By Noah Chavez

ROYAL OAK, Mich – After just finishing up his redshirt freshman season with the Cincinnati Bearcats, outfielder Luke Kosko came into the summer of 2026 ready to mash at the plate, and he has done that, and then some.

As of the conclusion of games on July 2, Kosko is top five in the Northwoods League in home runs (9), doubles (11), and RBIs (37), all while still hitting .289.

Although this level of production may have come together quicker than even Kosko expected, when asked about his reaction to his All-Star selection, Kosko was nothing but grateful. 

“I didn’t think that as a redshirt freshman, I’d come out here and play like I am,” said Kosko. “But it’s a blessing to be selected for the team and be able to go to the Field of Dreams.”

A fixture in the heart of the Royal Oak Leprechauns order, Kosko says that while struggles may come every so often at the plate, it helps his confidence knowing that he will still get ample opportunities to showcase his skills. 

“Some days I’m not gonna have the best days, but going out there knowing that I’ll have the opportunity the next day to ball out, it’s huge.”

And it won’t just be Kosko representing Royal Oak in Dyersville, fellow Leprechauns teammates Kellen English and Oliver Service will be making the trip as All-Stars. As the summer has gone on, Kosko has enjoyed the camaraderie he has built with his teammates, and is excited how fun the experience will be with them.

“It’s definitely a lot better knowing that we’ll have some Leprechauns there with me,” said Kosko. “And it’s going to be a great time with my teammates.”