Chris Neier
From BR Bullpen
Chris Neier
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 4", Weight 205 lb.
- School Chico State University
- High School ??
- Born November 19, 1971
Chris Neier was picked by the Colorado Rockies in their first draft, the 23rd round pick of the 1992 amateur draft. He began his career with the AZL Rockies/Cubs and went 5-1 with a 2.24 ERA, sixth in the Arizona League. He walked only 7 and fanned 49 in 56 innings. The next year, he fell to 3-5, 4.79 with the Bend Rockies.
Neier was 2-2 with one save and a 3.67 ERA in 31 relief outings for the 1994 Asheville Tourists and 1-0 with four saves and a 2.93 ERA for the Central Valley Rockies. With Central Valley, he only walked four in 27 2/3 IP. His 50 appearances were among the most in the club's system that year. In '95, the right-hander moved up to AA, the highest level he would reach. He had a 10-4, 4.16 pitching line for the New Haven Ravens, tied for second on the team in victories. Returning to New Haven, he went 1-7 with a 4.98 ERA in 1996. It was his last year with the Rockies, having gone 22-19 in their system.
He missed 1997 due to arm surgery and returned in '98 with the Chico Heat. He went 8-2 with a 2.94 ERA and only 14 walks in 86 innings. He led the Western League in ERA that season and Chico had the league's best record. In '99, Neier was just 1-1, 6.94 for Chico to complete his professional baseball career at 31-22.
Sources: 1993-2000 Baseball Almanacs
