John Zaksek hit well in college game, played three pro seasons

The Cincinnati Enquirer described John Zaksek's day in April 1988 as perfect.

Zakzek, the University of Cincinnati center fielder, picked up four hits on the day, worked a walk and knocked in two on a double, The Enquirer wrote.

Zakzek signed two months later as a pro with the White Sox. He played three seasons for four teams. He never made it above high-A.

Zakzek's career began that June, taken by the White Sox in the 14th round of the draft out of Cincinnati. He went to college out of Poland Seminary High in Poland, Ohio.

Zakzek hit .521, with 15 home runs at Seminary in 1985. He then hit .327 for Cincinnati in 1988 for Cincinnati, while hitting eight home runs, with 33 RBI.

He started with the White Sox in the rookie Gulf Coast League and at short-season Utica. He hit .287 between them, with one home run and 12 stolen bases. He went 3 for 3, with two RBI in a June game at Utica.

Zakzek moved to single-A South Bend and returned to Utica for 1989. He also got a game at high-A Sarasota. He hit .240 over 85 games on the year.

He then played 1990 completely at South Bend. He went 0 for 1 as a pinch-hitter in an August game. Overall, he hit .286 over 93 games, ending his career.

Originally published April 7, 2017

    

• Cincinnati Enquirer, April 20, 1988: Bearcats have a ball at XU, 10-4

More: The 1990 South Bend White Sox