J.J. Munoz, Something New - 3196

In his eighth professional season, J.J. Munoz tried his hand at something new. The pitcher for the independent Waterbury Spirit was named the club's pitching coach, The Watertown Town Times wrote.

"I am very pleased; I feel I can do the job they've asked me to do," Munoz told The Town Times.

Munoz served as a player-coach, going 3-6 in 29 relief outings and had a 2.88 ERA. It was his final season as a player and also, apparently, as a coach.

Munoz' career began in 1990, signed by the Phillies as a free agent out of Lubbock Christian University in Texas.

Munoz played his first season at rookie Martinsville. In 14 starts, he went 6-7, with a 2.75 ERA.

He moved to single-A Spartanburg for 1991, going 8-6 there. He then moved to the bullpen and high-A Clearwater for 1992. He picked up the second of his six saves with two innings of work in May.

Munoz stayed at Clearwater for 1993, then hit AA Reading in 1994. He only got into nine games before being placed on the disabled list for the season.

Munoz made it back to the field for 1995 with the Royals. He also made AAA Omaha. He got into 57 games and had a 3.38 ERA. He pitched for the Royals in spring 1996, but he didn't make the club or any club.

After two seasons away from the game, Munoz returned for independent Watertown in 1998. He played there again and coached there for 1999, ending his career.

• Watertown Town Times, June 24, 1999: More of the same as Mad Dogs best Spirit

1990 CMC-Pro Cards Tally
Players/Coaches Featured:1,935
Made the Majors: 881 - 45.5%
Never Made Majors: 1,054-54.5%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors: 376
10+ Seasons in the Minors:218