Pat Meares

Born in Salina in 1968, Pat Meares attended Salina Sacred Heart High School, which did not field a baseball team.  During the spring, Meares instead was medalist at the 3A golf tournament to go along with his football and basketball honors.

Meares’ performance in American Legion baseball was enough to earn him a spot at Wichita State, where he played in the outfield as a freshman on the 1988 College World Series team.

In the summer of 1988, Meares helped the Wichita Broncos to a seventh place finish in the NBC World Series.

In 1989, Meares moved to third base and filled in for injured teammate Mike Lansing at shortstop during the College World Series.  Meares hit .429 during the series and hit a two-run homer in the championship game won by the Shockers.  Meares was named to the All-College World Series team.

In 1990, Meares led WSU with 12 home runs and was second to Lansing with 50 runs batted in.  He was named All-Missouri Valley Conference and drafted by Minnesota in the 12th round of the MLB Draft.

In 1993, Meares made his debut and was the Twins’ regular shortstop for six seasons.  Following the 1998 season, Meares became a free agent and signed with Pittsburgh.  He played three seasons with the Pirates before a hand injury forced his retirement.