Nathan Kindland
Freshman Nathan Kindland shows off his talents on varsity baseball
Kindland pitches at the mound.
Photo by Jennifer Xia, Editor-in-Chief
Nikki Skyer, Sports Editor
Nathan Kindland, Northview baseball’s center fielder and left-handed pitcher is putting the work in to improve as a player and reach victory in his high school career. Kindland is a motivated team member, both on and off the field, and is planning on improving his skills as he plays for Northview. Ranked the third-best left-handed pitcher in Georgia for the class of 2024, as well as receiving an invite to try out for the USA national baseball team, Kindland continuously proves to himself and those around him that he is capable of great things for years to come.
Northview catcher and first baseman Lucas Cardona is watching Kindland, a freshman, adapt and find his way as a new member of the team. Cardona feels that Kindland has a high level of dedication both on and off the field, and is excited to follow his progress throughout high school, as the pair already shares a strong friendship. Kindland has quickly developed a key role among the players and has a bright future ahead. The team is off to a positive start, feeling confident and only wishing they could practice together more. As they work to improve their dynamic, the team plans to have a more productive mindset that will lead them to success. The boys are working to get better each day, and Kindland shows a strong ability to keep up with his teammates and provide support for others.
“Nathan really cares about everybody. He wants each person to do well and is always joking around trying to bring them up,” Cardona said.
Kindland is doing well on the team this season and it is clear to the players and coaches alike that he is determined to succeed. Baseball coach Tom Kratowicz sees his potential and is excited to be leading the program. Kindland is working with his team not only as a pitcher, but also in centerfield, and shows a high skill level in both positions. Kratowicz and his fellow coaches expect great focus and drive from Kindland, as he has proven his capabilities throughout last fall’s workouts and into this season. They see that a promising future lies ahead for Kindland assuming he continues to play.
“As a player, Nathan is very competitive and has great potential. He comes to practice every day and wants to get better, and you can see that in the way he practices and the questions that he asks,” Kratowicz said.
Kindland feels motivated to push through hard times in baseball with his love for the sport. He has learned many life lessons through playing and continues to want to take his abilities to the next level in order to prove his potential. Kindland looks up to Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman as a source of inspiration, as Freeman led Kindland to initially fall in love with the sport. Kindland has enjoyed finding his place with the baseball boys and is looking forward to upcoming region games, as well as improving the team dynamics as a whole. Becoming part of the Northview team has opened up many new opportunities for Kindland to learn, grow, and develop his passion even further.
Kindland swings and hits.
Photo by Jennifer Xia, Editor-in-Chief
“What I love most about baseball is how it teaches you to take the good with the bad. I have always loved the sport since I first started playing,” Kindland said.
Kindland is only in 9th grade and has lots to look forward to in the future of his baseball career. His coaches and teammates have enjoyed watching his progression so far and are excited to see what else he accomplishes in the baseball world. Kindland has given much thought to continuing the sport in college and plans to work hard and begin learning more about the process very soon. As he strives to improve his power on the mound and overcome adversity, Kindland paves the way to glory.
