Duluth’s Nick Brothers Enjoying Final Summer As Teammates

Joe Nick to play for UWS baseball team

DULUTH, Minn.- Even though Joe Nick’s high school baseball career with Duluth East is over, he still has the whole summer to play with his Greyhound teammates — including his own brother.

The Duluth Post 71 Tropics is an American Legion Baseball team represented by players from Duluth East, Duluth Denfeld and Duluth Denfeld.

“I think the fact that it’s summer, we’re all out of school, we’re able to just come out and have fun and not need to worry about all these other priorities we have outside of baseball,” says Nick, who graduated from Duluth East earlier this month. “I think this is a lot of our lives during the summer, so we have a lot of fun.”

Nick’s senior season with the Greyhounds began with an unexpected roadblock, tearing his UCL while throwing in the bullpen.

“Lucky enough, it was just a partial tear, so I was just kind of able to rehab back and I’m still currently able to do that and I’m currently strengthening my own.” Though Nick isn’t pitching this summer, he plans to take the mound next spring for the UW-Superior Yellowjackets.

This summer also marks the last season he’ll likely play on the same team as his younger brother, Jay. “I’m just trying to enjoy the moment and have fun with everyone,” he says. “But I think I think I’ll definitely notice it when the season comes closer to an end the fact that I may never play another baseball game with him.”

“(Joe)’s a great influence,” said Jay, who will be a senior in the fall. “He’s a really good ballplayer, so it’s nice to look up to him and see him play ball. Ever since I got into high school ball, he’s been playing varsity. I think just watching him play watching him hit the ball and obviously watching him pitches. He’s a good role model.”

Jay’s road to playing for the Greyhounds and Tropics hasn’t been easy after a tumor was discovered in his brain stem four years ago. For Joe, Jay’s resilience has been a source of inspiration.

“A lot of (Jay’s improvement) has just been growing and strengthening,” says Joe. “He’s gone through a lot of his own things that have caused trouble with that. But I love the fact that he’s getting stronger. And he’s getting bigger every single day.”

“He’s always been there (for me),” says Jay. “It’s been a long road, but you know, I’m back playing ball and I’m excited to be back.”

With Jay’s cancer battle now multiple years behind him, he’s now focused on making a name for himself as a reliable pitcher and infielder. In the meantime, Joe will continue to support his little brother and his development.

“I think there’s a lot of things that I’ve learned, just seeing what he’s gone through. I don’t maybe make a good point of letting him know, but I absolutely respect what he’s done, on and off the baseball field,” says Joe. “I played a lot of varsity ball throughout my high school career and I’m excited for him to get his opportunity to be good leader.”