Kyle Vander Ark is the starting first baseman for the Tartan Pride baseball team. Vander Ark is a 19-year-old Liberal Arts major from Grand Rapids Mich., said the transition from Michigan to Ohio was difficult at first.
“It was different at first being away from my family,” Vander Ark said. “But you build your bond with your teammates and it’s like I got a new family here.”
Vander Ark is one of two returning starters for the Tartan Pride and has been recognized by head coach Steve Dintaman as one of the team leaders on and off the field.
“It’s nice to guide them and help them [understand] how we operate, and how we play and what we need to do to really succeed at Sinclair,” Vander Ark said.
On opening day, Vander Ark’s leadership was displayed on the field as part of the Tartan Pride’s two victories over Glen Oaks Community College.
Vander Ark batted 3-7 with 6 RBI’s over opening weekend, two of which came on a clutch homerun in the first game that tied the score at 3-3. The final score was 5-4 Sinclair in game one and 19-7 in game two.
The 6 foot 4 inch Vander Ark said that hitting for power is going to be a big focus of his game this season and he hopes to hit for distance all season long. Vander Ark is projected to hit third in the lineup this season for the Tartan Pride.
“I need to be able to hit bombs and hit for power and that’s how I’m going to get to the next level, so it’s something I’ve been working on,” Vander Ark said.
Something that you won’t see Vander Ark doing this season is trying to steal bases.
“Coach won’t let me steal,” he said, “I’m not going to get there safe so he doesn’t let me try.”
Vander Ark said he has high expectations for this season and would like to see the team make a run in the regional tournament.
“The competitive level is there this year,” Vander Ark said. “We all want to win and we’re all ready to go to regionals again and prove who we are down there.”
Vander Ark is excelling in the classroom as well as on the field. He is maintaining a 3.3 GPA and hopes those grades can continue as a way to help him further progress in his career as a baseball player and as a student.
Vander Ark wears number 27 and projects to be an every day starter for the Tartan Pride. You can see him and all the Tartan Pride baseball players take on Tiffin University (JV) at Grady’s Field in Xenia, Ohio at 3:30 p.m. on March 6.