If you talk to most high school athletes, you’ll find they’ve played multiple sports over the years. But for Wright’s City’s Kolt Black, it’s pretty much been baseball all the way.
“My mom has always pushed me and got me started playing in T-ball and I’ve played coach pitch, travel ball, school ball-just about every league you can play in,” said the Lumberjax senior. “I tried basketball for a year but that didn’t work out.”
Black is a four-year starter for Wright City which includes a trip to the state finals twice, winning it all in the spring of his freshman year.
“Kolt is an extremely talented competitor,” said his coach Kyle Butler. “He’s got good speed and can hit for power. He’s also got great character which is consistent on and off the field and he’s someone you can always depend on.”
Having been on the big stage at the state tournament gives Black a unique perspective as a senior leader in spelling out what it takes to make it to the top.
“I think it’s all about team chemistry and the team has to set a goal for itself. I’m a pretty quiet guy but if someone does something wrong, I’ll get in their face a little,” said Black. “With the freshmen I think I’m pretty encouraging and helpful.”
Kolt says he’s never followed major league players very closely but does have a role model from his earlier days.
“I admired Conner Basterache who was a senior when I was a freshman. He had a great attitude. He was always on everything and doing extra and making sure the team was right.”
Over the course of his years playing baseball, Kolt has been primarily a shortstop and done some relief pitching, but recently he’s found a new spot that he likes.
“I had to play catcher a little on my travel team and that’s been a whole new learning experience and coach Butler has helped me a lot. Now I think I prefer playing catcher because you’re always in the middle of the action and you touch the ball on every play.”
Kolt, who hit .444 last fall with 40 hits and seven home runs, says he has his sights set on some goals for this spring.
“For sure my top goal is to get back to the state tournament which I think we have the players and drive to do. I’d also like to hit .500 or better and get a few more homers.”
In his spare time, Kolt likes to fish or play pool or just be outdoors and he hopes to continue playing baseball at the next level in the fall.
