Cumberland starter Brian Sullivan turned in what The Tennessean called a superb pitching performance in this April 1990 game, going six innings, giving up one run and picking up the victory.
Afterward, he turned to his teammates and fellow pitchers' progress, according to The Tennesean.
"At the beginning of the season, people were doubtful about our pitching staff," Sullivan told The Tennessean. "We've really been pitching consistently lately, everybody has, but we've had the power behind us, too. Our hitters are just crushing the ball."
Sullivan's pitching performances that year were enough for him to turn pro. His pro career, however, ended up being over before it began. Injury apparently resulted in him never getting into a game.
Sullivan's brief pro experience came that year in 1990, taken by the Cardinals in the 31st round of the draft out of Cumberland University in Tennessee.
In May 1990, Sullivan turned in another strong performance, going seven innings and giving up one run in a district tournament win. Earlier in the year, he'd even thrown a no-hitter against the University of South-Sewanee, The Tennessean wrote.
"I think this win was sweeter than the no-hitter because it's here in the tournament and counts more," Sullivan told The Tennessean. "I'm a little disappointed I didn't get the shutout, but I'm enjoying the win."
Sullivan ultimately went 9-3 with Cumberland and he set the school's single-season strikeout record at 79.
With the Cardinals, Sullivan was assigned to rookie Johnson City. In a pre-season workout, however, his arm "came up tender," manager Mark DeJohn told The Johnson City Press. Sullivan didn't make it into a game, ending his career as it began.
- The Tennessean, April 25, 1990: Cumberland cashes in homers, sweet, homers
- The Tennessean, May 12, 1990: Cumberland, Belmont both moving on
- Johnson City Press, June 19, 1990: Newly arrived JC Cards get in workout under the lights
Made the Majors:1,423-32.1
Never Made Majors:3,014-67.9%-X
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