At age 25 and in rookie ball, Salt Lake City Trapper Willie Ambos knew he was likely done in 1990, he told The Daily Utah Chronicle that July.
So, the pitcher chose to use his time just to play - and work with younger players, he told The Chronicle.
"I'm trying to let the younger guys, who're just starting out, know that I'm here to help them and answer questions for them," Ambos told The Chronicle. "I want them to know they've got a guy on the team who's been through it and can give some advice."
Ambos did play out that season. But he also did return for Salt Lake City the next year, as a player/coach. Later, he even became the club's manager.
Overall, Ambos played over four seasons. He topped out at single-A. He spent three of those seasons with Salt Lake City and was later described as one of the club's "most memorable characters."
Ambos's career began in 1988, signed by independent Salt Lake City as a free agent out of the New York Institute of Technology.
With Salt Lake City in 1988, Ambos saw 15 outings, 14 starts. He went 9-2, with a 4.58 ERA. His work was enough to get picked up by the Mariners and assigned to single-A San Bernardino for 1989.
Ambos saw 33 total outings with San Bernardino, six starts. He went 6-1, with a 2.95 ERA. He also got a few team fines along the way with minor antics of the dress code variety, The Deseret News wrote, speculating those might have contributed to his release.
Instead, he found himself back with Salt Lake City for 1990, and the team was glad to have him, antics and all, The News wrote.
"Ambos is kinda the guy who keeps everyone loose. I appreciate that," Trapper pitching coach Mark Brewer told The News then.
Ambos eventually saw 14 outings, 12 starts for Salt Lake City that year. He went 7-3, with a 2.57 ERA.
He then returned for 1991 as a player/coach. He went 7-4 over 14 starts, with a 4.18 ERA to end his playing career.
The Trapper franchise soon moved to Ogden and became the Raptors. In 1994, after Ambos had turned coach for a local high school in Salt Lake City, The Raptors hired him as manager. He stayed two seasons.
"It certainly helps that Willie is one of the most memorable characters from the Trappers," team president Dave Baggott told The Associated Press of the hire. "If you mention Trappers players, you mention Willie."
- Deseret News, June 20, 1990: Ambos' return will 'loosen' things up
- Utah Daily Chronicle, July 19, 1990: Aging 'Bull' leads Traps, intimidates rookie foes
- Havre Daily News, Associated Press: Top pitcher new field manager
Made the Majors:1,426-31.9
Never Made Majors:3,048-68.1%-X
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