Kam Durnin was named the 2025 Appalachian League Player of the Year after a record-setting season with the Kingsport Axmen. The 21-year-old Missouri native slashed .407/.519/.662 with a 1.181 OPS in 40 games, recording 59 hits, six home runs, 56 RBI, 15 doubles, and 10 stolen bases.
The Appalachian League release noted he matched the all-time single-season batting average record and set a new RBI mark. “Kam had a great summer and was a huge part of our success as a team,” Kingsport manager Rick Adair said. “What separates Kam is his desire to improve and his leadership by example on and off the field.”
Durnin led the league in average, hits, RBI, on-base percentage, OPS, and total bases. He finished second in slugging, tied for second in doubles, third in runs scored, and tied for fourth in home runs. He posted a hit in 35 of 40 games, including 16 multi-hit games, and closed the season on a 10-game hit streak.
He also represented the Appalachian League Select Team in the July 4 exhibition against USA Baseball’s Collegiate National Team, where he delivered a team-best three hits, including a two-run double.
Before the results came, Durnin made changes at the plate. Speaking with World Baseball Network, he explained how he started over in Kingsport.
“I basically started from ground zero with my stance and approach. The coaches gave me freedom and the chance to figure it out. I tried to keep it simple, never get too big, and not take any at-bats for granted. That’s what led to the success.”
After two years at Wichita State, Durnin transferred to Missouri, where he will join Carrick Jackson’s SEC program in 2026. The move was about both development and home ties.
“It just made too much sense not to pick Missouri. They’re in the SEC, the top conference, so you’re playing against the best competition. I’m from Missouri, so it’s only an hour and a half from home and family can come watch. I had really good conversations with Coach LeBlanc at Mizzou and that was big for me. Even though Missouri hasn’t had the best last few years, I’d love to help the program get back on its feet and represent my home state well.”
Durnin closed the interview with a message for kids chasing the dream of Division I baseball.
“Stay consistent every single day. You don’t have to do everything, but do something. Stick to a routine. God taught me this summer that he can use anybody and anything for any purpose at any time. As long as you have the opportunity to play that day, you’re never out of it. Never give up.”
In his conversation with World Baseball Network, Alfred Ezman walked through Durnin’s journey from Kingsport to Columbia, his offensive reset, and his outlook on joining the SEC. The full interview is available below. Recorded August 2025.
Watch the full interview on YouTube
Rising star Kam Durnin is already filling out the stat sheets on his Baseball Reference profile. Born August 5, 2004, in North Kansas City, Missouri, the 6-foot, 195-pound infielder played at Camdenton High School before moving on to Wichita State.
Across two seasons with the Shockers, Durnin appeared in 112 games and hit .258 with 30 doubles, nine home runs, and 60 RBI. He gained summer reps in the Northwoods League with Wausau in 2024 and delivered his breakout the following year with Kingsport, where his historic Appalachian League campaign earned him Player of the Year honors.
