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MMN Exclusive with Outfielder Kevin Kaczmarski

By Michael Mayer

April 23, 2016 3 Comments

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All Kevin Kaczmarski did in his first professional season was hit .355 and narrowly beat out Kingsport teammate Patrick Mazeika (who hit .354) for the Appalachian League batting title. The Mets took the left-handed hitting outfielder in the 9th round of last June’s draft. Not only did he lead the APPL in hitting last season but he was 2nd in stolen bases (20), 5th in OPS (.927) and tied for 2nd with five triples.

Kevin was one of the best hitters in the country for Evansville of the Missouri Valley Conference in 2015, hitting an incredible .465/.543/.746 with 43 runs scored and 57 RBI in 46 games. His dad, Randy Kaczmarski, played three seasons in the minors for the San Diego Padres as an infielder.

Unfortunately the 2016 season hasn’t gotten off to the same start for Kevin, he was hitting just .180/.281/.280 in his first 14 games for the Columbia Fireflies. His second pro season got even worse on Friday when he was placed on the 7-day disabled list.

MMN –  First off congrats on a great pro debut and thanks for taking time to answer some questions.

Kevin – Sure thing man, thanks.

MMN – How did it feel to get that big hit in your first MLB spring at bat? (Game-tying 9th inning single, March 25th) Did you have any idea when the day started that you would get a chance to play with the Mets?

Kevin – It was pretty special man, game was on ESPN so my family and friends were able to tune in. I didn’t know until that morning when I was getting ready to leave for our minor league game and then was told right before we left that I was heading to the big league game.

MMN – That is awesome, glad they got to experience it. Did the Mets give a reason for bringing you into big league camp and where you able to talk to anyone like David Wright or Curtis Granderson to pick their brain?

Kevin – Ya it was pretty sweet! Nope they don’t they just tell you you’re playing in the game and you don’t ask questions and head over. Talked to them a little bit. Talked to Granderson a little more because we play the same position. But just some small talk.

MMN – You had a great pro debut, did you have any idea that you and teammate Patrick Mazeika were battling for the hitting title?

Kevin –  I’m not really into checking stats but no matter what you always have an idea of what you’re hitting. People talk and by the time the last game came around I knew it was real close.

MMN – How much do you think your dad playing in the minors has helped you be successful so far in your career?

Kevin – I think ever since I was young I have always wanted to follow his path in baseball. It has helped me be the player I am today and shaped the way I play the game.

MMN – What did you do during the off-season to get ready for 2016?

Kevin – Leaned up. Lost about 8 lbs from the end of last season but got stronger. Stayed healthy and enjoyed the off time. Started hitting in December and worked out almost everyday.

MMN – What do you like to do to prepare your self for hitting for the season, BP, soft toss, and/or watch video of your swing?

Kevin – I like front toss and I hit off a hack attack so I can see some fastballs. These things help because you are able to swing but you can never emulate live pitching. It’s just different. Just want to get your swing comfortable and ready to go so you can find that live swing as fast as possible when you see live again. All about being comfortable and confident.

MMN – What do think you need to work on this year to get a step closer to the big leagues?

Kevin – Just continue to have fun and be a good teammate! Control the things I can control and have fun.

MMN – What was it like being part of a playoff team you first season? (Kingsport lost in first round after winning division title)

Kevin – It was a cool experience! A lot of fun with a great group of guys!

MMN –  Is there a certain type of approach at the plate that the coaching staff tries to preach the players?

Kevin – It’s an aggressive selective approach. They want us to be aggressive with swinging at our pitch but know the strike zone.

MMN – Thanks for answering all my questions and good luck this year!

Kevin – Thanks a lot man! Sure thing.

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