Niwot's Kaige Kennedy wins gold in the Latin America Baseball Classic

Kaige Kennedy, a senior at Niwot High School, recently returned home from the Dominican Republic with a gold medal around his neck, after representing the USA in the Latin America Baseball Classic (LABC).

"It was really exciting getting to travel and play with a bunch of guys who know what they're doing and give it their all," Kennedy said. "The fact that we got to win the whole thing was surreal."

Reflecting on the atmosphere of the final game, Kennedy noted that the team's mindset remained consistent throughout the tournament. "We didn't win every game, but we gave it our best and focused on what we could to help each other out."

Kennedy's performance was strong despite some challenges. "I didn't have my breaking ball, but I was able to do enough with my fastball," he said. "I only got hit twice over five innings," Kennedy said. "Our pitchers in the final game did a great job holding that team to a low score, which was awesome to see."

Walking away from the tournament, Kennedy was proud of his ability to compete with his fastball, despite the talented hitters he faced. "Just being able to throw what they're used to seeing and still having success was really cool."

Competing against some of the best ball players from Latin America was a unique experience for him. "It was tough, but fun to play against talent like that," he said.

The 18U USA-LABC team that Kennedy was on consisted of some of the best players in the age group around the United States. The athletes' first chance to play together was at a practice in the Dominican Republic. "From the first bus ride, we were all chatting, laughing, and having a great time," Kennedy remembered. "That connection carried over to the field and helped us play well as a team."

The tournament taught him some valuable lessons he plans to carry forward in his baseball career, and life. "Work fast, work hard, and don't let things bother you. The moment you let things get to you is when you slow down and make mistakes," he advised.

Winning gold has boosted Kennedy's confidence and motivated him to keep pursuing his baseball dreams. "It shows me that I have what it takes to keep going and one day, hopefully, make it to the show," he said.

One of the highlights of the trip for Kennedy was having his father, Nick Bierbrodt, there as a coach. "We'd ride the buses together, talk in the dugout about how I can improve– it was a really special time," Kennedy said. "Having my whole family there to support me was awesome."

Bierbrodt is a former major league pitcher for the Diamondbacks, Rays, Guardians, and Rangers, and also spent time in the Rockies minor league organization. His experience in the sport made him a valuable coach for the LABC team.

As he starts his senior year of high school, Kennedy is grateful to have been a part of such a unique team. "That team was one of a kind," he said. "The way we clicked and played for each other is something I never thought I'd experience, but I'm very glad I did."