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Rob Kaminsky
Kaminsky in 2013
Free agent
Pitcher
Born: (1994-09-02) September 2, 1994 (age 30)
Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, U.S.[1]
Bats: Right
Throws: Left
MLB debut
August 16, 2020, for the St. Louis Cardinals
MLB statistics
(through 2020 season)
Win–loss record0–0
Earned run average1.93
Strikeouts3
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams

Robert Harris Kaminsky (born September 2, 1994) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the St. Louis Cardinals.

In high school, Kaminsky was the Gatorade New Jersey Baseball Player of the Year in both 2012 and 2013, named to the 2012 USA Today All-USA Team, and a 2013 Baseball America Preseason First Team All-American. In his senior year in 2013, he was 10-0 with a 0.10 ERA, averaging two strikeouts per inning while batting .506. He was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals at the age of 18 in the first round of the 2013 Major League Baseball Draft, 28th overall.

In 2013, Baseball America ranked him the Gulf Coast League's No. 8 prospect. In 2014, Kaminsky's 1.88 ERA was the best in the Midwest League of all pitchers with 100 or more innings pitched, and he was a Baseball America Low–A All-Star. In 2015, his 2.09 ERA was 2nd-best in the Florida State League of all pitchers with 90 or more innings pitched. In 2016, his 3.28 ERA was 4th-best in the Eastern League. He made his major league debut for the Cardinals in August 2020. Kaminsky pitched for Team Israel in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

Early life

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Kaminsky was born in and grew up in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.[2] His parents are Donna Kaminsky, and Alan Kaminsky, a civil litigator for Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith in New York City.[3][4] He has two older siblings, Joseph and Anna, and his grandfather is Bernard Kaminsky.[3][5] Kaminsky is Jewish, and his bar mitzvah was based on a baseball theme.[3] His boyhood hero was left-handed pitcher Sandy Koufax, and he said Koufax "stood up for what he believed in" when Koufax decided not to pitch Game 1 of the 1965 World Series because it was on Yom Kippur.[2]

He is nearly completely ambidextrous; Kaminsky writes, throws a football, and shoots a basketball right-handed, but throws a baseball left-handed.[3][6] In Little League, he sometimes threw left-handed and sometimes threw right-handed.[3] He learned how to switch-hit when he was around 10 years old.[7]

Kaminsky attended Solomon Schechter Day School of Bergen County, a Jewish day school, through eighth grade.[8]

High school

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Kaminsky attended Saint Joseph Regional High School in Montvale, New Jersey, graduating in 2013.[3][9][10] Initially, he was a center fielder, and in 2011 he preferred playing the outfield.[11][7] He was the Gatorade New Jersey Baseball Player of the Year, and the Star-Ledger New Jersey Player of the Year, in both 2012 and 2013.[2][12] In his junior year in 2012 he was 8-2 with a 0.20 earned run average (ERA), struck out 103 batters and walked 20 in 53 innings, and pitched three no-hitters and three one-hitters. He was also named to the USA Today All-USA Team.[13][6]

In his senior year in 2013 Kaminsky was 10-0 with a 0.10 ERA, averaged two strikeouts per inning, gave up 14 walks as he struck out 126 in 64 innings, pitched three no-hitters and three one-hitters, while batting .506 with 3 home runs and 19 RBIs.[2][14][13][15] He was also a Baseball America Preseason First Team All-American and a Rawlings-Perfect Game First Team All-American.[2] Seattle Mariners scout Frank Rendini said: "He has a major-league curveball right now."[3][16]

While in high school, Kaminsky raised over $30,000 through his Strikeout Challenge charity for the pediatric cancer ward at Englewood Hospital, as he asked supporters to donate whatever amount they chose for each strikeout he recorded in his senior year.[17][18]

Career

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St. Louis Cardinals

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Kaminsky was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals at the age of 18 in the first round of the 2013 Major League Baseball Draft, 28th overall, after Baseball America ranked him the # 21 prospect in the draft.[19][20][21][22] He became the 12th New Jersey player drafted in the first round directly out of high school since the initial Major League Baseball draft in 1965.[23] He signed for a signing bonus of $1.785 million, foregoing his scholarship to pitch and play center field for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels.[24][6]

