Stancel responded by inducing a third-to-catcher-to-first double play that The Gazette-Journal wrote effectively ended the Reno threat.
Stancel ended that threat in his third season as a pro. He went on to play in three more campaigns. Stancel's career - and soon his life - were soon cut short by cancer.
Three years after his career ended, Stancel passed away at the age of 29.
Stancel's career began in 1986, taken by the Athletics in the seventh round of the draft out of Hinds Community College in Mississippi.
Stancel started with the Athletics at short-season Medford. He went 5-2 over 21 relief outings, with a 3.33 ERA. He also saved five games.
He moved to single-A Madison for 1987, starting just nine games. He returned to the field in 1988 at single-A Modesto. In 35 outings, 14 starts, Stancel went 4-12, with a 4.68 ERA.
Stancel played 1989 largely at AA Huntsville, also getting some time back at Madison. He went 6-3 at Huntsville mostly in relief. He picked up his third win in a June game.
His final pro season came in 1990, back at Huntsville. He went 5-8 over 46 outings, four starts, with a 4.39 ERA. He also saved seven games. He picked up his fifth win in an August game, throwing two perfect innings.
By the next July, the Mark Stancel Fund had been created to help Stancel, who had been diagnosed with brain cancer. Stancel's old team the Modesto A's held a benefit auction and raffle. The Oakland Athletics donated items to help raise money.
Stancel passed away in October 1993, leaving behind his wife and parents.
- Reno Gazette-Journal, June 19, 1988: A's score quick KO of Reno
Players/Coaches Featured: 2,486
Made the Majors:1,005-40.4%
Never Made Majors:1,481-59.6%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors: 419
10+ Seasons in the Minors:255
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