Angels farmhand Michael Shull once played as an outfielder and catcher, The Desert Sun wrote to start the 1987 season.
But he'd since been converted to pitching and he impressed his new manager at single-A Palm Springs, Bill Lachemann, The Sun wrote.
"He looked strong in spring camp," Lachemann told The Sun. "He goes out after guys."
Shull ultimately went after them over three seasons. He topped out at high-A.
Shull's career began in 1986, signed by the Angels as an undrafted free agent out of Texas Tech University.
Shull started with the Angels at single-A Quad City, already competing as a pitcher. He saw 35 outings, one start. He went 1-5, with a 2.53 ERA and saved three. he also saw a start at single-A Palm Springs.
He returned to Palm Springs full time for 1987. He started the year going 41 innings, while giving up just four earned runs for a 0.86 ERA. He cited work with the Angels' minor league pitching instructor and his pitching coach for his run, The Sun wrote.
Shull finished the year with 28 relief outings, seven saves and a 2.06 ERA.
But then Shull isn't recorded as playing in either 1988 or 1989. He returned to the field for 1990, back at high-A Palm Springs. Shull saw 15 outings, three starts. He went 0-6, with a 6.99 ERA to end his career.
Shull soon returned home to Texas, worked in accounting and coached kids. He coached a local San Antonio team to the Little League World Series in 2009.
He passed away in July 2020 after a battle with COVID-19.
"His two favorite mottos were: 'Kill them with kindness.' and 'It's bad luck to be superstitious,'" his obituary read. "Mike was a strong, kind man with a big heart and an infectious smile. His quick-witted and sarcastic humor filled any room."
- Desert Sun, April 9, 1987: Lachemann picks Burcham (10-12) to open against Ports
- Desert Sun, May 30, 1987: Palm Springs Angels notes
- News4SanAntonio.com, July 10, 2020: Former McAllister Park coach Mike Shull passes away
- Obituary: Michael E. Shull
Made the Majors:1,401-32.2%
Never Made Majors:2,952-67.8%-X
10+ Seasons in the Minors:352
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