Ron Karkovice was a professional baseball player who played as a catcher for the Chicago White Sox for most of his career. He was known for his strong arm and defensive skills behind the plate, and was a fan favorite for his gritty playing style.
Karkovice was born in Union, New Jersey, and was drafted by the White Sox in the third round of the 1982 MLB draft. He made his major league debut in 1986, and quickly established himself as one of the best defensive catchers in the league. He won his first Gold Glove award in 1991, and would go on to win two more in 1992 and 1993.
Despite his defensive prowess, Karkovice was never much of a hitter. He finished his career with a .221 batting average, and hit more than 10 home runs in a season just once. However, he was a valuable member of the White Sox lineup for his ability to work the count and draw walks.
Karkovice played for the White Sox for most of his career, but also had brief stints with the Florida Marlins and Milwaukee Brewers. He was a member of the White Sox team that won the American League West division in 1993, and played in the postseason for the first time in his career.
Karkovice retired from baseball after the 1997 season, having played in over 900 games and caught more than 8,000 innings. He was known for his toughness and durability, and was respected by his teammates and opponents alike.
After his playing career, Karkovice worked as a coach and instructor in the White Sox organization. He also served as a scout for the team, and was instrumental in the signing of future All-Star pitcher Chris Sale.
Overall, Ron Karkovice was a solid defensive catcher who played with grit and determination throughout his career. While he was never a star player, he was a valuable member of the White Sox lineup and a fan favorite for his toughness and work ethic.
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