Hosken Powell – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Hosken Powell made his mark in Major League Baseball over six seasons from 1978 to 1983, playing outfield for the Minnesota Twins and Toronto Blue Jays. He was born in Selma, Alabama, and grew up in Florida. Minnesota picked him in the first round of the 1975 amateur draft, so he came in with a fair bit of hype.

Powell wrapped up his MLB journey in 1983 after the Blue Jays released him following a tough half-season. That ended a career where he collected 470 hits and a .259 batting average over 594 games. He hit and threw left-handed, and he stood out early in his pro career, hitting over .300 in his first three minor league seasons. He even grabbed All-Star honors in the Class A California League.

His story really shows the struggle a lot of players face trying to stay consistent at baseball’s highest level. Powell started strong as Minnesota’s Opening Day right fielder in 1978, but he ran into trouble with power numbers and defensive consistency. His career reflects both the chances and the obstacles that defined baseball in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

He moved through two organizations and built relationships with teammates and managers. When he eventually left pro baseball, he gave us a window into the life of a journeyman player from that era.

Early Life and Education

Hosken Powell started his journey to Major League Baseball in Alabama, then continued on through Florida’s schools. His athletic talents showed up early at Woodham High School. He excelled in several sports and earned a baseball scholarship to Chipola College.

Family Background and Upbringing

Hosken Powell was born on May 14, 1955, in Selma, Alabama, to Wilmore and Mary Powell. The family moved to Florida when he was young, and he spent most of his childhood there.

He grew up in Escambia County, Florida, where he discovered his love for sports and the outdoors. His family had strong religious roots, and Powell accepted Christ at an early age, joining Oakfield Baptist Church.

Education and athletics were both important in the Powell household. His parents backed his athletic dreams but also kept him focused on school. That balance really helped him as he moved from high school athletics to professional baseball.

Woodham High School Accomplishments

Powell went to W.J. Woodham High School in Escambia County and graduated in 1973. While he was there, he joined several sports programs and quickly made a name for himself as a standout athlete.

He especially shined in baseball during his high school years. Powell played different positions but really stood out as an outfielder. College scouts definitely noticed his performance.

The coaches at Woodham saw Powell’s potential right away. His favorite coach, Fred Waters, played a big role in teaching him baseball fundamentals and building his work ethic.

Multi-Sport Athleticism

Powell showed off his athleticism in several sports while at Woodham High School. He played every sport the school offered, but baseball was always his main focus.

That versatility helped him develop the coordination and competitive edge he’d need in pro baseball. Playing different sports gave him a more well-rounded athletic background.

The skills he picked up from other sports translated well to baseball, especially his hand-eye coordination and mental toughness.

Collegiate Career at Chipola College

Powell’s strong high school career landed him a baseball scholarship to Chipola College in Florida. That junior college gave him a chance to show his skills to pro scouts.

At Chipola, Powell kept working on his game as an outfielder. The baseball program there had a reputation for turning out players who went on to four-year schools or even pro ball.

His time at Chipola was the real launching pad for his pro career. The competition and exposure there prepared him for what was coming next. Scouts started to take notice, and soon, he was on his way to the draft.

Journey to Major League Baseball

Hosken Powell’s road to the big leagues really got going at Chipola College in Florida, where pro scouts started to take notice. The Pittsburgh Pirates picked him in the 1975 draft, but he didn’t sign. Later that year, the Minnesota Twins came calling.

Draft Selections by Pittsburgh Pirates and Minnesota Twins

The Pittsburgh Pirates noticed Powell’s potential while he played at Chipola College in Marianna, Florida. They picked him in the first round of the 1975 MLB January Draft-Regular Phase, but Powell decided not to sign with them.

He stayed at Chipola College for another season to keep building his skills. That program would later produce some big names like Jose Bautista, Patrick Corbin, and Russell Martin.

In June 1975, the Minnesota Twins drafted Powell. This time, the 20-year-old signed on. The Twins saw him as a contact hitter who could help their lineup.

