Kalisky gives Bulls versatility

By Lethbridge Herald on June 11, 2025.

Herald Photo by Justin Seward Lethbridge Bulls Jack Kalisky waits for a pitch on Tuesday night against the Brooks Bombers.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

Third-year Lethbridge Bull, Jack Kalisky, is giving his baseball  club valuable options with his versatility.

While he can play defence in the field on first base or in right field, he can step on to the mound and pitch when called upon.

“I wasn’t always a pitcher until about I think my Grade 11 year in high school,” said the San Antonio product, who plays his collegiate ball  for Our Lady of the Lake University in his hometown.

“They wanted me to pitch and I was like ‘Yeah I’ll do it, whatever I need to do.’ I was always just a big team guy and wanted to help the team win.”

It was in Grade 12 that he really took  the pitching to another level.

“I was starting to do a little bit better pitching,” said Kalisky.

“I realized I had a chance to be a good pitcher. So, around Grade 12  (I) just started throwing harder and really (developed) good pitching.”

Kalisky got help from Bulls coaches Ryan MacDonald and Josh Burgmann as well as with weight gain to help him throw harder from a coach back home.

 Kalisky spoke about how he has made an impact on the Bulls with his versatility.

“(In) my first year, they really didn’t know  if I was gonna be good or not, so I had to prove myself,” recalls Kalisky.

“ Then (in) my second year, I was able to be  the full-time closer and just be ready to go whenever.”

It may be awhile before Kalisky gets on the mound  this season as he  currently has a shoulder  issue.

Kalisky was asked about how he balances being a pitcher and being another defender.

“Just really taking the rest when I need it,” said Kalisky.

“So, after the game getting ice … and making sure that I’m well rested at night (and) getting  good sleep,  that helps a lot,” he said.

His pre-game band work and stretches help too.

“It’s really just  taking it easy when I am in the field … and making sure I’m  not trying to over throw in  the outfield,” said Kalisky.

The Bulls coaches like to slot Kalisky into the Designated Hitter spot if they need him  later in games for pitching and he is going into that game hot.

“They’ll put me DH and then I’ll be able throw later in the game,” said Kalisky.

“It’ll be a lot easier for me to go get warmed up and throw rather than coming from (a) position straight to the  mound.”