Playing at Saginaw Valley State, Brad Hopper wanted to move a Southern California school to get more exposure from scouts, The Los Angeles Times wrote in August 1987.
So, he got the number of Fullerton College's coach from a scout and called for a tryout. He got it, and pitched well, The Times wrote.
"I didn't plan on staying out here, but the tryout went so well I decided to stay," Hopper told The Times then. "I had confidence in myself and knew what I could do. I just wasn't sure if I would get a fair chance, but I did at Fullerton."
Hopper ended up playing well enough there to turn pro the next summer. His pro career lasted four seasons. He topped out at AA.
Hopper's career began in 1988, taken by the Royals in the 39th round of the draft out of Fullerton College.
Hopper started with the Royals at short-season Eugene. He went 2-4, with a 2.44 ERA over 32 relief outings. He also saved five. He was credited with two perfect innings of relieve in an August contest.
He arrived at single-A Baseball City for 1989 and saw 19 outings, nine starts. He went 4-2, with a 3.69 ERA.
Hopper then returned there at high-A for 1990 and went 10-10 on the year, with a 4.13 ERA in 30 outings, 18 starts. He picked up one of his wins in a seven-inning May effort, then another in a six shutout inning performance in July.
For 1990, he returned again to Baseball City, but also played half the season at AA Memphis. He went 1-1 in 20 outings, one start at Memphis, with a 4.05 ERA. He also saved four. That season proved his last as a pro.
Made the Majors:1,389-32.5%
Never Made Majors:2,888-67.5%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors:565
10+ Seasons in the Minors:347
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