2B Ross Kivett Will Return To Kansas State For 2014

Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

Ross Kivett is returning! Ross Kivett is returning! Ross Kivett is returning! (If you couldn’t tell, we’re a little excited.) Here’s why: Kivett is the reigning Big 12 Player of the Year and was drafted in the 10th round by the Cleveland Indians with the potential to move up rapidly in the system and earn himself a nice paycheck. However, he eschewed the opportunity in order to take a run at repeating as an All-American player and help the Wildcats to their first College World Series berth.

K-State came tantalizingly close to the CWS last year, losing the tie-breaking game to the nation’s #3 team Oregon State 4-3 in the Super Regionals after winning the most games in school history (45) and taking home its first league title in 80 years. They were led by Kivett with 57 runs on the year. He also hit .360 for second on the team with 39 RBIs. His 94 hits were also a team best, while he turned in a .985 fielding percentage. Kivett will be a senior next season,

The only K-State player to leave early is center fielder Jared King, who will head to the New York Mets after his junior year. Shane Conlon, incoming freshmen Jordan Floyd, and Tyler Stover were all drafted but also chose not to sign. Kivett stated that there was a bitter taste left in his mouth following the loss to Oregon State, and hopefully he will be able to finish what he started when he returns for his senior year. He is playing summer baseball for the Orleans Firebirds of the Cape Cod League. In 17 games this summer he is batting .364 for the Firebirds with 24 hits and two home runs.