The 1990 Chicago Cubs minor leaguers

Features on each member of the 1990 Chicago Cubs farm system

Complete:

• AAA - Iowa Cubs (26)
• AA - Charlotte Knights (25)
• High-A - Winston-Salem Spirits (31)
• Single-A - Peoria Chiefs (50)
• Short-Season - Geneva Cubs (28)
• Rookie - Huntington Cubs (31)

1990 Iowa Cubs (26)

1 - Bob Bafia, Looking for a Strike
Bob Bafia broke up a no-hit bid with AA Huntsville in 1991, and helped win the game. He never made the majors.
2 - Brad Bierley, Chance to Play
Brad Bierley thought he might get his chance in 1990. In seven pro seasons, he never did make the bigs.
3 - Kevin Blankenship, Own Worst Enemy
Kevin Blankenship was his own worst enemy with the Cubs in 1989. During the team's divisional push, he was sent home. He played in three major league seasons.
4 - Shawn Boskie, More Relaxed
Shawn Boskie was more relaxed than he thought in his major league debut. He went out and threw complete game.
5 - Mark Bowden, Could Do
Mark Bowden's path to the bigs didn't come as a starter or as a reliever.
6 - Jim Essian, Risk-Taker
Jim Essian characterized his teams as ones that forced the defense to make a play.
7 - Brian Guinn, Each Game
Brian Guinn takes it inning-by-inning as a college coach. He played 10 years in the minors, never made the majors. 
8 - Jeff Hearron, Natural Swing
Jeff Hearron played 16 games in the majors, two in the playoffs and one week in the Soviet Union.
9 - Greg Kallevig, Quick Runs
Greg Kallevig found it easier to pitch with quick runs. He never got the opportunity to do so in the majors.
10 - Ced Landrum, Getting on Base
Ced Landrum singled in his first major league at bat. He went on to play in two major league seasons.
11 - Dave Masters, Long Shot
Dave Masters did his best to make the Giants in 1992. He didn't make it then or over his nine-season pro career.
12 - Derrick May, Swinging the Bat
Derrick May swung the bat in the majors for parts of 10 seasons for the Cubs, Astros and others. He also played in Japan.
13 - Brian McCann, Trainer's Goal
Brian McCann's goal was to be a major league trainer. He eventually made it, taking the long path to get there.
14 - Erik Pappas, Unlikely Olympian
Erik Pappas played in three major league seasons and in the Olympics, for Greece. Later became a coach.
15 - Steve Parker, Mental Aspect
Steve Parker threw a no-hitter in college for Arkansas. As a pro, he got as high as AAA, but never to the majors.
16 - Dave Pavlas, That Feeling
Dave Pavlas' first major league win ranked right up there with being born. He played in four major league seasons.
17 - Jeff Pico, A Little Stunned
Jeff Pico threw a complete game shutout in his major league debut. He played in a total of three major league seasons with the Cubs.
18 - Laddie Renfroe, Work Harder
Laddie Renfroe had advice for his son in 2010: Pro ball and college ball were not the same. Renfroe made the majors in one season, four outings.
19 - Jeff Small, Six Hits
Jeff Small was considered for the Marlins second-base job in 1993. He wasn't picked. He also never made the majors.
20 - Greg Smith, Worked Hard
Greg Smith's high school coach remembered him and his work ethic a decade later. Smith's work ethic took him to the majors in three seasons.
21 - Glenn Sullivan, Came Home
Glenn Sullivan signed to play baseball with the Cubs, then played backup quarterback for the football Sooners.
22 - Gary Varsho, Playing Home
Gary Varsho didn't want to think how good things were with the Pirates in 1991. If he did, reality might come.
23 - Hector Villanueva, Streak Hitter
Hector Villanueva was a streak-hitter. He eventually put together a four-year streak with time in majors.
24 - Dean Wilkins, Moved Up
Dean Wilkins was deemed the hero in a September 1989 game for the Cubs. He went on to pitch in three total major league seasons, his last with the Astros.
25 - Paul Wilmet, Playing Days
Paul Wilmet impressed the Pirates with his forkball in the minors. He then pitched three games for the Rangers in the majors.
26 - Bill Wrona, Continued Playing
College injuries left Bill Wrona living on milkshakes and penicillin. He played eight seasons as a pro, but never made majors.

