In The Den: Neil Kozikowski

"It was something special."

Those were the words that Black Bears' reliever RHP Neil Kozikowski used to describe the feeling when he heard his name announced on draft day. Selected in the eighth round of the 2013 MLB June Amateur Draft from Avon Old Farms High School in Connecticut, Kozikowski was joined by his parents during the moment when he became a part of the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.

Upon hearing his name called, the MLB commentators didn't have many words to say about the right-hander since he was a rather unknown professional prospect. A "sleeper" in the draft, Kozikowski was determined to make a name for himself within the ranks of professional baseball.

"It gave me something to prove," Kozikowski said.

For the 2013 season, the Burlington, CT native was placed in the Gulf Coast League (GCL). After dominating on the mound against high school competition, Kozikowski had a tremendous amount of confidence beginning his professional career at the age of 18. He remembers struggling in his first professional start, which ultimately became an eye-opening experience. While the competition was challenging, he enjoyed interacting with the rest of Pittsburgh's 2013 draft class including current Pirates' No. 2 prospect Austin Meadows.

"It was fun playing with some of the best guys in the United States," he explained.

After an excellent first year going 1-1 with a 2.63 ERA in 24 innings pitched, he spent another season with the GCL Pirates in 2014. Upon tossing 32.2 innings and gaining more valuable experience against professional hitters, Kozikowski was assigned to the Advanced Rookie level with the Bristol Pirates on June 21, 2015. In the Appalachian League, he was primarily used as a starting pitcher in which of his 13 appearances, eight were starts.

"Bristol was a learning experience," he said. "Mainly because it ended up getting me back on the right page."

Playing against better competition in Bristol helped him regain confidence while improving his mental and physical sides in baseball. As a result, the right-hander progressed since 2014 finishing the year 1-3 with a 4.80 ERA, fanning 37 hitters over 45 innings pitched. For the 2016 campaign, he was promoted to Class A-Short Season with the West Virginia Black Bears. Despite the transition of moving to the bullpen, Kozikowski feels comfortable and is reminded of home playing in West Virginia.

"The pitching staff is the best I've ever been a part of," he explained. "We have a ton of players that are phenomenally talented."

Out of the Black Bears' bullpen, Kozikowski is 1-1, posting a 5.34 ERA in 28.2 innings pitched while logging 22 strikeouts. With recent series victories over first-place State College, along with Williamsport, he is confident that the Black Bears can continue their excellent play as they strive towards making the postseason.

"It's really special to be playing with a group of guys that are very genuine, very good to themselves and good to others," he said. "I think we can do it."

Listen to the interview here.