Dan Monzon never doubted his ability to play; Saw four pro seasons, made single-A

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Dan Monzon had a slow start to 1991. He'd hoped to be a starter at single-A South Bend, but chicken pox and organizational decisions left him platooning, The South Bend Tribune wrote.

In the face of the setbacks, Monzon just worked to show himself on the field, he told The Tribune.

"The attitude you have to take is that you have to be positive and not get down on the organization or yourself," Monzon told The Tribune. "I know I can play. I've never doubted my ability."

Monzon spoke to The Tribune in his third season as a pro. He briefly saw one more. He topped out at single-A.

Monzon's career began in 1989, taken by the White Sox in the 43rd round of the draft out of Pace University. He went to Pace out of Cardinal Spellman High in the Bronx.

Monzon was also credited as Don Monzon or Donald Monzon. Monzon also followed his father, Dan Monzon, Sr., to the pros. The elder Dan Monzon saw parts of two seasons with the Twins in 1972 and 1973 and later became a scout.

The younger Monzon started with the White Sox in the rookie Gulf Coast League. He got into 25 games and hit .250. He moved to short-season Utica for 1990. He got into 64 games there, with a .243 average. 

At South Bend in 1991, Monzon saw 89 games and hit .240. He doubled and scored in an August contest. He returned to South Bend to start 1992. He got into two games, then he got released to make room for another player. That season marked the end of his career.

1990 Minor League Tally 
Players/Coaches Featured:3,609
Made the Majors:1,247-34.6%
Never Made Majors:2,362-65.4%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors:520
10+ Seasons in the Minors:306

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