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1992 Major League Baseball draft
1992 Major League Baseball draft
1992 Major League Baseball draft
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1992 Major League Baseball draft
General information
DateJune 1, 1992
LocationConference call
Overview
1,412 total selections
First selectionPhil Nevin
Houston Astros
First round selections38
Hall of Famers
2
← 1991
1993 →

The 1992 Major League Baseball draft took place on June 1, 1992, through a conference call involving all 28 MLB teams of the time. Phil Nevin of Cal State Fullerton was the first overall selection, chosen by the Houston Astros.[1] Derek Jeter, selected for the National Baseball Hall of Fame in January 2020, was selected by the New York Yankees with the sixth selection. In addition to Nevin, Paul Shuey, B. J. Wallace, Jeffrey Hammonds, and Chad Mottola were selected ahead of Jeter.

Background

[edit]

The 1993 expansion Colorado Rockies and Florida Marlins participated in the MLB Draft for the first time in 1992.[2]

With the first overall selections of the previous two drafts, Chipper Jones and Brien Taylor, receiving signing bonuses of $1.2 million ($2,888,130 in current dollar terms) and $1.55 million ($3,578,292 in current dollar terms) respectively, salary demands of new players became a factor in the 1992 draft.[1] Prior to the draft, Jeffrey Hammonds of the Stanford Cardinal baseball team sought a signing bonus of $1.8 million ($4,033,246 in current dollar terms).[3] Derek Jeter, a high school player who had a commitment to play college baseball at the University of Michigan, was believed to be seeking a bonus of at least $1 million ($2,240,692 in current dollar terms) to forego college.[1]

Five teams passed on Derek Jeter during the 1992 MLB Draft.[1]

The Astros, holding the first overall selection, were keenly aware of the bonus demands of Hammonds and Jeter, as they were unable to sign their first-round pick in the 1991 MLB draft, John Burke, who held out for a bonus of $500,000 ($1,154,288 in current dollar terms) as the sixth overall selection.[4] They selected Phil Nevin, the 1992 College World Series Most Outstanding Player, with the first overall selection. In addition to perceiving Nevin as close to MLB-ready, needing little development in minor league baseball, Nevin also did not seek a large signing bonus. He agreed to sign with the Astros for $700,000 ($1,568,485 in current dollar terms).[4][5] Astros' scout Hal Newhouser quit in protest, as he had insisted to Astros' management that they should choose Jeter.[6]

The teams with the first four selections, the Astros, Cleveland Indians, Montreal Expos, and Baltimore Orioles, had the four lowest payrolls in MLB.[2] The Cleveland Indians selected Paul Shuey out of the University of North Carolina with the second selection, who they projected could develop into a closer comparable to Rob Dibble. The Expos, who preferred Hammonds, drafted B. J. Wallace instead, as they were unable to afford Hammonds' salary demands.[2] The Orioles selected Hammonds with the fourth overall selection; he signed with the Orioles for $975,000 ($2,184,675 in current dollar terms), the largest signing bonus given out in the 1992 Draft.[1] With the fifth pick, the Reds chose Chad Mottola from the University of Central Florida (UCF), making Mottola the first UCF athlete to be chosen in the first round of a professional sports draft.[7] He signed with the Reds the day of the draft for $400,000 ($896,277 in current dollar terms).[1]

Yankees scout Dick Groch, assigned to scout in the Midwest, watched Jeter participate in an all-star camp held at Western Michigan University, and came away sold by Jeter's talent.[8] Though the Yankees were also concerned that Jeter might attend college, Grouch convinced the team to select Jeter. Regarding the possibility Jeter would attend Michigan, Groch said "the only place Derek Jeter's going is to Cooperstown", referring to the home city of the Baseball Hall of Fame.[9] Jeter signed with the Yankees for $800,000 ($1,792,554 in current dollar terms).[10]

Scott Boras advised Charles Johnson and Michael Tucker. Those players fell in the first round as their perceived salary demands were too high for many teams.[2]

