Vote: Who is the best high school outfielder in baseball in Battle Creek area?
BATTLE CREEK - The B.O.B. is back!
B.O.B. stands for the Best Of Battle Creek. Each week throughout the spring, we are going to ask, "Who is the Best Of Battle Creek?" as we look at each position in baseball and softball among the city and area high school teams.
Nominations for each position come from the area baseball and softball coaches with a little information on each player, and then it will be up to the Enquirer readers to decide who is the B.O.B.?
MORE:
Area's Top Pitchers in High School Baseball
Area's Top Catchers in High School Baseball
Area's Top Corner Infielders in High School Baseball
Each week we will give readers choices from the area high school baseball and softball teams and open our online poll for voting — with a winner decided by the following Tuesday.
VOTE HERE: Who is the top high school outfielder in baseball in the Battle Creek area?
Or, scroll down to the bottom of the story for the online poll.
Next up to bat in baseball are the outfielders on the city and area teams.
Here are the nominations:
Benjamin Crocker
School: Climax-Scotts/St. Philip co-op
Class: Senior
Why he is the outfielder in the Battle Creek area: A power hitter in the lineup for the Climax-Scotts/St. Philip co-op team, Benjamin Crocker was an All-City pick last year. A four-year varsity player, the senior is among the leaders on the team in home runs and RBI and is a defensive standout in the outfield.
Luke Hoffman
School: Pennfield
Class: Senior
Why he is the outfielder in the Battle Creek area: A two-year varsity member, Luke Hofmann has taken over the centerfield position this season for the Panthers after being a role player last year. He is a team-first player and leads the squad in sacrifices and bunt singles.
Keegan Hutchinson
School: Lakeview
Class: Senior
Why he is the outfielder in the Battle Creek area: A defensive weapon, Keegan Hutchinson catches balls in the gap that most players don't think about getting to. Also with a good arm, the senior is a leader on the team and a returning starter. He will be playing at Madonna University next season.
Caleb Jones
School: Battle Creek Central
Class: Senior
Why he is the outfielder in the Battle Creek area: A two-year starter for the Bearcats, Caleb Jones is a do-everything player for a young Battle Creek Central team in need of senior leadership. Jones is the team's top pitcher, as well as a standout centerfielder who also leads the squad in batting average.
Evan Kaiser
School: Gull Lake
Class: Senior
Why he is the outfielder in the Battle Creek area: A defensive wizard in center, Evan Kaiser has had several highlight-worthy catches this season. At the plate, he is also one of the leaders on the team, batting .386 with 16 runs scored and nine stolen bases.
Jake Kucharczyk
School: Lakeview
Class: Senior
Why he is the outfielder in the Battle Creek area: A four-year starter and returning all-state player, Jake Kucharczyk has been a mainstay in the outfield for his high school career. Led the team in batting average and stolen bases a year ago, he is hitting .500 this season. He has committed to play at Kellogg Community College next year.
Alex Miller
School: Homer
Class: Senior
Why he is the outfielder in the Battle Creek area: An all-stater a year ago, Alex Miller puts his mark on each game as Homer's leadoff hitter. Currently hitting .538 with a .592 on-base percentage, Miller is a leader on and off the diamond for the Trojans.
Kadyn Stahlhood
School: Harper Creek
Class: Senior
Why he is the outfielder in the Battle Creek area: A senior captain and All-City selection, Kadyn Stahlhood is a plus-defender with excellent speed. With good power, he is among the leaders on the team in home runs and batting average.
Bryce Wine
School: Olivet
Class: Senior
Why he is the outfielder in the Battle Creek area: A four-year starter and second-team all-state a year ago, Bryce Wine has helped Olivet become a power in the last several years from his outfield position. He is batting .400 after switching from the infield from a year ago.
Contact Bill Broderick at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on X/Twitter @billbroderick.
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This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Who is best outfielder in high school baseball in Battle Creek area?