Minor League Successes and Batting Achievements

Powell’s minor league numbers showed he could really hit for contact. In his first three pro seasons, he batted .329, .345, and .326. Those averages proved he knew how to put the bat on the ball.

The Twins liked his approach at the plate, especially in an era when teams valued contact hitters. Powell’s knack for making contact made him a solid prospect for a team looking to boost its offense.

His minor league stats suggested he could become a reliable everyday player in the majors.

Breakthrough in Class-A Reno and Triple-A

Powell kept moving up in the Twins’ minor league system as he kept hitting. That consistency earned him promotions to higher levels. The organization kept a close eye on his progress.

He spent time in the upper minors, where he adjusted to better pitching and kept refining his approach. Those experiences got him ready for the big leagues.

After his strong minor league run, the Twins decided Powell was ready for the majors. His bat and outfield skills earned him a shot at the 1978 roster.

Spring Training and MLB Debut

Powell impressed everyone at Twins spring training in 1978 and made the Opening Day roster. At 23, he made the leap from the minors to the big leagues. His spring performance convinced the team he was ready.

The Twins put Powell in the leadoff spot for Opening Day against the Seattle Mariners on April 5, 1978. That move showed real confidence in the young outfielder.

Powell picked up his first MLB hit in that game, even though the Twins lost 3-2 to Seattle. That hit marked the start of his six-year major league career.

Major League Career Overview (1978–1983)

Hosken Powell played six seasons in the majors from 1978 to 1983. He ended up with a .259 average and 470 hits in 594 games. He spent four solid years with the Minnesota Twins before moving to the Toronto Blue Jays, where he filled in as a pinch-hitter and platoon guy.

Minnesota Twins Tenure and Rookie Recognition

Powell debuted for the Twins on April 5, 1978, facing the Seattle Mariners at age 22. He quickly became a regular in the Twins’ lineup during his rookie year.

In 1978, he played 121 games and hit .247 with 94 hits. That season, he passed the rookie limits and officially lost his rookie status. He also scored 55 runs and stole 11 bases.

The next year, 1979, was his best statistically. Powell raised his average to .293 and collected 99 hits in 104 games. That was his highest batting average and on-base percentage (.360).

In 1980, he played a career-high 137 games and had 127 hits, the most he’d ever get in a single season. His average that year dropped to .262.

His last year with Minnesota in 1981 got cut short by the players’ strike. Powell played 80 games and batted .239 with 63 hits.

Performance Highlights and Notable Games

Powell’s most productive offensive season came in 1980, when he recorded 127 hits and scored 58 runs. In 1979, he hit .293 over 104 games, which was his best average.

Throughout his time with the Twins, he stayed consistent as a left-handed hitter. He racked up 383 hits in four years, keeping a .261 average.

He showed off his speed early on, stealing 11 bases as a rookie and 14 in 1980. That part of his game faded in later seasons.

Power wasn’t really his thing. He hit a career-high six homers in 1980, which led to 172 total bases that year.

He mostly played right field but sometimes covered left. His fielding percentage bounced between .968 and .983 during his best years with Minnesota.

Toronto Blue Jays Years and Pinch-Hitting Role

The Blue Jays picked up Powell before the 1982 season, and he took on a new role as a platoon player and pinch-hitter. He played 112 games his first year in Toronto and hit .275 with 73 hits.

He often split time in right field with Jesse Barfield, giving Toronto a left-handed bat to use against righties. That platoon setup helped the Jays get favorable matchups.

Powell’s pinch-hitting became a real asset for the Blue Jays. His lefty swing made him a go-to option in late-game situations.

Over two seasons in Toronto, Powell batted .250 in 152 games. His numbers dipped compared to his Minnesota days, but he still brought value in his specialized role.

Toronto leaned on Powell’s experience and steady approach. His presence helped the team’s younger players as the Blue Jays started to build in the early 1980s.

Final MLB Season and Release

Powell’s last year in pro baseball was 1983. He played just 40 games for the Blue Jays, picking up 14 hits and batting .169.

