The Region's Team Of Northwest Indiana

Whiting, Ind. – June 23, 2021 – After completing a spring season at Notre Dame that included an NCAA Super Regional appearance, infielder Casey Kmet (Notre Dame / Arlington Heights, Ill.) has joined the Northwest Indiana Oilmen for the remainder of the season.

The Fighting Irish went 34-13 this year including a 25-10 ACC mark. A top-10 team nationally for much of the season and ranked fourth entering NCAA Super Regionals, Notre Dame dropped two of three to Mississippi State in the Starkville Super Regional after winning a regional on its home field.  

“There were a lot of older guys on the team, so it was fun to learn from my experienced teammates,” Kmet said. “It was memorable to be a part of such a great season and the program’s turnaround.”

A 2017 first team all-state selection, Kmet was a three-time all-conference choice and two-time team MVP during his prep days at St. Viator. He was part of a team that won the 2017 Class 3A Illinois state championship.

“I bring a powerful bat to the table,” Kmet said. “I can play anywhere. I’m looking forward to seeing live pitching over the course of the summer.”

Kmet missed his freshman season in 2020 due to an injury and this year played in six games for the Fighting Irish. He is the younger brother of Cole Kmet, who played both baseball and football at Notre Dame and is currently a tight end in the NFL for the Chicago Bears.

“My brother is my best friend,” Kmet said. “I don’t think of him as the notable sports figure that everyone else thinks of when they ask me about him. It’s been fun to travel to a lot of NFL stadiums to watch him play.”

Kmet’s favorite NFL city to visit so far was New Orleans for the Bears/Saints playoff game. In his spare time, he is an avid bowler. His father and uncle both played football at Purdue and his father Frank was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round of the 1992 NFL Draft.

The three-time MCL champion Northwest Indiana Oilmen will visit the MCL Minutemen on Wednesday at 5 p.m. before returning home to kick off a homestand on Thursday night at 7:10 p.m. against the Chicago American Giants. Tickets to Oilmen home games will be available at the stadium box office prior to the game.