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  • Mankato MoonDogs’ shortstop Chris Munoz is batting only .277 but leads the team with four home runs and 19 RBI. Pat Christman

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July 3, 2012

MoonDogs’ shortstop has that deceptive power

Munoz leads team in home runs, RBIs

By Chad Courrier Free Press Staff Writer

MANKATO — Chris Munoz didn’t know if he wanted to play summer baseball, but he’s glad he did.

After an outstanding season at Oklahoma City University, he’s continued that success with the Mankato MoonDogs, providing a powerful bat and a slick glove at shortstop.

“I’ve never played summer ball,” Munoz said. “But I wanted to get the experience of playing every day.

“It’s been a good time. I’ve gotten good at-bats against good pitching. It’s a grind, but if you want to make it to pro ball, this gets you ready.”

Munoz is hitting .277 with five doubles. His four home runs are tied for the team lead, while 19 RBIs is tops on the club and 15th in the Northwoods League.

He was a late addition to the roster, joining the team when it looked like Jorge Flores would get drafted. Flores signed after a week in Mankato, opening an opportunity for Munoz.

“I’ve heard I had some big shoes to fill,” Munoz said. “It was the same thing when I got to (Oklahoma City University), and I had to replace the NAIA player of the year. But that’s just another chip on my shoulder that makes me work harder.”

Last spring at Oklahoma City, Munoz batted .390 with 18 doubles, six triples and 11 homers.

He’s not a big kid so it’s hard to see how he generates power.

“A lot of times, the ability to generate torque with your body is a God-given skill,” MoonDogs manager Mike Orchard said. “He seems to be able to generate power, and with a slight uppercut, he can really hit it for a small guy.”

Munoz smiles at the mention of his power. He’s heard the question before: How such a little guy can hit it so far?

“I don’t know,” he said. “I just swing hard, and the bat runs into (the ball). After the ball hits the bat, I can’t control it.”

He has also helped out with his glove, committing only four errors and working the double play seamlessly with second baseman Nick Ratajczak.

“He makes the tough play look easy,” Orchard said. “I thought he would be slightly above average (defensively), but he’s a lot better than that. He has enough arm to make the throws, and he really handles the bad hops well.”

Munoz said that Ratajczak has been a role model for him defensively.

“We just clicked right away,” Munoz said. “I see how hard he plays defense, hard-nosed, and I build off him.”

Munoz said that since the MoonDogs clinched the North Division’s first-half championship and will be in the league playoffs in August, it’s important that the players still come to the ballpark every day and work hard.

“You have to keep improving,” he said. “There’s a long ways to go, and you can’t settle. We have a lot of good players on this team, and we can be pretty darn good.”

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