Newell made his professional debut as an outfielder in the Phillies minor league system, but after two seasons, he was converted into a pitcher.

After the season was over, Philadelphia dropped Portland and signed an agreement to make the Maine Guides their new Triple A farm club.

He started the fourth inning, and after walking two batters, giving up two hits, and allowing two runs, he was lifted from the game, and relieved by Freddie Toliver.

Cast off by Philadelphia after the 1988 season, Newell was out of baseball in 1989, and signed a minor league deal with the New York Yankees in 1990, in hopes of reviving his career.

After a terrible stint with Triple A Columbus after being promoted from Double A, Newell was released by the Yankees, and he never pitched another game in organized ball.