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NEWSMAKER: Corey KoskieKoskie takes his bat home to Canada
CBC Sports Online | March 30, 2005
Toronto Blue Jays Corey Koskie connects for a home run in his first at-bat as a Blue Jay during an inter-squad game at Spring Training in Dunedin, Fla. on Tuesday March 1, 2005. (CP PHOTO/Frank Gunn) |
A decade ago he was just another prospect
given little hope of making baseball's major leagues. Today, Corey
Koskie is the starting third baseman for the team he grew up watching.
During the winter, Koskie turned down several lucrative offers from a handful of free-spending American clubs. Instead, the Manitoba farm boy chose to return to Canada, agreeing to play for less money with the penny-wise Toronto Blue Jays.
"I wanted to be part of the Blue Jays," said Koskie, who will be the first Canadian to hold an everyday position with the Jays in nearly 30 years (in 1978, B.C. native Dave MacKay played second for Toronto).
"I remember where I was when Joe Carter hit the home run to win the Blue Jays the World Series."
Koskie was raised in Anola, Man., a small farming community just outside of Winnipeg. Like many Canadians he grew up playing hockey. He was also a volleyball star and was set to play for the varsity team at the University of Manitoba when he decided to pursue a baseball career.
"He looked at me like I was crazy," recalls Koskie, thinking back to the day he told legendary Bisons coach Garth Pischki that he was choosing baseball over volleyball.
Pischki probably wasn't the only one questioning Koskie's sanity at the time. Although he was an outstanding athlete, he was a raw baseball player. Many scouts believed he'd never earn a spot on a big-league team.
But Koskie persevered and eventually excelled, becoming one of the game's best all-round third basemen.
Entering his seventh season, Koskie sports a solid .280 lifetime batting average. He's also smacked 101 homers and driven in 437 runs in 816 career games.
"It goes to show you what kind of guy he is," said Jays general manager J.P. Riccardi.
"Koskie is really starting to get into the prime of his career. We think he's going to be a leader for us."
Riccardi gave Koskie a three-year contract worth $16 million in December. Koskie is being counted on to fill some of the void left by the departure of Carlos Delgado, the most dangerous Jays slugger of all time.
"[Koskie] is going to be a plus for us offensively, defensively and
in the clubhouse," Riccardi added.
In addition to more money, Koskie also gave up a legitimate shot at World Series title by coming to Canada.
Koskie's previous team, the Minnesota Twins, is one of the best teams in the American League. The Jays, on the other hand, are one of the worst.
The Twins have won the last two AL Central division crowns. The Jays haven't come close to making the playoffs in 10 years.
And if the Jays are to change that any time soon, they'll need some extraordinary performances and a healthy dose of good luck.
Toronto will likely have to unseat the mighty New York Yankees or the World Series champion Boston Red Sox – or both, considering the role of the wild card – in order to earn a playoff berth.
Koskie is undaunted. In fact, he seems to be relishing the challenge.
"There's a real sense of satisfaction to start out with nothing and get something," Koskie explained.
"It's exciting. I want to be part of that."
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Born:
June 28, 1973, in Anola, Man.
Before the Blue Jays:
Played seven seasons in Minnesota. His best year was 2001, when he hit 26 homers and drove in 103 runs.
Bye-Bye Minnesota:
When he left Minnesota he took out a half-page advertisement in the sports sections of both Minneapolis-St. Paul's daily newspapers to explain how the decision to leave friends in the organization and loyal fans was difficult.
Scouting report:
Considered a line-drive hitter, who has the power and potential to consistently hit 20 homers and drive in 100 runs. He's a solid fielder with a strong throwing arm. His experience as a hockey goalie helps with his defence.
The injury bug:
Koskie has been plagued by nagging injuries throughout his career. He missed 44 games last season with various aliments, and has never played an entire 162-game schedule in his career.
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