Patrick Osborn: Winner
April 18, 2016 - Florida State League (FSL1)
Tampa Yankees News Release
"I love to win"
Those are the words of Patrick Osborn and it certainly seems like the truth. The newest Tampa Yankees skipper has either played or managed postseason baseball in 12 of the last 13 seasons.
Osborn is entering his third year in the New York Yankees organization. He began in 2014, managing the Gulf Coast League Yankees 2 to a first-place finish in the Northeast Division (35-25). That prompted a move up to Single-A Staten Island last season, when Osborn led the club to the New York Penn League Championship Series following a first-place finish in the McNamara Division (41-34).
A second round pick in 2002 by the Cleveland Indians, Osborn was drafted as a third baseman after playing three seasons at the University of Florida, appearing in the NCAA Tournament each year. In his final season, Osborn started all 65 games and led the Gators in hits (107) and batting average (.414) while collecting 17 home runs and 76 RBI.
As a minor leaguer, Osborn played in the playoffs with the Single-A Kinston Indians (2003 and 2004), Double-A Akron Aeros (2005 and 2006) and Single-A Salem Avalanche (2007), winning league championships in 2004 and 2005.
The idea of managing crossed Osborn's mind while playing with Akron and talking with teammate, Shaun Larkin (current manager of the rookie level Ogden Raptors).
"I can remember sitting out in left field during batting practice one day talking about, "man, what do you want to do when you're done?" We both expressed this interest in possibly managing one day."
After spending seven seasons in the Indians and Houston Astros farm systems, Osborn was released in 2008.
Soon after, Osborn signed with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (Independent). His team did not make it to the playoffs that season, but Osborn became close with his manager (former Boston Red Sox manager), Butch Hobson.
"He started asking me what I wanted to do and I told him managing was something I definitely wanted to get into at some point. He said, "You know, I think you're going to be very good at it," and that's when everything started to really speed up in my brain. This is what I really want to do."
The Blue Crabs made the playoffs in 2009 and 2010. One year later, Osborn succeeded Hobson as manager at the age of 30. He immediately found success, leading the Blue Crabs to three consecutive postseason births and a 199-102 (.496) overall record between 2011-2013.
The Tampa Yankees have not played postseason baseball since winning the Florida State League Championship in 2010. Will the five-year drought end with Osborn at the helm?
"I've been lucky enough to get two teams with talented players and I think this team fits that mold. I definitely like to win and hopefully we can combine player development with a winning atmosphere," said Osborn.
Osborn may enjoy winning, but that is not what he most looks forward to when it comes to managing.
"I think the relationships you build with these kids is number one for me. Every year brings more and more challenges. A new group of guys...a lot of uncertainty. Being able to impact them in a way that it will help them move up the chain...prepare them for the next level."
Originally from Bakersfield, California, Osborn is currently a resident of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. After spending last season in Staten Island, Osborn is excited that his wife and 17-month-old daughter are now only a drive away.
"It's really a feeling that's kind of hard to describe, be that I live in South Florida. I tell people, any time you can save a year close to home in professional baseball, you have to embrace it because this game takes you all over the place. When you're home, you never know when you might get that opportunity again."
Getting a job near home has already made Osborn a winner in 2016. Leading the T-Yanks to a successful season? That would be a nice bonus.
Florida State League Stories from April 18, 2016
- Offense Comes Alive as Jays Take Series against Cards - Dunedin Blue Jays
- Tortugas Mahle with Tyler, Win 4-1 - Daytona Tortugas
- Mets Bounce Back with 9-4 Win over Manatees - St. Lucie Mets
- Marauders Earn Series Split with Lakeland 4-2 - Bradenton Marauders
- Tortugas Salvage Series Split with 4-1 Win in Finale - Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
- Threshers Blanked in Finale, 5-0 - Clearwater Threshers
- Patrick Osborn: Winner - Tampa Yankees
- Flying Tigers Return Home to Henley Field Tuesday for Six-Game Homestand - Lakeland Flying Tigers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
