Joe Koshansky
Encyclopedia
Joseph S. Koshansky is a Major League Baseball
first baseman
who is presently a member of the Richmond Flying Squirrels
, the Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants
.
in Chantilly, Virginia
, in 2000. He played baseball
as a pitcher
and first baseman
. He graduated from the University of Virginia
with a degree in economics
.
in the 6th round (170th overall) in the 2004 Major League Baseball Draft
.
. He played in 66 games and batted
.234 with 12 home run
s. His strikeout
numbers were a problem though as he ranked second in the league with 84.
. He played 120 games for the Tourists, in which he batted .291 with 36 home runs in 453 at bat
s. He was promoted to the Double-A Tulsa Drillers
on August 23. He played 12 games for them in which he batted .267 with 2 home runs. His performance earned him Baseball America
's Rockies Minor League Player of the Year Award. He was second in the league to Brandon Wood
in home runs, was third in extra base hit
s, fourth in total bases
, and was fifth in RBIs
. He was also awarded the South Atlantic League
Hitter of the Week Award on two occasions.
at PNC Park
in Pittsburgh
. In the game, he hit a two-run home run to help lead the U.S.
team over the World team, 8–5. Following the season, he was named Baseball America's 13th best prospect in the Texas League
and was also named the best power hitter in the Rockies minor league organization.
. Through 136 games, he batted .295 with 21 home runs and 99 RBI. His strong performance earned him a callup to the Colorado Rockies on September 1 when rosters expanded. He made his major league debut on that same day against the Arizona Diamondbacks
as a pinch hitter
in the ninth inning against Brandon Lyon
. He grounded out to end the game.
for the Sky Sox for the second time that season; he also hit for the cycle on May 24. He became the first player in Sky Sox history to hit for the cycle twice in one season and the first player in the minors to do it since 2006.
On July 5, , Koshansky started
at first base for the Rockies, the first major league start of his career. Koshansky also hit his first career home run, a solo shot in the bottom of the second inning off Ryan Tucker
, in a 12–6 home win over the Florida Marlins
.
and was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma
. Days later he was clamied off waivers by the Milwaukee Brewers
and optioned the Triple-A Nashville Sounds
.
that lasted 18 innings, Koshansky went 0 for 8 with 7 strikeouts, tying a Minor League Baseball
record.
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
first baseman
First baseman
First base, or 1B, is the first of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a baserunner in order to score a run for that player's team...
who is presently a member of the Richmond Flying Squirrels
Richmond Flying Squirrels
The Richmond Flying Squirrels are a minor league baseball team in Richmond, Virginia. The team, which is a part of the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants major league club, and plays at The Diamond...
, the Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
.
Early life
Koshansky graduated from Chantilly High SchoolChantilly High School
Chantilly High School is a high school located in the Chantilly CDP in unincorporated Fairfax County, Virginia, United States. It is part of the Fairfax County Public Schools system.-Overview:...
in Chantilly, Virginia
Chantilly, Virginia
Chantilly is an unincorporated community located in western Fairfax County and southeastern Loudoun County of Northern Virginia. Recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau as a census designated place , the community population was 23,039 as of the 2010 census -- down from 41,041 in 2000, due to the...
, in 2000. He played baseball
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
as a pitcher
Pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
and first baseman
First baseman
First base, or 1B, is the first of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a baserunner in order to score a run for that player's team...
. He graduated from the University of Virginia
University of Virginia
The University of Virginia is a public research university located in Charlottesville, Virginia, United States, founded by Thomas Jefferson...
with a degree in economics
Economics
Economics is the social science that analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. The term economics comes from the Ancient Greek from + , hence "rules of the house"...
.
Professional career
Koshansky was selected by the Colorado RockiesColorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1991, they started play in 1993 and are in the West Division of the National League. The team is named after the Rocky Mountains...
in the 6th round (170th overall) in the 2004 Major League Baseball Draft
2004 Major League Baseball Draft
The 2004 First-Year Player Draft, Major League Baseball's annual amateur draft, was held on June 7 and 8. It was conducted via conference call with representatives from each of the league's 30 teams...
.
2004
After getting drafted, Koshansky played for the Class A Tri-City Dust DevilsTri-City Dust Devils
The Tri-City Dust Devils are a minor league baseball team in Pasco, Washington, United States. The Dust Devils are a Short-Season A classification team in the Northwest League and have been a farm team of the Colorado Rockies since their inception in 2001. The Devils play home games at Gesa...
. He played in 66 games and batted
Batting average
Batting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :...
.234 with 12 home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
s. His strikeout
Strikeout
In baseball or softball, a strikeout or strike-out occurs when a batter receives three strikes during his time at bat. A strikeout is a statistic recorded for both pitchers and batters....
numbers were a problem though as he ranked second in the league with 84.
2005
Koshansky began the season with the Class A Asheville TouristsAsheville Tourists
The Asheville Tourists are a minor league baseball team based in Asheville, North Carolina, USA. They play in the Class A South Atlantic League and have been a farm team of the Colorado Rockies since 1994....
. He played 120 games for the Tourists, in which he batted .291 with 36 home runs in 453 at bat
At bat
In baseball, an at bat or time at bat is used to calculate certain statistics, including batting average, on base percentage, and slugging percentage. It is a more restricted definition of a plate appearance...
s. He was promoted to the Double-A Tulsa Drillers
Tulsa Drillers
The Tulsa Drillers are a minor league baseball team based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The team, which plays in the Texas League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies major-league club.-Stadium:...
on August 23. He played 12 games for them in which he batted .267 with 2 home runs. His performance earned him Baseball America
Baseball America
Baseball America is a magazine which covers baseball at every level, with a particular focus on up-and-coming players in high school, college, Japan, and the minor leagues. It is currently published in the form of a bi-weekly newspaper, five annual reference book titles, a weekly podcast, and a...
