John Andrews:  

After high school I was drafted by the New York Yankees as an outfielder but didn't sign. I went on to Pasadena City College and played two years of baseball. I received my AA and again was drafted each year by the Angels and Mets each time as an outfielder. After my second year I was invited to play summer ball in Fairbanks, Alaska. I stayed for 6 wks. The manager was the baseball coach for San Diego State. He offered me a scholarship to pitch for his team. I pitched, played outfield and first base for the Alaska team. I went to SDSU for one year. I played mainly as a pitcher and had a record of 8 wins and 3 losses. I signed with the St. Louis Cardinals the next year and didn't play my senior year. I started my professional career in Lewiston, Idaho for 3 wks. and moved to Modesto, Ca. to finish the season. That year I was 5 - 1 all pitching. My first full year came in 1972 where I returned to Modesto. We won the league that year but I was converted to a short releif pitcher. I was 9-5 with 8 saves. After a good year I was invited to Florida to play in the Cardinal's winter league. I played for 3 mos. and decided to stay in Florida for the winter. I had a very good winter league and was told I would be invited to big league spring training with St. Louis. That winter I worked for the parks department making an astounding $1.91 an hour. My wife also worked p...Expand for more