Eastern Illinois’ Kolten Poorman back for third season with Catfish

If you’ve attended a Cape Catfish game in the last three years chances are you know the name Kolten Poorman.

Whether you remember him for his big base hits in a key spot or for being the guy all the kids in the crowd are drawn to, Poorman has made an impact with the Catfish both on and off the field.

Poorman is back for his third season with the Catfish and it’s an opportunity he doesn’t take lightly.

“My lord and savior Jesus Christ has blessed me with the opportunity to play here for three years,” Poorman said. “I get to live with my grandparents and my other grandma lives in Jackson so I get to see her all the time. Getting to be around family and getting to be in this environment is a blessing and that’s why I come back.”

Poorman’s first season with the Catfish was in 2021, the year they beat the Lafayette Aviators in three games to win the 2021 Prospect League Championship.

Poorman made a big mark in his first season as he hit .315 with 4 home runs and a team-high 41 RBIs.

“What I remember most about that first year is putting that ring on,” Poorman said. “That championship game we battled back from being down. That was the group that really turned this into what it is now.”

The 2023 rendition of the Catfish features a very young roster and Poorman said he remembers what that was like from his first season.

“I remember what I needed from the veterans,” Poorman said. “I’m just trying to be that for these guys now.”

Despite the youth on the roster, Poorman had high praise for his teammates.

“It’s the most talented roster I’ve ever been on with this many young people,” Poorman said. “It’s unbelievable the amount of talent we have for the age group we have.”

While all things change, Poorman said he has seen major growth in the organization since his first season in 2021.

“They just keep putting new things in,” Poorman said. “It’s growing as an organization and I love how it’s growing in the community.”

For Poorman, he has become a fan favorite and he said he enjoys all the interactions with fans.

“Some kids keep coming back and they see you and you get to form relationships,” Poorman said. “It’s just a blessing. I love interacting with them. It helps you because it keeps you loose and it keeps you in the game.”

Poorman and the Catfish are off to a 12-0 start in 2023.

“We’re just playing the game,” Poorman said. “When you play the game the right way you get rewarded. Everybody’s having good at-bats and everybody knows the approach at the plate.”

The Catfish are back in action at 2:05 p.m. on Wednesday, June 14 when they host the O’Fallon Hoots at Capaha Park. They will then begin a three-game road trip at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 16, when the Catfish travel to take on the Burlington Bees.