Alex Monchak

Alex Monchak (born March 5, 1917) is a former shortstop who played briefly for the Philadelphia Phillies during the 1940 season. Listed at 6'0", 180 lb., he batted and threw right-handed.

Biography

A native of Bayonne, New Jersey, Monchak was one of many major leaguers who saw his baseball career interrupted by a stint in the army during World War II. During the 1940 season, he was a .143 hitter (2-for-14) with one run and one stolen base in 19 games.

Following his playing career, Monchak 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 (1962–1970) and coached (under manager Chuck Tanner) in the majors for the Chicago White Sox (1971–1975), Oakland Athletics (1976), Pittsburgh Pirates (1977–1984) and Atlanta Braves (1986–1988). He was a member of the Pirates' 1979 world championship team.

At 98, Monchak is recognized as one of the oldest living major league ballplayers, as well as the oldest living former member of the Philadelphia Phillies. He 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.^[1]

Minor League Championship Titles

See also

• List of oldest living MLB players

References

External links

• Baseball in Wartime
• Baseball Reference
• BR Bullpen
• Retrosheet