Nick Koback Explained

Nick Koback
Position:Catcher
Birth Date:19 July 1935
Birth Place:Hartford, Connecticut
Death Place:Hartford, Connecticut
Bats:Right
Throws:Right
Debutleague:MLB
Debutdate:July 29
Debutyear:1953
Debutteam:Pittsburgh Pirates
Finalleague:MLB
Finaldate:July 4
Finalyear:1955
Finalteam:Pittsburgh Pirates
Statleague:MLB
Stat1label:Batting average
Stat1value:.121
Stat2label:Hits
Stat2value:4
Teams:

Nicholas Nicholie Koback (July 19, 1935 – January 23, 2015) was a Russian American professional baseball player whose career spanned eight seasons, three of which were spent with the Major League Baseball (MLB) Pittsburgh Pirates (1953–55). At the age of 17, Koback signed with the Pirates as a bonus baby out of Hartford Public High School. He made his MLB debut without ever playing in the minor leagues. At the time, he was the youngest Pittsburgh Pirates player ever. During his first career start, Koback caught a complete game shutout by Pirates pitcher Murry Dickson. Most of Koback's time with Pittsburgh was spent as a bullpen catcher. Over his three-year MLB career, Koback compiled a .121 batting average with one run scored, four hits, one triple and one base on balls in 16 games played. The majority of his playing career was spent in the minor leagues with the Lincoln Chiefs (1955, 1958), Williamsport Grays (1956), Hollywood Stars (1956–57), New Orleans Pelicans (1956–57), Columbus/Gastonia Pirates (1958) and Charleston Senators (1960). He batted and threw right-handed. During his career, he weighed 187lb and stood at 6feet. After retiring from baseball, Koback played pro–am golf in Connecticut.

Early life

Nicholas Nicholie "Nick" Koback was born on July 19, 1935, in Hartford, Connecticut, to Nickolai Koback, who was a naturalized citizen of the United States originally from Russia. He worked at the Hartford Machine Screw Company.[1] Nick Koback attended Hartford Public High School where he played baseball.[2] During his sophomore season, his school's team won the Triangular League championship.[3]

In May 1952, Koback missed playing time for his high school team due to a broken finger.[4] He also played guard on the school's basketball team.[5] Koback graduated from Hartford Public High School in June 1953.[6]

Baseball career

Pittsburgh Pirates (1953–55)

On July 9, 1953, after being scouted by Ed McCarrick, Koback was signed by the Major League Baseball (MLB) Pittsburgh Pirates out of high school.[6] [7] [8] Koback received contract offers from the Boston Red Sox, Brooklyn Dodgers, Chicago Cubs and New York Giants who wanted to start him out in the minor leagues, but he declined after Pittsburgh offered the most money. Koback later said in an interview with The Pittsburgh Press that "Money looks awful big to an 18-year-old". Koback was signed under the Bonus Rule which at the time stated that he had to be on the Pirates roster for two years.[9]

To fit Koback on the roster, Pirates general manager Branch Rickey released pitcher Bob Schultz.[8] The official sum of his contract was not initially disclosed.[10] However, his contract was later valued at US$20,000.[11] Upon joining the Pittsburgh club, Koback went through a three-day training program with Pirates coaches.[9] He made his MLB debut on July 29, without ever playing in the minor leagues, as a pinch hitter for catcher Mike Sandlock against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium.[12] In both of his at-bats he had over the night, Koback went hitless against St. Louis pitcher Harvey Haddix.[12] Koback was the youngest Pittsburgh player ever at 18 years and 10 days old when he made his MLB debut.[13] He got the first start of his career on July 31, against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.[14] [15] During that game, Koback caught the entire game, which was a complete game shutout by Pirates pitcher Murry Dickson.[15] Koback got his first MLB hit that game against Cubs pitcher Paul Minner.[15] In his next game on August 1, against the Cubs, Koback got his first career sacrifice hit.[14] In mid-August, Pirates manager Fred Haney stated that Koback "is a good receiver but he's only a kid".[16] During the first game of a doubleheader against the Milwaukee Braves on August 30, Koback served as a pinch hitter for pitcher Roger Bowman when he got his first career MLB triple off pitcher Johnny Antonelli.[17] Koback's final game of the season came on September 26, against the New York Giants at Forbes Field.[14] In that game, he started as the catcher going hitless in three at-bats.[18]

