Introduction
Baseball is a beloved sport, and one of its most critical elements is the pitcher. In the world of the MLB, the best pitchers are the ones who make it to the big leagues. One of these players is left-hander Josh Osich. Osich didn’t have an easy journey to the big leagues, but he’s made it, and he’s now making an impact in the sport. This blog post will explore how Osich became an MLB pitcher, how he has achieved success, and what we can learn from his journey.
Early Years
Josh Osich was born on September 3, 1988, in Boise, Idaho, and grew up playing baseball. He was a multi-sport athlete in high school, but it was evident that baseball was his passion. By his senior year, he had a 10-1 record and a 1.95 ERA, attracting the attention of college scouts. Osich went on to play college baseball at Oregon State University.
College Career
Osich had a solid start to his college career, but he hit a roadblock when he suffered a severe arm injury that required surgery. However, he was determined to make a comeback, even if it meant completely overhauling his throwing motion. With hard work and perseverance, Osich eventually regained his form and became a reliable starter for the Beavers.
Draft and Minor League Career
Osich’s college career impressed the San Francisco Giants, who drafted him in the sixth round of the 2011 MLB Draft. However, his minor league journey was a tough one. He had to work hard to make it to the next level, struggling with consistency and injuries along the way. But he kept pushing, making adjustments and continuing to refine his craft.
MLB Debut
Osich finally got his chance to pitch in the big leagues in April of 2015 when he made his debut for the San Francisco Giants. He started his career on a high note, throwing three innings of scoreless relief in his first game. Despite some inconsistent outings early on, Osich has continued to improve and has become an essential part of the Giants’ bullpen.
Pitching Style
One of the reasons Osich has been successful is his unique pitching style. As a left-hander, Osich has a natural advantage, but he’s also developed a devastating slider that’s difficult for hitters to pick up. He throws in the mid-to-upper 90s and is not afraid to challenge hitters with his fastball.
Success as a Reliever
Osich has found success as a reliever for the Giants, primarily serving as a left-handed specialist. He’s held left-handed hitters to a .228 batting average, which is a crucial stat for a lefty specialist. He’s also been an excellent ground-ball pitcher, inducing grounders at a high rate. These skills have made him a valuable asset for the team.
Offensive Contributions
Although Osich is a pitcher, he’s also contributed offensively. In 2017, he hit his first career home run in a game against the Miami Marlins. He’s also been used as a pinch-hitter and has even recorded an RBI. While his offensive production is not a significant part of his game, it’s an added bonus for a team that values versatile players.
Final Thoughts
Osich’s journey to the MLB was not easy, but he’s now proving his worth as a valuable pitcher for the San Francisco Giants. His story shows the value of hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to one’s dreams. Whether you’re a baseball player or not, there’s something to learn from Josh Osich’s journey to success.
FAQs
Q: What is Josh Osich’s pitching style?
A: Osich is a left-handed pitcher who throws a mid-to-upper 90s fastball and a devastating slider.
Q: What is Josh Osich’s role on the San Francisco Giants?
A: Osich is primarily used as a left-handed specialist out of the bullpen.
Q: Has Josh Osich contributed offensively?
A: Yes, Osich has hit his first career home run, recorded an RBI, and has been used as a pinch-hitter.
Q: Where did Josh Osich play college baseball?
A: Josh Osich played college baseball at Oregon State University.
Q: What MLB team drafted Josh Osich?
A: The San Francisco Giants drafted Josh Osich in the sixth round of the 2011 MLB Draft.