The Tampa Tribune described Kevin Ponder in spring 1987 as brash, that his determination bordered on cockiness.
Entering is first pro season with the Mets, Ponder just told The Tribune he wasn't in awe of anyone.
"The first time I pitch, I might throw under a guy's chin just to show them that I'm not in awe," Ponder told The Tribune. "If you let anybody intimidate you, you're defeated."
While Ponder took his confidence from college to the pros, he couldn't take it far. He saw four pro seasons. He made high-A.
Ponder's career began in 1987, taken by the Mets in the second round of the June secondary draft out of the College of Central Florida.
Ponder started with the Mets at single-A Columbia. He got into 33 games and started six. He went 3-4, with a 4.22 ERA.
That August, he spoke to The Columbia State about relieving after picking up his second save.
"I like relieving," Ponder told The State. "I feel most comfortable relieving. I started some this season and it was something I really didn't like. I always feel more confident when I relieve."
Ponder returned to Columbia for 1988. He went 2-1 over 30 outings, one start. He also saved five.
He then moved to independent single-A Miami for 1989. He went 7-8, with a 2.96 ERA over 39 outings, 10 starts. He saved eight. He returned to Miami for 15 more outings, seven starts, in 1990. He went 4-2, with a 3.89 ERA to end his career.
- Tampa Tribune, March 12, 1987: Mets may have spot for Ponder
- Columbia State, Aug. 28, 1987: Mets turn two hits into win
Made the Majors:1,294-33.5%
Never Made Majors:2,575-66.5%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors:528
10+ Seasons in the Minors:324
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