After the 1953 season, Koback played amateur baseball on pitcher Spec Shea's traveling team.[19] After returning to his home-town from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Kocack was asked if he felt any homesickness during the season, to which he replied, "Homesick? I was too busy and too excited to be homesick".[20] While in Hartford for the off-season, Koback was the guest of honor at a Hartford Public High School sports rally.[21] He gave a speech to local fire fighters, which was received positively according to The Hartford Courant.[22] [23] In mid-January 1954, the Pittsburgh Pirates held a workout for incoming rookies and younger players, in which Koback took part.[24] The 1954 season would be the last year he would be protected by the Bonus Rule.[25] [26] Before the start of the season, United Press International stated that Koback and his teammate Vic Janowicz were a problem for the Pirates because "neither [were] ready for full-time duty".[27]

Koback made his season debut on July 11, as a pinch hitter for catcher Toby Atwell in a game against the New York Giants.[28] [29] Koback's second game of the season came on July 17, as a pinch hitter for catcher Jack Shepard in a game against the Chicago Cubs.[29] [30] On July 25, the Sunday Herald's sports editor Sam Cohen wrote a scathing critique of the Bonus Rule, which he stated "[the rule] we feel hampers rather than aids the costly prospects' development, because in practically every case, they see so little action".[31] Cohen went on to use Koback as an example of how the rule is "detrimental" to the development of young players.[31] During his third game on September 22, against the Philadelphia Phillies, Koback started as the catcher going hitless in three at-bats.[29] [32] On September 26, Koback made his final appearance of the season against the Brooklyn Dodgers, where in three at-bats he went hitless.[29] [33] In four games that season, he went hitless in 10 at-bats. Defensively, Koback played all of his four games as catcher. Of those four games, two were starts. He made 14 putouts.

Koback re-signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates on January 15, 1955.[34] [35] He made his season debut on May 17, against the Cincinnati Reds at Crosley Field.[36] [37] During his appearance, which was as a pinch hitter for pitcher Nellie King, Koback got one hit, a single, in one at-bat against Reds pitcher Joe Nuxhall.[37]

Koback recalled a conversation he had with then-rookie Roberto Clemente during the 1955 season, saying, "Sometimes [Clemente] would come out on the field and bullshit with me. He'd say, 'Hey you—strong guy!'"[38] On June 5, Koback played both games of a doubleheader against Cincinnati.[36] In the first game, he appeared as a defensive replacement as the catcher.[39] In his only at-bat that game, which was against Reds pitcher Johnny Klippstein, Koback flied out.[39] Koback started the second game of the doubleheader.[40]

During his second at-bat of the game, Koback hit a single off Reds pitcher Jackie Collum, which would later prove to be the last hit of Koback's MLB career.[40] Koback's fourth appearance of the season came on June 19, against the Cincinnati Reds.[36] During that game, he served as a pinch-hitter for pitcher Dick Littlefield in the seventh inning.[41] Koback's final MLB appearance came on July 4, against the New York Giants.[36] In that game, he served as a pinch hitter for pitcher Lino Donoso and struck-out in one at-bat.[42] Over his career with the Pirates, Koback primarily served as a bullpen catcher.[43] In his five games that season, he batted .286 with two hits in seven at-bats. Behind the plate, Koback made no errors, one assist and four putouts.

Later career (1955–1960)

On July 12, 1955, the Pittsburgh Pirates sold Koback to the minor league Lincoln Chiefs of the Class-A Western League.[44] The Chiefs, who represented Lincoln, Nebraska, were managed by former St. Louis Browns and Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Bill Burwell.[45] His teammates featured past and future MLB players Bill Bell, Joe Christopher, Bennie Daniels, Dick Hall, Cholly Naranjo, Earl Smith, Jim Waugh and George Witt.[45] With the Lincoln club that season, Koback batted .223 with 23 hits, five doubles and two triples in 38 games played. In November 1955, Koback was assigned to the minor league Hollywood Stars of the Pacific Coast League, which was to be under an open classification in 1956.[46] [47] His manager with the Stars was long-time minor league player and manager Clay Hopper.[48] Most of Koback's teammates on the Stars had major league experience one time or another over their careers.[47] He played with Hollywood during their season opener on April 10, 1956.[49] With the Starts that season, Koback batted .176 with three hits and three runs batted in (RBIs) in 10 games played. Defensively, Koback had a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage in 42 total chances. In early-May, Koback was farmed out to the minor league New Orleans Pelicans of the Double-A Southern Association.[50] In five games played with the Pelicans under the management of Andy Cohen, Koback accumulated one hit.[51] Later in May, he was again sent to another team, this time it was the Williamsport Grays of the Class-A Eastern League.[52] The manager of Williamsport was John Fitzpatrick, a long-time minor league player and manager.[53] With the Grays that season, Koback batted .313 with 62 hits, 16 doubles and two home runs in 68 games played.