First round selections

[edit]
Key
† All-Star = Baseball Hall of Famer
Pick Player Team Position School
1 Phil Nevin† Houston Astros Third baseman Cal State Fullerton
2 Paul Shuey Cleveland Indians Pitcher North Carolina
3 B. J. Wallace Montreal Expos Pitcher Mississippi State
4 Jeffrey Hammonds† Baltimore Orioles Outfielder Stanford
5 Chad Mottola Cincinnati Reds Outfielder UCF
6 Derek Jeter New York Yankees Shortstop Kalamazoo Central High School (MI)
7 Calvin Murray San Francisco Giants Outfielder Texas
8 Pete Janicki California Angels Pitcher UCLA
9 Preston Wilson† New York Mets Shortstop Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School (SC)
10 Michael Tucker Kansas City Royals Shortstop Longwood
11 Derek Wallace Chicago Cubs Pitcher Pepperdine
12 Kenny Felder Milwaukee Brewers Outfielder Florida State
13 Chad McConnell Philadelphia Phillies Outfielder Creighton
14 Ron Villone Seattle Mariners Pitcher UMass
15 Sean Lowe St. Louis Cardinals Pitcher Arizona State
16 Rick Greene Detroit Tigers Pitcher LSU
17 Jim Pittsley Kansas City Royals[Compensation 1] Pitcher DuBois Area Senior High School (PA)
18 Chris Roberts New York Mets[Compensation 2] Pitcher Florida State
19 Shannon Stewart Toronto Blue Jays[Compensation 3] Outfielder Miami Southridge Senior High School (FL)
20 Benji Grigsby Oakland Athletics Pitcher San Diego State
21 Jamie Arnold Atlanta Braves Pitcher Osceola High School (FL)
22 Rick Helling Texas Rangers Pitcher Stanford
23 Jason Kendall† Pittsburgh Pirates Catcher Torrance High School (CA)
24 Eddie Pearson Chicago White Sox First baseman Bishop State Junior College
25 Todd Steverson Toronto Blue Jays Outfielder Arizona State
26 Dan Serafini Minnesota Twins Pitcher Junipero Serra High School (CA)
27 John Burke Colorado Rockies Pitcher Florida
28 Charles Johnson† Florida Marlins Catcher Miami (FL)
29 Jeff Schmidt California Angels[Compensation 4] Pitcher Minnesota
30 Jon Ward New York Mets[Compensation 5] Pitcher Huntington Beach High School (CA)
31 Sherard Clinkscales Kansas City Royals[Compensation 6] Pitcher Purdue
32 Ryan Luzinski Los Angeles Dodgers[Compensation 7] Catcher Holy Cross High School
33 Shon Walker Pittsburgh Pirates[Compensation 8] Outfielder Harrison County High School
34 Brandon Cromer Toronto Blue Jays[Compensation 9] Shortstop Lexington High School
35 Johnny Damon† Kansas City Royals[Compensation 10] Outfielder Dr. Phillips High School (FL)
36 Michael Moore Los Angeles Dodgers[Compensation 11] Outfielder UCLA
37 Kendall Rhine Houston Astros[Compensation 12] Pitcher Georgia
38 Gabby Martinez Milwaukee Brewers[Compensation 13] Shortstop Luchetti High School (PR)

Sources:[11][12]

Compensation picks

[edit]
  1. ^ Compensation pick from the San Diego Padres for signing Kurt Stillwell
  2. ^ Compensation pick from the Boston Red Sox for signing Frank Viola
  3. ^ Compensation pick from the Los Angeles Dodgers for signing Tom Candiotti
  4. ^ Supplemental pick as compensation for the loss of Wally Joyner
  5. ^ Supplemental pick as compensation for the loss of Frank Viola
  6. ^ Supplemental pick as compensation for the loss of Danny Tartabull
  7. ^ Supplemental pick as compensation for the loss of Eddie Murray
  8. ^ Supplemental pick as compensation for the loss of Bobby Bonilla
  9. ^ Supplemental pick as compensation for the loss of Tom Candiotti
  10. ^ Supplemental pick as compensation for the loss of Kurt Stillwell
  11. ^ Supplemental pick as compensation for the loss of Mike Morgan
  12. ^ Supplemental pick as compensation for failing to sign 1991 first-round pick John Burke
  13. ^ Supplemental pick as compensation for failing to sign 1991 first-round pick Kenny Henderson

