Bronx native fights for his Amazin’ break
PORT ST. LUCIE — Johnny Monell is entering his ninth season in professional baseball, and he has nine major league plate appearances to show for it.
This spring, the Bronx native is in Mets camp hoping to win a job as the backup catcher behind Travis d’Arnaud.
“I know I can help this team,” the lefty-swinging Monell said. “All I need is a chance.”
He has been waiting a long time. He was drafted by the Giants in 2005 out of Christopher Columbus High School in The Bronx, but opted to go to Seminole State College in Florida instead. After turning down the Mets in 2006 following a 49th-round selection, he finally signed with the Giants after being selected in the 30th round in 2007.
Since then, eight games, all in September 2013.
“When you have Buster Posey in your way, it’s tough to get up there,” Monell said.
After spending last season split between the Orioles and Dodgers organizations, Monell signed with the Mets as a free agent in the offseason.
“To be able to come home was great,” Monell said. “Now, I just have to get there.”
He has a fan in Dellin Betances, who pitched against him in high school while at Grand Street Campus in Brooklyn.
“He could always hit,” the Yankees reliever said. “He never got me for a homer, but I know he got a lot of other people.”
Monell’s production at the plate this spring, including three homers, will help, though Anthony Recker is the leading candidate to get the job.
Last week, manager Terry Collins said Monell would get “a legitimate look.” Regardless of what happens, the 28-year-old Monell isn’t ready to give up.
“That hasn’t even crossed my mind,” Monell said. “I’m at a prime age. I’m confident in my skill. When my body breaks down, that’s when I’ll stop playing.’’
It’s an attitude he got from his father, also named Johnny, who spent 17 years in pro ball without getting to the majors. The elder Monell played in the Mets organization, twice getting as high as Triple-A Tidewater, always stopping there. He also played in Mexico for seven years and five more in the indepen- dent Atlantic League.
His son is determined for his career to end differently.
“I believe in the kind of player I am,” said Monell, who grew up in the Pelham Park section of The Bronx and now lives in South Jersey. “Spring training is for opening some eyes and impressing the staff to show them you belong and can help.”
Of the eight games he has played in the majors, strangely, two were in New York — one each in Yankee Stadium and Citi Field when the Giants were on an East Coast trip.
“My dream in high school was to play in the old Yankee Stadium or Shea in the PSAL Championship game, but we never got there,” Monell said. “To be able to play at home now would be unbelievable.”