In October 1956, Koback joined the Venados de Mazatlán of the Mexican Pacific League.[54] On March 1, 1957, Koback played a charity game as a member of the Hartford, Connecticut Young Democrats against the Hartford Young Republicans.[55] Koback began the 1957 season with the Hollywood Stars.[56] Koback batted .167 with five hits, one of which was a double, in 11 games played. In the field, he had a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage in 52 total chances. In May, Koback was farmed out to the Mobile Bears of the Double-A Southern Association.[57] He later joined the New Orleans Pelicans, also of the Southern Association. Koback batted .230 with 28 hits, six of which were doubles, in 41 games played. Before the start of the 1958 season, Koback joined the minor league Salt Lake City Bees of the Pacific Coast League.[58] However, before the start of the regular season, Koback broke his finger.[58] By May, Koback was played for the minor league Lincoln Chiefs of the Class-A Western League.[59] Monty Basgall, a former MLB player, was Koback's manager that season.[60] On the season, he batted .240 with 54 hits, four doubles, four triples and three home runs in 68 games played.

After the 1958 season, Koback enlisted in the Nebraska National Guard and took up primary residence in that state.[61] He spent the entire 1959 season with the minor league Pirates who represented Columbus, Georgia, and Gastonia, North Carolina.[62] [63] The Pirates, who were members of the Class-A South Atlantic League, were managed by former MLB pitcher Ray Hathaway.[62] On the season, Koback batted .226 with 18 runs scored, 30 hits, six doubles, two triples, three home runs and 30 RBIs in 50 games played. Defensively, he made four errors, had 21 assists and 188 putouts. In April, Koback was traded by the Salt Lake City Bees, who still owned his contract, to the minor league Charleston Senators in exchange for outfielder Chick King.[64] The Senators, who were members of the Triple-A American Association, were managed by Del Wilber, a former MLB player.[65] Koback played five games with the Senators that season. In those games, he went hitless in four at-bats. That season would later prove to be his final in professional baseball.

Later life

After his baseball career was over, Koback took up golf.[66] In 1965, he began to work as a golf instructor at Goodwin Park in Hartford, Connecticut.[66] Koback participated in the Keney Park Invitation in May 1966.[67] He served as the assistant to Harry Nettelblatt at the Golf Club of Avon.[68] Koback won a pro–am tournament at Cliffside Country Club in Hartford, Connecticut in June 1969.[69] In 1970, Koback was named the assistant to Bud Cordone at the Pequot Golf Club.[68] Koback was inducted in the Hartford Public High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004 for his contributions to the school's baseball team in the early 1950s.[70] By 2006, Koback was living in Weatogue, Connecticut.[71]

Koback died January 23, 2015, aged 79.[72]

