Catch Up With The Cajuns: Jace Conrad

Jace Conrad came up with the label of "grinders" for last year's Ragin' Cajun Baseball team, but how is he doing in the pros, without the beard?

The bushy beards and never die mentality came to personify last year's squad that breached the 50 win mark. Conrad was often in the middle of things. Turning a double-play or digging out a clutch hit to drive runs home weren't the only things that got him looks from the pros. His fight and personality are still shining in the minor leagues.

Before we get into the stats, did you hear how he made a two-year old at his Bowling Green Hot Rods' game his new biggest fan? If not, get some tissues ready.

The folks in Bowling Green are starting to appreciate Conrad's game. The grinder is sporting a six game hit streak, and has hits in 13 of his last 15 appearances. He also had back-to-back games with home runs and three RBI's, which was just part of a three day stretch where he went yard in three consecutive trips to the ball park. With nine total home runs and 47 RBI's to his name as a pro, the progress is coming sooner rather than later. Seven of his home runs came after getting called up to play full-A ball for the Hot Rods...and he's done it without his beard.

Through 103 games and 398 at bats, Conrad's average sits at .284 (hitting .319 for the Hot Rods, third on the team), but he's still causing pitchers and catchers problems on the base paths with 34 stolen bases. While we're on the topic of Jace's speed around the bags, it's about time you saw his walk-off inside the park home run. Oh yeah, he was pinch hitting too.

Lafayette watched Conrad grow before their eyes. From Lafayette Little League to Lafayette High to his time at The Tigue, Conrad's performance on the baseball field could also be classified as entertainment.

Conrad will probably be remembered forever around Acadiana for his contributions to one of the most magical years in Ragin' Cajun athletic history, but it looks like he's far from done creating sports memories in the baseball world. For now, he's doing it in Bowling Green, Kentucky. This isn't the last stop. If he heads too far north, make sure to send him some Cajun care packages. Nothing warms the bones like a good gumbo.

One thing will persist no matter where he goes: a grinder will grind, regardless of his surroundings.