Kevin Mench spent 8 seasons in the Majors. Kevin was the fourth round draft pick in the 1999 draft by the Texas Rangers.
Kevin, thanks for taking the time.
You had a monster season in 2000 with Port Charlotte. What do you remember most about that season?
It was my first full season in pro ball and being in Florida. I had a great year that year but i actually thought that Travis Hafner should have won the MVP. He ended up missing several weeks with a broken toe and i think that helped me out.
Do you have a favorite manager that you played for and why?
Bobby Jones. Great manager and great person. All he asked was that you show up ready to play and do your job. He grew up close to me so I knew what kind of personality he had and how abrasive he could be.
What was your favorite way to pass time in the clubhouse?
Playing cards or doing crossword puzzles. Also some Tiger Woods golf too…Minor leagues we played whiffle ball and cards.
What was the most memorable moment of you career?
Getting the 50,000th hit in rangers history. It’s something that will never be broken and keep me in Rangers history.
You played alongside some great ball players. I’m going to name a few, please describe them.
1. Micheal Young-
Quiet leader. I’ve known Mikey since he was traded to Texas. True professional. He did his job not with flare but the right way.
2. Ivan Rodriguez-
Pudge was a great teammate as well. Anybody that can handle catching for that long and excel at it every year speaks for itself. First ballot HOFer. Would have loved for him to get 3000 hits before he retired.
3. Alex Rodriguez-
Alex took me under his wing and looked out for me. I owe everything to him, Raffy and Pudge. They showed me how to be a major league player and how to handle myself.
4. Rafael Palmeiro-
Like Alex he looked out for me and took care of me. The sweetest swing I’ve ever seen, effortless and fluid. Great teammate and good friend.
5. Juan Gonzalez-
Juan was a funny guy that had all the tools. Being an outfielder we spent a lot of time joking around and having fun. Some of the things he did on the field were amazing. I saw him hit some of the hardest baseballs ever.
6. John Rocker-
Rock was someone that was going to tell you how it is. No sugar coating. He is a fiery guy that people never really got a chance to understand.
What advice would you give young players?
No regrets. What you put into to the game is what you will get out of it. Also there is ALWAYS someone watching you. It takes 5 minutes to get a label and 5 years to lose it.
Who do you enjoy watching today and why?
I never watched baseball when i played so I don’t watch much today. When my kids are old enough I will but right now i enjoy my hockey and football. I do keep up with the guys that i played with and look in on them but I do not go out of my way to watch it. Ill go see the guys at the ballpark and hang out but then I leave.
What are you doing these days?
A lot of charity stuff these days. Golf and raise kids. Also help out doing the Rangers Legacy program which is for alumni and I’m also the Ambassador of Training for HITS400 which a batting cage here in Plano.
Kevin, once again thanks for taking the time.