Waterloo, IA – The Waterloo Bucks, a member of the Northwoods League, have announced outfielder Kevin Kaczmarski will return to play for the Bucks in 2013. Kaczmarski (pronounced kaz-MAR-skee), a sophomore at the University of Evansville, is the first player to be named to the Waterloo roster for the team’s 19^th season.

Last season, Kaczmarski was named the Bucks’ Roth Jewelers Player of the Year and named both a mid-season and post-season NWL All-Star. Kaczmarski was second on the team in hitting with a .361 average in 58 games for Waterloo. The Cary, Illinois native finished with 79 hits (1st), 50 runs (2nd), 14 doubles (T-1st), 10 home runs (1st), 55 RBI (1st), 131 total bases (1st), 14 stolen bases (3rd), a .445 on-base percentage (3rd), and a .598 slugging percentage (1st) on the season.

Kaczmarski finished the season ranked third in the NWL in RBI, third in slugging percentage, tied for fifth in triples, sixth in hitting, eighth in both on-base percentage and hits, and ninth in home runs. Perfect Game ranked Kaczmarski as the 15^th best pro prospect in the NWL.

“Kevin is a special player who proved himself to be one of the best all around talents in the country last summer,” said Bucks coach Pat Casey.  “Apart from his game changing ability, his work ethic is second to none; nobody works harder than Kevin.  As a coach you can’t ask for much more than what he brings to the table, as he’s an outstanding outfielder with the ability to play all three positions with solid range and a plus arm.  At the plate he’s a complete hitter who uses the whole field. He can hit for power and, if need be, he can use his speed to make things happen.  I’m thrilled about Kevin returning to Waterloo for this summer, I look forward to getting back to work with him, and watching him perform at an MVP caliber level for us!”

In 2012 for the Aces, Kaczmarski played in all 57 games, hitting .303 with 33 RBI and 13 stolen bases. For his efforts, the 5’11, 188-pounder was selected as a 2012 Louisville Slugger Freshmen All-American by Collegiate Baseball newspaper and named second team All-Missouri Valley Conference. 

Born December 31, 1991, Kaczmarski played high school baseball at Prairie Ridge High School where was a three-time letterwinner in baseball and basketball. His father, Randy, played in the San Diego Padres’ organization and two of his uncles played college baseball.

The Bucks will open the 2013 season at home versus the St. Cloud Rox on May 29. Season tickets, group outings, and single-game tickets are currently on sale. For more information, call the Bucks’ Ticket Line at 319/232-5633. Fans are encouraged to stay in touch with the Bucks in the off-season by utilizing their website at www.waterloobucks.com.