Kyle Krupp knew Morehead State felt different the moment he stepped on campus. The Louisville native, who grew up in a city where baseball is "big enough that there are tons of teams but small enough to know everyone," found a place that matched his competitive spirit and his values.
Krupp's decision to attend Morehead State was rooted in both academics and relationships.
"I chose to attend Morehead State due to a number of factors," he said. "Academically, I met with Dr. Tim O'Brien, department chair for the mathematics department, on my visit and I really enjoyed our conversation. He took a genuine care to my life and what I would like to study in college, which made a big impact on me."
That care extended to the baseball staff.
"I really appreciated how much the coaching staff cared about me just being on their campus and how they took an interest in my life right away," he said. "Coach Rose is from almost the same hometown as my dad, which was very cool. I also loved how they believed in my game and what I could bring to the table for this program."
For Krupp, it was also about stepping out of his comfort zone.
"I took it as a challenge for myself as Morehead is totally different from what I am used to," he said. "I am from a bigger city in Louisville, and I loved the thought of challenging myself to get out of my comfort zone and explore a different lifestyle with new people."
From the start, the Eagles' center fielder has brought an energy that is hard to miss. He leads from the outfield, commands the game with his voice, and carries himself with a humility shaped by his family, his faith, and his love for the game.Â
"As the center fielder, you have to be one of the biggest leaders on the field," Krupp said. "For me, that starts with making sure my corner outfielders are lined up correctly for each batter as well as all sorts of other communication."
That leadership—and the grit that comes with it—has made Krupp a key piece for Morehead State Baseball.
Krupp's voice is constant in the outfield. He's directing traffic, encouraging pitchers, and keeping everyone locked in on the next pitch.
"We talk about situations and where to go with the ball as well as issues with the sun or communication problems," he said. We also talk about positioning in two strike counts or within at bats based on the hitters, so there's a lot of things going on from a mental standpoint that most people do not know are going on. I also talk to the infielders but mainly the pitcher. I want to hype him up and make sure he knows we have his back. As the leader out there, my main approach is to just make sure the other guys know I have their back and will communicate at a high level with them."
That approach comes from years of playing high-level baseball in Louisville, where he starred at St. Xavier High School.
"The ability to play for Saint X was an unbelievable experience in my life and some of my greatest memories," Krupp said. "It is a storied high school program with the most KHSAA state championships, and I was lucky enough to be a part of one as a freshman in a pinch running role."
Those experiences prepared him for the college game—and for the quirks of Sonny Allen Field.
Sonny Allen Field is known for its short right-field porch, a feature that creates chaos for outfielders and hitters alike. Krupp has learned to embrace it.
"I personally think that the field is obviously very unique and interesting but is more impactful on balls softly hit off the wall than home runs," he said. "I also think it benefits righties more than lefties because righties can keep an oppo approach to hit it off the wall where lefties still have to pull the ball in the air to hit it out with juice behind it."
As a left-handed outfielder, Krupp has turned the wall into a personal playground.
"Coach Crittenberger, our OF coach, does a great job of explaining how to handle the wall and how to get a feel for playing on our field as an outfielder," he said. "You get used to it over time. I enjoy it because I can rob hits and scale the fence to catch balls which is fun, but I also run out of room all the time, which is tough when you want to go make a play." It's a challenge he welcomes—and another way he brings value to the team.
Ask Krupp who shaped him most, and he doesn't hesitate.
"Someone that has been a major role model for me is my grandpa," he said. "He is the kindest and hardest worker that I have ever met, and those two qualities are the most important aspects of my life as well."
That perspective guides how he plays and treats others.
"This game will allow you to be around it for a long time if you not only work hard but are kind to others," he said. "He has taught me so much about life, and I am forever grateful for him, both as an athlete and as a person."
Krupp carries that same gratitude into his everyday life at Morehead State—whether it's in the classroom, the locker room, or the outfield.
Krupp's approach to hitting is simple: compete.
"The goal every time you go up to hit is to make solid contact and hit the ball hard," he said. "I'm equally as selective and aggressive looking for my pitch and never worry about getting to two strikes, but I am trying to accomplish different tasks."
He learned early that different situations require different plans.
"Bases empty means I need to be a catalyst and get on base any way possible," he said. "With runners in scoring position, I need to move the baseball depending on outs and drive them in."
That mindset helped produce one of his favorite moments of last season.
"My favorite moment was definitely beating Kentucky," Krupp said. "I had a good game that day and contributed to our win, which was really cool for me. It was very surreal and a great way to start off my college career."
Another memory still makes him laugh.
"My controversial first college homer is also unforgettable, as the UT Martin head coach got ejected as nobody could tell if it was fair or foul," he said.
Krupp is majoring in mathematics on the applied statistics track and is interested in actuarial science or data/sports analytics. But he's not in a hurry to figure it all out.
"I'm only a Sophomore so I still have a lot of time to decide what I for sure want to do," he said. "To be totally honest, I have no idea what my plans are upon graduation because I am still young and only a Sophomore so I'm not really sure what that timetable looks like."
For Krupp, that appreciation for the game and the people around it goes all the way back to his childhood.
Growing up playing recreational baseball at East Louisville Sports (ELS) at 7 and 8 years old, Krupp's team had a special tradition that left a lasting impression. One of the players' mothers would paint a baseball for the player of the game, creating a unique design after each contest so every player could take home a personalized ball.
"The details on this baseball were insane, and the artistry was crazy," Krupp said. "She did it for every game, so everybody got at least one unique designed ball. I ended up getting around four or five, and they are still at my house back home to this day."
Years later, those baseballs remain at his childhood home, serving as a reminder of how the people and experiences surrounding the game can leave a lasting impact long after the final out.
That same appreciation for the game continues to shape Krupp's approach at Morehead State, where he remains focused on improving, helping his team win and making the most of every opportunity.
