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Pete Kozma

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Pete Kozma
Kozma with the St. Louis Cardinals
Free agent
Shortstop
Born:(1988-04-11)April 11, 1988(age 36)
Tulsa, Oklahoma,U.S.
Bats:Right
Throws:Right
MLB debut
May 18, 2011, for the St. Louis Cardinals
MLB statistics
(through 2021 season)
Batting average.213
Home runs5
Runs batted in62
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Peter Michael Kozma(born April 11, 1988) is an Americanprofessional baseballshortstopwho is a free agent. He has played inMajor League Baseball(MLB) for theSt. Louis Cardinals,New York Yankees,Texas Rangers,Detroit Tigers,andOakland Athletics.The Cardinals selected him in the first round of the2007 MLB draftfromOwasso High SchoolinOklahoma,and he made his MLB debut for them on May 18, 2011. He is 6 feet 0 inches (1.83 m), weighs 190 lb (86 kg), and bats and throws right-handed.

A sure-handed defender with excellent range and throwing arm,[1][2][3]Kozma primarily playsshortstop.In the2012 National League Division Seriesagainst theWashington Nationals,his 9th inning hit of the deciding Game 5 drove in the go-ahead run and allowed the Cardinals to advance to theNational League Championship Series.

Early life

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Kozma was born inTulsa, Oklahoma.His father, Bob “Buckey” Kozma, played Triple-A baseball, and his mother, Janet, played softball. He attended Owasso High School inOwasso, Oklahoma,and played for the school's baseball team.[4]He was named toUSA Today'sAll-USA high school baseball second team.[5]

Professional career

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St. Louis Cardinals

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TheSt. Louis Cardinalsselected Kozma in the first round, with the 18th overall selection, of the2007 Major League Baseball draft.[6]In his first professional season, Kozma played for three minor league teams—theJohnson City Cardinals(30 games),GCL Cardinals(four games) andBatavia Muckdogs(eight games). Overall, he hit.233 with twohome runsand 11runs batted in(RBIs) in 42 games that season.

Kozma played for theQuad Cities River Bandits(99 games) andPalm Beach Cardinals(24 games) in 2008, hitting a combined.258 with five home runs and 50 RBI in 123 games. He also stole 12 bases in 18 attempts.

In 2009, Kozma split the season between Palm Beach (18 games) and theSpringfield Cardinals(113 games), hitting.231 with six home runs and 45 RBI in 131 games. He played for Springfield in 2010, hitting.243 with 13 home runs and 72 RBI in 132 games. He also stole 13 bases in 15 tries.[7]

Kozma during the2012 National League Division Series

On May 18, 2011, Kozma was called up from the AAAMemphis Redbirds,with whom he hit.214 in 112 games, to the major league club to replace injured middle infielderNick Punto.He made his major league debut that night, and hit a double with an RBI in his first at-bat when pinch-hitting in the 5th inning atBusch Stadium.Kozma was part of the Cardinals' postseason roster when the team won the2011 World Seriesover theTexas Rangers.

Kozma was optioned to Triple-A to begin the 2012 season. He was recalled to the Cardinals on August 31, 2012, whenRafael Furcalwas placed on the disabled list.[8]Kozma singled to give the Cardinals the deciding runs in the winner-take-all fifth game of the2012 National League Division Series(NLDS) over theWashington Nationals.[9]During the NLDS, he hit a home run—his first in an MLB postseason—and drove in five runners. Kozma batted.227 during theNLCSagainst theSan Francisco Giantsand added a stolen base. Despite leading 3–1 in the series, the Cardinals lost the Series in the last game.

Kozma became the Cardinals' primary shortstop in2013and finished with a.217 batting average, 20 doubles, a home run and three stolen bases in 143 games. They secured the best record in theNational League,thus making the playoffs. He provided a key defensive play in the sixth inning of Game 3 of theNLCSagainst theLos Angeles Dodgers.Dodgers batterJuan Uribehit a rapid ground ball in the hole, which Kozma backhanded and relayed to second basemanMatt Carpenter,tipping off an inning ending double play. The Cardinals won the game, 4–2.[10]

The Cardinals won the NLCS to advance to theWorld Series.In Game 1 of theWorld Seriesagainst theBoston Red Sox,Kozma was involved in a controversial error/blown call that was overturned by the umpiring crew. He mishandled and dropped a ball tossed to him that would have commenced an inning-ending double play. Red SoxmanagerJohn Farrellleapt of the dugout, confronted umpireDana DeMuthand requested that the umpire crew get together and make a group decision on the ruling. The umpires ultimately ruled that Kozma never had control of the ball, and the inning continued. Boston went on to score three runs that inning, and eventually went on to win thechampionshipin six games.

