Columbia players Kody Ulmer, left, and brother Kris share a laugh in between innings at Simplot Stadium during a game with the Caldwell Silver Streaks.
Ulmers develop together
Tate Castletontcastleton@idahopress.com
Tuesday, June 24th, 2008
NAMPA — Kris and Kody Ulmer each play very different roles on a Columbia Mud Cats team that is still working hard to find its stride. But make no mistake, both are vital components to what this youthful team does. Kris, a talented infielder recently named this year’s 4A Southern Idaho Conference player of the year with the Columbia Wildcats, considers playing alongside his younger brother Kody, a potent pitcher, a privilege, but admits it’s not always easy.“It’s a lot of fun ... but, I’m not going to lie, he ticks me off sometimes,” the older Ulmer said. “He sometimes commits those little mistakes that younger guys do, and I did it too, but, he’s been a stud for us this year. He really has.” Just a sophomore this past season, Kody burst on to the scene earlier this spring and continues to command the hill with the ease of a senior.“(Kody) has been phenomenal in my opinion this season,” Kris said. “He’s far surpassed what I expected from him.” His older brother isn’t the only one Kody has managed to impress. For the Wildcats, the young ace collected the team’s second best record among pitchers, finishing 5-2 with a 3.27 ERA in 51 innings pitched. He’s not been as fortunate with the 1-12 Mud Cats, but he’s one of the best pitchers Columbia’s got to choose from.“He’s terrific,” Columbia head coach Phil Diplock said. “Kody has done well for us all year with both teams (Mud Cats and Wildcats). He pitches with a lot of maturity and throws with a lot of confidence.” But, Kody said his success has not developed over night, and he owes a lot to Kris. “Playing with (Kris) and growing up with him has been interesting,” Kody said. “It’s definitely made me a better baseball player, because if I screw up I hear about it.”Kris has led the Mud Cats this season, much like he led the Wildcats in the spring.“I’m the outspoken one,” Kris said. “Kody is more quiet and reserved. That’s OK though, because when it’s time for him to pitch, he takes care of business.” For the Wildcats, Kris hit .402 and drove in 26 RBIs last season, and also led Columbia to the 4A state championship in 2007 in the team’s inaugural season. As Kody continues to blossom on the mound, Kris remains dominant in the infield. “They are both so talented and contribute so much,” teammate Juan Hernandez said. “Each of them are really different, but we couldn’t do what we do without them.” (http://www.idahopress.com/sections/treasurevalleysports/page.php?cat=313&articleid=11188&action=article)
This article ran in the Idaho Press Tribune on Tuesday. Kris thought it was cheesy, but I am a proud sister! You rock Kris and Kody! Way to go!!
More pictures from the game= Kody pitching and Kris sliding into 2nd.
No comments:
Post a Comment