SPORTS

Awards rolling in for Ashwaubenon's Mrozinski

Scott Venci
USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Nothing changed about Kyle Mrozinski’s strong work ethic from his freshman season with the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point baseball team to his sophomore campaign.

But his numbers sure did.

The former Ashwaubenon product put together a 2017 season that still has postseason awards rolling in for the Pointers catcher. It also helped earn him a 30-day contract this summer with the Wisconsin Woodchucks of the Northwoods League.

Mrozinski was named to the American Baseball Coaches Association All-Midwest team Tuesday and was a third-team All-Midwest selection by D3Baseball.com. Both came after he had been named to the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference first team.

He hit a team-high .310, knocked in a team-best 34 runs and had 13 multihit games.

Mrozinski also hit four home runs, three triples, 12 doubles and had 28 runs scored while playing baseball’s most demanding position. He slugged .521, had an on-base percentage of .408 and a fielding percentage of .989.

“They are kind of great that I’m getting these, but I didn’t really expect anything,” Mrozinski said of the postseason accolades. “So I’m kind of surprised. I don’t really look too much into it.

“I just kind of look for the upcoming season, what I can do to help my team out.”

There was a comfort factor involved after learning the ropes as a rookie. Mrozinski’s offensive game wasn’t anywhere near this level as a freshman in 2016, when he hit .243 with one home run, eight RBI and slugged .301 while making 32 appearances and 29 starts.

Mrozinski went to work last offseason like he always does. There was nothing to change about his process, other than to hope the work translated into better statistics.

Even after his breakout season, he won’t be resting. He wasn’t even that satisfied.

“The numbers weren’t as high as I want because I have high expectations for myself,” said Mrozinski, who hit .351 and was a first-team pick in the Fox River Classic Conference as a senior at Ashwaubenon. “That’s just how I was raised.”

The transition to collegiate baseball was probably even more challenging considering he had to help lead a pitching staff while at the same time trying to earn their respect.

“It’s definitely tough, especially with the older seniors and what not,” Mrozinski said. “I think last year was a lot different because I was a freshman starting and we had a lot of senior pitchers. I just think proving myself in practice and then talking to them after each bullpen of how their pitches are working or what they can do to help with their pitches, I think that also helps in getting their respect.”

Mrozinski won’t get much time to rest despite starting all 41 games for a Stevens Point team that went 22-19 overall this season. He took a lot of ice baths throughout the campaign and recently took a few weeks off to give his legs a break, but he’s now preparing to catch with the Woodchucks.

Although his contract is only for the first month, there always is a chance it could be extended. Mrozinski would like to play the entire summer with the team if possible.

He is set to join his host family Sunday. The season starts Tuesday with a game against the Green Bay Bullfrogs at Joannes Stadium, which means there should be plenty of family and friends in attendance to watch his debut.

“It’s always been a goal of mine to play in the league,” Mrozinski said. “I’m looking forward to playing the game that I love in a competitive league, but also you are meeting other guys from around the country, too.”

Former Ashwaubenon standout Kyle Mrozinski hit .310 and had 34 RBI for the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point this season.