Sizzling Solak: Nick Solak’s seamless transition to Rays’ organization
This story appeared in the 7th edition of Cookbook, the official gameday ingredients of the Montgomery Biscuits.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Nick Solak is relaxed. The second baseman is at his apartment in Tampa, Fla., resting after a full day of camp with the New York Yankees on February 20, 2018. The 23-year old is in his second day of Spring Training, having completed media training to end the day at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
All of a sudden, his phone rings and Solak is greeted by Yankees’ General Manager Brian Cashman. It was at this moment the day not only changed for the former Louisville Cardinal but his professional career as well — Solak had been acquired by the Tampa Bay Rays as a part of a three-team trade.
“When I woke up that morning, not in a million years did I expect to be traded later that night,” Solak reminisced. “I had no reason to see it coming. I didn’t know it would happen that day, so I was shocked.”
What began as an extensive day of baseball-related activities prolonged into a long night for Solak. He immediately packed his personal belongings before driving to New York’s Spring Training facility to retrieve his baseball equipment. From there, Solak made the 99-mile journey to Port Charlotte, Fla., where he joined his new teammates at Charlotte Sports Park the next day.
A Tuesday in Tampa had transformed into a Wednesday in Port Charlotte, but that did not stop the Rays’ 11th prospect from being enthusiastic about the new opportunity.
“It was exciting to get to come to the Rays’ organization,” Solak said. “It was a very welcoming clubhouse. All the big leaguers introduced themselves and a lot of the Minor League guys I had played against, whether in college or when they played at Hudson Valley and Port Charlotte.
“It was an easy adjustment.”
Solak has transitioned to Southern League competition with great ease. The Woodridge, Illinois, native is playing his best baseball, hitting .282 with 11 home runs and 51 RBIs this season. Although Solak says he does not look at statistics, he credits his simplistic approach at the plate for his continued success as a professional.
“Every time I step in the box, I’m not trying to do too much,” explained Solak, who is nearing career-highs in home runs and RBIs. “Whether it is getting walked or beating out an infield hit or hitting a three-run homer, I’m just trying to help the team win.”
Solak has brought a winning pedigree to the Biscuits and the Capital City. In college, the 62nd overall pick made the NCAA Tournament all three years, helping the Louisville Cardinals to regional championships each year. Thus, Solak’s sights have always been fixated on winning above all else.
“I’m going to do everything I can to help the team win,” said Solak. “I’ve always had that mentality, but it really grew during college. I played for three really good teams that won a ton of games. I played in meaningful playoff baseball, which you can’t ask for anything more than that.”
As one of the Biscuits’ most seasoned prospects, Solak assumes a role of leadership among position players. From keeping morale high to maintaining an infectious devotion to one’s craft, the Southern League All-Star says he tries to lead by example.
“I show up and get to work every day, and I think that can be fed off of by other guys,” said Solak. “It’s fun to be in a clubhouse of guys who really want to get after it.”
After a strong start, Montgomery is prime to compete for the North Division crown in the second half. And, if you ask Solak, he wants to take the Biscuits back to the Southern League playoffs for a fourth consecutive season.
“Playoff baseball is fun. It’s the goal — when you show up day one — to play in the playoffs and win a championship,” said Solak, who played in the playoffs each of the last two years. “[We must] keep winning games.”