Notes and References

  1. News: Amore. Dom. Dom Amore On Baseball: Hartford Native A '50s 'Bonus Baby'. June 8, 2011. The Hartford Courant. July 10, 2010. Hartford, Connecticut.
  2. News: Hartford Tire Nine In Jaycee Finals Ineligible Player Disqualifies Phantoms. https://web.archive.org/web/20121107001535/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/courant/access/891620962.html?dids=891620962:891620962&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Aug+27,+1950&author=&pub=Hartford+Courant&desc=Hartford+Tire+Nine+In+Jaycee+Finals+Ineligible+Player+Disqualifies+Phantoms&pqatl=google. dead. November 7, 2012. June 7, 2011. The Hartford Courant. August 27, 1950. Hartford, Connecticut. A2. subscription .
  3. News: Eight Vets Head Baseball Hopefuls At Hartford High. https://web.archive.org/web/20121107004537/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/courant/access/890144722.html?dids=890144722:890144722&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Apr+08,+1952&author=&pub=Hartford+Courant&desc=Eight+Vets+Head+Baseball+Hopefuls+At+Hartford+High&pqatl=google. dead. November 7, 2012. June 7, 2011. The Hartford Courant. April 8, 1952. Hartford, Connecticut. 14. subscription .
  4. News: Owls Hope Nakonechny Can Check Bulkeley Today. https://web.archive.org/web/20121107001608/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/courant/access/889229502.html?dids=889229502:889229502&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=May+21,+1952&author=&pub=Hartford+Courant&desc=Owls+Hope+Nakonechny+Can+Check+Bulkeley+Today&pqatl=google. dead. November 7, 2012. June 7, 2011. The Hartford Courant. May 21, 1952. Hartford, Connecticut. 18. subscription .
  5. News: Cunavelis. Jimmy. Hartford High Five Spills Manchester In Debut, 49–42. https://web.archive.org/web/20121107001619/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/courant/access/1008467792.html?dids=1008467792:1008467792&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Dec+10,+1952&author=&pub=Hartford+Courant&desc=Hartford+High+Five+Spills+Manchester+In+Debut,+49-42&pqatl=google. dead. November 7, 2012. June 7, 2011. December 10, 1952. Hartford, Connecticut. 18. The Hartford Courant.
  6. News: Nick Koback Signs With Pittsburgh. June 7, 2011. The Hartford Courant. https://web.archive.org/web/20121107001645/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/courant/access/897789992.html?dids=897789992:897789992&FMT=CITE&FMTS=CITE:AI&type=historic&date=Jul+10,+1953&author=&pub=Hartford+Courant&desc=Nick+Koback+Signs+With+Pittsburgh&pqatl=google. dead. November 7, 2012. July 10, 1953. Hartford, Connecticut. 30. subscription .
  7. News: Koback Among Seven Pirate Rookies Attending Haney's Three-Day School. https://archive.today/20120716013102/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/courant/access/887583172.html?dids=887583172:887583172&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Jul+14,+1953&author=&pub=Hartford+Courant&desc=Koback+Among+Seven+Pirate+Rookies+Attending+Haney's+Three-Day+School&pqatl=google. dead. July 16, 2012. June 7, 2011. The Hartford Courant. July 14, 1953. Hartford, Connecticut. 13. subscription .
  8. News: Pirates Add Bonus Catcher. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. July 10, 1953. 17.
  9. News: Pirates Open 'School' for Rookies. Beaver Valley Times. July 14, 1953. United Press International. Rochester, Pennsylvania. 6.
  10. News: Another Bonus Baby. Toledo Blade. July 12, 1953. Associated Press. Toledo, Ohio. 55.
  11. News: Released 300 Players. The Lewiston Daily Sun. 12 October 1953. Associated Press. Lewiston, Maine. 13.
  12. Web site: July 29, 1953. Pirates at Cardinals Play by Play and Box Score. Baseball-Reference.com. June 7, 2011.
  13. News: Perrotto. John. Ready or not, Ramirez getting his shot at third. Beaver County Times. May 27, 1998. Pennsylvania. 24.
  14. Web site: Nick Koback 1953 Batting Gamelogs. Baseball-Reference.com. June 7, 2011.
  15. Web site: July 31, 1953. Pirates at Cubs Play by Play and Box Score. Baseball-Reference.com. June 7, 2011.
  16. News: Pirates Haney Is Learning How the Other Half Lives. The Milwaukee Journal. August 15, 1953. Associated Press. 1.
  17. Web site: August 30, 1953. Braves at Pirates Play by Play and Box Score. Baseball-Reference.com. June 8, 2011.
