Jacobs’ Jace Koth isn’t hard to miss on a baseball field. The junior center fielder always seems to find himself in the middle of everything while also creating ways to scratch out runs.
In the best way possible, he’s a pest.
“That’s very fitting for how I play,” Koth said. “I’ve always liked to cause chaos on the field.
“That’s who I am as a person. I don’t like to sit around and wait for things to happen.”
Koth leads the Golden Eagles (18-10, 10-8) with 24 steals, with 21 coming in the Fox Valley Conference. He also leads with 37 runs and 35 hits, batting .393 with eight doubles and a triple.
When Koth gets on base, Jacobs coach Jamie Murray gives him carte blanche to do what he feels is best.
“He just has instincts you just can’t coach,” Murray said of Koth. “You tell certain kids to just be you but understand the situation. He’s fun to watch. He’s always in the middle of something.
“Jace has just really had a good year.”
On the bases, Koth’s legs are not the only thing getting in gear. The wheels in his mind are already turning, especially with Belmont recruit Andrew Deegan batting behind him.
“(Murray) knows I have pretty good speed and I really like being able to showcase that against any team,” Koth said. “If I’m on base, I’m always trying to think of ways to discombobulate the pitcher.
“Deegan can take advantage of any pitch. When they’re out of rhythm, it’s game over.”
Koth, who is ranked No. 57 among all players and No. 12 among outfielders in the 2027 class for Illinois by Prep Baseball Report, will even pull Deegan aside before an inning if he notices the catcher doesn’t have a solid release point or strong arm.
“I can take advantage of that,” Koth said. “I’ll tell him not to swing at the first pitch. I’m getting on second base. You can drive me in. We want you to try to beat us.”
That mindset has helped Deegan collect 26 RBIs, which is tied with Ryan Tucker for the team lead. Deegan is hitting .406 with 10 doubles and three homers.
“Pretty much every time he gets on, I know I’ll have a chance to get him in,” Deegan said.
Murray is also impressed by Koth’s defense. In addition to elite range, Koth has a strong, accurate throwing arm. He has two outfield assists this season.
“Defensively, he’s above average,” Murray said. “The best I’ve seen in my 31 years.”
Koth takes pride in that reputation.
“Defense wins baseball games, so that’s always my top priority, especially being in center field,” he said. “You have to control a lot while also keeping your composure and knowing what to do.
“I’ve had teammates in the past say, ball in the air to me, they’re not worried. I like having that extra weight on my shoulders, having the team trust me. I always want to make the play.”
Koth even got on the mound for the first time this season last week against Cary-Grove. Throwing in the mid-80s, he struck out one and walked one two-thirds of an inning.
“He looked really good,” Murray said. “We’re at the point where if we need Jace to get us three outs, the arm works.”
Koth hopes he can be a factor in the bullpen in the postseason.
“I was a little rusty at first, had to get back into that mindset,” Koth said. “After I got past the first batter, it was smooth sailing. I enjoyed it. It’s just another talent that I can show on a team.
“I want to be able to show them that I can pitch too — just another tool to add to my belt.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
