Tim McCoy walked few in college, then played six pro seasons; He never made the bigs

Originally published March 1, 2014

Tim McCoy had a bad outing for Oral Roberts on this day in March 1986. But it seemed to be his first bad day of the year, according to The Oklahoman.

That loss sent McCoy's record to 7-1 for the 1986 college season. 

"He walked three people in the first inning and he usually doesn't walk three people in a whole ballgame" Oral Roberts coach Larry Cochell told The Oklahoman. "He's been strong, he pitched a great game against Loyola on the coast."

McCoy's performance that year ultimately caught the eye of the Giants, who took him in the sixth round of the draft. His professional career lasted six seasons. He never saw the majors.

McCoy picked up a total of 13 wins for Oral Roberts in 1986 on nine complete games. He also struck out 111 and had a hand in a no-hitter in February. When the season was over, he made the all-conference team.

With the Giants, McCoy started at single-A Clinton. He went 5-7 over 14 starts. His ERA came in at 3.46. He moved to single-A Fresno for 1987. He went 14-9, with a 3.97 ERA. In September, he threw a three-hitter to help clinch the California League championship. He also hit a home run.

McCoy made AA Shreveport for 1988, but moved to the Astros and AA Columbus mid-season. Between them, he went just 1-8 over 27 outings, 15 starts.

He spent 1989 in the Angels system between single-A Palm Springs and AA Midland. For 1990, he moved to the Athletics system. He played at high-A Modesto, AA Huntsville and AAA Tacoma that year.

At Tacoma, McCoy got eight outings, five starts. He went 0-5 with an 8.46 ERA. He committed three errors in relief in a May game and had a bad start in a June game. McCoy returned to Tacoma for 1991, but got into just four games, ending his career.

• The Oklahoman, March 26, 1986: Wind-Aided Error Helps Sooners Win