His final MLB game came on July 1, 1983, against the Seattle Mariners. He went 1-for-4 in his last big league appearance, finishing his career against the same team he started with.

His playing time and production really dropped off in 1983. That .169 average was his lowest ever.

When it was all said and done, Powell finished with 1,993 plate appearances and 470 hits. He left the game with a .259 average, 17 homers, and 160 RBIs in 594 American League games.

Key Teammates, Managers, and Rivalries

During his six years in the majors, Hosken Powell built some important relationships. He played alongside outfielders like Bombo Rivera and Jesse Barfield and faced plenty of tough American League opponents. His time with the Twins and Blue Jays put him with talented teammates and seasoned managers who shaped his career.

Notable Collaborations: Bombo Rivera and Jesse Barfield

Powell’s closest teammate during his Twins years was Bombo Rivera from 1978 to 1981. Rivera, an outfielder from Puerto Rico, shared time with Powell in the Minnesota outfield.

They worked well together. Rivera brought speed and defense, while Powell delivered steady hitting from the right side.

When Powell joined the Toronto Blue Jays in 1982, he teamed up with young outfielder Jesse Barfield. Barfield was on his way to becoming one of the American League’s top right fielders.

Powell acted as a veteran presence for Barfield. His experience helped guide Toronto’s outfield during those early years.

Their time as teammates was short, but Powell’s steady approach left an impression on Barfield’s development as a complete player.

Coaching Influences and Mentorship

Powell played for several experienced managers during his MLB career. Gene Mauch managed him early on with the Twins, guiding him as he adjusted to major league baseball.

Johnny Goryl also led Powell during his Minnesota days. These managers shaped how he approached the game and carved out his spot as a reliable outfielder.

When Powell joined the Blue Jays, he played for Bobby Cox. Cox was laying the groundwork for Toronto’s future success in the 1980s.

Powell’s managers appreciated his consistency and work ethic. He took on important roles as both a starter and a bench player.

Their mentorship helped him stick around in tough AL lineups. His managers often trusted him in big moments.

Memorable Opponents and AL Competition

Powell faced tough competition across the American League during his career. The AL had powerhouse teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, and Oakland A’s.

He matched up against established stars and up-and-coming talents. That competition kept him on his toes and pushed him to keep performing.

Playing in the AL Central and East, Powell went up against division rivals regularly. These games really mattered for team standings and playoff hopes.

The Blue Jays’ rivalry with the Yankees gave Powell a taste of high-pressure games. Those matchups helped define his role in Toronto’s lineup.

He managed a .259 career average while facing some of the best pitchers in baseball. That steady performance showed his value.

Post-Playing Career and Community Impact

Powell’s impact on baseball didn’t stop when he hung up his cleats. He coached, scouted, and took on community leadership roles back in his hometown of Pensacola, Florida.

He worked with youth programs and local groups, helping shape young athletes and keeping close ties to professional baseball.

Final Professional Stints in Triple-A and Abroad

After the Blue Jays released him in July 1983, Powell signed with the Milwaukee Brewers organization. They sent him to their triple-A team, the Vancouver Canadians.

In Vancouver, Powell batted .281 over 38 games that season. His strong showing earned him a spot for the 1984 campaign too.

He played 57 games for Vancouver in 1984, mentoring younger players and sharing his experience. Powell’s leadership stood out as he guided prospects through the ups and downs of triple-A ball.

He wrapped up his professional career with a final season in the Mexican League in 1985. That international stint let him keep playing while experiencing new baseball cultures.

Scouting and Baseball Coaching Roles

Once he retired as a player, Powell shifted to talent evaluation with the Minnesota Twins. He returned to his old team as a scout, bringing all those years of playing experience.

For six years, Powell scouted for the Twins, traveling a lot to check out amateur and pro players. His eye for fundamentals and his sense of what it takes to make it in the majors made him a real asset.

He went to high school and college games, evaluated skills, and wrote up reports for the front office. Powell’s own journey from amateur to pro helped him spot prospects who could handle the jump.

Scouting let him stay close to the game and help develop future big leaguers. His evaluations influenced the Twins’ draft picks and player moves during his time there.

