 He was signed to a bonus by the Reds after a stellar three-sport high school career at San Luis Obispo High School in San Luis Obispo, California, where he was a teammate of future Major League pitcher Jim Lonborg.Queen started his minor league career as a third baseman with the Palatka Redlegs of the Florida State League.The following year, Queen led Three-I League third basemen with 228 assists while playing for the Topeka Reds.