1984 Topps #109 - Brad Wellman

• Brad Wellman was originally signed by the Kansas City Royals in 1978. He played in the Royals' system from 1978-1981.
• Wellman was traded (with Atlee Hammaker, Renie Martin, and Craig Chamberlain) to the Giants on 30 March 1982 for Vida Blue and Bob Tufts.
• Brad batted .324 for AAA Phoenix and got his first taste of major league action at the end of the 1982 season.
• Wellman batted .311 in 45 games for Phoenix in 1983 and was called up at the end of May to replace the injured Duane Kuiper. Brad was given a shot at the starting second base position but he didn't provide enough offense (.214 in 82 games).
• Brad's 1984 season looked a lot like his 1983 season. He started with Phoenix, hit pretty well, and was called up after a couple of months. Wellman improved his average to .226, but it wasn't enough improvement.
• The Giants were wretched in 1985 (62-100). Brad backed up Manny Trillo at second base. Wellman outhit Trillo during the season (but neither player broke .240).
• The coming of Robby Thompson in 1986 spelled the end of Brad Wellman's time in San Francisco. Brad batted .282 in Phoenix, but he only got into twelve games for the Giants. After the season Wellman became a free agent and signed with the LA Dodgers.
• He played in the Dodger organization in 1987 and then spent the last two years of his career in the Royals' organization. Wellman retired after the 1989 season.
• Brad Wellman now owns Wellman Sports in San Ramon, CA and teaches baseball to youngsters.
• Brad has a son (Casey Wellman) who plays for the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League.
• Brad Wellman had a pretty good minor league career (.298 lifetime average in eight seasons).
• Stats:
• 1982 - .250 (1 for 4)
• 1983 - .214 in 82 games
• 1984 - .226 in 93 games
• 1985 - .236 in 71 games
• 1986 - .154 (2 for 13) in 12 games