In 2013 he made his professional debut for the Gulf Coast Cardinals in the Rookie Gulf Coast League.[25] Kaminsky appeared in eight games with five starts and had a 3.68 ERA and 28 strikeouts in 22 innings pitched.[26] Baseball America ranked him the Gulf Coast League's No. 8 prospect in 2013.[27] Kaminsky pitched in 2014 for the Peoria Chiefs of the Single–A Midwest League[28][29][25] In 2014, he appeared in 18 games, all starts, going 8-2 with a 1.88 ERA (the best ERA in the league of all pitchers with 100 or more innings pitched), and a 1.013 WHIP (9th among Cardinals minor leaguers).[1][30] He was named a Baseball America Low–A All Star, and Scout named him the best left-handed starter in the Cardinals' minor league system.[1][31][32]

Cleveland Indians

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On July 30, 2015, the Cardinals traded Kaminsky to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for outfielder/first baseman Brandon Moss.[33] At the time, MLB.com ranked Kaminsky the No. 3 prospect in the St. Louis organization, and 88th overall, and Scout ranked him the best pitcher in the Cardinals' minor league system.[2][32] Kaminsky finished 2015 with a 6-6 record and a 2.24 ERA.[25][34][35] He was ranked the No. 3 prospect, and top pitching prospect, in the Cleveland Indians organization.[36][37]

Kaminsky spent the 2016 season with the Akron RubberDucks of the Double-A Eastern League, where he posted an 11-7 record and a 3.28 ERA.[1][21][38] He was placed on the disabled list with left forearm soreness after one start for Akron in 2017, and did not pitch during the remainder of the season.[39] In 2018 Kaminsky pitched two scoreless innings for Lynchburg, and then pitched only 26.1 innings over 23 games out of the bullpen for Akron, going 1-1 with 4 saves and a 3.28 ERA.[40][41] Kaminsky then pitched for the Glendale Desert Dogs in the Arizona Fall League, was picked for the league's Fall Stars Game.[42] In 2019, he pitched for both Akron, for whom he was 2-1 with a 2.30 ERA in 31+1⁄3 innings, and for the Triple-A Columbus Clippers, for whom Kaminsky was 1-0 with a 5.11 ERA in 24+2⁄3 innings.

Kaminsky elected minor league free agency on November 4, 2019.[1] The day he became a minor league free agent, the Cardinals made him an offer.[43]

St. Louis Cardinals (second stint)

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On December 12, 2019, Kaminsky signed a minor league deal with the St. Louis Cardinals, and was invited to major league spring training as a non-roster player.[44][45] In July 2020 he was added to the Cardinals' 60-player roster pool.[46] On August 15, 2020, Kaminsky was promoted to the major leagues for the first time.[47] He made his major league debut for the Cardinals on August 16.[48] Kaminsky was designated for assignment by the Cardinals on September 16; he cleared waivers, remained in the organization, and was outrighted by the Cardinals to their alternate site.[49][50][51]

Philadelphia Phillies

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On April 18, 2021, Kaminsky signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies organization.[52] In his lone appearance for the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Kaminsky struck out 2 over one scoreless inning. On August 5, Kaminsky was released by the Phillies organization.[53]

Seattle Mariners

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On April 6, 2022, Kaminsky signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners organization.[54] Pitching for the Double-A Arkansas Travelers in 2022, he was 3-1 with one save, a 4.91 ERA, and 39 strikeouts across 39 relief appearances covering 36+2⁄3 innings.[55] Kaminsky elected free agency following the season on November 10.[56]

On April 14, 2023, Kaminsky re-signed with the Mariners on a minor league contract.[57] He split the year between the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers, Arkansas, and rookie–level Arizona Complex League Mariners, for whom he was a combined 6-1 with a 5.13 ERA in 32 games (2 starts) in which he pitched 40+1⁄3 innings.[58] He elected free agency on November 6.[59]

Staten Island FerryHawks

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On June 2, 2024, Kaminsky signed with the Staten Island FerryHawks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.[60] He made 2 starts for Staten Island, logging a 6.75 ERA with 5 strikeouts across 6+2⁄3 innings pitched.

Seattle Mariners (second stint)

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On June 17, 2024, Kaminsky signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners.[61] On November 6, he elected free agency.[62]

International career

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Kaminsky played for the Team Israel in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.[63][64][65]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "Rob Kaminsky Stats, Highlights, Bio," MiLB.com.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Jeff Brewer (July 15, 2016). "RubberDucks left-hander Rob Kaminsky starting to live up to billing as top prospect," Beacon Journal.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Wayne Coffey (April 20, 2013). "Echoes of Sandy Koufax: When Jersey phenom Robert Kaminsky pitches, it harkens back to his idol and fellow Jew - and a Brooklyn-born baseball icon," The New York Daily News.
  4. ^ "Kaminsky, Alan; Partner," Lewis Brisbois LLP.
  5. ^ Brian A. Giuffra (April 1, 2013). "The natural; Englewood Cliffs baseball player Rob Kaminsky showed talent at 3," Family.
  6. ^ a b c "Rob Kaminsky; Top Rated Prospect" Draft 2013.
  7. ^ a b "Male Athlete of the Week: Rob Kaminsky of St. Joseph,", The Record.
  8. ^ Berger, Eric. "Cardinals’ Jewish left-hander Kaminsky hopes for a playoff role", St. Louis Jewish Light"], August 27, 2020, updated February 11, 2021. Accessed March 8, 2021. "[Q] Tell me a little about where you’re from and your Jewish upbringing. [A] I grew up in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., and live in Englewood now. I moved a nice, five-minute drive from the parents, so that’s nice. I went to Solomon Schechter [Day School of Bergen County] pre-K through eighth grade and had a great, great time there."
  9. ^ "ALL-USA". USA Today. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  10. ^ Mark Czerwinski. "Czerwinski: Rob Kaminsky knocked down barriers". The Record. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  11. ^ David Eminian (July 22, 2014). "Chiefs pitcher from Jersey turns in his pinstrips for Cardinals red," Journal Star.
  12. ^ James Kratch (June 23, 2013). "Robert Kaminsky of St. Joseph (Mont.) is The Star-Ledger's baseball state Player of the Year for 2013," NJ.com.
  13. ^ a b James Kratch (May 28, 2013). "Baseball: Rob Kaminsky named Gatorade New Jersey Player of the Year," NJ.com.
  14. ^ Bob Behre (July 27, 2016). "Six Diamond Nation Players Among State's Top 25," Flemington/Raritan NJ News.
  15. ^ "Robert Kaminsky - Player Profile," Perfect Game USA.
  16. ^ "New Jersey Baseball POY: Robert Kaminsky," USA Today, May 28, 2013.
  17. ^ Greg Lerner (July 18, 2013). "Year in review: New Jersey baseball," News 12 Varsity.
  18. ^ Bryan Horowitz (January 27, 2014). "Chasing lofty goals, Cardinals phenom Rob Kaminsky up to the task; Cardinals 2013 Draft pick eager to make splash in first spring camp," mlb.com.
  19. ^ "Cardinals Select LHP Rob Kaminsky With 28th Overall Selection In 2013 Draft". St. Louis Cardinals. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  20. ^ Mark Czerwinski. "St. Joseph lefty Rob Kaminsky drafted in first round by St. Louis Cardinals". The Record. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  21. ^ a b Matt Bretz (March 16, 2017)."Cleveland Indians 2017 top prospects: No. 14, Rob Kaminsky," Fansided.
  22. ^ Scott Barancik (June 7, 2013). "Cardinals pick Jewish high-school pitcher in first round," Jewish Baseball News.
  23. ^ "Rob Kaminsky checks out his new baseball team," The Record.
  24. ^ Jim Callis (June 12, 2013) on Twitter: "#Cardinals, 1st-rder Rob Kaminsky agree on $1,785,300. New Jersey HS LHP has nifty curveball, can reach 94 w/FB. #mlbdraft"
  25. ^ a b c "Rob Kaminsky Baseball Statistics [2013-17]", The Baseball Cube.
  26. ^ Mark J. Czerwinski. "Baseball: Former St. Joseph star Rob Kaminsky's pro debut season a learning experience". The Record. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  27. ^ "Rob Kaminsky Stats & Scouting Report," Baseball America.
  28. ^ "First Round Pick Kaminsky Joins Chiefs, Petree Promoted". milb.com. May 4, 2014. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  29. ^ Daniel Makarewicz (June 1, 2014). "Cards prospect Kaminsky believes learning will take him where he wants to go". Quad-Cities Online. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  30. ^ "Midwest League (LoA) 2014," Baseball America.
  31. ^ Sam Dykstra (July 30, 2015). "Indians acquire Kaminsky in Moss deal; Cardinals send No. 3 prospect to Cleveland in exchange for outfielder," MiLB.com.
  32. ^ a b Brian Walton (January 7, 2017). "2017 TCN/Scout.com Cards All-Prospect Team; Our annual ranking of the best prospects in the St. Louis Cardinals minor league system by position including a top 50 depth chart," Scout.
  33. ^ "St. Louis Cardinals acquire Brandon Moss from Cleveland Indians for Rob Kaminsky". ESPN. July 30, 2015. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  34. ^ Jim Callis (July 30, 2015). "Rob Kaminsky deal a strong trade for Indians; Cleveland gets touted left-handed prospect in exchange for power bat," mlb.com.
  35. ^ Matt R. Lyons (July 31, 2015). "Rob Kaminsky ranks as Cleveland Indians No. 3 prospect," Let's Go Tribe.
  36. ^ "MLB.com 2015 Prospect Watch; Cleveland Indians," mlb.com
  37. ^ Jason Phillips (October 14, 2015). "Rob Kaminsky's strong season validates his role as the Cleveland Indians top pitching prospect," SB Nation.
  38. ^ "2016 Eastern League - Season Review,", The Baseball Cube.
  39. ^ Brian Hemminger (July 13, 2017). "Indians minor league midseason report; Which top prospects have overperformed and who has disappointed thus far in 2017?", letsgotribe.com.
  40. ^ "Rob Kaminsky Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History," Baseball-Reference.com.
  41. ^ Mike Rosenbaum (October 26, 2018). "Indians Chu takes on AFL after Triple-A stop," MLB.com.
  42. ^ Wayne Cavadi (November 3, 2018). "Blue Jays: Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. tops Fall Stars Game starting lineups," Minor League Ball.
  43. ^ Goold, Derrick (February 22, 2020). "New role, same goal: Former first-rounder Kaminsky returns to Cardinals as lefty reliever". St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
  44. ^ Rob Rains (May 14, 2020). "Not knowing where they will be if baseball returns leaves players like Cardinals' Rob Kaminsky in limbo". ksdk.com.
  45. ^ Rogers, Anne (December 16, 2019). "Cardinals Winter Meetings wrapup". MLB.com. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
  46. ^ "Cardinals' Rob Kaminsky: Heading to summer training". CBS Sports. July 7, 2020.
  47. ^ "Cardinals' Rob Kaminsky: Added to major-league roster". CBS Sports. August 15, 2020.
  48. ^ "Four-Straight Sox Socks Stifle Sweep". Viva El Birdos. August 16, 2020.
  49. ^ "Cardinals Designate Rob Kaminsky Amid Flurry Of Roster Moves". MLB Trade Rumors. September 16, 2020.
  50. ^ "Cardinals' Rob Kaminsky: Passes through waivers". CBS Sports. September 21, 2020.
  51. ^ Derrick Goold (September 23, 2020). "'Didn't feel like myself:' Fowler notes physical turnaround from playing through abdominal pain". Herald-Review.
  52. ^ "Minor MLB Transactions: 4/20/21". MLB Trade Rumors. April 20, 2021.
  53. ^ "Rob Kaminsky Stats, Fantasy & News | MLB.com". MLB.com.
  54. ^ "Rob Kaminsky Stats, Fantasy & News".
  55. ^ "Rob Kaminsky Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics".
  56. ^ "Rob Kaminsky Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | Baseball-Reference.com".
  57. ^ "Transactions".
  58. ^ "Making a new pitch for the majors".
  59. ^ "2023 MiLB Free Agents". baseballamerica.com. November 8, 2023. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  60. ^ "Transactions". baseball.pointstreak.com. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  61. ^ "Transactions".
  62. ^ Eddy, Matt (November 6, 2024). "Minor League Free Agents 2024". Baseball America. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
  63. ^ "Pederson, Kremer headline Team Israel's Classic roster". MLB.com.
  64. ^ Scott Barancik (July 21, 2022). "Israel's roster swelling with stars; Joc Pederson, Harrison Bader among recent WBC commits". Jewish Baseball News.
  65. ^ "Israel drawn to WBC group in Miami". IAB – Israel Association of Baseball.
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