Carlos Ponce was signed in 1980 as a free agent by the Milwaukee Brewers. The Puerto Rican native batted right and threw right, playing first base and outfield. He was not big (5’10”, 170#) but had gap power and decent speed. After signing with the Brewers he reported to Butte in the rookie Pioneer League, tearing it up to the tune of a .347/.392/.552 slash line in 285 plate appearances, finishing second in the league with 90 hits.
In 1981, he moved up to Burlington in the Class A Midwest League and had a decent year, slashing .