Rising Star: Michael Kennedy Named Captains' Captain of the Week!
Michael Kennedy is named Lake County Captains' "Captain of the Week" for his standout performance during the August series.
Rising Star: Michael Kennedy Named Captains' Captain of the Week!
The Lake County Captains are making headlines this week by announcing their 18th „Captain of the Week“ for the 2025 season, and it’s none other than the talented left-handed pitcher, Michael Kennedy. Recognized for his efforts from August 5-10, Kennedy has proven to be a rising star within the Captains’ roster. With his commendable performance, he’s captured the attention of fans and critics alike, bringing a sense of excitement to the field.
On August 9, during a road game against the Dayton Dragons, Kennedy showcased his skills by pitching 5.2 innings. During this outing, he allowed just one run on seven hits, while striking out five opponents and walking three. Despite his solid showing, the game ended in a narrow 2-1 defeat for the Captains, with Kennedy not recording a decision in this matchup. This season, the pitcher has made a total of 12 appearances, including six as a starter, holding a record of 2-1 and a respectable 3.89 ERA, tallying 45 strikeouts and 18 walks over 44.0 innings pitched. Notably, he also completed two successful injury rehab starts for the Arizona Complex League Guardians earlier in June, collecting four strikeouts in three innings.
The Journey of Michael Kennedy
Kennedy’s baseball journey began in New York, where he excelled at Troy High School. His impressive high school career earned him recognition as the 2021-22 Gatorade New York Baseball Player of the Year, ending his senior season with a remarkable 6-0 record, a minuscule 0.60 ERA, and an impressive 65 strikeouts in just 35 innings. Even in his junior year, he played a pivotal role in leading Troy HS to their first Section II, Class A Championship with a stellar record of 7-0 and a 0.32 ERA, striking out 89 batters across 44 innings.
After catching the attention of major league scouts, he was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the fourth round of the 2022 MLB Draft. He was later traded to the Captains in December 2024, along with fellow pitchers Josh Hartle and Luis Ortiz, in exchange for infielder Spencer Horwitz. This transaction reflects not only the trust that the organization has in Kennedy but also the Captains‘ commitment to nurturing emerging talent.
Team Updates and Upcoming Challenges
The Captains are gearing up for an exciting stretch of games ahead. They’ll kick off a 12-game homestand with a six-game series against the Peoria Chiefs starting Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Classic Auto Group Park. This opening game is more than just another matchup; it’s Community Champions Night, a special event dedicated to honoring city workers who contribute to the community’s well-being. Fans can expect lively action and camaraderie both on and off the field.
As the season progresses, Kennedy’s contributions on the mound will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the Captains‘ success. With all home games to be broadcasted on the Bally Sports Live App and MiLB.com, fans can keep up with the games and cheer for their team—be sure to catch all the updates through the Captains‘ social media channels on @LCCaptains on X and Instagram.
As we follow the season, one thing is clear: Michael Kennedy is a player to watch, and the excitement surrounding the Lake County Captains is sure to continue. For further details about Kennedy’s stats and background, you can explore more information on The Baseball Cube and delve into a comprehensive history of minor league stats at Baseball Reference.