Whatever
Happened To...
An update on past news
Ex-UH baseball
outfielder lives in Ewa
and coaches his kidsQuestion: Whatever happened to, in my opinion, the best ever pure hitter in UH Rainbows baseball history, that great outfielder Mr. Mario Monico?
Answer: Monico still holds several career records at the University of Hawaii, including best career batting average (.367), total career bases (433) and most home runs in an inning (2 against Utah on May 17, 1985).
Mario Monico: He still holds several career records at UH.
After his career at UH, Monico was drafted in the 12th round by the Milwaukee Brewers in 1985 and played professionally for six years, most of his time with the AAA Denver Zephyrs.
"I did real well. I thought I had a chance to make it but I was battling a chronic arm injury," Monico said.
Monico said that during his time in professional baseball, doctors operated on his elbow twice and recommended another surgery before he decided to call it quits.
"I played so many games that I really didn't miss it once I left," Monico said.
"When you have an injury, sometimes the pain can be unbearable, and when you play every day, it can become more unbearable. When I left, I felt that it was time," he said.
Monico returned to Hawaii and worked for a furniture company. In 1996, he opened his own business, Mario Moni Co., doing furniture installations.
Monico lives in Ewa with his wife and family. His oldest son, Ryan, 21, played high school and college baseball. His son Jordon, 13, plays with the Ewa Beach Orioles Pony League. His daughter, Kristen, 7, plays soccer.
Monico says nowadays he spends time coaching his kids rather than playing.
"As you get older, it's time to give back to teach," he said.
"It (sports) really helps the kids develop self confidence," he said. "It's healthy for them and gives them a chance to compete against other kids."
Monico said he has no regrets about his playing days. He recalls playing summer baseball while in college in the Kansas Jayhawk League, where his teammates were all-stars Barry Bonds, who plays with the San Francisco Giants and holds the single-season home run record at 73, and Rafael Palmeiro, who plays with the Texas Rangers and hit his 500th career home run on May 11.
"Playing at UH has given me a lot of positive feedback and memories, playing under coach Les Murakami, who gave me the opportunity and gave me a chance to play professional baseball," he said.
This item was written by Craig Gima.
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