's Rockies Minor League Player of the Year Award. He was second in the league to Brandon Wood
Brandon Wood
Richard Brandon Wood is an American professional baseball infielder for the Colorado Rockies of Major League Baseball. He bats and throws right-handed and was born in Austin, Texas.-2003-05:...
in home runs, was third in extra base hit
Extra base hit
In baseball, an extra base hit , also known as a long hit, is any base hit on which the batter is able to advance past first base without the benefit of a fielder either committing an error or opting to make a throw to retire another base runner...
s, fourth in total bases
Total bases
In baseball statistics, total bases refers to the number of bases a player has gained with hits, i.e., the sum of his hits weighted by 1 for a single, 2 for a double, 3 for a triple and 4 for a home run.Only bases attained from hits count toward this total....
, and was fifth in RBIs
Run batted in
Runs batted in or RBIs is a statistic used in baseball and softball to credit a batter when the outcome of his at-bat results in a run being scored, except in certain situations such as when an error is made on the play. The first team to track RBI was the Buffalo Bisons.Common nicknames for an RBI...
. He was also awarded the South Atlantic League
South Atlantic League
The South Atlantic League is a minor league baseball league based chiefly in the Southeastern United States, with the exception of three teams in the Mid-Atlantic States...
Hitter of the Week Award on two occasions.
2006
In , Koshansky played for the Double-A Tulsa Drillers. He was selected as the Rockies Minor League Player of the Year again when he hit .284 with 31 home runs in 132 games for Tulsa. He set the Drillers franchise record for RBI with 109. He was also second in the league in home runs and slugging percentage. He also played in the Future's GameAll-Star Futures Game
The All-Star Futures Game is an annual baseball exhibition game between a team of top minor league prospects from the United States and a team of prospects from other parts of the World...
at PNC Park
PNC Park
PNC Park is a baseball park located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is the fifth home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, the city's Major League Baseball franchise. It opened during the 2001 Major League Baseball season, after the controlled implosion of the Pirates' previous home, Three Rivers Stadium...
in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is the second-largest city in the US Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Allegheny County. Regionally, it anchors the largest urban area of Appalachia and the Ohio River Valley, and nationally, it is the 22nd-largest urban area in the United States...
. In the game, he hit a two-run home run to help lead the U.S.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
team over the World team, 8–5. Following the season, he was named Baseball America's 13th best prospect in the Texas League
Texas League
The Texas League is a minor league baseball league which operates in the South Central United States. It is classified a Double-A league. The league was founded in 1888 and ran through 1892...
and was also named the best power hitter in the Rockies minor league organization.
2007
Koshansky began with the Triple-A Colorado Springs Sky SoxColorado Springs Sky Sox
The Colorado Springs Sky Sox are a minor league baseball team in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The team's colors are red and blue. The team plays in the Pacific Coast League and are the Triple-A affiliate of the major league Colorado Rockies...
. Through 136 games, he batted .295 with 21 home runs and 99 RBI. His strong performance earned him a callup to the Colorado Rockies on September 1 when rosters expanded. He made his major league debut on that same day against the Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
as a pinch hitter
Pinch hitter
In baseball, a pinch hitter is a substitute batter. Batters can be substituted at any time while the ball is dead ; the manager may use any player that has not yet entered the game as a substitute...
in the ninth inning against Brandon Lyon
Brandon Lyon
Brandon James Lyon is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Houston Astros. He throws a 4-seam fastball, 12-6 curveball, slider, and changeup.-Toronto Blue Jays:...
. He grounded out to end the game.
2008
On August 12, , Koshanksky hit for the cycleHitting for the cycle
In baseball, hitting for the cycle is the accomplishment of one batter hitting a single, a double, a triple, and a home run in the same game. Collecting the hits in that order is known as a "natural cycle". Cycles are uncommon in Major League Baseball , occurring 293 times since the first by Curry...
for the Sky Sox for the second time that season; he also hit for the cycle on May 24. He became the first player in Sky Sox history to hit for the cycle twice in one season and the first player in the minors to do it since 2006.
On July 5, , Koshansky started
Starting lineup
A starting lineup in sports is an official list of the set of players who will actively participate in the event when the game begins. The players in the starting lineup are commonly referred to as starters, whereas the others are substitutes or bench players.The starters are commonly the best...
at first base for the Rockies, the first major league start of his career. Koshansky also hit his first career home run, a solo shot in the bottom of the second inning off Ryan Tucker
Ryan Tucker (baseball)
Ryan C. Tucker is a Major League Baseball pitcher who is a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers organization....
, in a 12–6 home win over the Florida Marlins
Florida Marlins
The Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...
.
2009
On March 29, 2009, Koshansky was claimed off waivers by the Texas RangersTexas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
and was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma
Oklahoma RedHawks
The Oklahoma City RedHawks are a minor league baseball team based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The team, which plays in the Pacific Coast League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros...
. Days later he was clamied off waivers by the Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
and optioned the Triple-A Nashville Sounds
Nashville Sounds
The Nashville Sounds are a minor league baseball team of the Pacific Coast League , and the Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. They are located in Nashville, Tennessee, and are named for the city's association with the music industry...
.
2011
On April 30, 2011, in a game against the Bowie BaysoxBowie Baysox
The Bowie Baysox are a minor league baseball team located in Bowie, Maryland. They are the class-AA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, and play in the Eastern League...
that lasted 18 innings, Koshansky went 0 for 8 with 7 strikeouts, tying a Minor League Baseball
Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
record.