Other notable players

[edit]

NBA players drafted

[edit]

NFL players drafted

[edit]

See also

[edit]
[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

1992 Major League Baseball draft

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from Grokipedia
The 1992 Major League Baseball draft was the 28th annual player selection process conducted by the 26 MLB teams, held on , 1992, via conference call to allocate high school and college talent. The draft featured a primary first round of 28 picks followed by a supplemental round of 10 compensatory selections, emphasizing position players and pitchers from across the . The Houston Astros held the first overall pick and selected third baseman from , despite Hall of Fame scout Hal Newhouser recommending Derek Jeter #1 overall; Newhouser angrily quit the Astros after the pick. Nevin, a power-hitting college standout, later debuted in the majors in 1995 and earned honors in 2001. Subsequent top selections included right-handed pitcher Paul Shuey (second overall, Cleveland Indians, ), left-handed pitcher B.J. Wallace (third overall, , ), and outfielder (fourth overall, Baltimore Orioles, ). The draft gained lasting notoriety when the New York Yankees selected shortstop sixth overall from in ; Jeter developed into a Hall of Fame icon, amassing 3,465 hits, five championships, and 14 appearances over a 20-year career. Beyond the first round, the 1992 draft yielded several impactful players in later selections, underscoring its depth despite some high picks like Nevin and Shuey yielding more modest results. chose first baseman 58th overall in the second round from , where he later became a three-time , 2000 AL MVP, and key contributor to the Athletics' "Moneyball" era. The selected right-handed pitcher Jon Lieber 44th overall in the second round from the , whose rights were later traded to the ; he went on to win the 2001 NL with the Chicago Cubs after a solid tenure with the Pirates. Additional standouts included catcher (23rd overall, first round, , ), who played 15 major league seasons and ranks among the top catchers in games caught, and outfielder (selected 35th overall in the first round supplemental phase by the from in ), a two-time champion known for his speed and leadoff prowess. The draft also saw unsigned talents like , taken 55th overall in the second round by the Padres but who re-entered the draft in and became a Rockies legend.

Background

Historical context

The draft was established in to address escalating signing bonuses for players, who prior to that year operated as free agents and attracted bidding wars that drove costs as high as $205,000 for top talents like Rick Reichardt in 1964. The inaugural draft on June 8, , selected Rick Monday first overall for $100,000, marking a deliberate shift toward a structured selection process that curbed competition among the 20 MLB teams and stabilized procurement costs. Over the subsequent decades, the draft evolved from an annual June event (with a secondary January phase until 1987) into a primary mechanism for talent acquisition, initially succeeding in keeping bonuses modest but facing renewed pressure as economic growth in baseball inflated player values by the late . The 1990 collective bargaining agreement (CBA), ratified after a 32-day lockout, introduced significant adjustments to free agent compensation by replacing direct player exchanges with amateur draft picks, thereby preserving team rosters while tying penalties to the draft system. This change built on earlier compensation mechanisms dating to 1978, but emphasized draft selections to balance competitive equity without disrupting major league lineups. Supplemental picks, which had emerged in the 1980s for certain unsigned selections, were further integrated to provide additional opportunities for teams losing eligible free agents or failing to sign high picks, though full supplemental rounds for such cases solidified in subsequent years. By the early 1990s, signing bonuses surged amid loosening financial restraints, with first-round averages rising from $252,577 in 1990 to $365,396 in 1991, exemplified by 's record $1.55 million pact as the top overall pick that year. This escalation heightened the financial risk of high school draftees, prompting teams to favor more polished college players who offered lower immediate costs and reduced developmental uncertainty compared to unproven teenage prospects. Pre-1992 trends in player development reflected the draft's U.S.-centric focus, with international scouting largely confined to non-drafted free agent signings from regions like , though the draft expanded eligibility to in 1989 and in 1990 to incorporate more North American talent. Concurrently, the rise of programs gained momentum as modest early draft bonuses steered top amateurs toward NCAA competition, fostering a "golden era" that produced battle-tested players and influenced priorities toward collegiate pipelines.

