The Brotherly Bond of Baseball: Kai and Kaden Alberghini

SEATTLE – After putting in countless hours of hard work and experiencing all the highs and lows of the long baseball season together, teammates are bound to share a special bond. In Kai and Kaden Alberghini's unique circumstances, this bond is strengthened by their brotherhood on and off the field. 

For Kai, a senior at Seattle U, and Kaden, a freshman, baseball has been a major part of their lives for as long as they can remember. Encouraged by their father who also played college baseball, the brothers began their baseball careers playing tee-ball in their hometown of Issaquah, Wash. Both Kai and Kaden enjoyed the camaraderie and cohesiveness that came with playing on a baseball team and wanted to continue with it as long as possible. During Kaden's freshman year at Liberty High School, he made the varsity team which allowed him to share the field with Kai for the first time. 

Making their college decisions three years apart, both brothers chose to commit to Seattle University. Kai is thankful he chose to attend college close to home, describing it as a "hometown hero type of deal." For Kaden, academics were also a primary factor in his decision. "Being able to continue playing baseball along with progressing in academics was a big reason," Kaden said. 

Although this season is not Kai and Kaden's first time sharing the field, it does not make it any less significant. "Not many people get the chance to play baseball at this high of a level, and it's an even smaller number who get to play with their siblings," Kai said. "It's pretty special every time we step out on the field together."

The brothers' standout memory of playing college baseball together came in the first game against Grand Canyon University this season. After not winning a game against GCU since 2018, the team forced the game into extra innings. "I was the leadoff batter in the top of the 10th inning and I got an 0-1 slider and hit it out of the park," Kai said. "Then this big guy came in and closed out the game." This game marked Kaden's first collegiate win as a pitcher and a moment the brothers will never forget.  

Not only is baseball a game of physical ability and teamwork, but it is also a mental game that can be controlled by the individual player. For Kai, the key to success is putting the game into perspective to keep a level head. "Baseball is a game of failure, so you're bound to go through tough times," Kai explained. "In terms of baseball and then classes and life, it's all just going to beat you down, but always just get back up and give it all you got."

Kaden's approach to the game emphasizes the importance of self-coaching. "One of the best pieces of advice I've been given is that you are your own best coach. You're out on the field, you're playing. Your coaches can give you all the resources, but eventually, you have to take all those resources and put them to work," Kaden said. 

Off the field and in the classroom, Kai and Kaden share a passion for mechanical engineering. Inspired by their mother who works as an aerospace engineer for Boeing, it was the obvious major to choose. "I like riding in the backseat while she's working, and she'll explain some of the stuff to me," Kaden said. "I won't understand most of it because it's pretty high-level, but I understand little bits of it and it sticks with me."

Mechanical engineering and college baseball are two very time-demanding commitments, but Kai and Kaden are able to find balance and success in both through the support of their teammates. Between practices, games and travel, they have study sessions with the few other players also studying mechanical engineering. 

The brothers find it important to unwind and alleviate some of the stress that comes with being student athletes. Kai recalled a particularly high-pressure series against Texas A&M where thousands of fans were screaming against them. To counter moments like these, Kai enjoys being outdoors where it is quiet. One of his favorite hikes is Poo Poo Point which has a backway through his friend's yard that they would take as kids.

Meanwhile, Kaden relieves his stress in the weight room. "It's an outlet if you have any frustrations or any things that vex you throughout the day. You can have an outlet to just put it into the weights, and then you can leave it exhausted but refreshed," Kaden explained.

As the season draws to an end, Kai prepares to say farewell to his college baseball career. The part he will miss most about SU baseball is being around his teammates 24/7. "I'm not going to lose contact with all these guys, but we just won't be able to spend the time that we do now," Kai said. "There are more responsibilities as you grow up." Kai is currently planning for post-graduate life and is in talks with a few mechanical engineering companies about jobs.

For Kaden, his college baseball career has just begun. In his next three years as a Redhawk, he hopes to build a legacy he can leave behind. "I want to have people look back and say, 'Hey, he really helped the team out.' Whether that be in performance, or whether that be in camaraderie and the chemistry of the team."

While the Alberghini brothers only played one season together at SU, it is a remarkable experience they feel fortunate to have shared. Their love for the game and unbreakable brotherly bond will certainly endure.