Back for a Fourth Summer, Jimmy Kirk Makes His Mark on the Cropdusters

Written by Mahaley Wise

Jimmy Kirk (Millersville) is in his fourth year with the Cropdusters, and he has become a staple for the team, a household name in the Olney area. Every year, the Cropdusters management looks forward to welcoming their hero home to the ballpark. 

“Every time he comes here, he just turns it on, he’s kind of the energy guy,” said Olney General Manager Brian Brewer. “He’s one of the most popular players with the fan base...He’s a great player, a great teammate [and] just a really really great kid.” 

Kirk has easily become the heart and soul of the Cropdusters and commands the dugout with his veteran presence and friendly attitude. 

“Jimmy is one of the funniest kids you will ever know. He’s laid back but at the same time he is super super competitive,” says Brewer. “We call him Mr. Cropduster…he’s just become a backbone of this team.” 

There is a warm aura of Cropduster gold that surrounds Kirk when he is on the field, which is easy to notice when interviewing him.

“I love it here. It is pretty much like my second home. There is nowhere else that I would rather spend my past four years over the summer,” he says about his return to Olney. 

After four years in the league with the Cropdusters, Kirk has become a mentor for many younger players and a supportive friend to his teammates. 

“As soon as he comes in I feel like a focus just comes in on the team…he kind of takes it to himself to be a leader on the team and he is just invaluable in that way,” says Brewer. 

Head Coach Adam Leader speaks highly of Kirk’s leadership from the dugout. “He really studies the game and he helps a lot of other guys out and other hitters. He just knows the game really really well. He’s a huge asset to us.”

Kirk’s own idea of his leadership is more modest. “I just try to do everything in my power to try and help them become the best players they can be whether it’s hitting something swing wise or just as simple as their approach at the plate.” He’s a helpful and charismatic teammate who looks out for those around him. 

His plate appearances are quite different then his dugout persona. When asked about Kirk’s presence at the plate Brewer remarks, “Jimmy is extremely aggressive. Everyone knows he swings it. He is one of the best hitters in the league. He has been for a long time.” 

The moment Kirk steps up to the plate, his tall, imposing figure sends a chill through opposing pitchers. His movements are quiet and precise—no wasted motion, no flair. The bat resembles an extension of his arm, a unit designed to inflict damage on the opposing team's defense. 

In the last four years, Kirk has been a standout performer for the Olney Cropdusters. He’s racked up 13 home runs and an impressive 71 RBIs off 88 hits, posting a solid .368 batting average across those seasons. His consistent play has earned him spots in the last two Cal Ripken Sr League All-Star Games, and he’s aiming to make another appearance this year.

“Every time he gets up, there is an opportunity that he is going to get a hit,” says Leader.

He has consistently been among the league leaders in home runs over the last few summers. This season, his sole home run thus far was a grand slam, playing a pivotal role in securing a victory for his team. With 11 hits and 11 RBis, every one of his plate appearances has been impactful establishing him as a crucial player, clutch hitter, and offensive force. Though he’s only appeared in nine games through the end of June – not enough to qualify him for league leaderboards – he’s hitting .367 with a 1.046 OPS and more strikeouts than walks. 

It’s clear his time with the Cropdusters has been instrumental in his development, and he’s quick to credit the coaching staff for refining his skills  – something he speaks about with sincere gratitude. 

“[Assistant Coach Cam] Hyder helps with my swing everyday. I couldn’t do it without him. Coach Evans, he’s had my back the last four years. And Leader just pushes me to be better everyday.” Kirk also says the coaches have helped develop his “maturity as a player. Being able to keep myself calm in big situations.”

As Kirk finishes his comments, Leader strolls by with a grin and calls out, “make sure you tell her you learned everything from me.” The two share a familiar smile – the kind that echoes through the dugout every game – rooted in mutual respect. 

Leader expresses his gratitude for the years he’s spent with Kirk on the field. “It’s been great. We have a lot of laughs together. He’s a funny kid…He plays the game the right way and he works really hard at it. It’s a pleasure having him.”

Brewer and Leader shared their favorite moments with Jimmy Kirk over the years. 

Brewer: “We have had him for three years, and we didn’t know if we were going to get him a fourth year [this year]. We find out that the NCAA gave him another year of eligibility to share, so he texts me… he says ‘get the bobblehead night ready because Kirk is coming back!’”

Leader: “I sat him for two games once and he was pissed. In the third game, he hit a home run, and as he was rounding third, he said, “Don’t ever sit me again.” So that was fun, and we laugh about that a lot.”

Kirk was sentimental about his four years in the league and has shared a lot of fond memories with his teammates and coaches. 

“I love showing up every day. The coaches here are like my family. They asked me to come back one last year, and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world," he said.