The following off-season, the Cardinals signed longtimeAmerican LeagueplayerJhonny Peraltaas afree agentto upgrade their offense at shortstop, thus supplanting Kozma from his short-lived status as the starter.[11]The Cardinals signedMark Ellis,another free agent, and kept rookie second basemanKolten Wongon the MLB roster for much of the season. Those three moves relegated Kozma to spending most of2014playing for Memphis, where he hit.248 with eight home runs and 59 RBI. The Cardinals recalled him when MLB rosters expand in September, and in 14 games hit.304 with three doubles. The club won theNL Centraldivision, assuring a playoff berth for the fourth time in his four seasons with the club. He was a last-minute addition to the postseason roster for theNLDSagainst theDodgers.[12]

The following spring training, Kozma resumed working out at all infield positions, and added time as acatcher.[13]On June 25,2015,against theMiami Marlins,he scored on a double fromKolten Wong.He had three hits and reached base in four plate appearances,[14]snapping an 0–21 streak that dated back to May 19.[15]Kozma totaled 99 at bats for the season, batting.152 with a.236on-base percentageand noextra base hits.The Cardinals removed him from the 40-man roster after the season and re-assigned him to Memphis.[16]He opted to become a free agent.

New York Yankees

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On December 4, 2015, theNew York Yankeessigned Kozma to a minor league contract.[17]He spent the 2016 season with theScranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRidershelping the team win the International League and Triple–A Championships.[18]He signed a contract with the Yankees for the 2017 season. Due to an injury toDidi Gregorius,the Yankees added Kozma to their Opening Day roster.[19]He wasdesignated for assignmenton April 28, to make room for Gregorius' return.[20]

Texas Rangers

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On April 30, 2017, theTexas Rangersclaimed Kozma off ofwaivers.[21] He played as a backup utility infielder. On July 20, 2017, he was designated for assignment.

Detroit Tigers

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On January 9, 2018, theDetroit Tigerssigned Kozma to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.[22]He started the season with the Triple–AToledo Mud Hens.On May 8, the Tigers purchased Kozma's minor league contract and added him to the major league roster.[23]He hit a home run in his first at-bat for the Tigers the next day. He was designated for assignment on June 1. After clearing waivers, Kozma was sent outright to Toledo on June 5.[24]On September 14, the Tigers again purchased Kozma's contract from Toledo to add infield depth.[25]In 27 games, he hit.217 with one home run and eight RBI.

On November 9, 2018, Kozma re–signed with the Tigers organization on a minor league contract that included an invitation to spring training.[26]He also played winter baseball with thePerth Heatof theAustralian Baseball Leaguefor their 2018-19 season, crediting teammateWarwick Saupoldfor persuading him to join the Heat.[27]Kozma played in 88 games for Toledo in 2019, slashing.263/.340/.414 with seven home runs and 51 RBI. He became a minor league free agent on November 4, 2019.[28]

Atlanta Braves

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On November 19, 2019, Kozma signed a minor league deal with theAtlanta Braves.[29]On July 4, 2020, it was announced that Kozma had tested positive forCOVID-19.[30]Kozma did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of theCOVID-19 pandemic.[31]He became a free agent on November 2, 2020.[32]

Oakland Athletics

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On November 18, 2020, Kozma signed a minor league contract with theOakland Athleticsorganization.[33]He played in 113 games for the Triple-ALas Vegas Aviatorsin 2021, slashing.245/.307/.337 with 4 home runs, 40 RBI, and 6 stolen bases.

On October 1, 2021, his contract was selected, and he appeared in 3 games for Oakland to end the year. On October 19, he was outrighted off the 40-man roster.[34]Kozma got 1 hit in 11 at-bats in 2021. On October 19, Kozma elected free agency.[35]

Kansas City Monarchs

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On April 9, 2022, Kozma signed with theKansas City Monarchsof theAmerican Association.[36]Kozma played in 84 games for Kansas City, batting.291/.344/.385 with 2 home runs and 53 RBI. He was released on October 31, 2022.

Kozma played with thePerth Heatof theAustralian Baseball Leaguefor the 2022/23 season finishing the season 2nd in the South West Division.

Kane County Cougars

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On March 2, 2023, Kozma signed with theKane County Cougarsof theAmerican Association of Professional Baseball.[37]In 62 games for Kane County, he batted.201/.296/.242 with no home runs and 15 RBI. On August 8, Kozma was released by the Cougars.[38]However, on August 20, Kozma re–signed with the team.[39]He was released again on August 23.[40]

