Willie Adams (1990s pitcher)
Encyclopedia
William Edward "Willie" Adams (born October 8, 1972 in Gallup, New Mexico
) is a retired professional baseball
player whose career spanned eight seasons, including parts of two in Major League Baseball
with the Oakland Athletics
(1996–1997). Over his major league career, Adams went 6–9 with a 5.81 earned run average
(ERA), one complete game
, one shutout
and 105 strikeouts in 25 games, 24 starts
. Adams also played in the minor leagues
with the Class-A Madison Muskies
(1993), the Class-A Advanced Modesto A's (1994), the Double-A Huntsville Stars
(1994–1995), the Triple-A Edmonton Trappers
(1995–1998), the rookie-level Arizona League Athletics (1998), the Class-A Advanced Sarasota Red Sox (1999), the Double-A Trenton Thunder
(1999) and the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox
(1999–2000). In 123 minor league games, Adams went 40–34 with a 4.34 ERA, five complete games, two shutouts, six saves and 421 strikeouts.
Before turning professional, Adams attended Stanford University
. He was drafted by the Athletics during his junior
year at Stanford in the first round of the 1993 Major League Baseball Draft
. Adams also pitched two games in 1992 Summer Olympics
as a member of the United States national baseball team
. Adam batted and threw left-handed
.
in Whittier, California
. Adams is the only attendee of La Serna to play in Major League Baseball
. Adams was selected twice in the 1990 Major League Baseball Draft
, first by the Detroit Tigers
in the 52 round and later by the Houston Astros
in the 74 round. From 1991 to 1993, Adams attended Stanford University
. During his first season as a member of the Stanford Cardinals baseball team, Adams won the "Most Valuable Freshman
" award presented by the school's athletics department. In 1992, Adams played for the United States national baseball team
. He pitched two games during the 1992 Summer Olympics
. Adams is the only person born in Gallup, New Mexico
to compete in the Olympics. After the 1992 and 1993 seasons, Adams was the recipient of the university's "Come Through Award".
in the first round (36 pick overall) of the 1993 Major League Baseball Draft
. He began his professional career that season with the Class-A Madison Muskies
of the Midwest League
. With Madison, Adams went 0–2 with a 3.38 earned run average
(ERA) and 22 strikeout
s in five games, all stars
. In 1994, Adams was rated as the tenth best prospect in the Athletics organization by Baseball America
. During that season, Adams split the season between the Class-A Advanced Modesto A's and the Double-A Huntsville Stars
. In 11 games with the A's, Adams went 7–1 with a 3.38 ERA, two saves and 42 strikeouts. He was later promoted to the Stars where he went 4–3 with a 4.30 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 10 games, all starts. In 1995, Adams was rated as the eight best prospect in the Athletics organization. During that season, Adams played for the Double-A Huntsville Stars and the Triple-A Edmonton Trappers
. With the Stars, Adams went 6–5 with a 3.01 ERA and 72 strikeouts in 13 games, all starts. After receiving a promotion to the Triple-A level, Adams went 2–5 with a 4.37 ERA, one complete game
, one shutout
and 40 strikeouts in 11 games, 10 starts.
In 1996, Adams attended spring training
with the Oakland Athletics, but was optioned to the minors
on March 18, before the start of the regular season. On June 11, Adams made his major league debut against the Cleveland Indians
and pitched six innings
, giving-up four earned runs while earning a no-decision. On August 10, while pitching against the Cleveland Indians, Adams got his first win
. During that game, Adams' father was in attendance. With the Athletics in 1996, Adams went 3–4 with a 4.01 ERA, one complete games, one shutout and 68 strikeouts in 12 games, all starts. That year, Adams also pitched in the minor leagues with the Triple-A Edmonton Trappers and went 10–4 with a 3.78 ERA, three complete games, one shutout and 80 strikeouts in 19 games, all starts. During the off-season, it was speculated by Baseball Digest
that Adams would be in the Athletics' starting rotation in 1997.
