Illinois State’s Koziol signs with San Francisco Giants

Posted on June 19, 2015
Ryan Koziol
Ryan Koziol was 1-4 with a 6.64 ERA and a team-high five saves as a junior for Illinois State this spring. (Photo courtesy GoRedbirds.com)

By ISU Sports Information

NORMAL – Illinois State’s Ryan Koziol has signed a free agent contract with Major League Baseball’s San Francisco Giants. He has not yet been assigned to an affiliate team.

Koziol spent time at both third base and on the mound for the Redbirds in 2015, but the Giants view him as a pitcher.

“Ryan made a big impact on our program in the one year he was with us. He played a great third base for us and was a critical piece of our offensive attack, hitting in the middle of the batting order all year,” said Illinois State head coach Bo Durkac. “As good as he was for us as a position player, though, I think he has a very bright future on the mound once he focuses solely on pitching. The Illinois State baseball program wishes Ryan luck as he begins his professional career with the Giants.”

Koziol was 1-4 with a 6.64 ERA and a team-high five saves as a junior for the Redbirds this spring. He appeared in 17 games, all in relief, totaling 20.1 innings. He walked 11 and struck out 18.

Koziol contributed as a position player as well, starting 52 games at third base. He slashed .298/.417/.419 with 12 doubles, three home runs and 37 RBIs.

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