Nutshell: Focus. Drive. Repeat
The color orange has always been meaningful for Flying Squirrels infielder Christian Koss. It represents his family’s fandom for the San Francisco Giants and his admiration for Baltimore Orioles legend, Cal Ripken Jr. Koss admired Ripken’s record of playing 2,632 consecutive games, a record that has held since 1998, and
The color orange has always been meaningful for Flying Squirrels infielder Christian Koss.
It represents his family’s fandom for the San Francisco Giants and his admiration for Baltimore Orioles legend, Cal Ripken Jr. Koss admired Ripken’s record of playing 2,632 consecutive games, a record that has held since 1998, and his greatness through 21 years in the majors.
“I think a lot of it was his consistency,” Koss said. “Not even talking about the game streak, but numbers wise and defensive wise. I think what gravitates me towards him is I got to read his book, too. Going back and seeing how he approached stuff, day in and day out, was a big factor. It’s something I try to carry over.”
A sensational week at his old stomping grounds 🔥
— Richmond Flying Squirrels (@GoSquirrels) June 24, 2024
Congratulations to Christian Koss who was named Eastern League Player of the Week!
📰 https://t.co/AusrcmjYEV pic.twitter.com/myseEIZWDH
Along with his admiration for Ripken, Koss grew up a huge Barry Bonds fan during his career in the early 2000’s with the Giants.
Born in Riverside, Calif., many of Koss’ schoolmates rooted for the nearby Dodgers or Angels, but his blood was orange.
“Orange has always been the family color,” Koss said. “It was the Orioles and the Giants; they were the teams with orange in them. The early 2000’s with the Giants when they had that stretch, I was definitely a fan.”
His passion for the game guided him to a roster spot at UC Irvine. His name was mentioned to associate head coach Ben Orloff, and Koss quickly became an everyday player for the Anteaters.
After playing three seasons in college, Koss anticipated a call on the first day of the 2019 MLB draft, but his phone never rang. The silence extended through the second day of the draft.
On Day 3 of the draft, Koss told Orloff that he was considering going back to school for a senior season. Orloff preached patience to see what could happen.
“He told me to wait and feel it out, to actually see what was going to be presented to me,” Koss said. “The Colorado Rockies (called) and I got a little more than what I had expected, and they had mentioned good things about me. It made the decision to go to pro ball a little easier, and luckily, I did that because the next year was Covid. I made the right decision.”
Christian Koss has absolutely torched his former team this week:
— Richmond Flying Squirrels (@GoSquirrels) June 22, 2024
10-for-13 (.769)
6 RBIs
5 2B
🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/1cmxy1yzwn
Koss blazed through his first season in professional baseball with rookie-advanced Grand Junction and was named both a 2019 Pioneer League Mid-Season and Post-Season All-Star.
After not playing over the canceled season in 2020, Koss went back home to California and worked at a Christmas tree farm. While at work in mid-December, Koss learned he was traded to the Red Sox.
“I was working, so it was all just jumbled in the process,” Koss joked. “I went back to work, and about 15 minutes later, the Red Sox called and said they’d be in touch.”
He was in the organization from 2021 through 2023, reaching as high as Triple-A Worcester. Koss was named the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs Most Valuable Player in 2022 after leading the club in nearly every hitting category.
Before the start of the 2024 season, Koss was traded again, to the organization he rooted for growing up. Moments before a spring training game in Florida, Koss was pulled and informed that he needed to drive to Richmond to join up with the Flying Squirrels. The sudden change was made just days before the regular season.
“I didn’t really put it together when I got traded, and it didn’t sink in that it was the Giants yet,” Koss said. “When I got (to Richmond) and started seeing the Giants stuff and the Richmond stuff, that’s where I started to feel alright. I was excited about the opportunity to play in Richmond, and I think that’s the best showcase. Being here or anywhere, it’s about coming out here every day and giving what you can.”
KOSS-SOME 💣 pic.twitter.com/bdCmb0rL5c
— Richmond Flying Squirrels (@GoSquirrels) June 29, 2024
That everyday mentality is something Koss carries while being a father. He and his wife, Laura, welcomed their daughter, Isla, in February of 2023.
Koss admitted that seeing Isla after games and their shared moments softens the tough days at the plate. He is Isla’s biggest fan and is eager to be her color orange.
“That was one of the first things I realized when I had her was the 0-for-4 days, error days, lingering madness and going home to look at at-bats, that stuff is so much easier now,” Koss said. “Even on the field, I can find myself resetting and calming down a little more by just trying to be a better example for her.”
