Hall of Honor
An expert of the “delayed” steal, Mike Kovach caused great frustration for opposing teams and led to him becoming one of the best base stealers in Beloit College and Midwest Conference history. Mike Kovach’s lasting impact on Beloit Baseball reaches much further than his stolen base record. Coming from perennial powerhouse, Joliet Catholic (Illinois), he was the epitome of a true utility player. Kovach dominated where ever he was on the field, be it the infield, outfield or on the mound. After four years of starting in a Buccaneer jersey, his name is etched all over the Beloit College and Midwest Conference record books. "Mike Kovach played the game with relaxation and supreme confidence. His skill set was very broad” stated Head Baseball Coach Dave DeGeorge. “He was a terrific defender at multiple positions, an outstanding hitter and the best base stealer in program history. On top of all that, he could flat-out pitch. Mike rose to the occasion in every big moment." In 2021 when the Conference celebrated 100 years, Kovach was honored as one of the 100 best athletes to play in the MWC. Kovach burst onto the MWC scene during his sophomore season in 2009. He helped lead the Buccaneers to their first MWC Title and first trip to NCAA Regionals. That season, he ranked in the top 20 most difficult hitters to strike out. His 74 hits and 58 singles that season still sit unbroken a top of the Beloit College record book and his hits are second all time in a single season at the MWC level. Kovach’s 2009 season culminated with nine single season program records, four of which still stand today, MWC First Team All-Conference and 1st team All-Region. In 2011, he led the Bucs back to the MWC Championship game. That season, he showed his dominance on the mound, averaging just 0.8 walks per games, fifth in the nation at that mark. He posted a career pitching record of 15-3. Thirteen years after he last garnered the blue and gold, Kovach still holds the career single and stolen bases records. He sits in the top five for at-bats, runs, hits, batting average, doubles, total bases and games played. His 98 career RBI are ninth most in program history.
