| Ron Karkovice | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Karkovice atNew Comiskey Park in 1997 | |
| Catcher | |
| Born: (1963-08-08)August 8, 1963 (age 62) Union Township, Union County, New Jersey, U.S. | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| August 17, 1986, for the Chicago White Sox | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| September 26, 1997, for the Chicago White Sox | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Batting average | .221 |
| Home runs | 96 |
| Runs batted in | 335 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
Ronald Joseph Karkovice (born August 8, 1963) is an American former professional baseball catcher.
Drafted by theChicago White Sox in the 1st round of the 1982MLB amateur draft, Karkovice would make hisMajor League Baseball debut with the Chicago White Sox on August 17, 1986, and appeared in his final game on September 26, 1997. Based on Karkovice's great defensive prowess in throwing out baserunners attempting tosteal bases, White Sox broadcasterKen "Hawk" Harrelson nicknamed him "Officer Karkovice," jokingly warning opponents that the catcher would catch them stealing.[1]
When Karkovice was seven years old, his family moved toFlorida after his father, who worked forUnited Airlines, was transferred.[2] He began playing baseball in Little League at age eight. Karkovice later attendedBoone High School inOrlando, where he first started catching at 14,[3] and was teammates withJoe Oliver.[4] He was named to the 1982ABCA/Rawlings High School All-America First Team.[5] Karkovice was inducted into Boone's Hall of Fame in 2004.[6]
Karkovice was one of the best fielding catchers in the Major Leagues during his time with the White Sox. For his career, he threw out 41% of base stealers. In 1993, he threw out 54% of them.
On August 30, 1990, Karkovice hit an inside-the-park grand slam off ofMinnesota Twins pitcherDavid West at theHubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.[7][8]
In 2001 Karkovice managed theGulf Coast League Royals. He then coached the First Academy baseball team in Orlando in an assistant capacity, before moving on as head coach for Pine Castle Christian Academy.[9] From 2009 to 2011, Karkovice served as hitting coach for theNewark Bears of theAtlantic League of Professional Baseball.[10] In 2012, Karkovice was named bench coach for theCamden Riversharks, another Atlantic League team.[11] He was promoted to manager of the club the next year.[12]
In the 1990s, Karkovice was an early investor in Stix Baseball, abaseball bat manufacturer that was eventually bought byEaston.[13]
Karkovice opened Ronnie's Big League Deli in Orlando in November 2003.[4]
Professional baseball pitcherJake Brigham is Karkovice's nephew.[14]
· Baseball Almanac