Nicholas Jeffrey Kurtz Bio
Nicholas Jeffrey Kurtz, nicknamed “Big Amish”, is an American professional baseball first baseman for the Oakland Athletics of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played college baseball for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons and was selected by the Athletics in the first round of the 2024 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 2025. Known for his impressive power hitting and strong performances, Kurtz has quickly established himself as a rising star in the league.
Early Life and Background
Nicholas Jeffrey Kurtz was born on March 12, 2003, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. He grew up in a family that valued sports, with his father, Jeff Kurtz, working in real estate and supporting his athletic endeavors. Kurtz has two brothers and one sister, and he began playing tee-ball at the age of four, which laid the foundation for his future in baseball. He spent his freshman year at Manheim Township High School before transferring to the Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he excelled in both baseball and basketball, earning letters in both sports.
Path to Baseball
During his time at Baylor School, Nicholas Kurtz showcased his baseball talent, which led him to commit to Wake Forest University to play college baseball during his sophomore year. At Wake Forest, he had a stellar freshman season in 2022, earning All-American honors after hitting .338 with 15 home runs and 56 runs batted in. His success continued through his sophomore and junior years, where he became the program’s all-time leader in walks, further solidifying his status as a top prospect for the MLB draft.
Nicholas Jeffrey Kurtz Career
Early Career (2022-2024)
Nicholas Kurtz was a highly regarded prospect entering the 2024 Major League Baseball draft. The Oakland Athletics selected him in the first round with the fourth overall pick. He signed with the Athletics on July 22, 2024, receiving a $7 million signing bonus. In his first professional season, he played for the Single-A Stockton Ports and Double-A Midland RockHounds, demonstrating his potential as a future star.
Breakthrough (2025)
Kurtz made his MLB debut on April 23, 2025, against the Texas Rangers, where he recorded his first hit and RBI. His breakout moment came on July 25, 2025, when he made history by hitting four home runs in a single game, becoming the first rookie in MLB history and the first Athletics player to achieve this feat. This remarkable performance included a total of six hits, tying the MLB record for total bases in a game with 19. His impressive month of July earned him the American League Player of the Month award.
Notable Works and Milestones
Nicholas Kurtz’s signature work includes his historic four-home run game, which showcased his extraordinary talent and power. He was named the American League Rookie of the Year in 2025 and received the Silver Slugger Award for his outstanding performance during the season.
Nicholas Jeffrey Kurtz Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Nicholas Kurtz has received several nominations, including the prestigious American League Rookie of the Year award in 2025, recognizing his exceptional debut season in Major League Baseball.
Nicholas Jeffrey Kurtz Awards Won
Nicholas Kurtz has achieved notable recognition in his early career, winning the American League Rookie of the Year award in 2025 and the Silver Slugger Award in the same year. His accomplishments have set a strong foundation for his future in the sport.
Nicholas Jeffrey Kurtz Family
Nicholas Kurtz was born to Marie and Jeff Kurtz. He has two brothers and one sister, with his older brother Logan having played collegiate baseball at Penn State Berks. His family has been supportive of his athletic pursuits from a young age.
Personal Life
While on the Athletics, his teammates affectionately gave him the nickname “Big Amish”, a playful nod to his stature and his hometown’s Amish community. Kurtz is known for his unique home run celebration, which involves twirling his hands in a circular motion, reminiscent of the Amish tradition of churning butter. Despite the nickname, Kurtz himself is not Amish.