Rich Crane made College World Series, three pro seasons

Fresno State starter Rich Crane did his his best in this June 1988 College World Series game against Miami, but his best wasn't enough, according to The Palm Beach Post.

Crane's best included pitching into the 11th inning, while giving up three earned and one stretch where he set down 26 of 27 batters, The Post wrote.

"He was really pitching," Miami's Frank Dominguez told The Post of Crane, who ultimately got the no decision in the loss. "Some guys try to throw a fastball by you. He was very selective."

Crane went on from Fresno State to be selective in the pros. His time in the pros lasted three seasons. He made high-A.

Crane's career began in 1989, taken by the Dodgers in the 62nd round of the draft out of Fresno State.

Crane started with the Dodgers at rookie Great Falls. He saw 16 outings in relief and picked up three wins and a 3.33 ERA. He picked up that third win in an August appearance where he went 1.2 innings and gave up one earned. 

Crane moved to high-A Bakersfield for 1990. He went 3-3 there over 33 outings, eight starts, with a 3.42 ERA. One of his wins came in a July 4-1 Bakersfield victory, an outing where he garnered praise from opposing Palm Springs manager Nate Oliver, according to The Desert Sun.

"There hasn't been a whole lot of offense of late," Oliver told The Sun of his own hitters before crediting Crane. "(Crane) pitched a good game. He got out of the jams when he needed to."

Crane returned to the high-A California League for 1991 at Reno. He saw 10 outings, one start, and gave up 19 earned in just 12.1 innings to end his career.

• Palm Beach Post, June 7, 1988: Noriega scores winning run for Hurricanes
• Desert Sun, July 20, 1989: Bakersfield turns lights out on Palm Springs, 4-1

More: The 1990 Bakersfield Dodgers

1990 Minor League Tally
Players/Coaches Featured:3,464
Made the Majors:1,214-35.1%
Never Made Majors:2,250-64.9%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors:503
10+ Seasons in the Minors:297

More 1990 Minor Leaguers:

 - Tim Costo started with big comparisons, saw 2 ML seasons

 - John Cotton saw 15 pro seasons, AAA in 5, missed majors

 - Kevin Coughlin gained confidence, then played with Jordan
 - Mike Couture ran from college to 4 pro seasons, made AA
 - Boyce Cox worked hard as Bristol Tigers team president
 - Danny Cox saw many games, 11 ML seasons, 3 World Series
 - Darron Cox saw decade in pros, 15 major league games
 - Jeff Cox played, managed in minors, coached in majors
 - Bruce Crabbe played in minors, turned minors manager
 - Mark Craft played two sports at VMI, baseball as pro