‘One of those guys who never gave up’

East Kildonan

Nothing makes a coach, teacher, or mentor of any kind prouder than when one of their charges becomes successful. And when they get to share in that celebration, it becomes even more special.

Elmwood Giants alumnus Lorne Korol had that chance recently when he got to watch one of his players get inducted into the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame. Corey Koskie earned the honour before the Twins’ Aug. 17 game against the Detroit Tigers.

Korol only coached Koskie for one season more than three decades ago, but the two formed a friendship that has lasts to this day. Koskie was allowed to invite a limited number of people to join him on the field for his induction, but Korol and his wife Heather were among them.

It was a first-class weekend, with receptions and dinners featuring Koskie’s former teammates from the minor and major leagues, along with many friends. Guests got to rub elbows with former Twins, including Major League Baseball Hall of Famers Jim Kaat, Rod Carew, Tony Oliva, Joe Mauer and Bert Blyleven.

That one season the two were together was Koskie’s first serious run at baseball. From there, he went to a college in Iowa and the National Baseball Institute before being drafted into the Twins’ organization.

“When I had him that year, you could see the raw talent,” Korol said. “He’s the best athlete I’ve ever been around. He was the third-ranked vertical jumper for Volleyball Canada and a goalie with the Selkirk Steelers. The guy was really athletic, but he hadn’t played serious ball.

“Once he figured out how to hit a curveball, he was on his way.”

Koskie was drafted in the 26th round and was the only player from that round to make The Show. However, it was a long path, as Korol said he had to grind it out at every minor league level on his way up the ladder.

“He was one of those guys who never gave up,” Korol said.

Koskie’s character extends beyond persistence. Korol said it extended to those he invited to the induction. Yes, there were former Twins, but the Giants were represented by the Korols and former teammates Jason Mateychuk and Scott Schipper. Minor league teammates, including one from Australia, also made the list.

“He didn’t forget his roots,” Korol added.

In addition to their Giants connection, Koskie and Korol are bonded by their Christian faith. Korol is now the chaplain for the Winnipeg Jets, Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Manitoba Moose. Koskie was an active chapel member with the Twins, Toronto Blue Jays and Milwaukee Brewers.

“I was impressed when he gave his acceptance speech that he not only thanked his friends, teammates and family, but he also acknowledged Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour,” Korol concluded. “A humble speech, but nothing out of the ordinary.”

The coach is proud of his star player on many levels.