Major lessons in minors for Rams assistant coach DON McKEE from 85 don't do well," Mondile said. "Again, white flight to Bluefield, it's more 1 mental than it is physical. W. Va. You've got the tools because you've Mondile pitched in the Baltimore proved it in triple A. chain in 1988, 1989 and 1990. He was "It's just more consistency, that's released at the end of the 1990 sea- all. When you get to the majors, they son. In 1991 he was invited to spring don't swing at that pitch that just training by the Phillies and was cut. misses the way they do in the miThat same spring he was invited to a nors. They're very disciplined in the tryout by St. Louis, but wasn't signed. bigs, with rare exceptions." In midsummer 1991 he had a hint Mondile said he could see future of interest from Cleveland, but it greatness in Schilling, even when came to nothing. both were in the low minors. *It was tough swallowing that," he "Curt was overpowering," Mondile said. "But whenever you're done recalled. "He's very strong. He can playing, it's tough swallowing it. It's throw at that velocity for six or getting easier, but I see guys in the seven innings and not lose any of it. majors I played with or against and I It's a cliche, but he gets stronger as know I was as good or better. I guess I he goes on. won't get over it till they're all "He was always a fastball, strikegone." out-type guy. Houston wanted to Mondile couldn't make the jump, make him their closer. I never but by careful study of the guys he thought that was right for him - he played with and against, he gained relishes starting. Some guys can do knowledge he can pass on to players both, but he's better off as a starter. at Gloucester Catholic and the "From the beginning, he could Brooklawn American Legion team. throw in the 90s and still be there in He is an assistant with both the Rams the eighth." and Brooklawn, which has produced If nothing else, Steve Mondile got some outstanding pitching prospects. to see a lot of great competition in "Some guys are good in triple A, his years riding the buses in the and when they get to the big leagues, bushes.
