Mark Konopki saw pro baseball over four seasons, high-A
Mark Konopki signed with the Red Sox as a free agent in July 1989 and Red Sox scout Phil Rossi was happy to have him, Rossi told Konopki's hometown Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice.
"He's getting a chance to pitch in Class A, and that's a chance not many free agents get as soon as they sign a contract," Rossi told The Citizens' Voice. "One of Mark's biggest assets is his love for the game of baseball, and now he's going to get paid for playing it."
Konopki went on to get paid for playing it over four seasons. He topped out at high-A.
Konopki's career began that year in 1989, signed by the Red Sox as an undrafted free agent out of Old Dominion University.
Konopki started with the Red Sox at short-season Elmira. He saw six outings, starting one. He gave up 10 earned in 13.2 innings of work.
He returned for 1990, but for just five outings, four at Elmira and one in the rookie Gulf Coast League.
At Elmira again in 1991, Konopki saw 17 outings, 14 starts. He went 9-4, with a 2.64 ERA. That October, the Red Sox scout Rossi spoke with The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader about Konopki's progress.
"He was doing well, as compared to where he was when he first started," Rossi told The Times Leader of Konopki's 1991 season. "His breaking ball was better, he pitches with great control and he had good action on his fastball. Those things are adding to his success, I'm sure."
For 1992, Konopki made high-A Lynchburg. He went 5-4, with a 4.72 ERA in 34 outings, nine starts. That season marked the end of his career.
- Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice, July 14, 1989: 'Someday' is now for Mark Konopki
- Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, Oct. 29, 1991: Dallas' Konopki hoping to make Red Sox' AA squad
Made the Majors:1,481-31.7%
Never Made Majors:3,187-68.3%-X