Pierce played college baseball for the NC State Wolfpack from 1990–1991.
Pierce also played in the White Sox, Red Sox, Reds and Cubs minor league systems from 1992 to 1997. He went 19-15 with a 3.22 ERA and 65 saves in 209 games, including 103 walks, 355 strikeouts, and 349.0 innings pitched.
Pierce posted a 0–3 record with a 6.60 ERA in 12 relief appearances, giving up 11 runs on 16 hits and 14 walks while striking out 12 without a save in 15.0 innings of work.