Director of Athletics and Community Leadership

Powell took on big leadership roles after baseball, becoming director of athletics for youth programs around Pensacola. He got to shape sports programs and mentor kids across several sports.

He managed budgets, coordinated coaches, and built athletic programs from the ground up. Powell’s background in pro baseball shaped his approach to developing young athletes.

Balancing competition with character, he made sure kids learned life lessons through sports. He always stressed fundamentals and good training habits, drawing on his own playing days.

His leadership style mixed patience, encouragement, and an emphasis on hard work. Those traits served him well, both on the field and off.

Legacy with Boys and Girls Club of Escambia County

Powell made his biggest community impact through the Boys and Girls Club of Escambia County. He spent countless hours mentoring at-risk youth and being a positive role model.

He organized baseball clinics, ran life skills workshops, and mentored kids facing all sorts of challenges. Powell’s pro baseball experience gave him credibility with youth who might not listen to just anyone.

The Fred Waters Baseball Camp became one of his signature projects, named after his old minor league manager. The camp taught baseball skills but also focused on character and academics.

Powell took part in Pensacola’s Juneteenth Celebration, showing his commitment to unity and cultural awareness in the community. His involvement helped bridge divides across the city.

He also stayed connected to pro baseball through the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Powell showed up at community events and helped keep baseball thriving in the region.

Personal Life and Legacy

Hosken Powell built a rich life after baseball, marrying Kimper Bradley in 1984 and dedicating himself to mentoring young athletes in Pensacola, Florida. He loved fishing and hunting, and those passions filled his retirement years. His Alabama and Florida roots shaped his community work and personal life.

Family and Marriage

Powell found real happiness when he married Kimper Bradley in 1984. Their marriage lasted 41 years, bringing him stability and companionship through all the post-baseball career changes.

Family meant everything to Powell. He became a beloved uncle, known as “Uncle B” or “Uncle Hos” to his nieces and nephews.

He made a point to show up for family events and support the younger generation. Powell enjoyed watching his nieces and nephews grow up and celebrating their milestones.

His family remembered him as someone who brought joy and laughter. That close family bond stayed strong throughout his years in Pensacola.

Retirement Activities: Fishing and Hunting

Powell spent his retirement doing what he loved most—fishing and hunting. Those two hobbies pretty much defined his life after baseball.

A close friend put it best, saying, “If he wasn’t fishing, he was hunting. If he wasn’t hunting, he was fishing. Then repeat.”

Those outdoor pursuits gave him relaxation and a sense of fulfillment. They also reflected his deep connection to the woods and waters of Florida and Alabama.

Everyone who knew him recognized his love for fishing and hunting. Those activities became a big part of his identity outside baseball.

Honoring Local Roots and Influence

Born in Selma, Alabama, Powell kept strong ties to his Southern roots. He spent most of his life in Florida, especially Pensacola, where he got deeply involved in youth sports.

Powell served as Director of Athletics for the Boys and Girls Club of Escambia County. He taught and coached young athletes, sharing his baseball knowledge and life lessons.

He also worked as head baseball coach for the Pensacola High School Tigers. During the school’s state championship run in 2009, Powell took on extra duties as an assistant football coach.

He wore his 2009 state championship ring with pride. The young athletes he mentored kept coming back to visit, showing their respect and appreciation for his guidance.

Lasting Impact on Future Generations

Powell didn’t just leave his mark on the field—he shaped lives off it, too, especially through his work with youth athletics. The kids he coached at the Boys and Girls Club saw him as more than just a coach; a lot of them called him a father figure.

Many of his former students kept in touch with Powell, even years after they’d moved on. They’d drop by to visit and still looked up to him, seeing him as a mentor who really cared.

Powell poured his energy into teaching and coaching, and that dedication built real connections in the community. He always focused on building character, not just athletic skills, when he worked with young athletes.

You could see the respect and admiration his students had for him. Powell’s influence still ripples through Pensacola, living on in the young people whose lives he helped shape.