Willie Adams (1990s pitcher)

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

1990 Major League Baseball Draft, first by the Detroit Tigers in the 52^nd round and later by the Houston Astros in the 74^th round.^[2] From 1991 to 1993, he attended Stanford University.^[3] During his first season as a member of the Stanford Cardinal baseball team, Adams won the "Most Valuable Freshman" award presented by the school's athletics department.^[4] In 1992, Adams played for the United States national baseball team.^[5] He pitched two games during the 1992 Summer Olympics.^[6] Adams is the only person born in Gallup, New Mexico to compete in the Olympics.^[7] After the 1992 and 1993 seasons, Adams was the recipient of the university's "Come Through Award".^[4]

Modesto A's and the Double-A Huntsville Stars. In 11 games with the A's, Willie 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.^[8] During that season, Willie 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, Willie went 2–5 with a 4.37 ERA, one complete game, one shutout

starting rotation in 1997.^[12]

disabled list on May 22.^[14] Pitcher Hipólito Pichardo replaced Willie on the Pawtucket roster. Willie finished the season with a record of 0–2 with a 5.47 ERA, four saves and 21 strikeouts in 20 relief appearances