Al Monchak | |
---|---|
Shortstop | |
Born: Bayonne, New Jersey, U.S. | March 5, 1917|
Died: September 12, 2015 Bradenton, Florida, U.S. | (aged 98)|
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
MLB debut | |
June 22, 1940, for the Philadelphia Phillies | |
Last MLB appearance | |
September 1, 1940, for the Philadelphia Phillies | |
MLB statistics | |
Batting average | .143 |
Home runs | 0 |
Runs batted in | 0 |
Teams | |
Alex Monchak (March 5, 1917 – September 12, 2015) was an American baseball shortstop who played briefly for the Philadelphia Phillies during the 1940 season. Listed at 6 feet 0 inches (1.83 m), 180 pounds (82 kg), he batted and threw right-handed. He was primarily known as the first-base coach for all the Major League Baseball (MLB) teams managed by Chuck Tanner from 1971 to 1988, including the 1979 World Series Champion Pittsburgh Pirates.
Monchak was a native of Bayonne, New Jersey. He served in World War II, achieving the noncommissioned officer (NCO) rank of Staff Sergeant (S-SGT), the campaigns in which he served include Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe receiving the following citations: American Theater Ribbon, European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and Victory Medal, according to War Department Adjutant General's Office Form (WD AGO Form) 53-55 dated 1 November 1944 Box 32 Battles and Campaigns, Box 33 Decorations and Citations, and Box 38 Highest Grade Held. [1] Before the war, his MLB career began as the shortstop with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1940. During the 1940 season, he was a .143 hitter (2-for-14) with one run and one stolen base in 19 games.
Following his military service, Monchak continued to pursue his childhood dream of a career in baseball by being on the field of play. He became a Minor League manager from 1949 to 1961, acting as a player/manager through 1956, and winning four championship titles. He later served as a scout and instructor in the California Angels system (1962–70). Both he and Joe Lonnett were named first- and third-base coaches respectively by manager Chuck Tanner with the Chicago White Sox on October 2, 1970. [2] All three would serve in similar capacities together with the White Sox ( 1971– 75), Oakland Athletics ( 1976) and Pittsburgh Pirates ( 1977– 84). His childhood dream came true when he was the first base coach with the "We Are Family" Pirates in 1979, who became MLB World Champions. He continued as Tanner's first-base coach when he joined the Atlanta Braves on October 14, 1985, and would serve with the team from 1986 to 1988. [3]
Monchak was named the 2009 winner of the Roland Hemond Award by Baseball America in December 2009. The award recognizes baseball figures who have made long-term contributions to scouting and player development operations. [4]
Monchak died on September 12, 2015, at the age of 98. [5] At the time of his death, he was recognized as the third oldest living Major League player.
Year | Team | League | Organization |
1950 | Odessa Oilers | Longhorn League | None |
1953 | Lexington Indians | Tar Heel League | None |
1956 | Wellsville Braves | PONY League | Milwaukee Braves |
1958 | Cedar Rapids Braves | Three-I League | Milwaukee Braves |