Cuyahoga Community College baseball coach Nick Kaplack inducted into Northeast Ohio Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame
AKRON, Ohio (athletics.tri-c.edu) – Cuyahoga Community College is celebrating one of its own today as head baseball coach Nick Kaplack was inducted into the Northeast Ohio Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame (NEOBCA) this week during the organization's all-star games, July 15.
"I'm very grateful for this honor, especially for my family – my kids and grandchildren," Kaplack said. "It's something that my family can look back on and see what I accomplished and set a model for them to be successful. To me, this award puts an exclamation point on what I've accomplished all these years coaching."
Since arriving at Tri-C in 2022, Kaplack has been instrumental in the program's revival following the pause of all athletic programs at Tri-C from 2020-21 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Kaplack originally joined the staff as a hitting coach under former head coach Kyle Stahlberg, who is now with the Miami Marlins.
As hitting coach, Kaplack helped the Triceratops build one of the nation's top offenses, placing in the nation's top 10 in multiple offensive categories in addition to leading the nation in fewest strikeouts at the plate. Kaplack was instrumental in player development for Triceratops hitters, including working with Tri-C's most recent All-American, Kyle Koehler.
"When Stahlberg hired me, it was a transition out of high school into college, which was a bit daunting," Kaplack recalled. "I almost didn't go to the interview, to be honest. My wife talked me into it at the last second and I ended up going and the rest is history. The guys on that staff were awesome, just very knowledgeable baseball guys. It was a great growth moment for all of us, including the players and coaches."
When Stahlberg departed the program in 2025 to join the Miami Marlins' organization, Kaplack was promoted to interim head coach and took over managing the program. His first year at the helm was outstanding, with the Triceratops finishing with their third consecutive Ohio Community College Athletic Conference championship and a 34-18-1 record. Kaplack also led Tri-C on its longest postseason run in program history, notching four wins in the NJCAA Region 12 Championships – including three consecutive elimination game wins. The Triceratops finished as region runners-up and one win away from the program's first ever trip to the NJCAA Division II Baseball World Series in Enid, Okla.
Kaplack's year as interim head coach saw the Triceratops steal the most bases in the NJCAA Division II ranks. He also oversaw nine all-conference honorees, including OCCAC Co-Player of the Year Jamir Ross.
Off the field, Kaplack's team had 19 players earn Academic All-OCCAC in Spring 2026, including seven with perfect 4.0 GPAs. Both marks were the highest among a single program inside the conference.
Prior to joining Tri-C's staff, Kaplack led the Medina High School program for 15 seasons, amassing a 238-186 record with two Northeast Ohio Conference championships. Kaplack's Bees won a county record four district championships, with Kaplack earning four Medina County Coach of the Year awards and two Northeast Ohio Conference Coach of the Year nods.
"It's great to win and great to win championships," Kaplack said. "But at the end of the day, it's about the moments with the players. The bus rides, the trips, the positive experiences. That's what really matters."
It's easy to see that Kaplack has accomplished that. He talks often about former players returning to talk to him about more than just baseball. One of his former Medina players – Hunter Havekost, who made the final out in a marathon 2017 regional tournament game at Tri-C against Avon High School, capping a 5-hour, 14-inning win – served as an assistant coach on Tri-C's staff last year. Others keep in touch with their former coach over text or dropping in at games and practices.
But above all else, Kaplack doesn't want to be remembered as a coach that brought so many wins and successes on the field. He wants to be remembered as someone who set his players up for success off the field and in life.
"My biggest goal as a coach is to try to prepare my players for life and all of the hard things and adversity that come with it because it gets harder as you get older," Kaplack said. "I want to give my players a blueprint to be able to handle the toughest things in life."
He's certainly prepared his players for the next step. If one was to look at the 2026 Triceratops roster, four players have already signed to play with four-year schools this season - Vinny Gallaher (Ohio Dominican), Joey Lehner (Lake Erie College), Jamir Ross (Northern Kentucky), and Mason Wolf (Lake Erie). Many other players have outstanding offers from four-year schools and are working on finding their next home. But Kaplack expects them all to be successful at their next stop.
Pairing the on-field success with his team's success in the classroom and in placement at four-year schools, it's easy to see why Kaplack was inducted into the NEOBCA Hall of Fame. And it's easy to see that he's leaving a positive impact on the communities of each school he's worked at, helping to raise players and coaches every step of the way.
Congratulations, Coach Kaplack, from the Cuyahoga Community College athletic department and community!
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
"Coach Kap's induction into the NEOBCA is a fitting tribute to a career defined by excellence, humility, and service. His passion for teaching the game, developing student-athletes, and building championship-caliber programs has left an enduring legacy in Northeast Ohio. We are grateful for his leadership and proud that his contributions to baseball are being recognized in such a meaningful way." – Anthony Franklin, Cuyahoga Community College Executive Director of Athletics, Recreation and Wellness
"Nick Kaplack's Hall of Fame induction is a reflection of a lifetime spent serving others through baseball. His years at Medina High School were defined by selfless leadership, a passion for developing young men both on and off the field, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. When he came to Cuyahoga Community College, his loyalty to our program and the trust we built together were instrumental in resurrecting Tri-C baseball and laying the foundation for the success it enjoys today. Nick's intelligence, tireless work ethic, humility, and commitment to doing things the right way have impacted countless players, coaches, and families. More importantly than the wins or championships, he is simply a great man who has always put others before himself.
I will always be grateful for the role Nick played on our journey together. His friendship, loyalty, and belief in our vision never wavered, and I am a better coach and person because of him. This Hall of Fame honor is a fitting tribute to the impact he has had on so many lives, and no one is more deserving. Congratulations, Kap!" – Kyle Stahlberg, former Tri-C baseball coach and current Jupiter Hammerheads (Marlins minor league) manager
"Coach Kap has always instilled the importance of doing the hard things in life and to never run from adversity. I look forward to borrowing his Rocky analogies when I become a coach." – Zeylen Yanmaz, Tri-C infielder and 2026 All-OCCAC Second Team honoree
"I really enjoy playing for Coach Kap, even though it's a grind. No matter what day it is, he always has a plan for us. He makes the practices hard so when we're in tight games, the pressure doesn't get to us. Kap always has us come ready to battle like it's our last day playing baseball!" – A.J. Trobenter, Tri-C catcher, 2026 OCCAC All-Freshman and Second Team All-Conference honoree, NJCAA National Player of the Week.
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