John Malzone proved tough competitor, saw 7 seasons, AAA
John Malzone could play both second and third, a luxury for the AAA Pawtucket Red Sox, Pawtucket manager Buddy Bailey told The Boston Globe in June 1993.
But Bailey also admired Malzone for his competitiveness, he told The Globe.
"He's a tough competitor with a lot of grit," Bailey told The Globe of Malzone. "His tools wouldn't be that impressive on a scouting report, but he's got the heart of a tiger. He comes to beat you every night."
Malzone made Pawtucket that year in his fifth season as a pro. He went on to see two more campaigns, but he ended short of the majors.
Malzone's career began in 1989, taken by the Red Sox in the 39th round of the draft out of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
Malzone followed his father Frank Malzone to the pros. The father saw the majors over 12 seasons, 11 with the Red Sox.
The younger Malzone started with the Red Sox in the rookie Gulf Coast League as a pitcher. He saw 15 outings and went 3-5, with a 4.74 ERA.
He moved to high-A Lynchburg for 1990 and became an infielder. He hit .257 in 65 games. He played 1991 at high-A Winter Haven, then 1992 back at Lynchburg.
In June 1992, the elder Malzone spoke to The Lynchburg News and Advance about his son.
"I talk to him quite regularly," Frank Malzone told The News and Advance. "Usually if he has a good night he calls."
John Malzone them moved up to Pawtucket for 1993. He saw 75 games and hit .237. He played 1994 at AA New Britain, hitting .215 in 60 games. He saw his final time in 1995, six games back at Pawtucket.
Malzone then went on to be a minor league coach and a scout. in 2015, he spoke to Bleacher Report about Mariano Rivera's son, Mariano Rivera III, who played four seasons in the minors. "It's in the blood," Malzone told Bleacher Report.
- Lynchburg News and Advance, June 28, 1992: Malzone
- Boston Globe, June 13, 1993: Famed name learns ropes at Pawtucket
- Bleacher Report, July 8, 2015: Mariano Rivera III the Shining Star of Nationals' Growing HOF Bloodlines
Made the Majors:1,482-31.5%
Never Made Majors:3,219-68.5%-X