Originally published on Feb. 11, 2022, as part of a series on the most underrated players in Minnesota Twins history, this story celebrates Corey Koskie’s induction into the Twins’ team Hall of Fame at Target Field.
Growing up on a small farm in Anola, Manitoba—a town of just 200—Koskie’s early athletic life revolved around hockey and volleyball. Baseball was barely on his radar. Though recruited as a goalie for the University of Minnesota-Duluth, Koskie opted for a volleyball scholarship at the University of Manitoba. Baseball nearly slipped through his fingers entirely.
That changed when John Smith, head coach at Des Moines Area Community College, convinced him to take a chance on baseball. Koskie later recalled, “For some reason I decided to go there and play baseball. I wasn’t a long shot. I view it as being a no shot.” His gamble paid off. After a season in Iowa and a stint at Kwantlen University and the National Baseball Institute in British Columbia, a Twins scout noticed him. Drafted in the 26th round in 1994, Koskie slowly worked his way up the minors, spending a full season at each level before breaking into Triple-A in 1998.
Koskie’s MLB debut with Minnesota in September 1998 was modest—11 games and a .138 average—but he quickly proved himself the next spring, hitting .333 in April 1999. Despite his bat, manager Tom Kelly initially limited Koskie’s time at third base, forcing him to play designated hitter and occasionally right field. Undeterred, Koskie honed his defensive skills under third-base coach Ron Gardenhire, eventually securing a regular starting role.
By 2001, Koskie was one of the league’s top-fielding third basemen. At the plate, he was a consistent force: six seasons with the Twins all featured an OPS above .800, and in Wins Above Replacement, he led Twins position players in three seasons. Even when battling injuries, Koskie’s combination of offense and Gold Glove-caliber defense made him indispensable.
His knack for timely hitting was evident in the 2004 ALDS against the Yankees, where his double off Mariano Rivera nearly produced a historic go-ahead score in Game 2. Although the ball bounced unfavorably, the moment showcased Koskie’s clutch instincts.
Koskie was also known for his personality in the clubhouse. His pranks—most famously filling David Ortiz’s underwear with chunky peanut butter—made him a fan and teammate favorite. Beyond humor, Koskie mentored younger players like Justin Morneau, passing on wisdom from his unconventional path to the majors.
Statistically, Koskie’s case as one of the Twins’ best third basemen is compelling. While Gary Gaetti is often hailed as the franchise’s top third baseman for his durability and role on the 1987 championship team, Koskie’s six seasons of consistent offensive production and strong defense give him a legitimate edge in all-around value. Among Twins with at least 1,500 plate appearances, Koskie ranks seventh in OPS (.836), between Kirby Puckett and Justin Morneau, and his WAR per 150 games (4.1) surpasses Gaetti’s 3.0.
Though injuries shortened his career, and his time with Toronto and Milwaukee was brief, Koskie left a lasting mark on Minnesota. His journey—from a “no shot” farm kid in Canada to Hall of Fame inductee—is a testament to perseverance, skill, and dedication.
Now, Corey Koskie joins Gaetti in the Twins Hall of Fame, finally earning the recognition long overdue for one of the franchise’s most underrated stars.
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