Colonel starting second baseman junior Keith Kulbeth, also known as the “golden child” by his teammates, was named honorable mention Southland Conference hitter of the week when he recorded three homeruns in the season opener, hitting .633, accounting for seven RBI’s and nine runs in the Colonels’ season home opener series against the Chicago State Cougars.Kulbeth has recorded 11 RBI’s this season. He has also had 20 putouts, 45 assists as well as turned eight double plays.
As a sophomore, Kulbeth only missed seven games due to an injury. The starting shortstop also saw time at second base during this season. Kulbeth ended his season hitting .281 and recording 16 multi-hit games.
As a true freshman, Kulbeth started 53 out of 55 games and lead the team with 194 at bats, resulting in a .263 batting average and a .915 fielding average. On the year, Kulbeth had 102 putouts, 124 assists and 3 of 4 stolen bases.
Kulbeth was able to take time out of his schedule to share some thoughts about baseball, plus a little lagniappe.
Q. What are your goals for the season?
A. “My main goal for this season is to go to the conference tournament. Of course our goal is to win the tournament, but we all want that ring on our finger, so conference is the main goal.”
Q. Do you have any personal goals you set for yourself?
A. “I would like to make five or less errors, hit over.300 and have quite a few stolen bases.”
Q. How do you feel this season is different from last season?
A. “Last season was basically a bunch of guys that were just happy to be on a team. They would throw on their uniform and go out there. This year we have guys that are dedicated, want to win and just represent our school”
Q. How do you handle taking 15 hours of school plus practices, games and travel as well as the other events associated with baseball?
A. “It’s not that bad. You have to pull a couple of all-nighters, but it’s definitely worth it. The teachers will work with you if you let them know ahead of time. We have study sessions on the bus for road trips, so as long as you’re dedicated it’s not bad.”
Q. Do you have any nicknames and why?
A. “The team likes to call me GC which is short for “Golden Child.” There are a couple of players who call me William, which is my first name.”
Q. Is there anything that you do before the game to get ready?
A. “I like to get pumped up. I will drink some energy drinks and basically get psychologically prepared to whoop up on somebody.”
Q. What do you do during a game when you make an error or are just not playing the way you would like to?
A. “You have to be strong enough to deal with it and let it go. You’re going to have your ups and downs, but I definitely find times where I get ticked off because I strike out or get an error. I try to hide it by putting my glove over my face where people cannot read my lips. There are players that will curse or throw their helmets. It doesn’t look good on the whole team so I try not to do it.
