Nick Kurtz is one of the most intriguing and talked-about names in college baseball. Standing tall at 6-foot-5 with a powerful swing and calm demeanor, Kurtz has made waves both on and off the field. But aside from his impressive stats and athleticism, what truly makes him stand out is his unusual nickname—“Big Amish.” This unique moniker has sparked curiosity across fans, commentators, and analysts. So, why is Nick Kurtz called Big Amish? What’s the story behind the nickname, and how did it shape his identity in college baseball?
In this article, we will dive deep into Nick Kurtz’s background, his rise in the world of baseball, and explore the origins and meaning behind the nickname “Big Amish.” Whether you’re a Wake Forest fan, a college baseball enthusiast, or someone simply intrigued by sports culture, this breakdown will leave you with a fuller picture of the man behind the name.
Who is Nick Kurtz?
Before we get into the story behind the nickname, it’s important to understand who Nick Kurtz is.
Nick Kurtz is a standout college baseball player from Pennsylvania who plays first base for Wake Forest University’s baseball team, the Demon Deacons. As of the 2024 college baseball season, he has solidified himself as one of the premier hitters in the country and a likely first-round pick in the MLB Draft.
Quick Facts About Nick Kurtz:
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Full Name: Nicholas Kurtz
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Height: 6’5″
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Weight: Approximately 230 lbs
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Position: First Base
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College Team: Wake Forest Demon Deacons
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Hometown: Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
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Bat/Throw: Left/Left
Nick has been known for his elite on-base percentage, consistent power at the plate, and smooth defensive skills at first base. His performance has drawn attention from professional scouts, baseball media, and fans alike.
Early Life: Growing Up in Lancaster County, PA
Nick Kurtz hails from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, a region known for its strong Amish heritage. This is an important detail that connects directly to his nickname, which we’ll explore later.
Lancaster County is famous for its rolling farmlands, horse-drawn buggies, and traditional Amish communities. It’s a place where hard work, discipline, and simplicity are cultural cornerstones—values that have clearly influenced Kurtz’s approach to baseball and life.
While Nick is not Amish himself, growing up in a town so deeply connected to Amish tradition inevitably played a role in how people perceive him—and how he perceives the world.
The Rise of a Baseball Star
Kurtz’s baseball journey began at an early age. By high school, he was already showing signs of being a top-tier prospect. His size, raw power, and discipline at the plate made him a standout in local leagues. Eventually, his talent earned him a scholarship to Wake Forest University, one of the top baseball programs in the nation.
At Wake Forest, Kurtz quickly made a name for himself. As a freshman, he batted .338 with 15 home runs and an impressive on-base percentage (OBP) over .500—an elite number in college baseball. Over the next two seasons, he only improved, becoming a centerpiece in the Demon Deacons’ batting lineup and helping them reach deep into the NCAA Tournament.
By 2024, he was being projected as a top-10 pick in the MLB Draft, and many scouts considered him the best pure hitter in the college ranks.
The Nickname: Why Is Nick Kurtz Called “Big Amish”?
Now to the question that’s been on everyone’s mind—why is Nick Kurtz called “Big Amish”?
Origin of the Nickname
The nickname “Big Amish” began circulating early in Nick’s college career, reportedly coined by teammates and fans who noticed both his Pennsylvania roots and his appearance. With his clean-cut look, stoic demeanor, and farm-boy strength, Kurtz reminded people of the traditional Amish lifestyle—even though he isn’t actually Amish.
Key Factors Behind the Nickname:
1. Hometown Roots – Lancaster County
Nick’s hometown of Lancaster is one of the largest Amish communities in the United States. Even though Nick is not Amish, the region’s identity is strongly tied to Amish culture. When people think “Lancaster,” they think “Amish country.” It didn’t take long for that association to follow Nick to Wake Forest.
2. Physical Presence
At 6’5” and 230 lbs, Kurtz has a commanding physical presence. His broad shoulders, muscular build, and powerful swing made him look like someone who could have grown up doing hard labor on a farm—a stereotypical trait associated with Amish men.
3. Humble Personality
Kurtz isn’t flashy on or off the field. He’s known for being quiet, focused, and respectful—traits that mirror Amish values. Unlike many athletes who thrive on attention, Nick tends to stay out of the spotlight unless it’s for baseball.
4. Old-School Work Ethic
Whether it’s extra batting practice, helping younger players, or keeping a calm demeanor during tense moments, Kurtz embodies the traditional work ethic many associate with Amish values. Coaches and teammates alike have praised his “no-nonsense” approach to the game.
5. Appearance
With his modest haircut and lack of tattoos or jewelry, Kurtz doesn’t necessarily fit the mold of the modern-day flashy athlete. He keeps things simple, classic, and disciplined—which added fuel to the “Big Amish” nickname.
How Nick Feels About the Nickname
While some athletes might be uncomfortable with such a unique label, Nick Kurtz has embraced the nickname with good humor. In interviews, he’s expressed appreciation for the fans and teammates who gave him the moniker, saying it reflects both where he comes from and how he carries himself.
He once jokingly said in a postgame interview:
“Hey, if Big Amish means strong, simple, and humble, I’ll take it.”
His acceptance of the nickname further solidified his popularity among Wake Forest fans and college baseball enthusiasts across the nation.
How the Nickname “Big Amish” Became a Brand
In the age of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, college athletes are branding themselves more than ever. While Nick hasn’t fully leaned into merchandise or endorsements tied directly to the “Big Amish” label (as of mid-2024), the nickname has undeniably become part of his brand.
You’ll often see:
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Fans wearing shirts that say “Big Amish Power”
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Social media hashtags like #BigAmishEnergy
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Wake Forest fan pages and baseball commentators referring to him almost exclusively by the nickname
This organic branding has only increased his marketability ahead of the MLB Draft, where personality and public image often matter just as much as performance.
Social Media Buzz
Nick’s nickname has led to a flurry of memes, jokes, and admiration online. His highlights are often accompanied by humorous captions like:
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“Straight from the barn to the ballpark.”
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“Big Amish doesn’t miss.”
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“Built like a barn, swings like a machine.”
Even opposing teams’ fans have been caught referring to him by the nickname—sometimes as a sign of respect, other times with envy.
The Future of Big Amish
As of now, Nick Kurtz is on a clear path to professional baseball. Many experts predict he will be a first-round pick in the MLB Draft. His combination of plate discipline, power, and defense makes him a rare and valuable asset for any organization.
Beyond baseball, the “Big Amish” brand could follow him well into the pros. If handled correctly, it could become a long-term identity, much like how other athletes have capitalized on quirky or memorable nicknames.
Some speculate he could launch:
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A Big Amish-themed clothing line
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Charity efforts in rural or farming communities
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Appearances and endorsements with Midwestern or Amish-adjacent brands
The potential is vast, and it all started with a nickname that was never planned—just a fun label that stuck.
Conclusion
Nick Kurtz’s journey from Lancaster County to college baseball stardom is already impressive on its own. But what makes him truly unique is how he has embraced and embodied the nickname “Big Amish.” It’s more than just a catchy label—it’s a reflection of his background, character, and playing style.
In an era of loud personalities and flashy moves, Nick Kurtz’s quiet confidence, powerful presence, and humble rootshave made him a standout. Whether he’s hitting home runs or fielding grounders with grace, fans can always count on Big Amish to represent the best of baseball—tradition, talent, and tenacity.
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