Niagara University Athletics

2024 (Redshirt-Junior)
Turned in one of the best seasons in Niagara history…led the MAAC in batting average, OPS, RBI, and on base percentage…set new program record for single season, runs, hits, home runs, and RBI…ended the season on a 19 game on base streak while also having a 26 game on base streak earlier in the season…had a team best 15 game hitting streak…tallied 27 multi hit games with 13 three hit games, 12 two hit games, and two four hit games…had 20 multi RBI games, had 11 two RBI games, four three RBI games, three four RBI games, and two five RBI games…the two five RBI games came against Richmond and Rider…he had two hits in the NCAA Tournament while driving in four runs…he hit the first home run in the NCAA Tournament for the Purple Eagles…was named MAAC Player of the Year and was a unanimous selection to the MAAC First Team…was named Second Team All-Region by the ABCA

Before Niagara: Attended University of San Diego and Arizona Western College where he played in 32 games, had a batting average of .314, a total of 11 RBIs, 16 runs, and two stolen bases. Attended high school at Torino Grace High School and played at Complete Game for a club team, played a total of three varsity seasons, getting individual honors of Academic all state in 2018-2019. Rataczak was a two-sport athlete, also playing hockey. Rataczak chose Niagara because, “Niagara gave me the opportunity to continue the pursuit of my dream”.

Personal: Son of Jim and Joan Rataczak…has two siblings Jens and Natalie…has relatives that played college sports…Charlie Jacob played basketball at Washington University…Natalie Rataczak ran cross country at St. Ben’s University.