Triple-A All-Star Game Flashback: 1993 Ryan Klesko
On Wednesday, July 13th, 2016 the Sonic Automotive Triple-A All-Star Game presented by Gildan will make its way to BB&T Ballpark, home of the Charlotte Knights. This annual event will provide fans a rare opportunity to see many Major League Baseball stars of tomorrow right in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, NC.
With this year's game fast approaching, Charlotte Knights Media Relations Associate Tom Liguori has created a feature profiling familiar faces that have competed in past Triple-A All-Star Games. Be sure to check back to see which of your favorite big league players will be featured next.
Ryan Klesko - 1993
In the third edition of the weekly flashback series we will take a look back at the career of Javy Lopez's former Atlanta Brave battering mate and fellow Triple-A All-Star Ryan Klesko. Drafted in the fifth round of the 1989 amateur draft, the Arizona State commit had the option to become yet another promising piece in the Atlanta minor league system. The 6-foot-3, 220 pound lefty was a dominant high school player, holding numerous school records as both a pitcher and hitter. Klesko however, chose to forego his college commitment and join the Braves minor league system.
After moving to first base full time, Klesko was able to quickly rise to prominence within the Braves farm system. By preseason 1991, the 19-year-old ascended to Baseball America's number three prospect in all of baseball after slugging 17 home runs to go along with 23 stolen bases in his inaugural campaign.
In the summer of 1993, the first baseman was selected to participate in the annual Triple-A All-Star Game held in Albuquerque, NM representing the Richmond Braves. Amongst a talented roster at the yearly contest including future MLB All-Stars Chipper Jones, Javy Lopez, Rick Reed, and former Charlotte Knight Jim Thome - Klesko's star shined brightest. The rising prospect helped lead his side to a lopsided victory, going 4-4 with two home runs during the game. The impressive stat line earned Klesko the International League MVP honors.
The following season, Klesko finally received his full-time big league promotion where he was converted once again from his first base position. The versatile Klesko would now transition to a corner outfield spot, a place he would go on to spend the majority of his time with the Atlanta Braves. During the 1995 World Series, the young lefty once again put on an impressive display while squaring off against the Cleveland Indians. In three consecutive road games, he lit up the scoreboard with home runs helping to lead his club to their first World Series title since 1957. In 1996, the talent laden Braves squad would once again make it to the World Series behind two timely home runs from Klesko during the postseason.
Following the 1999 season, Klesko was traded from the Braves back to his home state team, the San Diego Padres. Moving back to his original first base position, he was able to make his first and only MLB All-Star appearance during the 2001 classic. Klesko hit 30 home runs while batting .286 with 23 stolen bases during the season.
In 2007, Klesko wrapped up his baseball career with the San Francisco Giants. The model of consistency and longevity, the California native hit 278 home runs over 16 years. Despite only appearing in one all-star game, Klesko, due to a knack for great performances in big games, solidified his legacy as one of the most notable names in the history of the Triple-A All-Star Game.