Adams started the 1997 season with the Athletics. However, in mid-May, Adams was sent down to the minor leagues. Adams made his return to the majors in August for two games, but would never appear in a major league game after August 14, 1997. During his time in the minors that season, Adams went 5–4 with a 6.45 ERA and 58 strikeouts in 13 games, 12 starts. In the majors, Adams went 3–5 with a 8.18 ERA and 37 strikeouts in 13 games, 12 starts. In 1998, Adams continued playing in the Athletics minor league organization. He split the season between the rookie-level Arizona League Athletics and the Triple-A Edmonton Trappers. Adams pitched just four combined games that season, going 0–1 with a 7.36 ERA and four strikeouts.
organization. He started the regular season with the Class-A Advanced Sarasota Red Sox. With Sarasota, Adams went 1–1 with a 1.98 ERA and six strikeouts in two games, both starts. He was then promoted to the Double-A Trenton Thunder
where he went 1–1 with a 4.63 ERA and six strikeouts in two games, both starts. Adams received his final promotion to the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox
. At Pawtucket, Adams went 4–5 with a 5.15 ERA, one complete game, one shutout and 37 strikeouts in 11 games, all starts. Adams suffered injuries throughout the season. On the season, combined between the three teams, Adam's record was 6–7 with a 4.60 ERA in 15 games, all starts. During his final professional season, 2000, Adams played for the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox. He suffered right shoulder inflammation
early in the season and was placed on the disabled list
on May 22. Pitcher Hipólito Pichardo
replaced Adams on the Pawtucket roster. Adams finished the season with a record of 0–2 with a 5.47 ERA, four saves and 21 strikeouts in 20 relief appearances
.
Gallup, New Mexico
- Demographics :As of the census of 2000, there were 20,209 people, 6,810 households, and 4,869 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,513.7 people per square mile...
) is a retired professional baseball
Professional baseball
Baseball is a team sport which is played by several professional leagues throughout the world. In these leagues, and associated farm teams, players are selected for their talents and are paid to play for a specific team or club system....
player whose career spanned eight seasons, including parts of two in Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
with the Oakland Athletics
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
(1996–1997). Over his major league career, Adams went 6–9 with a 5.81 earned run average
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
(ERA), one complete game
Complete game
In baseball, a complete game is the act of a pitcher pitching an entire game without the benefit of a relief pitcher.As demonstrated by the charts below, in the early 20th century, it was common for most good Major League Baseball pitchers to pitch a complete game almost every start. Pitchers were...
, one shutout
Shutout
In team sports, a shutout refers to a game in which one team prevents the opposing team from scoring. While possible in most major sports, they are highly improbable in some sports, such as basketball....
and 105 strikeouts in 25 games, 24 starts
Starting pitcher
In baseball or softball, a starting pitcher is the pitcher who delivers the first pitch to the first batter of a game. A pitcher who enters the game after the first pitch of the game is a relief pitcher....
. Adams also played in the minor leagues
Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
with the Class-A Madison Muskies
Madison Muskies
The Madison Muskies were a Class A minor league baseball team that played in the Midwest League from 1982 to 1993 in Madison, Wisconsin. They were an affiliate of the Oakland Athletics...
(1993), the Class-A Advanced Modesto A's (1994), the Double-A Huntsville Stars
Huntsville Stars
The Huntsville Stars are a minor league baseball team of the Southern League and are the Double-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. They are located in Huntsville, Alabama and are named for the space industry with which Huntsville is economically tied .The Stars play their home games at Joe W...
(1994–1995), the Triple-A Edmonton Trappers
Edmonton Trappers
The Edmonton Trappers were a minor league baseball team in the Pacific Coast League, ending with the 2004 season. Home games were played at Telus Field in downtown Edmonton, Alberta, Canada....
(1995–1998), the rookie-level Arizona League Athletics (1998), the Class-A Advanced Sarasota Red Sox (1999), the Double-A Trenton Thunder
Trenton Thunder
The Trenton Thunder are an American Minor League Baseball team and are the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. The Thunder play in the Eastern Division of the Eastern League, and are the two-time defending league champions...
