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BATTLE CREEK - Just like many times before, the twin brothers were batting near the top of the order in a big game in their hometown of Battle Creek.
But, this time, they were playing for the visiting team.
Lakeview High graduates Jake Kucharczyk and Zach Kucharczyk were in Battle Creek at MCCU Field at C.O. Brown Stadium, playing for the Traverse City Pit Spitters in Northwoods League summer collegiate baseball action during much of last week.
The Kucharczyk twins were facing their hometown team of the Battle Creek Battle Jacks, in what must have seemed like unusual circumstances.
MORE:Brutus 'The Bat Dog' enjoying one final season with the Battle Jacks
"It's fun to be back here in Battle Creek playing. A lot of friends and family are coming out. Just like back in the day. But now we are playing for Traverse City," Zach Kucharczyk said.
Jake Kucharczyk had played for Battle Creek for a short time last summer before the brothers headed up north this season.
"They didn't ask me back this year," Jake Kucharczyk said. 'But, it's all good. We are having a great time in TC. It's a great place to play summer baseball."
Both brothers are among the leading hitters for Traverse City this summer. Jake Kucharczyk is hitting .354 in 33 games, sitting second on the team in hits with 45 and a team-high 41 runs with 30 RBIs. Zach Kucharczyk is hitting .331 in 31 games with 40 hits, 27 RBIs and 25 runs. Both are in the top 15 in batting average in the 26-team Northwoods League.
The two are coming off a successful stint at Kellogg Community College, where they helped the Bruins to back-to-back trips to the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II World Series. Zach Kucharczyk earned First-Team All-American honors with Jake Kucharczyk earning all-conference honors.
Jake Kucharczyk will join the Penn State University baseball team in the Big Ten after his summer season is over in Traverse City.
"Looking forward to it. Heading out soon," Jake Kucharczyk said. "Little nervous. It's seven hours away from home. First time playing that far from home. But I'm excited."
Zach Kucharczyk had committed to play for Davenport University. But, after his standout spring at KCC and his summer in Traverse City, he reopened his recruiting and recently committed to play for Division I Indiana State University.
"Just decided today. Just got off the phone," Zach Kucharczyk said during his series in Battle Creek. "Had some other offers, too, but they offered me some NIL money, so I'm going to Indiana State. I'm excited."
With a few week left in the season, the brothers are enjoying their time together. Throughout youth baseball, four years at Lakeview High School, and two years at Kellogg CC, they have always been on the same team together.
"It's great we are on the same team. Great to play with him again this summer," Jake Kucharczyk said. "It might even be the last time, who knows. So, this means a lot this summer."
The Battle Jacks have struggled in the second half of the season. Battle Creek is 7-16 in the Great Lakes East Division after going 4-6 in the last 10 games. The Jacks are 8.5 games behind first-place Traverse City in the division.
Battle Creek has just two weeks left in the regular season. The Jacks will be on the road to start the week and then play a four-game home series from Thursday-Sunday, including two games against Kalamazoo.
Contact Bill Broderick at [email protected]. Follow him on X/Twitter @billbroderick.
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Battle Creek's Kucharczyk twins enjoying successful summer in Traverse City
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But, this time, they were playing for the visiting team.
Lakeview High graduates Jake Kucharczyk and Zach Kucharczyk were in Battle Creek at MCCU Field at C.O. Brown Stadium, playing for the Traverse City Pit Spitters in Northwoods League summer collegiate baseball action during much of last week.
The Kucharczyk twins were facing their hometown team of the Battle Creek Battle Jacks, in what must have seemed like unusual circumstances.
MORE:Brutus 'The Bat Dog' enjoying one final season with the Battle Jacks
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"It's fun to be back here in Battle Creek playing. A lot of friends and family are coming out. Just like back in the day. But now we are playing for Traverse City," Zach Kucharczyk said.
Jake Kucharczyk had played for Battle Creek for a short time last summer before the brothers headed up north this season.
"They didn't ask me back this year," Jake Kucharczyk said. 'But, it's all good. We are having a great time in TC. It's a great place to play summer baseball."
Both brothers are among the leading hitters for Traverse City this summer. Jake Kucharczyk is hitting .354 in 33 games, sitting second on the team in hits with 45 and a team-high 41 runs with 30 RBIs. Zach Kucharczyk is hitting .331 in 31 games with 40 hits, 27 RBIs and 25 runs. Both are in the top 15 in batting average in the 26-team Northwoods League.
The two are coming off a successful stint at Kellogg Community College, where they helped the Bruins to back-to-back trips to the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II World Series. Zach Kucharczyk earned First-Team All-American honors with Jake Kucharczyk earning all-conference honors.
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Jake Kucharczyk will join the Penn State University baseball team in the Big Ten after his summer season is over in Traverse City.
"Looking forward to it. Heading out soon," Jake Kucharczyk said. "Little nervous. It's seven hours away from home. First time playing that far from home. But I'm excited."
Zach Kucharczyk had committed to play for Davenport University. But, after his standout spring at KCC and his summer in Traverse City, he reopened his recruiting and recently committed to play for Division I Indiana State University.
"Just decided today. Just got off the phone," Zach Kucharczyk said during his series in Battle Creek. "Had some other offers, too, but they offered me some NIL money, so I'm going to Indiana State. I'm excited."
With a few week left in the season, the brothers are enjoying their time together. Throughout youth baseball, four years at Lakeview High School, and two years at Kellogg CC, they have always been on the same team together.
"It's great we are on the same team. Great to play with him again this summer," Jake Kucharczyk said. "It might even be the last time, who knows. So, this means a lot this summer."
Battle Jacks - Week of July 20-26
The Battle Jacks have struggled in the second half of the season. Battle Creek is 7-16 in the Great Lakes East Division after going 4-6 in the last 10 games. The Jacks are 8.5 games behind first-place Traverse City in the division.
What's Next?
Battle Creek has just two weeks left in the regular season. The Jacks will be on the road to start the week and then play a four-game home series from Thursday-Sunday, including two games against Kalamazoo.
Contact Bill Broderick at [email protected]. Follow him on X/Twitter @billbroderick.
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Battle Creek's Kucharczyk twins enjoying successful summer in Traverse City
Continue reading...
