TTM Stats
- Sent: 6/18/2022 | Received: 7/15/2022 | 27 Days
- ’69 Topps, ’70 Topps, ’74 Topps (2)
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Andy Kosco, born on October 5, 1941, in Youngstown, Ohio, is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) outfielder and first baseman whose career spanned from 1965 to 1974. Known for his little bit of pop and versatility, Kosco played for seven MLB teams, leaving a mark as a reliable contributor during baseball’s pitching-dominated era.
Growing up in Youngstown, Kosco was a standout athlete at Struthers High School, excelling in baseball, basketball, and football. His senior year saw him batting an impressive .715 in baseball and averaging 25 points per game in basketball. His athletic talents garnered over 44 football scholarship offers and more than 20 for basketball, including from major programs like Michigan State and Ohio State. Despite considering a career in law, Kosco chose to pursue professional baseball when the Detroit Tigers signed him in 1959 with a significant bonus.
Kosco’s early professional years were spent honing his skills in the minor leagues. After initial struggles, a turning point came in 1964 when he joined the Bismarck-Mandan Pards, a Minnesota Twins affiliate. There, he won the Northern League Triple Crown, hitting .346 with 28 home runs and 97 RBIs, which led to his promotion to Triple-A Denver in 1965. His performance with the Denver Bears, where he batted .327 with 27 homers, earned him a call-up to the Twins later that year.
Kosco debuted with the Twins in August 1965, contributing as a right fielder during their pennant-winning season. Despite his efforts, he was not included in the World Series roster. Over three seasons with Minnesota, he saw limited playing time, batting .216 with 3 home runs and 23 RBIs in 241 at-bats.
Selected by the Yankees in the Rule 5 draft, Kosco became a regular in 1968, appearing in 131 games and hitting .240 with 15 home runs and 59 RBIs. He valued his time with the Yankees, especially playing alongside Mickey Mantle, whom he admired greatly.
Traded to the Dodgers in December 1968, Kosco had a notable 1969 season, leading the team with 19 home runs and 74 RBIs while batting .248. His performance included a two-home-run, five-RBI game against the Pirates and a grand slam against the Padres.
In 1971, Kosco played for the Brewers, continuing to provide power-hitting capabilities, though specific statistics from that season are less documented. The 1972 season saw Kosco splitting time between the Angels and the Red Sox, contributing as a utility player and offering veteran experience to both teams.
Kosco joined the Reds in 1973, delivering a strong performance with a .280 batting average and 9 home runs in 118 at-bats. He played a key role in the Reds’ National League West title run and batted .300 in the National League Championship Series. However, his performance declined in 1974, leading to his release.
Career Statistics
- Batting Average: .236
- Home Runs: 73
- RBIs: 267
- Hits: 464
- Games Played: 658
Kosco’s MLB career was marked by his adaptability and power-hitting during a period dominated by pitchers.
After retiring from professional baseball, Kosco returned to Youngstown, Ohio, where he pursued a career in the insurance industry. He remained connected to the sport, attending alumni events and supporting his sons, Bryn and Dru, both of whom played professional baseball.
Andy Kosco’s journey through Major League Baseball showcases the resilience and determination of a player who navigated the challenges of professional sports. His contributions across multiple teams and his post-baseball endeavors reflect a life dedicated to excellence both on and off the field.
The Score on Andy Kosco – 7.0
Andy did a great job on these. Not all of them really give him a great place to show off his signature, but they still work. That 1969 Topps card has a dark sleeve right in the place where you would think someone would want to sign, and he did just that. I think my favorite of this group is the 1970 Topp card, mostly because that blue goes so well with the Dodgers colors.
Thanks Mr. Kosco! I’m giving this return a 7 overall.
This is my second successful return from him. To see the first return, check out my post from April 2021.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.