Specifics of the 1992 draft

The 1992 Major League Baseball draft occurred on , 1992, conducted via a among representatives from all 28 MLB teams, including the newly awarded expansion franchises, the Rockies and Marlins. This format allowed for efficient selection across multiple rounds without an in-person gathering, reflecting the league's standard procedure at the time for the annual amateur draft. The draft featured 1,412 total selections across 50 rounds, beginning with a primary first round of 28 picks—one for each team—followed by compensation picks for teams that lost free agents and supplemental rounds to allocate additional choices based on revenue-sharing and expansion considerations. This structure provided opportunities for teams to replenish talent, with the overall order determined primarily by reverse standings from the , placing stronger teams later in each round. The addition of the Rockies and Marlins as expansion teams expanded the league to 28 clubs, directly influencing the draft by adding two more selections per round and positioning the new franchises at the end of the primary first-round order (picks 27 and 28, respectively). Although this placed them lower initially, the expansion process included a lottery system for determining their relative order in the separate November , which indirectly shaped their amateur draft strategy by prioritizing needs identified through protected player lists from existing teams. Pre-draft scouting was intensified amid rising player leverage, as top prospects like Stanford Jeffrey demanded a $1.8 million and Kalamazoo Central High sought at least $1 million to bypass , prompting teams to adjust strategies toward more signable college players early in the process. These demands exemplified the ongoing escalation of bonuses from prior drafts, where high school talents increasingly commanded premium sums.

Draft selections

First-round picks

The selection order for the 1992 draft's first round was determined by the reverse order of the 1991 regular-season standings, with the two expansion teams—the Colorado Rockies and Florida Marlins—assigned the final two picks (27 and 28) following a lottery to break their tie. This structure prioritized teams with the poorest records, resulting in the Houston Astros holding the first pick after their 65-97 finish in 1991. The first round featured 28 picks, with 14 selections of pitchers and 14 of position players, drawn from a mix of established college programs and high school talents. Of these, 21 were college players, including juniors and seniors from powerhouse schools like Stanford and Louisiana State, while 7 came from high school, reflecting a draft heavily tilted toward more signable college prospects amid rising bonus concerns. Notable signings included the top pick, , who received a $700,000 bonus as a college senior, lower than some high school demands due to his immediate availability. Similarly, sixth overall selection signed for $800,000 despite initial reports of him seeking up to $1 million as a high school .
PickTeamPlayerPositionSchoolNotes
1Houston AstrosPhil Nevin3BCal State Fullerton (college)Senior third baseman with power potential; signed quickly for $700,000.
2Cleveland IndiansPaul ShueyRHPUniversity of North Carolina (college)Hard-throwing right-hander from strong ACC program.
3Montreal ExposB.J. WallaceLHPMississippi State University (college)Power lefty with strikeout ability.
4Baltimore OriolesJeffrey HammondsOFStanford University (college)Athletic outfielder from elite academic program.
5Cincinnati RedsChad MottolaOFUniversity of Central Florida (college)Toolsy outfielder with speed.
6New York YankeesDerek JeterSSKalamazoo Central HS (MI)High school shortstop who hit .557 as a sophomore, .508 as both a junior and senior (with just one strikeout as a senior), noted for leadership and defense; signed for $800,000 after bonus negotiations.
7San Francisco GiantsCalvin MurrayOF/3BUniversity of Texas (college)Versatile hitter from Big 12 powerhouse.
8California AngelsPete JanickiRHPUCLA (college)Polished college arm.
9New York MetsPreston WilsonSS/OFBamberg-Ehrhardt HS (SC)Athletic high school infielder with power.
10Kansas City RoyalsMichael TuckerSS/2BLongwood College (college)Contact hitter with speed.
11Chicago CubsDerek WallaceRHPPepperdine University (college)Right-hander with control.
12Milwaukee BrewersKenny FelderOFFlorida State University (college)Speedy outfielder from ACC.
13Philadelphia PhilliesChad McConnellOFCreighton University (college)Solid college outfielder.
14Seattle MarinersRon VilloneLHPUniversity of Massachusetts (college)Durable lefty starter.
15St. Louis CardinalsSean LoweRHPArizona State University (college)Power pitcher from Pac-10.
16Detroit TigersRick GreeneRHPLouisiana State University (college)SEC standout with velocity.
17Kansas City RoyalsJim PittsleyRHPDuBois Area HS (PA)High school right-hander with projectable frame.
18New York MetsChris RobertsOF/LHPFlorida State University (college)Two-way talent from ACC.
19Toronto Blue JaysShannon StewartOFMiami Southridge HS (FL)Florida high school outfielder with bat control.
20Oakland AthleticsBenji GrigsbyRHPSan Diego State University (college)Steady college arm.
21Atlanta BravesJamie ArnoldRHPOsceola HS (FL)Florida high school pitcher with upside.
22Texas RangersRick HellingRHPStanford University (college)Control-oriented righty from Pac-10.
23Pittsburgh PiratesJason KendallCTorrance HS (CA)High school catcher with strong arm.
24Chicago White SoxEddie Pearson3BBishop State Community College (college)Junior college third baseman with power.
25Toronto Blue JaysTodd SteversonOFArizona State University (college)Outfielder with tools from Pac-10.
26Minnesota TwinsDan SerafiniLHPJunipero Serra HS (CA)California high school lefty.
27Colorado RockiesJohn BurkeRHPUniversity of Florida (college)SEC right-hander for expansion team.
28Florida MarlinsCharles JohnsonCUniversity of Miami (college)College catcher with defensive skills.

