Joe Menarchek

Joseph J. Menarchek

• Bats Left, Throws Left
• Height 5' 11", Weight 170 lb.
• School California State Teacher’s College
• High School Redstone High School
• Born October 3, 1928 in Whitney, PA USA
• Died January 17, 2014 in Latrobe, PA USA

BR Minors page

Biographical Information

Starting pitcher Joe Menarchek played in the Pittsburgh Pirates system from 1945 to 1948.

At 17 years old, he went 16-10 with a 2.35 ERA in 28 games (25 starts) for the Hornell Maples in 1945 when many older players were off serving in World War II. Though he walked 152 batters in 211 innings, he allowed only 158 hits and struck out 248 batsmen. He tied for third in the PONY League in wins, was in the top 5 in ERA, led in walks by 30 and led in strikeouts as well.

He pitched for the Selma Cloverleafs in 1946 and went 5-8 with a 4.37 ERA in 28 games. With the York White Roses in 1947, he was 7-7 with a 2.79 ERA in 21 games. He wrapped up his career in 1948 by going 1-4 with a 6.80 ERA in 10 games for the Fort Wayne Generals.

In four seasons, Menarchek was 29-29 with a 3.39 ERA in 87 games. He pitched 523 innings and allowed 484 hits and 344 walks.

After baseball, he went to college and earned his degree. He worked as a teacher for 26 years and also coached baseball at high schools in Fayette County and Westmoreland County.

Sources include Obituary