Tommy Arko

Thomas A. Arko

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 2", Weight 207 lb.
• High School Abilene Cooper High School
• Born July 28, 1982 in San Antonio, TX USA

BR Minors page

Biographical Information

Catcher Tommy Arko played in the Baltimore Orioles system from 2000 to 2005, peaking at High-A. He was taken by the club in the 3rd round of the 2000 amateur draft, few picks ahead of pitcher Chris Young and in the same round as future star Grady Sizemore. He was a compensation pick for Baltimore losing pitcher Arthur Rhodes to free agency.

Though he never posted a batting average above .230, he did show occasional pop, slugging 14 home runs between the Bluefield Orioles and Delmarva Shorebirds in 2002 and 14 more between the Aberdeen IronBirds, Delmarva and Frederick Keys in 2003. He was an Appalachian League All-Star in 2002. His 14 dingers tied Dusty Gomon and Dustin Yount for second in the circuit, behind Wes Bankston's 18. In 3 of his 6 seasons, he batted below .200.

Overall, Arko hit .204/.304/.387 with 39 home runs and 106 RBI in 277 games.