  18. Web site: Sep 26, 1953, Giants at Pirates Play by Play and Box Score. Baseball-Reference.com. June 8, 2011.
  19. News: Shea All-Stars In Hartford Game With Piershall, Jay. Meriden Journal. September 19, 1953. Wallingford, Connecticut. 3.
  20. News: 'It's The Life', Says Koback, Hartford Boy With Pirates. https://archive.today/20130131165840/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/courant/access/887626122.html?dids=887626122:887626122&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Sep+30,+1953&author=&pub=Hartford+Courant&desc='It's+The+Life,'+Says+Koback,+Hartford+Boy+With+Pirates&pqatl=google. dead. January 31, 2013. June 8, 2011. The Hartford Courant. September 30, 1953. Hartford, Connecticut. 1. Jimmy. Cunavelis. subscription .
  21. News: Nick Koback Invited To Sports Night Rally. https://web.archive.org/web/20121107001724/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/courant/access/884926152.html?dids=884926152:884926152&FMT=CITE&FMTS=CITE:AI&type=historic&date=Oct+15,+1953&author=&pub=Hartford+Courant&desc=Nick+Koback+Invited+To+Sports+Night+Rally&pqatl=google. dead. November 7, 2012. June 8, 2011. The Hartford Courant. October 15, 1953. Hartford, Connecticut. 18. subscription .
  22. News: Nick Koback To Speak To Firemen Tonight. https://web.archive.org/web/20121107001735/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/courant/access/884936932.html?dids=884936932:884936932&FMT=CITE&FMTS=CITE:AI&type=historic&date=Oct+22,+1953&author=&pub=Hartford+Courant&desc=Nick+Koback+To+Speak+To+Firemen+Tonight&pqatl=google. dead. November 7, 2012. June 8, 2011. The Hartford Courant. October 22, 1953. Hartford, Connecticut. 19.
  23. News: Future Fire Fighters Entertained by Koback. https://archive.today/20120716142918/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/courant/access/887664672.html?dids=887664672:887664672&FMT=CITE&FMTS=CITE:AI&type=historic&date=Oct+23,+1953&author=&pub=Hartford+Courant&desc=Future+Fire+Fighters+Entertained+by+Koback&pqatl=google. dead. July 16, 2012. June 8, 2011. The Hartford Courant. October 23, 1953. Hartford, Connecticut. 23. subscription .
  24. News: Reichler. Joe. Impressive Group of Rookies To Appear at Pittsburgh Camp. Reading Eagle. January 16, 1954. Associated Press. Reading, Pennsylvania. 6.
  25. News: Hernon. Jack. Roamin' Around. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. February 10, 1954. 19.
  26. News: Hand. Jack. Newfound Homer Power Gives Pirates Hope-But That's All. Daytona Beach Morning Journal. March 20, 1954. Associated Press. 1.
  27. News: Peterson. Leo H.. Pirates Shakeup Biggest, Still Isn't Enough. The Altus Times-Democrat. March 28, 1954. Altus, Oklahoma. 3.
  28. Web site: July 11, 1954. Pirates at Giants Box Score and Play by Play. Baseball-Reference.com. June 8, 2011.
  29. Web site: Nick Koback 1954 Batting Gamelogs. Baseball-Reference.com. June 8, 2011.
  30. Web site: July 17, 1954. Pirates at Cubs Box Score and Play by Play. Baseball-Reference.com. June 8, 2011.
  31. News: Cohen. Sam. Bonus Rule Detrimental in Koback Case. Sunday Herald. July 25, 1954. Bridgeport, Connecticut. 106.
  32. Web site: September 22, 1954. Pirates at Phillies Box Score and Play by Play. Baseball-Reference.com. 8 June 2011.
  33. Web site: September 26, 1954. Pirates at Dodgers Box Score and Play by Play. Baseball-Reference.com. June 8, 2011.
  34. News: Hartford's Nick Koback Signs Pirates' Contract. https://archive.today/20130201024658/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/courant/access/893806162.html?dids=893806162:893806162&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Jan+20,+1955&author=&pub=Hartford+Courant&desc=Hartford's+Nick+Koback+Signs+Pirates'+Contract&pqatl=google. dead. February 1, 2013. June 8, 2011. The Hartford Courant. January 20, 1955. United Press International. Hartford, Connecticut. 15. subscription .
  35. News: Reichler. Joe. Pittsburgh Pirates 'Banking' On Rookies. Ocala Star-Banner. January 25, 1955. Associated Press. Ocala, Florida. 5.
  36. Web site: Nick Koback 1955 Batting Gamelogs. Baseball-Reference.com. June 8, 2011.
  37. Web site: May 17, 1955. Pirates at Reds Play by Play and Box Score. Baseball-Reference.com. June 8, 2011.