Compensation and supplemental picks

In the 1992 Major League Baseball draft, compensation picks were awarded to teams that had offered salary arbitration to departing Type A or Type B free agents but lost those players to other clubs, as stipulated in the 1990 Collective Bargaining Agreement. Type A free agents—defined as the top 30% of players at their position based on performance metrics from the prior two seasons—resulted in the signing team forfeiting its first-round pick (or a supplemental pick if the first-round slot was among the top 15 protected positions) to the original team. Type B free agents, ranked from the 31st to 80th , led to the signing team surrendering an additional pick after the standard first round, also awarded to the losing team. These rules aimed to balance competitive equity by providing talent replenishment for teams losing key contributors without salary arbitration retention. The 1992 draft featured 10 supplemental picks after the first round, including 8 for free agent compensation and 2 for failure to sign prior draftees, expanding opportunities for affected teams to select high-value prospects. For instance, the , who lost outfielder (a Type A who signed with the ), received pick No. 31 and selected Sherard Clinkscales from . The Royals also acquired pick No. 35 after losing shortstop Kurt Stillwell (a Type B who signed with the Padres), using it on Johnny from in . Other notable compensation selections included pitcher Jon Ward (No. 30, , for losing pitcher to the Toronto Blue Jays) and Shon Walker (No. 33, , for losing to the ). These picks were slotted after the initial 28 standard first-round selections, effectively creating a "sandwich" round that deepened the talent pool in the upper draft tiers. In addition to free agent compensation, two supplemental picks were granted for teams' failure to sign their top selections from the 1991 draft, providing a mechanism to address unsigned talent and encourage prompt agreements with high school and college draftees. The Houston Astros received pick No. 37 after not signing their 1991 first-rounder, left-handed pitcher Tyler Green from the , and selected pitcher Kendall Rhine from . Similarly, the Milwaukee Brewers were awarded pick No. 38 for failing to sign infielder Mike Seerey from the , choosing Gabby Martinez from the . Overall, these 10 additional picks (8 for free agents and 2 for unsigned prior draftees) enhanced draft depth, allowing teams like the Royals—who secured two supplemental slots—to target overlooked prospects amid the competitive amateur market.

