When Pine-Richland's T.J. Kuban cracked the Rams starting lineup as a freshman, he was a key cog in the Rams' winning a PIAA championship. Now, as a junior, Kuban is committed to helping the Rams regain that form and get back to the playoffs.

Unfortunately for the Rams, they will miss the playoffs this year, but Kuban is focused on finishing strong, and in the process getting ready for another shot next year.

"We plan to win out and get ready for next season," Kuban said. "This team works hard, we are a very hard working team. We have made some errors, but we are getting better on defense, and our pitching is clicking and so is our hitting."

Kuban began playing baseball through the encouragement of his mom. He fell in love with the game and has been on the rise ever since.

Despite playing for such a long period of time, Kuban does not have a set position. He moves around and adjusts to wherever he is needed most.

"It's fun playing everywhere," Kuban said. "In a way I'm still trying to find myself."

Kuban may be searching for his best, but Rams' head coach Kurt Wolfe knows what he has in the junior star.

"T.J. was the No. 5 hitter on our state championship team as a freshman," Wolfe said. "He has a good bat. He hits around .450 and .500, and really drives the ball.

"He is as good as anyone around."

Kuban's strong bat is an asset, but the hits don't come easy, he said, because of the wealth of tough pitchers he faces in his own section.

"Hits are tough to come by at the Quad A level," Kuban said.

Kuban has some superstitions within his game preparation. He tries to ride up to the field with the same people all the time, and even though his mom doesn't like it, he will not wash his uniform if he is playing well -- a definite problem, as Kuban rarely plays a bad game.

A sometimes grungy uniform aside, Kuban and his teammates love to hang out together, and those friendships are his favorite part of being on the team.

As an upperclassman, Kuban is a leader on the team. He does so more by example, and he credits his parents with raising him well, which translates into his being a positive role model.

He also got some help in being a leader form former teammates Colin Durborow and John Karr, who knew a lot about what it takes to be successful.

Kuban has a lot to be proud of during his time on the field, but he notes the state title, a trip to the World Series in Florida, and a No. 1 ranking by USA Sports when he was a 13-year old player as his shining moments in baseball.

Kuban is looking forward to the summer and playing more baseball. He and he will be ready for next spring, as the Rams will once again strive for another title.