  38. Book: Maraniss, David. Clemente: The Passion and Grace of Baseball's Last Hero. 2006. Simon & Schuster. New York. 0-7432-1781-0. 80.
  39. Web site: June 5, 1955. Reds at Pirates Play by Play and Box Score. Baseball-Reference.com. June 8, 2011.
  40. Web site: June 5, 1955. Reds at Pirates Play by Play and Box Score. Baseball-Reference.com. June 8, 2011.
  41. Web site: June 19, 1955. Pirates at Reds Play by Play and Box Score. Baseball-Reference.com. June 8, 2011.
  42. Web site: July 4, 1955. Giants at Pirates Play by Play and Box Score. Baseball-Reference.com. June 8, 2011.
  43. News: Biederman. Les. The Scoreboard. The Pittsburgh Press. July 1, 1955. 12.
  44. News: Pirates Sell Bonus Baby Nick Koback. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. July 12, 1955. 16.
  45. Web site: 1955 Lincoln Chiefs. Baseball-Reference.com. June 8, 2011.
  46. News: Untitled. https://web.archive.org/web/20121107004238/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/courant/access/899301602.html?dids=899301602:899301602&FMT=CITE&FMTS=CITE:AI&type=historic&date=Nov+02,+1955&author=&pub=Hartford+Courant&desc=Photo+Standalone+24+--+No+Title&pqatl=google. dead. November 7, 2012. June 8, 2011. The Hartford Courant. November 2, 1955. Hartford, Connecticut. 19A. subscription .
  47. Web site: 1956 Hollywood Stars. Baseball-Reference.com. June 8, 2011.
  48. Web site: Clay Hopper Minor League Statistics & History. Baseball-Reference.com. June 8, 2011.
  49. News: Nick Koback Catches Opener for Hollywood. https://web.archive.org/web/20121107004250/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/courant/access/892299062.html?dids=892299062:892299062&FMT=CITE&FMTS=CITE:AI&type=historic&date=Apr+11,+1956&author=&pub=Hartford+Courant&desc=Nick+Koback+Catches+Opener+for+Hollywood&pqatl=google. dead. November 7, 2012. June 8, 2011. The Hartford Courant. April 11, 1956. Hartford, Connecticut. 18. subscription .
  50. News: St. Claire Hits Pinch Homer to Beat Stars, 5-4. https://web.archive.org/web/20121107004303/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/445601662.html?dids=445601662:445601662&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=May+05,+1956&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=St.+Claire+Hits+Pinch+Homer+to+Beat+Stars,+5-4&pqatl=google. dead. November 7, 2012. June 8, 2011. Los Angeles Times. May 5, 1956. B1. Frank. Finch.
  51. Web site: 1956 New Orleans Pelicans. Baseball-Reference.com. June 8, 2011.
  52. News: Nick Koback, Former Hartford High Catcher, Joins Williamsport Today. https://web.archive.org/web/20121107004317/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/courant/access/899452992.html?dids=899452992:899452992&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=May+18,+1956&author=&pub=Hartford+Courant&desc=Nick+Koback,+Former+Hartford+High+Catcher,+Joins+Williamsport+Today&pqatl=google. dead. November 7, 2012. June 8, 2011. The Hartford Courant. May 18, 1956. Hartford, Connecticut. 25. Frank. Cline. subscription .
  53. Web site: Jack Fitzpatrick Minor League Statistics & History. Baseball-Reference.com. 8 June 2011.
  54. News: Koback To Play In Mexican Loop. https://web.archive.org/web/20121107004330/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/courant/access/901551012.html?dids=901551012:901551012&FMT=CITE&FMTS=CITE:AI&type=historic&date=Oct+09,+1956&author=&pub=Hartford+Courant&desc=Koback+To+Play+In+Mexican+Loop&pqatl=google. dead. November 7, 2012. June 8, 2011. The Hartford Courant. October 9, 1956. Hartford, Connecticut. 20. subscription .
  55. News: Politicos Playing Heart Fund Game. https://web.archive.org/web/20121107004350/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/courant/access/900385672.html?dids=900385672:900385672&FMT=CITE&FMTS=CITE:AI&type=historic&date=Mar+01,+1957&author=&pub=Hartford+Courant&desc=Politicos+Playing+Heart+Fund+Game&pqatl=google. dead. November 7, 2012. 8 June 2011. The Hartford Courant. March 1, 1957. Hartford, Connecticut. 22. subscription .
  56. News: Angles to Clash With Stars Today. https://archive.today/20120714235728/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/458629442.html?dids=458629442:458629442&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Mar+17,+1957&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=ANGELS+TO+CLASH+WITH+STARS+TODAY&pqatl=google. dead. July 14, 2012. June 8, 2011. Los Angeles Times. March 17, 1957. C1. subscription .