Charlotte Knights (25)

1. Alex Arias got his ring with the Marlins, saw 11 ML seasons
2. Dick Canan felt no butterflies in AAA debut, missed majors
3. Frank Castillo saw 13 majors seasons, passed in 2013
4. Rusty Crockett got hit off Clemens, played six seasons
5. Lance Dickson felt, even as a first-round pick, he had to earn the majors; He saw bigs over three starts, 2/9/21
6. Darrin Duffy proved capable over seven pro seasons; Made AAA, 3/6/21
7. Butch Garcia hit well early in minors for Indians; Played across eight seasons, made AAA, 2/26/21
8. Richie Grayum really learned the game in college, then played six pro seasons; Passed in 2020, 3/1/21
9. Ty Griffin knew importance of a degree, even as first-rounder; Played nine seasons, made AA, then finished school, 2/20/21
10. Bob Grimes used his training experience over three decades in minors, 3/4/21
11. Phil Hannon showed persistence, got pro contract; Saw five seasons, made AA, later coached, 3/12/21
12. Tommy Helms both played and coached in  majors with Pete Rose; In 1989, he took over after Rose's ban, 2/26/21
13. Bill Kazmierczak threw two no-hitters in 1988, almost threw third; Then shoulder problems hit, 2/17/21
14. Rick Kranitz has gained knowledge, experience over four decades in game, as ML coach, 2/8/21
15. Jay Loviglio assessed talent over long minors coaching career; Saw bigs as player, 3/5/21
16. Chuck Mount worked to be consistent over six pro seasons; Made AAA, 2/26/21
17. Ray Mullino watched one of his players get drafted, years earlier, he was the one being drafted; Played five seasons, 2/15/21
18. John Posey took chance to impress scouts in high school; Saw five-season pro career, made AAA, 2/27/21
19. Brett Robinson impressed in pro debut season; Later made AA, missed bigs, 3/12/21
20. Heathcliff Slocumb turned to faith, saw 10 majors seasons, 8/18/19
21. John Stefero signed with his hometown team, then hit back-to-back game-winners, 2/23/21
22. Glenn Sullivan played pro baseball and college football; Made AAA in pro baseball, not bigs, 2/13/21
23. Chico Walker knew playing time made a difference; Saw time in 11 ML seasons, 2/12/21
24. Rick Wilkins saw time in 11 major league seasons, but none like 1993 with Cubs, 3/10/21
25. Fernando Zarranz proved a solid starter and reliever over seven pro seasons; Made AAA, not bigs, 2/14/21

Winston-Salem Spirit (31)

1. Paul Blair knocked in runs in minors, followed dad to pros
2. Jim Bullinger switched to pitching then made 7 bigs seasons
3. Ed Caballero threw Winston-Salem one-hitter, saw six seasons
4. Dale Craig hit a rally-starting home run at high-A; Played three seasons, never made AA, 1/10/20
5. Steve DiBartolomeo liked pitching in relief, saw 3 seasons
6. Bill Earley got his major league shot as player in 1986, then helped others as coach, 2/3/20
7. John Gardner played seven seasons, then became a firefighter; Made AAA, not bigs, 1/4/20
8. John Jensen was excited to turn pro out of college; Played seven pro seasons, made AAA, 1/24/20
9. Don Johnson served as a Winston-Salem batboy, part of a long line, 2/7/20
10. Shannon Jones struck out 18 in a college game; Played four pro seasons, 1/23/20
11. Jeff Massicotte came on in tough spot at Geneva and struck out three; Played four pro seasons, 1/11/20
12. Steve Melendez worked to get to know his players as a minor league trainer, 1/31/20
13. Bill Melvin kept his teams close over eight seasons; Made AAA, not bigs, 1/21/20
14. Brad Mills went from injury-shortened playing career to long career as manager, 2/6/20
15. Tim Moore gave the pros a shot out of high school; Played three seasons, never made AA, 1/6/20
16. Jim Murphy went back to school after baseball and became an author and motivational speaker, 1/8/20
17. Matt Newsom served as minors GM and in racing, also donned a chicken suit, 1/28/20
18. Elvin Paulino hit well at Winston-Salem; Played six seasons, made AAA, 1/13/20
19. Fernando Ramsey had hardly played baseball before being drafted, 1/9/20
20. Ronnie Rasp played three pro seasons, then crushed his finger in an off-season job accident, 1/14/20
21. Kevin Roberson played in four major league seasons; Hit game-winner in 1993 off Lee Smith, 1/5/20
22. John Salles played it out and saw six pro seasons; He made AAA, not the bigs, 1/18/20
23. Gary Scott made the great achievement, he made the majors; Played with Cubs over two seasons, 1/17/20
24. Tracy Smith finished out his playing career and better opportunities presented themselves, 1/8/20
25. Lickety Split, the Holly Farms Chicken, graced his first card, then found himself - and the brand - on the way out, 1/27/20
26. Julio Strauss' services were won in Venezuela by the Cubs; He made AAA, but not the bigs, 1/4/20
27. Derek Stroud served as head coach at old high school for two decades; Played seven pro seasons, 1/11/20
28. Scott Taylor was Winston-Salem's best catcher in 1990; He briefly made AAA, but not the bigs, 1/5/20
29. Doug Welch swung the bat well at Winston-Salem, later returned there as HS coach, teacher, 1/10/20
30. Billy White moved up to AA, then stayed there over five seasons; Made AAA, not bigs, 1/15/20
31. Eddie Williams' first two pro home runs went for grand slams - a year apart; Played six seasons, 1/12/20

