(Gary, IN) The 2026 season has come to an end with the RailCats finishing 42-57 and setting numerous offensive records as a team. In the middle of it all is the Methodist Hospitals Player of the Month of August/September, Nick Podkul. 

Podkul, the local product, finished his first year in Gary strong. The slugger hit .331 with a .636 SLG and an OPS over 1.064. Podkul would hit nine doubles, two triples, eight home runs with two being grand slams, and drove in 34 runners. The Notre Dame alum hit 20 home runs to tie the team’s record; his 71 RBIs are third-most all-time in one season and finished the year reaching in 26 of his last 27 games.  

“I wish I could have a team of nine Nick Podkul’s.” RailCats Manager Jeff Isom said. “Nick stepped up for our playoff push and was a major contributor to our high offensive output this season.” 

Podkul joins Kevin Watson Jr, Peyton Long and Elvis Peralta for the Methodist Hospitals Player of the Month for the 2026 season.