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Cullen Bahn can flat out hit. He’s always been able to stroke the baseball, just ask his opponents. Bahn, a former Chisago Lakes standout, played with the Wildcats from 1997-2000. From there, the 6’3” 245-pound Center City native took his talents to Mankato to play for the Minnesota State-Mankato Mavericks, a division II program out of the NCC. Now a senior with Mankato, Bahn is wrapping up his career the same way he started it- by hitting the baseball. Last week, Bahn hit his third home run of the season, which leads the Mavericks. As a matter of fact, half of his hits this season have been home runs (six hits). Those types of numbers have put him in the team lead in another category as well- slugging percentage. After 11 games this season, Bahn has a slugging percentage of .682.

“I don’t think anyone expected me, you know in between surgeries, to be doing what I’m doing,” remarked Bahn. “I had an alright year last year. I think the coaches realize and they’re saying he can hit and we need to get him some at bats. Last year, I’d go 0-2 in a game and I wouldn’t play the second game. I think they realize now that I can help the team with my bat.”

And for his efforts, Bahn has been tabbed as the Mavericks designated hitter this season, which is rare. Even though he can play first base as well, it’s obvious that his bat is his greatest tool, and what a tool it is. In addition to his three home runs this season, Bahn is batting .273 with five RBI’s. Last year, he hit .333 in 30 games, ranking sixth on the team in that category. Bahn also hit three home runs and added 16 RBI’s.

“I had a couple of knee surgeries so that plays into it,” smiled Bahn. “I can play first but there are some guys on the team who are a little better defensively than I am. To be honest though, I’m actually feeling the best I’ve ever felt at the plate. The big thing for me is just staying patient. For me, it’s more of a mental game than a physical one. I just need to stay back and pick my pitch.”

So what’s next for the senior? When asked about his future, Bahn jokingly said, “just stay healthy.” Actually, the education major doesn’t really know what’s coming after college, all he knows is that baseball is in his blood and he wants to keep it that way.

“I’d like to coach somewhere,” mentioned Bahn. “I’ll probably try to get on a summer team down here in Mankato and coach a little bit. I definitely want to coach, I want to stay involved in the game.”

Considering what Bahn can do with a bat and a baseball, the job as hitting coach somewhere would be a perfect fit.

Cullen Bahn’s MSU statistics:

Year Avg. HR RBI

2002 Played on MSU JV team

2003 Played on MSU JV team

2004 .333 3 16

2005 .273 3 5

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