Giants outfielder Carlos Moncrief took the road less traveled.
The 28-year-old rookie made his Major League debut in Los Angeles last weekend after spending 10 seasons in the Minor Leagues, and in a fitting tribute to the patience that it took for Moncrief to make it to the game’s highest level, he drew a walk in his first plate appearance.
A 14th-round draft choice of the Cleveland Indians back in 2008, Moncrief began his professional career as a pitcher, but after less than two full seasons in professional ball, he made an impassioned plea to become an outfielder and the Indians granted him his wish.
Moncrief joined the KO Podcast with Kerry Crowley this weekend to share his story and road to the show with KNBR.com’s Giants beat writer.
Though Moncrief came close to reaching the Major Leagues during his time with Cleveland, he never received the call to the big leagues that he was waiting for. After the 2015 season, Moncrief was designated for assignment, and ended up signing a Minor League contract with the San Francisco Giants.
While Moncrief said the end of his journey with Cleveland was challenging, he insisted he never gave up on his dream.
“I was 19 when I got drafted, and I felt like, I used to tell my wife, I thought I was going to be one of those people who was just with the same organization their whole career,” Moncrief said. “Because I always had a vision of myself being in the big leagues, and now that it’s here, it’s kind of weird. I just have to keep working. But toward the end of that with the Indians, I was in a pretty good head space, even when I got designated I was still in a pretty decent head space. I really didn’t know what was going to happen next but I never felt like it was over. That never popped into my head. My dad mentioned something about getting my truck driver license or something and I’m like, what are you talking about? Do you think this is over?”
Though Moncrief has lived in towns like Kinston, North Carolina, Mahoning Valley, Ohio and Richmond, Virginia, during his professional career, he’s also spent portions of the past few winters playing internationally, first in Venezuela and then in Mexico, for a reason most baseball players don’t have to think about.
“Honestly, I had to go to winter ball to keep my kids eating and to keep clothes on their back,” Moncrief said. “Because once the season stops, the income stops. In order to keep the income coming in, even to get better as a player, I would go and play winter ball. I noticed that it did take a small toll on my body I’d say, but luckily, I’ve had enough off days since that point.”
Listen to the full interview below.