Meimerstorf becomes senior leader for Panthers

Brett Shweky // Staff Writer

After falling down to an early 2-0 deficit, senior center fielder Kenny Meimerstorf sent a two-run homerun over left center wall to tie the game 2-2 in the opening game of the series against the UAB Blazers Friday night.  

The senior has been one of the most consistent hitters for the Panthers this season as he is currently batting an .366 average with a team-leading 34 hits.

In his junior season, Meimerstorf finished the season with .278 batting average, two home runs, 28 RBI and 50 hits, which included 10 doubles and a triple. Last season during February 23 to 28, the center fielder had a stretch where he went 9 for 20 with two home runs, two doubles, a triple and six RBI.

The center fielder said that keeping to the process was the key in going into his senior season.

“Most of it is just sticking to the process,” said Meimerstorf. “Every year I just keep working hard, I keep going about my business the same way. This year, our coaching staff has done a great job in helping me and my teammates and have helped us become a mentally tougher team.”

Before coming to FIU, Meimerstorf began his college career at the College of Southern Nevada where he hit .282 with 4 HR, 37 RBI and 14 doubles. During the Region XVIII Conference Tournament he was given MVP honors, while winning a conference championship at the College of Southern Nevada.

Playing his high school ball at Bishop Gorman High in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he was named Nevada’s Gatorade Player of the Year in 2013. During his tenure at Bishop Gorman, Meimerstorf won three state championships from 2010 to 2012.

Meimerstorf was highly recruited by the hometown UNLV Runnin’ Rebels; however, he decided to take his talents to Miami to become an FIU Panther.

“The opportunity to play baseball on the East Coast was too hard pass up,” said the center fielder. “I thought that the competition on the East Coast was a little bit better as well. Also to be uncomfortable, when you are uncomfortable you are able to grow as a person compared to when you are at home and won’t get the same adversity.”  

Meimerstorf and the Panthers will return to action Tuesday, April 4, as they travel to Starkville, Mississippi, to take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs in a two-game mid-week series. Both games are set to begin at 6:30 PM.