References

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  1. ^"Cardinals' farm system cause for excitement | Florida State League".Milb. February 29, 2008.RetrievedNovember 15,2018.
  2. ^"Peter Kozma Class of 2007 - Player Profile | Perfect Game USA".Perfectgame.org. May 18, 2011.RetrievedNovember 15,2018.
  3. ^Callis, Jim; Lingo, Will; Manuel, John; Badler, Ben (February 2008).Baseball America Prospect Handbook 2008 - Google Books.ISBN9781932391190.RetrievedNovember 15,2018.
  4. ^"Owasso wins big".May 12, 2005.RetrievedApril 2,2017.
  5. ^"Porcello leads the way on 2007 All-USA baseball team - USATODAY".RetrievedApril 2,2017.
  6. ^"Cardinals select Pete Kozma with top pick".RetrievedApril 2,2017.
  7. ^"Pete Kozma Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History - Baseball-Reference".RetrievedApril 2,2017.
  8. ^"Cardinals put Rafael Furcal on disbled list - MLB - SI".Archived fromthe originalon March 14, 2014.RetrievedAugust 31,2012.
  9. ^"Cardinals vs. Nationals - 10/12/12".RetrievedApril 2,2017.
  10. ^Ortiz, Jorge L. (October 16, 2013)."Pete Kozma's defensive heroics off the bench key Cardinals win".USA Today.RetrievedMarch 8,2015.
  11. ^Sheldon, Mark (November 24, 2013)."Cardinals fill another need with Peralta signing: Veteran lands four-year contract, provides offensive upgrade at shortstop".MLB.RetrievedNovember 24,2013.
  12. ^Miller, Doug (October 1, 2014)."From postseason hero to Triple-A callup, Kozma not fazed: Versatile infielder earns one of Cardinals' last roster spots for NLDS vs. Dodgers".MLB.stlouis.cardinals.mlb.RetrievedMarch 8,2015.
  13. ^Goold, Derrick (March 8, 2015)."Kozma moves around, starts at second base".St. Louis Post-Dispatch.stltoday.RetrievedMarch 8,2015.
  14. ^Frisaro, Joe; Wilaj, Steve (June 25, 2015)."Cardinals' bats back Lynn in sweep of Marlins".MLB.Archived fromthe originalon March 4, 2016.RetrievedJune 25,2015.
  15. ^Lempert, Jason (June 25, 2015)."Cardinals INF Pete Kozma has three-hit game on Thursday".CBSSports.RetrievedJune 25,2015.
  16. ^Roto Wire staff (November 2, 2015)."Cardinals' Pete Kozma: outrighted off 40-man roster".CBS Sports.RetrievedNovember 8,2015.
  17. ^"Yankees sign shortstop Pete Kozma to a minor league deal".December 4, 2015.RetrievedApril 2,2017.
  18. ^"Ex-Redbird Kozma savors ride to Triple-A title with RailRiders".RetrievedApril 2,2017.
  19. ^"Pro baseball: Owasso's Pete Kozma wins Yankees' job".March 30, 2017.RetrievedApril 2,2017.
  20. ^"Gregorius in, Kozma out for Yankees".RetrievedApril 30,2017.
  21. ^"Rangers claim of infielder Pete Kozma might lead to demotion of Jurickson Profar - SportsDay".April 30, 2017.RetrievedApril 30,2017.
  22. ^Sipple, George (January 9, 2018)."Detroit Tigers agree to minor-league deals with Brayan Peña, 5 others".Detrotit Free Press.RetrievedJanuary 12,2018.
  23. ^"Jordan Zimmermann and Alex Wilson hit DL".MLB.RetrievedMay 8,2018.
  24. ^"Tigers Re-Sign Gerson Moreno, Outright Pete Kozma".MLB Trade Rumors.June 4, 2018.RetrievedJune 6,2018.
  25. ^"Tigers promote Pete Kozma from Triple-A".MLB.RetrievedSeptember 15,2018.
  26. ^"Tigers re-sign shortstop Pete Kozma".MLB.RetrievedNovember 10,2018.
  27. ^Nixon, Edward."MLB star Kozma joins Heat".TheABL.RetrievedNovember 15,2018.
  28. ^Woodbery, Evan (November 7, 2019)."Tigers' minor-league free agents include 5 who played in Detroit in 2019".mlive.RetrievedNovember 8,2019.
  29. ^Hilburn-Trenkle, Chris (January 3, 2020)."Minor League Transactions: Nov 3 - Dec 17".Baseball America.RetrievedJanuary 3,2020.
  30. ^"Freeman among four Braves to test positive".ESPN.July 4, 2020.RetrievedJuly 4,2020.
  31. ^"2020 Minor League Baseball season cancelled".mlb.RetrievedFebruary 27,2023.
  32. ^"Full List of 2020-2021 MiLB Free Agents".baseballamerica.RetrievedAugust 22,2024.
  33. ^"A's Add Three to 40-Man Roster, Announce Several Minor League Signings".November 20, 2020.
  34. ^"Pete Kozma Rumors - MLB Trade Rumors".
  35. ^"Pete Kozma Elects Free Agency".October 19, 2021.
  36. ^"WIZARD OF KOZ IS IN KANSAS".monarchsbaseball.April 9, 2022.RetrievedApril 11,2022.
  37. ^"American Association of Professional Baseball - 2023 Transactions".
  38. ^"2023 Transactions".aabaseball.RetrievedAugust 10,2023.
  39. ^"2023 Transactions".aabaseball.RetrievedAugust 21,2023.
  40. ^"2023 Transactions".aabaseball.RetrievedAugust 28,2023.
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