Although Koonce 'officially' began his baseball career by being selected
by the Detroit Tigers in the 60th round of the 1993 June draft, he
believes his career really started on Dec. 13, 2001.
That was
the day Graham Koonce was selected by Oakland from the San Diego Padres organization
in the minor league portion of the Rule 5 draft.
It was like
a re-birth to Koonce's baseball career. As a native Southern Californian,
it was great to be a member of the Padres organization, but Koonce's baseball
career never got off the ground until he became part of the Athletics' organization.
"I
grew up a Padres' fan," Koonce said. "I would listen to them on
the radio with my dad. It was nice to be in an organization where I knew some
of the big league guys, but it just didn't work out."
The 6-foot-4-inch,
225-pound Koonce has always been very selective at the plate. Thus, when the
A's got Koonce they found a willing and able pupil. The A's encourage hitters
to look at pitches and go deep into the count. That was just what Koonce wanted
to hear.
"For
me, it was a matter of maturing physically," said Koonce, 28. "It
was getting to know myself and what I had to do (to improve). The A's whole
philosophy of hitting, what they wanted me to do, was kind of what I want
to do. It was a good fit."
It was
such a good fit that Koonce walked off with the Pacific Coast League Most
Valuable Player Award in his first year of Class AAA ball.
His 34
home runs and 115 RBI were the top power numbers in the Pacific Coast League,
as well as career-highs at any level for the personable Koonce.
Along with
the outstanding power numbers, Koonce was among the league leaders in walks
with 98 and on-base percentage at .403.
When
he came to us, he was a selective hitter," said Tony DeFrancesco,
Koonce's manager at Midland who also moved up to Sacramento this season.
"Selectivity helps your approach to the game. He was a big part
of our offense (at Midland). This year, not only is he hitting well,
but his defense has improved. He's running a lot better around first
base."
Koonce carries a quiet confidence with him. He is not a numbers man,
so he didn't set any goals at the beginning of the season. He won't
say that the numbers he has posted were unanticipated, though for
others it came as a pleasant surprise.
"I
don't think anyone expected these type of numbers at the beginning
of the year," Coach White admitted "It's astounding to think
what he's accomplished. We thought he was capable of 20 or more home
runs, but we play in a right-handed (hitters) park. To hit more than
30 home runs is tremendous."
"We
could see in spring training that he was hitting the ball a mile,"
White said. "I think he got comfortable. He didn't panic when
things weren't going well at the beginning. He made the adjustments
he had to make. He's got a great work ethic."
Despite all the accolades and success Koonce garnered this season,
his head is still squarely on his shoulders.
"The
MVP made me extremely happy because there are a lot of good players
in the league," Koonce said. "To be honored like that is
really something. It's one of my career highlights."
Koonce is optimistic that the payoff for his MVP season could be a
shot to play Major League Baseball.
"I
would hope that with the season I've had I will get a chance,"
Koonce said. "That's my ultimate goal."
Koonce's aspiration includes the desire to reciprocate the love the
A's showed him in the 2001 Rule 5 draft.
"I
was excited that someone showed interest in me," Koonce said.
"Now, I would like to get to the big leagues with the A's because
they believed in me."
Count
DeFrancesco as one who is hoping to see Koonce in the major leagues.
"I'm
a big fan of Graham," DeFrancesco said. "I'll be pushing
and rooting for him. He knows how to make adjustments, to read pitchers.
He struggled in April. But look at the numbers he's put up since May.
The numbers speak for themselves."
The A's, one of baseball's small-market teams, may have once again
proved to be an astute judge of baseball talent.
Editor's
note: Grahm Koonce was called up by the AL West Champion Oakland A's
on 9/14/03 and was placed on their playoff roster.
2003 PCL Most Valuable Player 