Peoria Chiefs (50)

1. John Y. Butler became Peoria GM 3 years from AAA internship
2. Damon Berryhill had big World Series hit, saw decade in bigs
3. Joseph Bosco wrote books on Peoria Chiefs, OJ Simpson trial
4. Shawn Boskie threw complete-game in ML debut, saw 9 seasons
   
5. Victor Cancel helped spark rally in 1991 game, saw 4 seasons
6. Pedro Castellano saw 3 ML seasons, first hit with luck
7. Marvin Cole relaxed over 12 seasons
8. Earl Cunningham tried his best as top pick, missed AA
9. Lance Dickson felt, even as a first-round pick, he had to earn the majors, 11/26/19
10. Jason Doss almost hit the ceiling when drafted out of high school, 11/15/19
11. Chris Ebright hit a game-winner at AA in 1993, one of his final games, 11/26/19
12. Jay Eddings didn't sign out of high school, later signed others as scout, 11/2/19
13. Brad Erdman had his dream and it kept him playing over eight seasons, 10/22/19
14. Rene Francisco played two seasons, then turned scout, Royals assistant general manager, 11/8/19
15. Matt Franco took uncle advice to time in 8 ML seasons
16. Jac Gelb hoped to replicate his first minors season in his second, 11/9/19
17. Henry Gomez started well at AAA, then hit a rough spot, 10/20/19
18. Bill Harford helped build Cubs, scout
19. Mike Harkey learned from injury, then played seven more big league campaigns, 10/29/19
20. Jeff Hirsch gained some attention with a spring training pitch, 10/27/19
21. Eric Jaques impressed in high school, played four seasons as a pro, 10/26/19
22. Norm Jenkins returned to alma mater after Peoria tickets
23. Curley 'Boo' Johnson played basketball for the Harlem Globetrotters, 11/19/19
24. Chris Lutz pitched well in college, played three pro seasons, 11/30/19
25. Greg Mahlberg knew he'd get quality players at San Bernardino, 10/23/19
26. Greg Maddux drew early comparisons to all-timers, then became one himself, 11/2/19
27. Ray Mullino watched one of his players get drafted years after he was drafted himself, 11/7/19
28. Rick Mundy gained confidence his first pro season, 10/25/19
29. Jim Murphy went back to school and became an author and motivational speaker, 11/18/19
30. Mike Nelson worked hard to run his own club, 11/4/19
31. Jim O'Reilly gained experience as a trainer in college and the NFL, 11/23/19
32. Bill Paynter looked forward to his third pro season, 10/24/19
33. Jeff Pico threw a shutout in his major league debut, 10/30/19
34. Ralph Rashid joined the Peoria Chiefs having already had a full lifetime of experiences, 11/5/19
35. Ronnie Rasp played three pro seasons, then crushed his finger in an off-season accident, 11/9/19
36. Jeff Reeser grew up 50 miles from Peoria, then became Peoria's assistant GM, 11/6/19
37. Jim Robinson first scouted Clay Buchholtz, then cheered him, 11/6/19
38. Bill St. Peter went from pro baseball to pro fishing, 11/25/19
39. Woody Smith gave minors advice to cousin, neither made bigs
40. Lester Strode spent more than three decades with the Cubs organization, 11/28/19
41. Dave Swartzbaugh received support from his AAA pitching coach, then returned to bigs, 12/3/19
42. Jim Sweeney threw a 1990 pitch that cleared the benches, 11/27/19
43. Sully's Pub in Peoria had memorabilia, sponsored Peoria set
44. Paul Torres showed his value over 14 minors seasons, 11/3/19
45. Matt Walbeck showed he could play over 11 major league seasons, 11/7/19
46. Kraig Washington came from a line of pro athletes, 12/5/19
47. Jerrone Williams hit well in independent ball, couldn't get back to affiliated ball, 11/15/19
48. Travis Willis initially hated relief, then it grew on him, 12/2/19
49. Mark Young saw 17 seasons as amateur
50. Richie Zisk played in 13 major league seasons, then coached, 12/4/19

