How would you like to grow up with a baseball diamond in your back yard? In 2008, when Kade was 5 years old, Kade’s Dad built a ballpark in their back yard. It is a 180 feet down the lines and a 190 feet to dead center field. The field can accommodate little league or a regulation size infield. Kade called it “fun, maybe too much at times.” Now, he realizes how fortunate he was to grow up with that unique opportunity.
Thanks to a strong youth baseball team program, the Enid Astros, led by his father and mother, Kade has played baseball since he was four years old. He has played the game at all levels, little league, travel ball and school ball. He plays second base for the Plainsmen and plays it well!
Enid High baseball head coach Brad Gore calls Kade a good student, a hard worker with good leadership skills. He is “confident, a coachable player that knows how to play the game and plays hard.” Coach Gore added that anytime a kid gets to play at the next level it’s a significant accomplishment.
Kade Goeke has committed to play baseball at Northern Oklahoma College-Enid. He has a real strong connection with the Jet players. He is going to take his game of playing fundamentally sound baseball, be coachable and tenacious to the next level where good things can happen.
Kade wants to be a dentist. He had an incident during his 8th grade summer when a wire from his braces went through his cheek. He takes pride in his teeth and that has him interested in pursuing a dental career.
His best memories so far! After a thoughtful moment, he talked about the baseball trips to Tucson over spring break, Coach Gore’s Christmas parties and all the youth championships he won with his parents.
It will be great to watch Kade Goeke play for NOC-Enid. He is a young man that appreciates his past and looks forward to making the most of his new opportunities.
By Jay Hoberecht
