Keith Osik, a professional baseball player, spent his career primarily as a catcher in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on October 22, 1968, in Port Washington, New York, Osik attended Shoreham-Wading River High School and later played college baseball at Louisiana State University (LSU). His performance at LSU helped pave the way for his entry into professional baseball.
Osik was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 24th round of the 1990 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut with the Pirates on May 5, 1996. During his time with Pittsburgh, Osik served as a backup catcher, providing support behind the plate and occasionally stepping in as a utility player. His role often involved working with pitchers to manage games and providing defensive stability.
Throughout his tenure with the Pirates, Osik was known for his defensive skills and ability to handle the pitching staff. He played with the team until 2002, appearing in a total of 347 games. While his offensive numbers were modest, with a career batting average of .231, his contributions were valued in terms of game management and defensive prowess.
After leaving the Pirates, Osik signed with the Milwaukee Brewers for the 2003 season. His time with the Brewers was brief, as he played in only 21 games. In 2004, Osik joined the Baltimore Orioles, where he appeared in 33 games. His final season in the MLB was with the Washington Nationals in 2005, where he played in 15 games before retiring from professional baseball.
Osik's career in the MLB spanned parts of ten seasons, during which he played in 402 games. While he may not have been a household name, his role as a reliable backup catcher allowed him to maintain a presence in the league for nearly a decade. After retiring from playing, Osik transitioned into coaching and has been involved in various coaching roles, including at the collegiate level.
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