[3] He began his professional career in the New York–Penn League with the Watertown Pirates, accumulating an earned run average (ERA) of 8.05 in his age-18 season.

[4] On or about August 29, 1986, the Pittsburgh Pirates promoted Fansler to the Major Leagues for the first time in his career alongside Sammy Khalifa, Bob Patterson and Mike Brown.

[7] He was the starting pitcher that night for the Pirates against the Atlanta Braves at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium and surrendered four earned runs in just four innings pitched.

[8] His best start of the season according to game score came on September 18 against the Expos in Montreal; he went six innings for the first time in his career and allowed only one run.

[9] On October 4, Fansler recorded the only hit in his Major League career, a third-inning single off of Bob Ojeda of the eventual World Series champion New York Mets.