Born in Madera, California, Koski was one of the many promising young players whose career was interrupted by army service in Korean War. He starred at Modesto High School and, at age 19, pitched in 13 games for the Pirates during the 1951 season. His statistics were what you would expect from a very young pitcher relying primarily on his blazing fastball. He posted a 0-1 record and a 6.67 earned run average, allowing 23 runs (20 earned) on 26 hits and 28 walks, while striking out seven in 27.0 innings of work.\n', '

In his only starting assignment, Koski lasted 4⅓ innings against the New York Giants at Polo Grounds, giving up three earned runs on four hits and six walks, striking out two of the 23 batters he faced. The Giants won, 8–3, as he was credited with the loss.\n', '

′′T-Bone′′, as he was nicknamed, started 1952 back in the Minor Leagues, but his stuff impressed Pirates\' owner Branch Rickey so much that the visionary executive tried to recall Koski to the big club early in August. Unfortunately, Koski had been drafted into the Army and needed to report for duty on August 21.\n', '

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