Notable draftees

Major League success stories

The 1992 Major League Baseball draft produced several players who enjoyed distinguished careers in the majors, with emerging as the standout talent whose legacy defines the class. Selected sixth overall by the New York Yankees out of Central High School in , Jeter debuted in 1995 and spent his entire 20-year career with the team, amassing 3,465 hits and batting .310 overall. He earned 14 selections, five Gold Glove Awards at , five Silver Slugger Awards, and the MVP, while captaining the Yankees to five championships between 1996 and 2009, anchoring their dynasty during that era. Jeter's induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2020 on his first ballot underscored his impact, as he became the franchise's all-time hits leader and a symbol of leadership and clutch performance. Jason Giambi, taken in the second round (58th overall) by the Oakland Athletics from California State University, Long Beach, became one of the draft's premier power hitters and a key figure in the Athletics' late-1990s and early-2000s contention. Over 16 seasons, Giambi compiled 440 home runs, 1,409 RBIs, and a .277 batting average, highlighted by consecutive American League MVP awards in 2000 and 2001, when he led the league in on-base plus slugging both years. He made five All-Star appearances and contributed significantly to Oakland's playoff runs, including the 2000 and 2001 American League Division Series, before signing with the Yankees as a free agent in 2002. Giambi's tenure with the Athletics exemplified the team's "Moneyball" philosophy, blending power and plate discipline to drive lineup production. Catchers Jason , picked 23rd overall in the first round by the from in , provided longevity and reliability behind the plate during a 15-year career that spanned multiple franchises. Kendall debuted in 1996, won the National League Rookie of the Year award in 1998, and earned three nods (1996, 1998, 2000), batting .288 with 2,195 hits and 80 home runs while stealing 189 bases, a record for catchers at the time of his retirement. With the Pirates through 2004, he anchored their lineup during a rebuilding period, leading the team in games played multiple times and providing steady defense that helped stabilize the franchise's young roster. Outfielder Johnny Damon, selected 35th overall in the first round by the Kansas City Royals from Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, Florida, developed into a dynamic leadoff hitter known for speed and consistency across 18 seasons. Damon tallied 2,769 hits, a .298 batting average, and 408 stolen bases, earning two All-Star selections (2002, 2007) and contributing to World Series titles with the Boston Red Sox in 2004—breaking their 86-year championship drought—and the New York Yankees in 2009. His energetic style and postseason heroics, including a 35-game hit streak in 2000 with Oakland, made him a fan favorite and key offensive spark for contending teams. Pitcher , chosen 22nd overall in the first round by the Texas Rangers from , offered solid rotation depth in a 10-year career, posting a 3.10 in his 1998 All-Star season with Texas, where he went 20-7 and led the in complete games. Overall, he recorded 90 wins and 1,098 strikeouts, providing innings-eating reliability for teams like the Rangers and later the Florida Marlins during their run, though injuries limited his peak potential. While the 1992 draft class is celebrated for Jeter's transcendent career and contributions from players like Giambi, Kendall, Damon, and Helling—who collectively earned multiple MVPs, berths, and championships—the overall success was mixed, with about 36% (10 of the 28) first-round selections lasting 10 or more years in the majors and few beyond the highlighted names achieving elite status. This group helped power several franchises' competitive windows but underscored the draft's unpredictability, as many high picks like (first overall) peaked early without sustaining long-term impact.