(1999) and the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox
Pawtucket Red Sox
The Pawtucket Red Sox are the minor league baseball Triple-A affiliates of the Boston Red Sox and belong to the International League...
(1999–2000). In 123 minor league games, Adams went 40–34 with a 4.34 ERA, five complete games, two shutouts, six saves and 421 strikeouts.
Before turning professional, Adams attended Stanford University
Stanford University
The Leland Stanford Junior University, commonly referred to as Stanford University or Stanford, is a private research university on an campus located near Palo Alto, California. It is situated in the northwestern Santa Clara Valley on the San Francisco Peninsula, approximately northwest of San...
. He was drafted by the Athletics during his junior
Junior (education)
"Junior" is a term used in the United States to describe a student in their 3rd year of study . A Junior is considered an upperclassman...
year at Stanford in the first round of the 1993 Major League Baseball Draft
1993 Major League Baseball Draft
-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1993 Major League Baseball draft.-Compensation picks:-Other notable players:*Scott Rolen was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2nd round of the 1993 amateur draft....
. Adams also pitched two games in 1992 Summer Olympics
1992 Summer Olympics
The 1992 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the Games of the XXV Olympiad, were an international multi-sport event celebrated in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, in 1992. The International Olympic Committee voted in 1986 to separate the Summer and Winter Games, which had been held in the same...
as a member of the United States national baseball team
United States national baseball team
The United States National Baseball team represents the United States in international baseball competition. The United States has won the previous two Baseball World Cups, having lost this title to the Netherlands in 2011, and is currently second in the IBAF World Rankings, behind Cuba.The team...
. Adam batted and threw left-handed
Left-handed
Left-handedness is the preference for the left hand over the right for everyday activities such as writing. In ancient times it was seen as a sign of the devil, and was abhorred in many cultures...
.
Amateur career
Adams attended La Serna High SchoolLa Serna High School
La Serna High School is a public high school in Whittier, California that was founded in 1960 and is part of the Whittier Union High School District. The school's colors are Crimson, Gold and White.- History :...
in Whittier, California
Whittier, California
Whittier is a city in Los Angeles County, California about southeast of Los Angeles. The city had a population of 85,331 at the 2010 census, up from 83,680 as of the 2000 census, and encompasses 14.7 square miles . Like nearby Montebello, the city constitutes part of the Gateway Cities...
. Adams is the only attendee of La Serna to play in Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
. Adams was selected twice in the 1990 Major League Baseball Draft
1990 Major League Baseball Draft
-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1990 Major League Baseball draft.-Background:The draft went a record 101 rounds, surpassing 1989's total of 88, and included a record 1,487 selections. The Astros led all clubs with 100 selections. Seattle was second with 75,...
, first by the Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
in the 52 round and later by the Houston Astros
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
in the 74 round. From 1991 to 1993, Adams attended Stanford University
Stanford University
The Leland Stanford Junior University, commonly referred to as Stanford University or Stanford, is a private research university on an campus located near Palo Alto, California. It is situated in the northwestern Santa Clara Valley on the San Francisco Peninsula, approximately northwest of San...
. During his first season as a member of the Stanford Cardinals baseball team, Adams won the "Most Valuable Freshman
Freshman
A freshman or fresher is a first-year student in secondary school, high school, or college. The term first year can also be used as a noun, to describe the students themselves A freshman (US) or fresher (UK, India) (or sometimes fish, freshie, fresher; slang plural frosh or freshmeat) is a...
" award presented by the school's athletics department. In 1992, Adams played for the United States national baseball team
United States national baseball team
The United States National Baseball team represents the United States in international baseball competition. The United States has won the previous two Baseball World Cups, having lost this title to the Netherlands in 2011, and is currently second in the IBAF World Rankings, behind Cuba.The team...
. He pitched two games during the 1992 Summer Olympics
1992 Summer Olympics
The 1992 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the Games of the XXV Olympiad, were an international multi-sport event celebrated in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, in 1992. The International Olympic Committee voted in 1986 to separate the Summer and Winter Games, which had been held in the same...
