Committed: Kaige Kennedy

Baseball was already stitched into Kaige Kennedy's story before he ever picked up a glove or stepped onto a pitcher's mound.

The 2025 Niwot High School graduate grew up immersed in the game. His father, Joe Kennedy, pitched seven seasons in the major leagues for several teams, including the Colorado Rockies. Joe Kennedy passed away in 2007 at the age of 28 due to an undiagnosed heart condition, when Kaige was only one year old. Kaige's mom, Jami Kennedy-Bierbrodt, later married Nick Bierbrodt, a former MLB pitcher and one of Joe's roommates in the minor leagues. Bierbrodt became Kaige's longtime coach and helped guide him through every level of the sport.

That early foundation shaped Kennedy's love for the game, but it was his own talent and determination that carved a path to the next level. After a standout career as a two-way player, Kennedy has officially signed to play baseball at Garden City Community College in Kansas.

"Day one," Kennedy said, when asked when he knew he wanted to keep playing beyond high school. "That's always been my dream. I want to play major league baseball. People tell me I have what it takes, so I've just got to work hard to get there."

Kennedy has shown that potential throughout his time at Niwot. As a junior, he posted a 1.69 ERA in 37 innings with a .471 batting average. He finished his varsity career with 100 strikeouts across 74 innings, a 3.12 ERA, a .367 batting average, and two home runs in his senior season.

With a fastball that has touched the 90s, Kennedy proved he has the tools to compete at the next level. "Hitters sit on it, and when they finally get it, they can't hit it," he said with a laugh. "It just makes them mad."

Though he contributed at the plate and held down third base when he wasn't pitching, there is no question where his passion lies. "My preference is pitching," he said. "Being on the mound is just so much fun. It's challenging, and it's always a good time.

His recruitment came together in a way that felt meant to be. While playing for the Colorado Rockies Scout Team, Kennedy dominated a game against a team whose coach saw something special and handed him his son's phone number. His son happened to coach at Garden City Community College in Kansas.

"I got in touch with them, talked to a few other schools too, but ultimately I just liked it there," Kennedy said. "It seemed like a good place."

Committing gave him a sense of relief. "It felt like a huge weight off my shoulders," he said. "It's not the end of the road. It's another place I can go to grow."

Among his favorite memories are the rivalry games against Silver Creek High School. He got his first varsity pitching opportunity against the Raptors as a junior, then returned to start again in his senior year. "I got to shut them down for six innings," Kennedy said. "I was just over the moon."

Over time, his mindset matured. As a freshman, he believed natural talent would carry him, but that soon changed. "I quickly realized that's not the case," he said. "I started working harder on the field, off the field, and in the classroom."

At Garden City, he will continue as a two-way player, pitching and playing third base. He is excited for the challenge of the Jayhawk League, which is known for its strong hitters. He hopes to stand out on the mound and eventually attract the attention of major league scouts.

"I just want to go down there and kick some butt," Kennedy said. "I know I have the stuff to thrive in an environment like that."

Outside of baseball, Kennedy played football and basketball during his underclassmen years and led Niwot's chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The club gave him and other athletes a space to reflect on their faith, especially when games made it difficult to attend church.

"It was one of the best things I did in high school," Kennedy said.

He credits his dad, Nick, and Niwot assistant coach Bobby Matthews for helping him develop as a player. He also thanked his mom, Jami, for always being in his corner.

As for his father, Kaige said carrying Joe Kennedy's name has always been a privilege.

"Having Joe pass away, and knowing that his legacy and memory were cemented in me, put some pressure on me," he said. "But it's probably one of the best privileges I've ever had. I get to pitch for his name and my name, and try to make a name for myself while holding up his at the same time."

Fittingly, Kaige graduated from Niwot High School on May 24, the same day his father would have celebrated a birthday. Another milestone, met with the same quiet strength and purpose that has guided him all along.