Favorite sports stadium? – Oracle Park in San Francisco
What’s your signature dish? – Steak, mashed potatoes and some vegetables
When was the first time you picked up a bat? – 3 or 4 years old
If you’re heading to the movie theater, what are you seeing? – Any Marvel movie coming out
What is your favorite off the field activity? – Hanging out with my daughter.
Favorite player growing up? – Cal Ripken Jr., the Iron Man!
Most inspirational people in your life? – My wife and my family
Minor League Baseball, Joe Torre Safe At Home partnership enters ninth year
For the ninth year, Minor League Baseball and Joe Torre Safe At Home have teamed up to raise awareness about violence and abuse and to inspire fans of all ages to join them in SAH’s critical work. This year, 63 MiLB teams will participate in an in-ballpark initiative from May
MiLB podcast discusses Anthony, Caglianone at Triple-A
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
These are the greatest Minor League promos happening in June
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
New playoff format coming to 2025 Dominican Summer League
Minor League Baseball announced the 2025 Dominican Summer League (DSL) season will begin June 2 with Opening Day festivities taking place at the Boston Red Sox Academy in Guerra. The 2025 campaign will also see the introduction of the DSL Cup, a new playoff format that will see 16 DSL
Debating best Minor League home caps on podcast
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
The Omaha Storm Chasers' 'Take Meow-t' cat night included a Litter Box Sundae
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
Boston's Triple-A affiliate throws birthday bash for Roman Anthony
With all the hype that has surrounded Roman Anthony over the past two seasons, it’s easy to forget how young he really is. MLB's No. 1 prospect played 70 games at the highest level of the Minors before he could order a beer. But he can now. Roman Anthony turned
Friendly foes, 2024 first-rounders Moore and Caglianone trade first Triple-A homers
For years, Christian Moore and Jac Caglianone laced up their cleats against one another in the SEC. A rivalry that spanned Florida, Tennessee and other landmarks across the South moved to Salt Lake City this week as the Royals and Angels' top prospects got simultaneous Triple-A promotions. So it was
Phillies' Moore, Fausnaught join MiLB podcast
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Red Sox prospect rips double THROUGH Fenway-esque scoreboard
Red Sox No. 4 prospect Franklin Arias, an infielder for High-A Greenville, REALLY didn’t want to let visiting Asheville score any runs in the top of the eighth inning on Friday night. With runners on first and second base in the bottom of the fourth, Arias showed he apparently held
April's hottest hitting prospects -- one for each organization
The Minor League season is a month old and several of the game's best hitting prospects are off to fast starts. Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony is tearing up Triple-A (just like he did at the end of last year), Padres shortstop Leo De Vries is leading the High-A Midwest
Check out the best -- and wackiest -- Minor League promos happening in May
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
Orioles' Honeycutt joins The Show Before the Show
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
MiLB podcast coming LIVE to a Somerset this June
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
New ballparks highlight 2025 MiLB road trip stops
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
Minor League Baseball partners with TruGreen
FRANKLIN, Tenn. -- TruGreen, the nation's leading lawn care treatment provider, is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Minor League Baseball that includes activations across all 120 clubs, a makeover of the home dugout in each market, sponsorship of select MiLB team grounds crews, and a new initiative called
Podcast explains why the Syracuse Mets are looking for Jim Morrison
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Dash im-prom-tu promo and Mets' Suero joins the podcast
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Minor League Baseball partners with Circle K
Minor League Baseball announced a new national partnership with Circle K, which will see the convenience store giant become the “Official Convenience Store of Minor League Baseball.” During the 2025 season, the Circle K brand will be integrated into the MiLB in-stadium experience through in-game video board assets at most
These 15 moments led to season No. 15 of Minor League road trips
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from his newsletter is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
MiLB podcast crew makes Opening Day predictions
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Everything you need to know for Triple-A Opening Day
First, there was big league Opening Day. Now it's Triple-A's turn to take the spotlight. The Minor League season opens Friday when the Triple-A International League and Pacific Coast League seasons get underway for the first of MiLB’s two Opening Days. And right out of the gates, several of baseball's
Top prospects to watch at Triple-A -- one for each organization
It’s Triple-A’s turn up to bat on Friday. The regular season begins for the Minor Leagues’ highest level one day after the action starts on the Major League side. Fun fact: it’ll be the earliest start to a Minor League season since 1951 (March 27). Double-A, High-A and Single-A will
Here's where every Top 100 prospect is expected to start the season
The 2025 Opening Day prospect roster announcements began last week when the Cubs informed Matt Shaw (MLB No. 19) he was making the trip overseas to compete in the Tokyo Series. Roki Sasaki (No. 1) also received the good news, but his assignment was much less of a surprise. Now
Nationals prospect King joins MiLB podcast
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other