Former Major League Baseball pitcher John Koronka joined the Embry-Riddle baseball program as an assistant coach in the spring of 2021. The Clearwater, Florida native is in charge of the pitching staff and assists in the Blue and Gold recruiting efforts.
Prior to coming to ERAU, Koronka was a regional scout in charge of Florida for the Chicago Cubs. He served in that capacity from 2011-20, scouting and signing the likes of Albert Almora, Michael Cruz and Brendon Little.
Koronka pitched in four seasons in the Majors from 2005-09, starting games for the Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers, and Florida Marlins. The left-hander started 23 games in 2006 for the Rangers, racking up seven wins in 125.0 innings of work.
Koronka was drafted in the 12th round of the 1998 MLB Draft by the Cincinnati Reds out of South Lake High School (Groveland, Florida). He made his MLB debut on June 1, 2005 for the Cubs, pitching five innings and getting the win against the Los Angeles Dodgers. While in the Reds organization, Koronka was roommates with former ERAU assistant coach Dave Therneau.
Koronka also pitched in Japan for the Orix Buffaloes, as well as in the Independent Atlantic League for the Lancaster Barnstormers and the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. In total, Koronka's professional career spanned 14 seasons from 1998-2011.
Koronka and his wife Ashlee reside in Clermont with their two children.
