JMU's Local Hero
By KATHY LEUTNER
HARRISONBURG, Va. -- Former James Madison University outfielder, Kellen Kulbacki, is only 21 but he’s already made it into the minor leagues.
Within just a few months of leaving Harrisonburg for the summer, he was drafted by the San Diego Padres. Kulbacki went No. 40 in the overall draft, becoming the third-highest draft pick in JMU history, according to JMU’s sports media relations department.
That places the Hershey, Pa. native among only a handful of JMU athletes who have ever made it into professional sports.
In an interview conducted by e-mail, Kulbacki recounted the experiences that led to his success. “I began playing baseball as soon as I could pick up a bat and glove,” said Kulbacki. “My father and grandfather played baseball, so it has been in our family for generations.” He also played soccer, basketball and golf. He said, “Baseball, however, was my favorite, and the sport I loved the most.”
During his youth, Kulbacki attended summer baseball camps and spent his spare time outside, throwing baseballs with his father or hitting in the batting cages with his grandfather and brother.
Recruited by multiple colleges, he considered Georgia Tech, Maryland, and East Carolina, but chose JMU. “The baseball program has been very successful in the past,” said Kulbacki. “I knew I had a chance to be an impact player as a freshmen.”
When Kulbacki first came to JMU, “he was a pretty good player,” said Joe McFarland, JMU’s head baseball coach. “He developed well over time, plus his mental game improved, helping him to say focused. It all came together for him and formed a perfect storm.”
While at JMU, Kulbacki set the freshman record for number of hits at bat and doubles in a single season. As a sophomore, he was Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID) State Player of the Year and Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) player of the year. In the year before he was recruited by the Padres, he was named First Team All-American by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA), according to the JMU sports media relations department.
During the off season, Kulbacki played in competitive summer leagues such as the Clark Griffith League in Northern Virginia and the Cape Cod League in Massachusetts.
There are three major league players--Boston Red Sox sluggers Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz, and Ken Griffey Jr.--who are known for having a “sweet batting swing,” and according to a Cape Cod Baseball Organization press release, Kulbacki’s batting style is like theirs. Kulbacki said that although living up to those expectations is daunting, “pressure is essential for me, because it requires discipline and motivation to work harder.”
During the MLB draft last June, Kulbacki was at home with friends and family when he got THE call from the scout who had recruited him. “It was certainly one of the best moments of my life because I was given a chance to continue playing the game I love most,” said Kulbacki.
After the contract was finalized he headed out to Eugene, Oregon for the beginning of a season that was much more demanding than his college ball seasons. His team played 76 games in 80 days. “It was a big adjustment playing everyday, along with much tougher competition and the level of play,” said Kulbacki. “Everyone is a gifted athlete, instead of only a handful.”
After the season ended September 5th, Kulbacki returned to Harrisonburg to work out and condition before spring training in March. “After a long season, I want to make sure I take some time to relax and enjoy having days off,” said Kulbacki, who has not reenrolled at JMU.
“It will be weird not finishing up school with my fellow teammates,” said Kulbacki. “But I have moved on to the next step of my career, and that is what I need to focus on.