First Base
1980 to 1983

John Kosub was one of the best student-athletes both on and off the field that St. Mary’s University has ever seen. Kosub played on the baseball team from 1980-83, overcoming a season-ending injury during his junior season to have a memorable senior campaign. 
As a freshman in 1980 he immediately made his mark, batting .357 and earning All-Big State Conference First Team and All-NAIA District IV Honorable Mention recognition. As a sophomore he was again named All-Big State Conference First Team and All-NAIA District IV First Team. His strong play earned him a tryout for the Pan American Games baseball team, where he was a finalist. His biggest challenge was yet to come, however, as he had to sit out his entire 1982 season with an injury. This challenge only served to motivate him, as he again earned All-Big State Conference First Team and All-NAIA District IV Honorable Mention in 1983. He was the leading hitter on the team and had an amazing .496 on-base percentage. Kosub had a career best 16-game hitting streak during the season a batted a sizzling .391.

His best work came in the classroom, however. He graduated from St. Mary’s Magna Cum Laude with an overall grade point average of 3.63. As a senior he was named NAIA Academic All-American, one of just 15 players in the nation to earn the honor.