 In 1982, Graham was chosen in the fourth round of the 1982 draft by the Oakland Athletics, and he played in the
minor league systems of Oakland, the Milwaukee Brewers, the Detroit Tigers, and the Cleveland Indians over the next five years as a second baseman.In nine seasons as a minor league manager in the Cleveland Indians organization, Graham's teams finished above .500 each year, compiling a 704-491 (.589) record.Graham managed eight consecutive playoff teams.