Geneva Cubs (28)
1 - Luis Benitez saw three pro seasons, was part of big trade
2 - Troy Bradford threw college complete games, saw 6 seasons
3 - Victor Cancel helped spark rally in 1991 game, saw 4 seasons

4 - Stephen Coffey had long college streak
5 - Amilcar Correa, Couldn't Stop
Amilcar Correa pitched in four pro seasons, he never made it higher than high-A.
6 - Phil Dauphin, Plugged Away
Phil Dauphin's goal was the bigs, but he knew he needed to work to get there. In seven seasons, he never made it.
7 - Tim Delgado, Good Ballgame
Tim Delgado pitched a good ballgame at AA. He played in four pro seasons, but never in the bigs.
8 - John DeRicco, Time Off
John DeRicco got much time off in his last year of college. He still got drafted by the Cubs, but played a single season.
9 - German Diaz, Position Switch
German Diaz switched positions, hoping he could get further as a pitcher. It didn't work. He never made the bigs.
10 - Lance Dickson, Called Up
Former Cubs top pick Lance Dickson didn't expect a call up to be handed to him. He got it, then didn't get another. 
11 - Brad Erdman, Kept Playing
If Brad Erdman didn't have his dream, he told a paper, he wouldn't have played so long. He never played in the bigs
12 - Charlie Fiacco, Good Shape
Charlie Fiacco felt he was ready to go pro after his return from a college injury. He played just a single season.
13 - Andy Hartung, Far Enough
Andy Hartung made it to AA, knew he wasn't far away. He ended up being far enough. He never made the bigs.
14 - Bill Hayes, Frustrating Part
Bill Hayes has been around long enough to know what's frustrating. He's now with the Giants as a bullpen catcher.
15 - Jessie Hollins, Gentle Giant
Jessie Hollins was among the hottest pitchers until an injury. He played just four major league games. He died in a 2009 fishing accident.
16 - Joe Housey, Good Command
Joe Housey went from being a player to a coach and later to being a scout.
17 - Brad Huff, Fourth Round
Brad Huff was good enough for a fourth-round selection. He couldn't turn that into a long career. He never made the bigs.
18 - Greg Kessler, Good Innings
Greg Kessler took extra time in college after his draft selection. The extra time didn't translate to a long pro career.
19 - Ricardo Medina, Right Pitch
Ricardo Medina played in six seasons as a pro, but never in the bigs. He later helped others make the bigs as a minor league coach.
20 - Tim Parker, That Chance
Tim Parker's selection by the Cubs was a dream come true. He couldn't turn that dream into long pro career. He never made the bigs.
21 - Bill Paynter, Head Start
Bill Paynter tried to get a head start on the 1990 season. It didn't seem to work. That season was his last.
22 - Joe Porcelli, Bad Start
The Cubs saw enough of Joe Porcelli to take him in 15th round. He couldn't turn that into a long career.
23 - Gabby Rodriguez, Exhibition Game
Gabby Rodriguez got exhibition win at AAA, never made regular game there.
24 - Roberto Smalls, His Message
Roberto Smalls went from being a high Cubs draft pick to serving life in prison for a 1994 murder.
25 - Karl Stanley, Pitched Well
He pitched well in college,  played four pro seasons.
26 - Paul Torres, Play Wherever
Paul Torres just wanted the right glove and he'd play wherever. He never played in the bigs.
27 - Clinton White, Multi-Sport
Clinton White was a multi-sport star in high school. He chose baseball. He's now working with young athletes.
28 - Mike Young spent pro career at Geneva

