Billy Koch

Billy Koch (born December 14, 1974 in Rockville Centre, New York) is a feared reliever in Major League Baseball. He is one of the few pitchers to consistently throw 100 MPH.

Career

Billy Koch was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 1st round (4th pick) of the 1996 amateur draft and made his debut in 1999. Billy made an instant impression by regularly hitting 100 MPH on the radar gun. The pitch speed, posted on the SkyDome jumbotron after every pitch, consistently drew awes from the crowd.

Billy was groomed for the role of closer and had mixed success at the role over the next three seasons. While he was regarded as one of the most dominating pitchers in the league when he was at his best, at times he battled with his control and composure on the mound. Neverless, he continued to post improving save numbers (31, 33 and then 36) from 1999 to 2001.

On December 7, 2001, the Blue Jays, now under new management, traded Billy to the Oakland Athletics for Eric Hinske and Justin Miller. Oakland proved to be a good fit. Billy saved 44 games in 2002 while posting a respectable 3.27 ERA and 93 strikeouts in only 93 2/3 innings. He was, however, criticized for poor play in the playoffs that year.

On December 3, 2002, Billy was once again traded, this time to the Chicago White Sox along with two minor leaguers for Keith Foulke, Mark Johnson, Joe Valentine and cash. Billy was not able to duplicate either his success with Toronto or Oakland, however. Due to wildly inconsistent play, Jerry Manuel removed Billy was the role of closer, relegating him to middle relief. Billy finished the season with just 11 saves, and a 5.77 ERA.

Accomplishments

AL Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award winner (2002)
Finished 2nd in American League in saves (2002, 44 saves)

Teams

External links

Billy Koch's career statistics at Baseball-Reference.com