Cross-sport pursuits

Several draftees from the 1992 Major League Baseball draft pursued careers in other sports, particularly and , reflecting the multi-sport talent available at the time. These players often balanced competing interests, including scholarships, alternative draft opportunities, and professional contracts across leagues. While most ultimately committed to one path, a few briefly played in MLB before transitioning. In basketball, Erick Strickland, selected by the Florida Marlins in the 31st round (880th overall) out of Bellevue West High School in , signed a minor league contract and appeared in 28 games for the Gulf Coast League Marlins in 1992, batting .167 with one . He then attended the University of for , where he averaged 12.7 points per game as a senior in 1995-96, leading to an undrafted entry into the NBA. Strickland played 12 NBA seasons from 1996 to 2008, appearing in 627 games primarily as a for teams including the and , accumulating 3,109 points and 1,378 assists. His decision to prioritize over stemmed from stronger collegiate and professional prospects in hoops, despite the MLB signing bonus of approximately $100,000. Football pursuits were more prevalent among 1992 MLB draftees, with several achieving notable NFL success after initial baseball commitments. John Lynch, taken by the Marlins in the second round (66th overall) as a right-handed from , signed for a $100,000 bonus and pitched in 12 games across three levels in 1992-93, posting a 5.47 ERA. Lynch opted for football, where he was selected by the in the third round (82nd overall) of the , transitioning to strong safety and earning nine nods, three First-Team honors, and induction into the in 2021 after 15 NFL seasons with 1,590 tackles and 26 interceptions. He cited football's greater passion and family support as key factors, despite the MLB offer. Danan Hughes, drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the third round (79th overall) as an from the , played 52 minor league games in 1992, hitting .244 before being released. He then entered the , selected by the in the fourth round (102nd overall) of the 1993 Draft, where he played for five seasons (1993-1997), recording 116 receptions for 1,697 yards and eight touchdowns. Hughes' choice favored football's higher immediate earning potential and his All-Big Ten performance in both sports at . Robert Chancey, picked by the Baltimore Orioles in the sixth round (156th overall) as an from Stanhope Elmore High School in , received a $108,000 bonus and played four seasons (1992-1995), batting .239 across and Class A levels with 17 home runs. After , he signed as an undrafted with the in 1997, playing in five NFL games that year (one start, two receptions for 22 yards) before injuries ended his career. Chancey's path highlighted the risks of early commitments, as he bypassed college football scholarships for the MLB bonus but returned to gridiron pursuits amid stalled progress. These cases illustrate broader decision factors for 1992 draftees, where or NBA paths often appealed due to lucrative scholarships, higher draft status in other leagues, or personal athletic strengths outweighing MLB bonuses averaging 150,000−150,000-500,000 for mid-round picks. High school and college standouts like these frequently did not sign MLB contracts to preserve eligibility for other sports, prioritizing long-term opportunities over immediate . Rare dual-sport efforts, such as Lynch's and Hughes' brief stints alongside NFL preparation, underscored the physical demands and rarity of sustained success across disciplines, with none playing both at the major league level.

References

  1. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/1992_Amateur_Draft
  2. https://www.espn.com/mlb/history/draft/_/year/1992
  3. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/feats/1992draft.shtml
  4. https://sabr.org/journal/article/the-history-and-future-of-the-amateur-draft/
  5. https://baseballhall.org/discover-more/stories/baseball-history/caught-in-the-draft
  6. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Major_League_Baseball_Amateur_Draft
  7. https://legacy.baseballprospectus.com/compensation/cots/league-info/cba-history/
  8. https://www.perfectgame.org/articles/View.aspx?article=5606
  9. https://www.mlb.com/news/brien-taylor-best-pitching-prospect-ever-for-yankees
  10. https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/where-are-they-now-jeffrey-hammonds/
  11. https://www.thebaseballcube.com/content/draft_year/1992/
  12. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/23641823/best-draft-picks-ever-one-got-away-all-30-teams
  13. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/05/looking-back-at-the-1992-expansion-draft-part-2.html
  14. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-05-31-sp-1624-story.html
  15. https://www.perfectgame.org/articles/View.aspx?article=5609
  16. https://www.mlb.com/news/tracy-ringolsby-fittingly-derek-jeter-will-open-his-final-season-in-houston/c-67806568
  17. https://home.adelphi.edu/~fr22140/background.html
  18. https://www.siena.edu/alumni-and-friends/alumni-relations/awards-recognitions/honorary-degree-recipients/derek-s-jeter/
  19. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Free_agent_compensation_draft
  20. https://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/index.fcgi?year_ID=1992&draft_type=junreg&query_type=year_round
  21. https://tht.fangraphs.com/free-agent-overcompensation/
  22. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jeterde01.shtml
  23. https://www.mlb.com/news/derek-jeter-most-memorable-moments
  24. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/giambja01.shtml
  25. https://www.mlb.com/player/jason-giambi-114739
  26. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kendaja01.shtml
  27. https://www.mlb.com/news/all-time-pirates-top-draft-picks
  28. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/damonjo01.shtml
  29. https://www.mlb.com/news/johnny-damon-falls-off-hall-of-fame-ballot-c265282088
  30. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/helliri01.shtml
  31. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=strick001dem
  32. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=lynch-006joh
  33. https://www.mlb.com/news/q-a-john-lynch-choosing-football-over-baseball-c183438572
  34. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=hughes002r--
  35. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=chance003rob
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