Photo: Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
Lancaster County native Nick Kurtz has been named to the Major League Baseball All-Star team, marking his first selection. The announcement came Sunday (July 5), and the All-Star Game will take place next Tuesday (July 14) at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, just 80 miles from where Kurtz attended Manheim Township High School.
Kurtz, affectionately known as "Big Amish" due to his Lancaster County roots, has been a standout performer for the Athletics this season. In 87 games, he has hit 15 doubles and 20 home runs. As of Sunday, he led Major League Baseball with 66 RBIs and 76 walks, while also leading the American League with 61 runs scored. Last year, Kurtz was named the American League Rookie of the Year and won a Silver Slugger award.
Kurtz will be joined on the American League team by his Athletics teammate, catcher Shea Langeliers. Langeliers and Kurtz form a formidable duo, often occupying the top spots in the Athletics lineup. According to MLB.com, Langeliers leads all AL catchers with 20 home runs this season.
The All-Star Game will be a homecoming for Kurtz, who grew up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He has been a fan favorite, receiving over 595,000 fan votes, the fourth-most among American League first basemen. The 2026 All-Star Game will be the first held in Philadelphia since 1996, and the first at Citizens Bank Park.
Kurtz's journey to the All-Star Game is a testament to his hard work and talent. Drafted fourth overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, he has quickly become one of the league's top players. As ABC27 reports, his Lancaster County upbringing and impressive performances have earned him a special place in the hearts of fans.