It has been an unbelievable first season with the Kingsmen Baseball Academy. With both levels excelling, the Kingsmen have enjoyed a great season of the ABA.
“On the field, both teams have played very well,” Coach Joe Hudak said. “I think we are 29-16 so far. Our players have grown bigger, stronger, and faster, they’re more knowledgeable about the game than they were when they reported. It’s been very cool to see.”
The rosters are filled with talent, hailing from three countries and nine states. With the presence of natural uncertainty due to the “new” status of the Academy, the coaches have been thrilled with the result.
“The Academy has exceeded my expectations in every way,” Hudak continued. “We were hoping for 24 players and the Lord blessed us with 31. Not really knowing what to expect from a logistical standpoint, I think it has gone very well.”
Some highlights:
- Seven-day Dominican Republic mission trip, filled with physical and spiritual development. 3 wins on the field during the trip.
- The KBA prospect team started 8-0 in ABA play, currently sitting one game back of the league lead.
- The KBA varsity team went undefeated in Texas against The Bennett School, and is currently three games over .500, having won their last two.
- The Kingsmen have traveled through five states during the spring, Texas, Georgia, Virginia, and both Carolinas.
- Throughout the year, the KBA’s two teams have produced a combined no-hitter, an immaculate inning, a walk-off home run, and numerous other highlights.
Still to come for the Kingsmen:
- Two road conference series, one in Myrtle Beach, SC and the second in Goldsboro, NC.
- The ABA Round Robin, a three-day battle between teams in the ABA’s Northern Division.
- The ABA Championships, a week-long tournament at LakePoint in Georgia, culminating in the crowing of the ABA Champions.
Away from the diamond, there have been numerous chances for the guys to grow in the classroom, develop as men finding their way in this world, and to learn more about the Lord.
“It’s been great to see all of our guys grow as young men and a lot of our guys grow spiritually.” Coach Hudak commented. “Most of that can be attributed to Chaplain Lincoln Lawing. He has done a fantastic job getting to know every one of our players and pouring into them.”
So much joy has come from the season; the year being especially rewarding for the players as they get the chance to develop before college.
“I believe the overall experience has been phenomenal for our players,” Hudak stated. “We talk about it all the time. If they were still back at their local high school, they would’ve only played 15 to 20 games to this point, mostly around their hometown. We have played 45 games, have played in Houston, Texas, and took an eight-day mission trip to the Dominican Republic.”
It’s certainly tough to beat that. As this season starts to wind down, the opposite can be said for recruiting, which never seems to stop. The message to prospective recruits is simple.
“Preston and I tell all of our recruits that our main reason for starting the Academy was preparation,” Hudak explained. “We want to prepare them to be the best baseball players they can be, so that they are ready to succeed the minute they step on a college campus. But we also want to do our absolute best to prepare them for life after baseball. We want to help them to grow into men of character and integrity, men who will be good husbands, good fathers, and good leaders in their community. It’s been really satisfying to see that happen.”
If you or someone you know is interested in a high-level academy baseball experience with the opportunity to grow your faith, please visit our “Player Application” page, on the menu above. Alternatively, you can directly contact our recruiting coordinator, Preston Hudak, at (803) 524-5495. We look forward to hearing from you!
