BETHLEHEM, Pa. --- The Moravian College baseball team has named seniors Evan Kulig, Austin Markowski and Chase Rogers and junior Ian Csencsits as its captains for the 2019 season.
Head Coach Paul Engelhardt return 23 players from last year's squad that made the Landmark Conference Tournament as he enters his 13th season leading the program.
Kulig, an infielder and pitcher, has been on the Landmark All-Conference First Team the last two seasons as a third baseman. He has .347 career batting average to go with 127 hits, 76 RBIs, 67 runs, 26 doubles, two triples, a home run, 37 walks and 10 stolen bases. On the mound, Kulig is 3-2 in his career with two saves, one complete game, four starts in 19 appearances, 37 strikeouts and 14 walks in 46 innings of action. Kulig, who has 86 putouts and 169 assists in his career, ranks 15th in program history in hits.
"Evan has become one of the best players in our program's history," stated Engelhardt. "He not only is a successful mainstay in our lineup, he is also one of our best pitchers. There is no denying how the team looks up to him, and understands fully that Evan is a standout. His toughness creates toughness around him. Evan is not one for guys practicing or being 'soft'. His work ethic alone makes his leadership dynamic, invaluable."
Markowski, an outfielder, was selected to the Landmark All-Conference First Team in 2018. He has posted a .325 career batting average with 123 hits, 90 runs, 80 RBIs, 24 doubles, two triples, 15 home runs, 56 walks and 10 stolen bases. Markowski, who has 177 putouts and five assists in his career, is tied for second in school history in career home runs and ranks 21st in career hits.
"Austin has had a tremendous career, and he is a returning captain," noted Engelhardt. "I know he is motivated to push through this year, and get our team to the next level. With his skill and leadership abilities, he is going to have a huge effect on the team. Austin is the vocal leader, and is quick to help out, point things out, and has a real sense of what he wants his team to be."
Rogers, a catcher, has played in 58 games for the Greyhounds with 38 hits, 22 runs, 30 RBIs, eight doubles, two triples, three homers and 30 walks. Behind the plate, Rogers has thrown out 13-of-52 runners and added 183 putouts and 23 assists.
"Chase was a captain's pick," Engelhardt explained. "Evan, Austin and Ian chose Chase to be a captain and help with the leadership needs. Being a catcher, Chase exhibits those qualities to begin with. I think catching is a position fit for leading, and can see why the other captains wanted him in this role. The team loves him, and he is easily approachable by the younger guys. The pride he has in being a leader is evident, and is extremely diligent on and off the field."
Csencsits, an infielder, was named to the 2018 Landmark All-Conference First Team, and he has seen action in 62 games with a .360 career batting average, 72 hits, 53 runs, 30 RBIs, 10 doubles, three triples, two home runs, 37 walks and three stolen bases. Csencsits has recorded 178 putouts and 125 assists in the field.
"Ian may be the quietest captain we have ever had," Engelhardt said. "But, there isn't anyone that doesn't know he is a throwback kind of player. The kid just shows up every day and works. If any team had 9 Ian's on the field, I'd show you who the champions are. He plays every pitch to win. Ian is very good at communicating team needs, and offers a voice that is reasonable and strong. As a junior captain, I look forward to seeing Ian progress through the next two years. The team will definitely benefit."
Moravian is slated to begin the 2019 season with three games at the Ty Cobb Classic hosted by Hampden-Sydney (Va.) College February 22-24 with the Greyhounds taking on Southern Virginia University on February 22 at 11:00 a.m. in the first contest of the year.
