

Bickhardt started at rookie Butte. In 17 outings, one start, he went 3-0, with a 2.33 ERA. He moved to single-A Gastonia for 1990, going 8-6 in 50 relief outings, with a 3.14 ERA.

For 1991, Bickhardt arrived at high-A Charlotte. In 54 outings, he went 5-5, with a 3.56 ERA. In April, Bickhardt and the Charlotte starter gave up a combined two hits.

He returned to Charlotte or 1992, but his season was brief. He just into just three games, ending his career.

Originally published May 21, 2014

• Philadelphia Inquirer, June 15, 1989: A Change In Summer Plans
• Sarasota Herald-Tribune, July 31, 1991: Baseball and Books Clinic a Hit With Kid
• SJUHawks.com, Nov. 16, 2004: Five enshrined in Saint Joseph's baseball hall of fame

More: The 1990 Gastonia Rangers

More 1990 Minor Leaguers:

 - Arnie Beyeler took quarter century, made majors coach, 10/14/13

 - Tom Beyers spent 3 decades in minors as player, manager, 9/19/20

 - Greg Biagini paid dues, made bigs as coach, passed in 2003, 11/11/11
 - Dave Bialas used baseball instincts over decades in game, 2/5/19

 - Mitch Bibb served as trainer in minors and in high school, 11/5/21 

 - Jim Bibby saw military service, back issues, then made bigs, 2/9/23

 - Cam Biberdorf got team saves record, saw 4 pro seasons, 2/14/22
 - Eric Bickhardt took competitiveness to pros, saw 4 seasons, 5/21/14
 - Greg Bicknell won early pro title, played 20 years in minors, 10/19/13

 - Bruce Bielenberg used surprises as Miami Miracle GM, 4/8/22