. Adams is the only person born in Gallup, New Mexico
Gallup, New Mexico
- Demographics :As of the census of 2000, there were 20,209 people, 6,810 households, and 4,869 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,513.7 people per square mile...
to compete in the Olympics. After the 1992 and 1993 seasons, Adams was the recipient of the university's "Come Through Award".
Oakland Athletics
Adams was selected by the Oakland AthleticsOakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
in the first round (36 pick overall) of the 1993 Major League Baseball Draft
1993 Major League Baseball Draft
-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1993 Major League Baseball draft.-Compensation picks:-Other notable players:*Scott Rolen was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2nd round of the 1993 amateur draft....
. He began his professional career that season with the Class-A Madison Muskies
Madison Muskies
The Madison Muskies were a Class A minor league baseball team that played in the Midwest League from 1982 to 1993 in Madison, Wisconsin. They were an affiliate of the Oakland Athletics...
of the Midwest League
Midwest League
The Midwest League is a Class-A minor league baseball league which operates in the Midwestern United States.-History:Six teams – the Belleville Stags, the Centralia Cubs, the Marion Indians, the Mattoon Indians or East Frankfort White Sox, the Mount Vernon Braves, and the West Frankfort...
. With Madison, Adams went 0–2 with a 3.38 earned run average
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
(ERA) and 22 strikeout
Strikeout
In baseball or softball, a strikeout or strike-out occurs when a batter receives three strikes during his time at bat. A strikeout is a statistic recorded for both pitchers and batters....
s in five games, all stars
Starting pitcher
In baseball or softball, a starting pitcher is the pitcher who delivers the first pitch to the first batter of a game. A pitcher who enters the game after the first pitch of the game is a relief pitcher....
. In 1994, Adams was rated as the tenth best prospect in the Athletics organization by Baseball America
Baseball America
Baseball America is a magazine which covers baseball at every level, with a particular focus on up-and-coming players in high school, college, Japan, and the minor leagues. It is currently published in the form of a bi-weekly newspaper, five annual reference book titles, a weekly podcast, and a...
. During that season, Adams split the season between the Class-A Advanced Modesto A's and the Double-A Huntsville Stars
Huntsville Stars
The Huntsville Stars are a minor league baseball team of the Southern League and are the Double-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. They are located in Huntsville, Alabama and are named for the space industry with which Huntsville is economically tied .The Stars play their home games at Joe W...
. In 11 games with the A's, Adams went 7–1 with a 3.38 ERA, two saves and 42 strikeouts. He was later promoted to the Stars where he went 4–3 with a 4.30 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 10 games, all starts. In 1995, Adams was rated as the eight best prospect in the Athletics organization. During that season, Adams played for the Double-A Huntsville Stars and the Triple-A Edmonton Trappers
Edmonton Trappers
The Edmonton Trappers were a minor league baseball team in the Pacific Coast League, ending with the 2004 season. Home games were played at Telus Field in downtown Edmonton, Alberta, Canada....
. With the Stars, Adams went 6–5 with a 3.01 ERA and 72 strikeouts in 13 games, all starts. After receiving a promotion to the Triple-A level, Adams went 2–5 with a 4.37 ERA, one complete game
Complete game
In baseball, a complete game is the act of a pitcher pitching an entire game without the benefit of a relief pitcher.As demonstrated by the charts below, in the early 20th century, it was common for most good Major League Baseball pitchers to pitch a complete game almost every start. Pitchers were...
, one shutout
Shutout
In team sports, a shutout refers to a game in which one team prevents the opposing team from scoring. While possible in most major sports, they are highly improbable in some sports, such as basketball....
and 40 strikeouts in 11 games, 10 starts.
In 1996, Adams attended spring training
Spring training
In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives existing team players practice time prior to competitive play...
with the Oakland Athletics, but was optioned to the minors
Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
on March 18, before the start of the regular season. On June 11, Adams made his major league debut against the Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
and pitched six innings
Innings pitched
In baseball, innings pitched are the number of innings a pitcher has completed, measured by the number of batters and baserunners that are put out while the pitcher on the pitching mound in a game. Three outs made is equal to one inning pitched. One out counts as one-third of an inning, and two...
