Cavalier Baseball Earns Postseason Region 4 Recognition
Kankakee Community College baseball was represented in the 2026 postseason awards, with Lucas Rink, Jack Vogt, and Connor Gaitens earning Second Team All-Region 4 honors. Gaitens also added defensive recognition, earning a spot on the Rawlings Gold Glove Team as a catcher.
The honors came after another strong season for the Cavaliers, who finished 36-21 and continued to establish themselves as one of the top programs in Region 4.
Lucas Rink — Second Team All-Region 4 Pitcher
Lucas Rink earned Second Team All-Region 4 honors as a pitcher after putting together one of the most complete seasons on the Cavaliers' roster.
On the mound, Rink was one of KCC's most dependable arms. He appeared in 11 games, made eight starts, and finished with a 5-2 record. Across 55 innings, he posted a 2.29 ERA, struck out 39 hitters, and walked just 11.
Rink's value went well beyond the mound. He also had a standout offensive season, playing in all 57 games and hitting .370 with 78 hits, 56 runs scored, 16 doubles, two triples, four home runs, and 47 RBIs. He added a .521 slugging percentage, a .458 on-base percentage, and stole nine bases.
His ability to impact the game as both a pitcher and position player made him one of KCC's most valuable players throughout the season. Rink's All-Region 4 recognition reflects the consistency, toughness, and versatility he brought to the Cavaliers.
Jack Vogt — Second Team All-Region 4 Infielder
Jack Vogt was named Second Team All-Region 4 as an infielder after being one of the top offensive producers in the KCC lineup. Vogt recently signed to continue his baseball career at Ashland University.
Vogt hit .378 on the season and finished with 76 hits, 75 runs scored, 20 doubles, eight home runs, and 63 RBIs. He also posted an OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage) of 1.091.
Vogt gave the Cavaliers a consistent presence in the order for both years in the program. His offensive production and defensive consistency made him one of the most dangerous players in the KCC lineup and earned him a deserved spot on the All-Region 4 team.
Connor Gaitens — Second Team All-Region 4 DH / Rawlings Gold Glove Team Catcher
Connor Gaitens earned Second Team All-Region 4 honors as a designated hitter and was also selected to the Rawlings Gold Glove Team as a catcher.
At the plate, Gaitens delivered one of the most productive seasons in the region. He hit .339 with 59 hits, 19 doubles, 13 home runs, and a team-leading 69 RBIs. He also posted a .672 slugging percentage and a .496 on-base percentage, giving the Cavaliers a major run-producing presence throughout the season.
Gaitens was just as valuable behind the plate. He finished with a .998 fielding percentage, committing only one error in 441 total chances. He recorded 413 putouts, added 27 assists, and helped manage a KCC pitching staff that struck out 497 hitters on the season.
His combination of power, run production, defensive reliability, and leadership behind the plate made him one of the most complete players on the Cavaliers' roster.
Cavaliers Continue to Build
The postseason recognition for Rink, Vogt, and Gaitens reflects the strength of the KCC baseball program and the impact each player made during the 2026 season.
"I am extremely proud of these guys," KCC head coach Bryce Shafer said. "All three had outstanding seasons, but what stands out just as much is the toughness and durability they showed through the grind of a college baseball season. They represent what we want KCC baseball to be, competitive, consistent, tough, and committed to winning. Jack and Connor were sophomore leaders for us, and both will leave a lasting mark on KCC baseball history. Lucas was one of the most valuable players we had because of the way he impacted the game in so many areas."