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