Nick Kurtz: From College Standout to MLB Sensation
Nicholas Jeffrey Kurtz, born on March 12, 2003, has rapidly ascended from a promising college baseball player to a notable figure in Major League Baseball. Known as "Big Amish," a nod to his imposing stature and Lancaster, Pennsylvania roots, Kurtz's journey is marked by exceptional hitting prowess and a strong dedication to the game. This article delves into his college career, his transition to the MLB, and his early accomplishments as a professional player.
Early Life and Amateur Career
Born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to parents Marie and Jeff Kurtz, Nicholas Jeffrey Kurtz began his baseball journey at a young age. Before making it to the major leagues, Nick played college baseball. He showcased his talent early on, playing for the USA 12U National Team and securing a gold medal at the 2015 World Cup. Kurtz's high school career began at Manheim Township High School before he transferred to the Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. At Baylor, he excelled not only in baseball but also in basketball, demonstrating his versatility as an athlete.
Collegiate Career at Wake Forest
Kurtz's impact was immediate upon arriving at Wake Forest University. In his freshman year in 2022, Kurtz was named a freshman All-American after hitting .338/.471/.637 with 15 home runs and 56 runs batted in (RBI) over 204 at-bats in 54 games. He quickly established himself as a key player for the Demon Deacons. His performance underscored his potential and set the stage for a remarkable college career. He is a career .333/.510/.725 hitter and ranks second on Wake Forest’s career leaderboard with 61 home runs-behind only 2023 first-rounder Brock Wilken-and first with 161 walks.
Kurtz's success at Wake Forest can be attributed to his impressive blend of raw power and refined hitting skills. His compact swing and exceptional batting eye allowed him to consistently make contact and drive the ball to all fields. He never expands the zone and is content to take free passes when pitchers work him carefully. His 80% career contact rate is a strong number for a tall, long-levered hitter with his all-fields impact ability. Defensively, while primarily a first baseman, Kurtz demonstrated excellent footwork, reliable hands, and a strong throwing arm.
Throughout his college career, Kurtz maintained a high level of performance. He homered 15 times as a freshman and then put together back-to-back 20-homer campaigns in each of his next two seasons. Kurtz finished his career with a 24.1% walk rate, and his 30% mark in 2024 was tops among all Division I hitters. His consistent performance made him a top prospect for the MLB draft.
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Transition to the Major Leagues
Entering the 2024 Major League Baseball draft, Kurtz was highly regarded. The Oakland Athletics selected him in the first round, with the fourth overall selection. On July 22, 2024, Kurtz signed with Oakland, receiving a $7 million signing bonus. He began his professional career, splitting time between the Single-A Stockton Ports and the Double-A Midland RockHounds.
Early MLB Career with the Athletics
Kurtz's ascent to the major leagues was swift. On April 21, 2025, after just 32 total games in the minor leagues, Kurtz was promoted to the major leagues for the first time. He made his MLB debut two days later against the Texas Rangers, where he went 1-for-4 with an RBI single. On May 13, Kurtz hit his first career home run off of J. P. Feyereisen of the Los Angeles Dodgers. On June 16, Kurtz hit a two-run walk-off home run off Bryan Abreu of the Houston Astros to give the A's a 3-1 victory.
Kurtz quickly made his mark in MLB. On July 25, 2025, Kurtz became the first rookie in MLB history and the first Athletics player to hit four home runs in a game, overall getting six hits in six ABs for the game. The other two hits were a double and a single, thus tying Shawn Green's 23-year-old MLB record for total bases in a game with 19. The home runs came off of four different Houston Astros pitchers, including position player Cooper Hummel, in a 15-3 Athletics victory. His historic performance underscored his immense potential and solidified his place as a player to watch.
His outstanding performance in July led to him being named the American League Player of the Month after hitting .395/.480/.953 for the month, with 24 runs, 11 home runs, and 27 RBIs.
Nickname and Personal Life
While on the Athletics, his teammates gave Kurtz the nickname "Big Amish", a jocular reference to his stature at 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m), 240 lb (110 kg) and his hometown of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, which has a large Amish community.
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