  57. News: Nick Koback Shipped To Mobile by Stars. https://archive.today/20120714111441/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/courant/access/899936622.html?dids=899936622:899936622&FMT=CITE&FMTS=CITE:AI&type=historic&date=May+22,+1957&author=&pub=Hartford+Courant&desc=Nick+Koback+Shipped+To+Mobile+by+Stars&pqatl=google. dead. July 14, 2012. June 8, 2011. The Hartford Courant. May 22, 1957. Hartford, Connecticut. 19. subscription .
  58. News: Shepard Tests Infielders, Smith Shines. The Deseret News. April 3, 1958. Salt Lake City. 25.
  59. News: Untitled. https://web.archive.org/web/20121107004433/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/courant/access/912546982.html?dids=912546982:912546982&FMT=CITE&FMTS=CITE:AI&type=historic&date=May+18,+1958&author=&pub=Hartford+Courant&desc=Other+40+--+No+Title&pqatl=google. dead. November 7, 2012. June 8, 2011. The Hartford Courant. May 18, 1958. Hartford, Connecticut. 5D1. subscription .
  60. Web site: 1958 Lincoln Chiefs. Baseball-Reference.com. June 8, 2011.
  61. News: Nick Koback Enlists In Nebraska Guard. https://web.archive.org/web/20121107004445/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/courant/access/910360182.html?dids=910360182:910360182&FMT=CITE&FMTS=CITE:AI&type=historic&date=Sep+17,+1958&author=&pub=Hartford+Courant&desc=Nick+Koback+Enlists+In+Nebraska+Guard&pqatl=google. dead. November 7, 2012. June 8, 2011. The Hartford Courant. September 17, 1958. Hartford, Connecticut. 18A. subscription .
  62. Web site: 1959 Columbus/Gastonia Pirates. Baseball-Reference.com. June 8, 2011.
  63. News: 'Bonus' Players Fail to Impress. Sunday Herald. August 23, 1959. Bridgeport, Connecticut. 89.
  64. News: Buzzers Get King In Deal. The Deseret News. April 15, 1960. Salt Lake City. 21.
  65. Web site: 1960 Charleston Senators. Baseball-Reference.com. June 8, 2011.
  66. News: Nick Koback Goodwin Park Aide; Golf Show at Avon Stirs Interest. https://web.archive.org/web/20121107004458/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/courant/access/930306892.html?dids=930306892:930306892&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Apr+15,+1965&author=&pub=Hartford+Courant&desc=Nick+Koback+Goodwin+Park+Aide%3B+Golf+Show+at+Avon+Stirs+Interest&pqatl=google. dead. November 7, 2012. June 8, 2011. The Hartford Courant. April 15, 1965. Hartford, Connecticut. 20A. subscription .
  67. News: Griffith. Owen. Former Golf Winners to Bid Again In Courant Tournament of Champions. https://web.archive.org/web/20121107004510/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/courant/access/933613972.html?dids=933613972:933613972&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=May+29,+1966&author=&pub=Hartford+Courant&desc=Former+Golf+Winners+to+Bid+Again+In+Courant+Tournament+of+Champions&pqatl=google. dead. November 7, 2012. June 8, 2011. The Hartford Courant. May 29, 1966. Hartford, Connecticut. 8C. subscription .
  68. News: Koback Names Pequot Assistant. The Day. May 5, 1970. Southeastern Connecticut. 10.
  69. News: Canfield. Owen. Sore-Handed Nick Koback Wins Event at Cliffside. https://web.archive.org/web/20121107004524/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/courant/access/938594772.html?dids=938594772:938594772&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Jun+10,+1969&author=&pub=Hartford+Courant&desc=Sore-Handed+Nick+Koback+Wins+Event+at+Cliffside&pqatl=google. dead. November 7, 2012. June 8, 2011. The Hartford Courant. June 10, 1969. Hartford, Connecticut. 29. subscription .
  70. Web site: Nick Koback. Hartford Public High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Hartford Public High School. June 8, 2011. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120113025822/http://www.hphshof.org/Inductees/2004/KobackNick.htm. January 13, 2012.
  71. Book: The Celebrity Black Book: Over 55,000 Accurate Celebrity Addresses. 2006. Mega Niche Media. West Hollywood, California. 0-9707095-7-9. 387.
  72. Web site: Nicholas Koback Obituary. legacy.com. Hartford Courant. January 26, 2015. Hartford, Connecticut. January 26, 2015.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Nick Koback".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.