Erik Kratz, a 2002 Eastern Mennonite University graduate, went from taking pictures for fans to being the subject of their pictures during a roller-coaster 2012 Major League Baseball season with the Philadelphia Phillies. Spring training for the 2013 season began in February and fans believe Kratz is poised for a stellar season as starting catcher. “It’s an honor to make the ...More
Erik Kratz doesn’t like the phrase, “rock-bottom.” He finds it demoralizing – even morbid – and it implies that, as he put it, that he’s been “down and out.” But he’s never truly felt that way. Not even through 10 years of toiling in the minor leagues, often getting told – either through speech or through his lack of movement up the ladder – that he wasn’t good enough. H ...More
A pair of former Eastern Mennonite University athletes will be honored by their high school alma mater this fall, field hockey player Liza Heavener and baseball player Erik Kratz. Both former Royals are originally from Telford, PA, and graduates of Christopher Dock Mennonite High School. They have been named the sch ...More
Erik Kratz, a 2002 Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) graduate, has stepped up when the Philadelphia Phillies have needed him most. Kratz has filled in for starting catcher Carlos Ruiz and went 3-for-6 with a double and his fourth home run of the season over the weekend (Aug. 4-5). With Ruiz out as much as six weeks, Kratz could see increased playing time. “I’ve just b ...More
Eight years after graduating from EMU, Erik Kratz finally got the call he wanted – to the big leagues. Kratz, who still holds 21 season or career records at EMU, patiently worked his way through baseball’s minor leagues before Wednesday’s Triple-A All-Star game. Read more… ...More
By Mike Barber, Daily News-Record EMU alum Erik Kratz has been named an All-Star in his first season in the Pittsburgh farm system. After seven years in the minor leagues, it ...More
Charlie Manuel, manager of the Philadelphia Phillies (MLB), will be guest speaker 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, at Eastern Mennonite University for a benefit dinner for the EMU baseball team. Read more… ...More
