Mike Kelly had successful run in college, saw four pro seasons, made AA

Originally published Jan. 11, 2014

Mike Kelly had a successful run at the University of South Florida in 1987.

He hit .395 that year, scoring 58 and knocking in 66. It was all enough for Kelly to earn conference Player of the Year honors.

It was also enough for Kelly to be taken in the ninth round of that year's draft. But it wasn't enough for a long pro career. Kelly played four seasons, making AA, but never making the majors.

Kelly's pro career began that year in 1987 with his selection by the Red Sox, taken out of South Florida.

At South Florida, Kelly only played that one year in 1987. Kelly's .395 average the best career average at the school. His nine triples that one year is also tied for eighth best for a career at the school.

His 96 hits that year is third best in a single season at the school. His average that year is sixth best in a single season.

With the Red Sox, Kelly started at short-season Elmira. He hit .302 there over 51 games. He moved to single-A Winter Haven in 1988, his average dropping to .229.

For 1989, Kelly moved to single-A Lynchburg and AA New Britain, splitting his time between the two. At Lynchburg in June, Kelly helped break open a game in extras with a bases-clearing double. He hit .279 on the year.

Kelly returned to New Britain in 1990, playing the year there. He had two hits in an early April game. In the playoffs, he knocked in a run on a single. It was his final year as a pro.

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