A major thrill

Ben Kozlowski was on the team bus returning from the Texas League playoffs when he got the phone call of his dreams.

It was Texas Rangers director of minor-league operations John Lombardo, informing the 22-year-old former Seminole High standout that Kozlowski was headed to the major leagues.

"I was overwhelmed and at first just couldn't believe it," Kozlowski said. "He said they were rewarding my efforts and bringing me up."

Not only did Kozlowski make the leap from the AA Tulsa Drillers to the Rangers this month, but a few days later the left-handed pitcher started against the Seattle Mariners.

"After I joined the team, I had just three days to absorb it all," said Kozlowski, a pro since 1999.

"I tried not to get too excited and tried to concentrate on the job I had to do," he said. "I knew I had to perform and prove to myself and the team that I belonged at the major-league level."

Kozlowski allowed three runs in his first appearance, exiting in the fifth inning with Texas leading 7-3.

At the AA level he posted a 1.90 ERA in eight starts. For his career, Kozlowski has a 22-25 record and 2.66 ERA in 88 games.

Kozlowski was drafted in the 26th round by the Boston Red Sox as a Seminole senior. He played one season at Santa Fe Community College, then was a 12th-round selection of the Atlanta Braves in the '99 draft.

In April of this year, Kozlowski was sent to the Texas organization.

"I don't want to get myself too high or too low but be steady, which I am pretty much anyway," Kozlowski said. "I want to be able to handle any situation I'm in."

Kozlowski relies on his fastball, changeup and curve, working primarily off his fastball.

"My strength is in my fastball. I throw in the low 90s and am trying to get into the mid-90s," Kozlowski said. "I try to play the angles and stand a little toward first base.

"No matter what, I pitch aggressively. I'm not afraid to pitch inside to a hitter."

As good a year as he's had professionally, it has been tough personally. Kozlowski's mother, Debbie, passed away in June after a struggle with cancer. She was a stalwart supporter, along with Kozlowski's dad, Ray, said Kozlowski. Together, and including his older brother Chris, 29, they provided the critical support system.

"I know that my mother is looking down at me and is proud," Kozlowski said. "She gave me the motivation to be all that I can be."

Kozlowski says he has a lot of support from Rangers staff.

"Just to be in the clubhouse with these players is phenomenal," Kozlowski said. "So many are Hall of Famers or soon-to-be Hall of Famers. It's a real motivation to try to be where they are now.

"What a perfect situation to learn from pitching coach Orel Hershiser and players like A-Rod (Alex Rodriguez) and Rafael Palmeiro and others. I couldn't ask for anything better at this point in my career."

TENNIS: Christa Grey (Seminole/Georgia) became an assistant coach for the N.C. State women's team. Her younger sister, Lori (Seminole/Georgia), was selected for the doubles main draw of next month's 2002 Rivera/Intercollegiate Tennis Association All-American Championships in California. Duke sophomore Kelly McCain (Canterbury/Saddlebrook High) is in the singles and doubles main draw. She is ranked fifth in the ITA.

VOLLEYBALL: Sophomore outside hitter Catherine Dupont (St.Petersburg Catholic) contributed a pivotal service ace in Rice University's win over Central Florida in the Georgia Invitational. Against Liberty University, Dupont teamed with two others for 52 kills. She recently was inducted into the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

CROSS COUNTRY: Nate Davis (Largo) was among Florida State's top 20 runners, helping the Seminoles win their invitational. He recorded a time of 26:42.8 in the 8K. On the women's side, Misty Harper (Seminole) was ninth in the 5K (18:45.1) as FSU finished third.

FOOTBALL: Detroit Lions running back Aveion Cason (Lakewood/Illinois) has a knee injury and will be sidelined the next two weeks.

News for this column may be faxed to Nancy Morgan, 445-4119; e-mailed to namgamma@gte.net, or sent to 710 Court St. Clearwater, Fla. 33756. Please include your phone number.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright