| Nick Koback | |
|---|---|
 Koback as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates, c. 1950s | |
| Catcher | |
| Born: July 19, 1935 Hartford, Connecticut | |
| Died: January 23, 2015 (aged 79) Hartford, Connecticut | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| July 29, 1953, for the Pittsburgh Pirates | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| July 4, 1955, for the Pittsburgh Pirates | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Batting average | .121 |
| Hits | 4 |
| Teams | |
Nicholas Nicholie Koback (July 19, 1935 – January 23, 2015) was a Russian American professional baseball player whose career spanned eight seasons, three of which were spent with the Major League Baseball (MLB) Pittsburgh Pirates (1953–55). At the age of 17, Koback signed with the Pirates as a bonus baby out of Hartford Public High School. He made his MLB debut without ever playing in the minor leagues. At the time, he was the youngest Pittsburgh Pirates player ever. During his first career start, Koback caught a complete game shutout by Pirates pitcher Murry Dickson. Most of Koback's time with Pittsburgh was spent as a bullpen catcher. Over his three-year MLB career, Koback compiled a .121 batting average with one run scored, four hits, one triple and one base on balls in 16 games played. The majority of his playing career was spent in the minor leagues with the Lincoln Chiefs (1955, 1958), Williamsport Grays (1956), Hollywood Stars (1956–57), New Orleans Pelicans (1956–57), Columbus/Gastonia Pirates (1958) and Charleston Senators (1960). He batted and threw right-handed. During his career, he weighed 187 pounds (85 kg) and stood at 6 feet (180 cm). After retiring from baseball, Koback played pro–am golf in Connecticut.