Birthday Spotlight: Kevin Kouzmanoff

Apr 14, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff (6) bats during the game against the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Who remembers Kevin Kouzmanoff? I certainly do. It was not that long ago that he was the Padres’ regular 3rd baseman while Chase Headley patrolled the outfield.

Today, “Kouz” turns 33. He played 3 solid seasons for the Padres from 2007 to 2009. His best season was 2008 when he hit 23 home runs with 84 RBI and a .260 average. He hit 59 HRs as a member of the Padres and played in nearly every game, averaging about 147 games played in the 3 years in San Diego. He hit .263 as a Padre with 430 hits. Every time he would come up to bat, a “Kouuuuuz” would resound from the crowd. He was fun to watch.

It took him almost 3 seasons to get back to the majors after playing for the Rockies in 2011. Now he is with the Texas Rangers and has appeared in 13 games this year. He has 17 hits including 2 home runs in those 13 games for Texas.

He is mostly known throughout baseball for hitting a grand slam on the first pitch he ever saw in the major leagues. He is currently on the DL with a back injury for Texas.