, giving-up four earned runs while earning a no-decision. On August 10, while pitching against the Cleveland Indians, Adams got his first win
Win (baseball)
In professional baseball, there are two types of decisions: a win and a loss . In each game, one pitcher on the winning team is awarded a win and one pitcher on the losing team is given a loss in their respective statistics. These pitchers are collectively known as the pitchers of record. Only...
. During that game, Adams' father was in attendance. With the Athletics in 1996, Adams went 3–4 with a 4.01 ERA, one complete games, one shutout and 68 strikeouts in 12 games, all starts. That year, Adams also pitched in the minor leagues with the Triple-A Edmonton Trappers and went 10–4 with a 3.78 ERA, three complete games, one shutout and 80 strikeouts in 19 games, all starts. During the off-season, it was speculated by Baseball Digest
Baseball Digest
Baseball Digest is a baseball magazine resource, published in Evanston, Illinois by Lakeside Publishing Company. It is the oldest and longest-running baseball magazine in the United States....
that Adams would be in the Athletics' starting rotation in 1997.
Adams started the 1997 season with the Athletics. However, in mid-May, Adams was sent down to the minor leagues. Adams made his return to the majors in August for two games, but would never appear in a major league game after August 14, 1997. During his time in the minors that season, Adams went 5–4 with a 6.45 ERA and 58 strikeouts in 13 games, 12 starts. In the majors, Adams went 3–5 with a 8.18 ERA and 37 strikeouts in 13 games, 12 starts. In 1998, Adams continued playing in the Athletics minor league organization. He split the season between the rookie-level Arizona League Athletics and the Triple-A Edmonton Trappers. Adams pitched just four combined games that season, going 0–1 with a 7.36 ERA and four strikeouts.
Boston Red Sox
In 1999, Adams joined the Boston Red SoxBoston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
organization. He started the regular season with the Class-A Advanced Sarasota Red Sox. With Sarasota, Adams went 1–1 with a 1.98 ERA and six strikeouts in two games, both starts. He was then promoted to the Double-A Trenton Thunder
Trenton Thunder
The Trenton Thunder are an American Minor League Baseball team and are the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. The Thunder play in the Eastern Division of the Eastern League, and are the two-time defending league champions...
where he went 1–1 with a 4.63 ERA and six strikeouts in two games, both starts. Adams received his final promotion to the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox
Pawtucket Red Sox
The Pawtucket Red Sox are the minor league baseball Triple-A affiliates of the Boston Red Sox and belong to the International League...
. At Pawtucket, Adams went 4–5 with a 5.15 ERA, one complete game, one shutout and 37 strikeouts in 11 games, all starts. Adams suffered injuries throughout the season. On the season, combined between the three teams, Adam's record was 6–7 with a 4.60 ERA in 15 games, all starts. During his final professional season, 2000, Adams played for the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox. He suffered right shoulder inflammation
Inflammation
Inflammation is part of the complex biological response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. Inflammation is a protective attempt by the organism to remove the injurious stimuli and to initiate the healing process...
early in the season and was placed on the disabled list
Disabled list
In Major League Baseball, the disabled list is a method for teams to remove their injured players from the roster in order to summon healthy players.-General guidelines:...
on May 22. Pitcher Hipólito Pichardo
Hipólito Pichardo
Hipólito Antonio Pichardo Balbina is a former right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for three teams between and . He batted and threw right-handed....
replaced Adams on the Pawtucket roster. Adams finished the season with a record of 0–2 with a 5.47 ERA, four saves and 21 strikeouts in 20 relief appearances
Relief pitcher
A relief pitcher or reliever is a baseball or softball pitcher who enters the game after the starting pitcher is removed due to injury, ineffectiveness, fatigue, ejection, or for other strategic reasons, such as being substituted by a pinch hitter...
.