Juan Belbru went on short run at Hamilton, saw four seasons

Juan Belbru went on a run at short-season Hamilton in 1990 that caught the notice of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Belbru smacked nine home runs in 148 at bats, a pace noted in The Post-Dispatch that August.

Despite his run, Belbru's run in pro ball was about to end. That was his fourth season in the pros. It also marked his final season.

Belbru's career began in 1987, signed by the Cardinals as a free agent out of his native Puerto Rico. He has also been credited as Juan Belru.

Belbru started with the Cardinals with rookie Johnson City. He got into 23 games there, hitting .150 with one home run.

He returned to Johnson City for 1988. He hit .230 that year over 64 games. In 1989, at single-A Savannah, he hit just .199 in 91 games. He accumulated seven home runs each season.

In 1990, Belbru played mostly at Hamilton, getting another four games at high-A St. Petersburg. He went 3 for 5, with two runs scored and an RBI in an August game for Hamilton. Overall, he hit .262, with 10 total home runs, ending his career.

• St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Aug. 11, 1990: Baseball

More: The 1990 Hamilton Redbirds

More 1990 Minor Leaguers:

 - Joe Beaulac signed 1st contract by headlight, saw 2 seasons, 4/2/22
 - Brian Beck played over five pro seasons with Padres, Pirates, 7/24/14
 - Rod Beck had that closer mentality over 14 majors seasons, 4/3/16
 - Wynn Beck caught, had left-handed bat, saw five pro seasons, 3/27/15

 - Rich Becker produced in 8 ML seasons with Twins, others, 7/12/24

 - Juan Belbru went on short run at Hamilton, saw four seasons, 2/19/17
 - Kevin Belcher made majors for 16 games with Rangers, 6/29/11
 - Stan Belinda saw 12 majors seasons, returned after MS, 9/22/11
 - Buddy Bell saw 18 majors seasons as player, 9 as manager, 7/8/14
 - David Bell got drafted from small college, saw 2 pro seasons, 6/3/17