Lance Madson started slowly at AA Jackson in 1993, hitting just .188 by mid-May, The Jackson Clarion-Ledger wrote.
But in this game, he hit a home run, his eighth on the year to lead the league, The Clarion-Ledger wrote.
"I know I have power," Madson told The Clarion-Ledger afterward. "But for me to be the best hitter I can be, I need to relax and concentrate on hitting line drives."
Madson eventually turned it around enough that year to make AAA the next. But, in a career that spanned six seasons, he fell short of the bigs.
Madson's career started in 1989, taken by the Astros in the 12th round of the draft out of the University of Utah.
Madsen moved to the pros after having a big impact at Utah, as his coach wondered how to replace the three-time all-conference outfielder, according to The Daily Utah Chronicle.
"I don't know if you can ever replace a Lance Madsen," Utah coach Rick Sofield told The Chronicle. "I think you just have to find someone to play centerfield and hope the guy gives his best for you every day."
Madson started with the Astros at short-season Auburn. He hit .265 in 59 games, with nine home runs.
He moved to high-A Osceola in 1990 and hit .244 on the year. He then made AA Jackson for 1991 and stayed there for three seasons. He hit .23 home runs at Jackson in 1993, while hitting .221.
Madson helped Jackson to the 1993 Texas League playoffs. He also hoped he'd done enough to make AAA the next season, he told The Clarion-Ledger.
"I would hope I do (get a shot at Triple-A)" Madson told The Clarion-Ledger that September, "but it's out of my control. I hope one way or another Houston makes a move with me. I feel like I've done some good things this year."
Madson did make AAA in 1994, but saw only 41 games. He hit .151 with no home runs to end his minor league career.
- Daily Utah Chronicle, Aug. 16, 1989: Ute sluggers look for speed and pitching instead of power
- Jackson Clarion-Ledger, May 19, 1993: Gens rally for much-needed win
- Jackson Clarion-Ledger, Sept. 10, 1993: Gens want TL crown, crowd
Made the Majors:1,394-32.4%
Never Made Majors:2,914-67.6%-X
10+ Seasons in the Minors:349
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