Ron Karkovice was a well-regarded defensive catcher as well as a team player. Noted for his strong throwing arm, he threw out almost 50% of base stealers during his 12 major league seasons, 1986-1997, all with the Chicago White Sox. In his first major league season, he hit .247 in 37 games and hit his first MLB homer on August 27, and on September 1 1986 Ron Karkovice caught the no-hitter of Joe Cowley against the Angels. Career Hightlights: Ron Karkovice was the starting catcher for the White Sox on 1987 Opening Day. On August 27 1988 he smashed his first grand slam homer and had 5 RBIs. In 1990 rotating with Hall of Fame catcher Carlton Fisk, the 6 ft 1, 205-pound Ron Karkovice made just 2 errors in 329 chances for a resounding .994 fielding percentage. On August 30 1990 he hit an inside the park grand slam homer in Minnesota. He compiled a streak of 63 games played without an error, starting in late-1990 and going into 1991. In 1991 Baseball America chose him as the top Defensive Catcher for 1991. Playing in 128 games behind home plate in 1993 Ron Karkovice hit a career-high 20 homers, which helped the White Sox win its division. A nice person he was a fans favorite. |