1990 Huntington Cubs (31)
1 - Miguel Camarena played baseball from age 5 to pros
2 - Sean Cheetham had streak at Huntington, saw 3 seasons
3 - Morris Craig: Morris Craig had specific goals going into rookie ball. He never his made biggest goal, making the majors. (Continue)
4 - Pablo Delgado: Pablo Delgado came to the Cubs from the Rangers in the Palmeiro-Moyer deal. He never made it to AA. (Continue)
5 - Rolando Fernandez: Rolando Fernandez doesn't scout just for the money. He does it because he loves baseball. (Continue)
6 - Calvin Ford: Calvin Ford ended a 1990 rookie league game with his arm. His career ended the next year, after just two seasons. (Continue)
7 - Mike Gabbani played hard over four pro seasons, made high-A
8 - Scott Gardner: Scott Gardner played in seven pro seasons, had a hand in a minors no-hitter, never made the bigs (Continue)
9 - Willie Gardner: Willie Gardner wanted his team to win and to improve his skills. He played six seasons as a pro, but never made bigs. (Continue)
10 - Tyson Godfrey: Tyson Godfrey thought he could handle the pros. He did so for four seasons, but he never made AA. (Continue)
11 - Ryan Hawblitzel: Ryan Hawblitzel did what it took to make the majors. He made it in his seventh pro season with the Rockies. (Continue)
12 - Chuck Kirk: Chuck Kirk was Mr. Reliable for a time in high-A Daytona's bullpen. He played four seasons, never made AA. (Continue)
13 - Ken Krahenbuhl: Ken Krahenbuhl was a serious pitcher. He ended up being seen as the guy traded for catfish. (Continue)
14 - Ed Larregui: Ed Larregui ran hard and hustled. He played as a pro for eight seasons, never made the bigs. (Continue)
15 - Mike Little hit in minors with Cubs
16 - Thomas Mann: Thomas Mann wanted to finish college and make the majors. He never made the majors. (Continue)
17 - Tim Moore: Tim Moore wasn't ready for college, so he wanted to give the pros a shot. He played three seasons, never made the bigs. (Continue)
18 - Cesar Montero: Cesar Montero's most admired player would see more major league seasons, 16, than Montero would see games as a pro, 14. (Continue)
19 - Micah Murphy: Micah Murphy helped Huntington in 1990 comeback, couldn't help himself to long career as a pro.  (Continue)
20 - J.P. Postiff: J.P. Postiff had plans to make the majors and finish his degree. In four seasons, he never made the majors. (Continue)
21 - Nelson Ramirez: Nelson Ramirez was thankful for chance at pros. His chance was brief, just three appearances. (Continue)
22 - Steve Roadcap: Steve Roadcap took skills he learned as a minors player to a long career as a minors manager. (Continue)
23 - Humberto Saa learned the game in Panama; Played two seasons
24 - Adrian Sanchez: Adrian Sanchez was determined to turn pro. He played as pro in four seasons, never made bigs. (Continue)
25 - Jason Sehorn: Before he played 10 seasons in the NFL, Jason Sehorn played a season in minor league baseball. (Continue)
26 - Rafael Soto: Rafael Soto wanted to someday play at Wrigley Field. He never made it. In four seasons, he never made AA. (Continue)
27 - Dave Stevens: Dave Stevens hoped to be put in the bullpen. He ended up there in seven major league seasons. (Continue)
28 - Aaron Taylor: Aaron Taylor finished strong for rookie Huntington in 1990. He played seven seasons, never made bigs. (Continue)
29 - Jose Viera: Jose Viera came off the bench, then hit a walk-off home run at AA. He played 10 seasons, never made the majors. (Continue)
30 - Matt Walbeck: Matt Walbeck showed he could play, did so in the majors in 11 seasons. Later became manager, instructor. (Continue)
31 - Jim Wolff: Jim Wolff worked to improve his hitting, but couldn't. He played five seasons as a pro, never made AA. (Continue)