 Dorante began his managerial career within the Montreal Expos system in the Gulf Coast League in 1995.He was a coach with the GCL Expos in 1996, a club which posted a league-best 41-18 record and a first-place finish, only to lose in the first round of the playoffs.After three seasons with the GCL Expos (also managed in 1997), he led the Cape Fear Crocs to an overall record of 80-61 and a post-season appearance in 1998.