Welchel grew up in Texas and attended Sam Houston State University. Drafted twice, he signed with the Baltimore Orioles Orioles after being a seventh-round selection in 1978. After ranking among the Southern League leaders in losses in 1980, he ranked among their leaders in wins in 1981. He was called up by the Orioles in 1982 and won his Major League debut on September 15, against the New York Yankees. He began 1983 in their bullpen but appeared in his final Major League game on May 31. After getting sent back to the minors, Welchel pitched until 1988, spending 1986 in the Texas Rangers\' organization and 1987 and 1988 in the Kansas City Royals\' organization.\n', '

Prior to playing professionally, Welchel attended Lake Highlands High School in Dallas, Texas, and then Sam Houston State University. He was originally drafted in the 10th round of the 1975 draft by the Cincinnati Reds, however he didn\'t sign. He was next drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the seventh round of the 1978 draft, signing that time. He was signed by scout Ray Crone.\n', '

Welchel began his professional career by starting on Opening Day, 1978, for the rookie Bluefield Orioles of the Appalachian League, throwing seven innings and earning the win in a 4–1 victory over the Paintsville Highlanders. He spent most of the season with Bluefield, posting a 4–5 record, a 2.43 earned run average (ERA), 57 strikeouts, 78 hits allowed, and 89 innings pitched in 12 games (11 starts). He completed seven of his starts. He also pitched two games for the Class A Miami Orioles of the Florida State League, winning both. Welchel split the 1979 season between Miami and the Double-A Charlotte O\'s of the Southern League. In 14 starts for Miami, he had a 5–6 record, a 2.94 ERA, 53 strikeouts, and 86 hits allowed in 95 innings, throwing complete games in half his outings. In 13 starts with Charlotte, he had a 5–4 record, a 3.87 ERA, 40 strikeouts, and 95 hits allowed in 87 innings.\n', '

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