Who is Nick Kurtz? All you need to know about the Athletics rookie record-breaker who made history with 4 HR-game vs Astros

The Athletics game against the Houston Astros on Friday witnessed one of the greatest hitting performances as A’s rookie sensation Nick Kurtz went deep four times, helping the team to a 15-3 thrashing.

Nick Kurtz has been making waves in the MLB since he was selected with the fourth pick by the Athletics in the 2024 draft. It didn’t take him long to grab the attention of the front office as the A’s promoted him to the major league roster after just three weeks in Triple-A in April.

While the Lancaster native has been gaining attention for his hitting prowess since his MLB debut, he etched his name into the record books after registering four home runs against the Astros at Daikin Park on Friday.

Kurtz became the first rookie in MLB history to smash four homers in a game. He also became the 20th player to go deep four times, a single-game record, after going 6-for-6 on the night.

Kurtz’s proficiency in baseball started at a young age after his parents, Marie and Jeff, enrolled him in T-ball at 4.

“He had a glove on his hand by the time he could walk,” Marie said.

However, it wasn’t until 12 that Nick Kurtz started showcasing his real potential, representing the USA 12-and-under national team.

“That’s when things took off,” Jeff said.

Nick attended Wake Forest and registered 61 home runs in college baseball before being picked by the A’s in the draft last year. He led the minor league in home runs this year before being called up to the senior team.

Nick Kurtz’s former teammate makes feelings known on A’s rookie’s rise

After Nick Kurtz made his MLB debut against the Texas Rangers on April 23, his former teammate and childhood friend, Danny Corona, shared what it felt like watching his friend make it to the major leagues.

“He has overcome a lot of obstacles throughout high school and college,” Corona said. “He just kept running every single day, not letting it get to him. It’s truly been a blessing for us seeing him push through every day.”

After his historic performance on Friday night, Nick Kurtz is expected to be one of the front-runners for the American League Rookie of the Year award.