John Marchese proved versatile in college; Saw three pro seasons as reliever, made single-A

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Grand Canyon University's John Marchese gave his team some options in 1987, his head coach Gil Stafford told The Arizona Republic that February.

Stafford spoke to The Republic after the designated hitter Marchese hit a grand slam in a Grand Canyon win. But the team had other uses for him, too.

"He proved he could come off the bench, after not playing a whole lot, and hit the ball," Stafford told The Republic. "He's going to pitch some in relief for us and he's going to start some games in the outfield."

Marchese's work eventually caught the eye of scouts, especially his relief work. Marchese went on to a pro career that lasted three seasons. He topped out at single-A.

Marchese's career began in 1988, taken by the Angels in the 29th round of the draft out of Grand Canyon University.

Marchese started with the Angels at short-season Bend, and he started as a reliever. He went 2-2 over 32 relief outings, with a 1.29 ERA. He also recorded 16 saves.

He moved to single-A Quad City for 1989. He went 2-3 there, with a 1.82 ERA and six saves. He pitched two innings of relief in June and struck out four. His fifth save came in August, a three-inning scoreless effort.

Marchese returned to Quad City for 1990. To start that year, his manager Don Long assessed his bullpen, including Marchese, to The Moline Dispatch. 

"We have experienced relievers in Bruce Vagely and John Marchese ... As soon as we get accustomed to facing Midwest League batters on a daily basis we should be fine," Long told The Dispatch.

Marchese saw 35 outings and recorded a 3-1 record, 12 saves and a 1.98 ERA. That season, though, proved his last as a pro.


1990 Minor League Tally 
Players/Coaches Featured:4,022
Made the Majors:1,338-33.3%
Never Made Majors:2,6834-66.7%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors:547
10+ Seasons in the Minors:331

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