At Jack Yates High School, where resources are scarce and interest in baseball is often low, two brothers are leading a determined baseball team to success.
Kylen and Kyle Nicholson, fraternal twins who have played the sport since they were three years old, are proving that passion and hard work can overcome even the toughest challenges.
They have become the driving force behind the Yates baseball program. With Kylen and Kyle standing at 6-feet-6 inches and 6-feet-2 inches, respectively, the brothers have competed in various sports over the years, but baseball has always been their true passion.
“My mother made sure we had options to play every sport,” said Kyle. “Baseball is just the sport that came naturally to us. The fact that not many Black kids play baseball is what made me and my brother different. Compound that with our skills, that’s what made us stand out.”
Growing up in a neighborhood where resources were limited by financial hardship, crime and a lack of interest in the sport, the brothers were introduced to baseball at a young age to keep them out of trouble.
“My mother kept us into sports to keep us out of trouble,” said Kylen. “My father was away serving a sentence, so she tried her best to keep us out of trouble. Playing sports helped me create my identity while learning how to work hard and set goals.”
The brothers’ journey in baseball began at Sunnyside Park. They later played four seasons with the Houston Monarchs during their high school years and became four-year varsity lettermen at Jack Yates High School.
While both brothers excelled at their natural positions—Kylen at first base and Kyle at third base—the team faced a unique challenge during the 2025 spring season. Not all players came to the team with the same level of experience. This led the brothers to adapt, taking on new roles to fill the team’s needs.
“We started trying out pitcher and catcher in a few games last season, but this season, we actually put them into play, recognizing this would give us the best opportunity to win games,” said Kylen.
Kylen has emerged as the team’s most reliable pitcher, a role that he embraces with confidence.
“Kylen is the most consistent and confident pitcher on our team,” said Jack Yates coach Emmanuel Ajiodo. “With him pitching and Kyle doing a superb job behind the plate, we are seeing the team move as a unit and we are seeing success.”
Kylen credits much of his playing style to studying the game of former MLB player John Olerud, who helped his team win two consecutive World Series championships in 1992 and 1993.
“He reminds me of myself,” said Kylen. “He’s left-handed, tall, and plays first base, but he also pitched while at Washington State University.”
Kyle, on the other hand, draws inspiration from baseball legend Jackie Robinson, who helped break racial barriers and inspire future generations of African Americans to take up the sport.
“Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball, showing incredible courage and perseverance,” said Kyle. “He faced adversity with strength, inspiring countless people to stand up for equality. Jackie Robinson’s talent and integrity, both on and off the field, make him a true role model.”
Despite the challenges the team has faced—limited resources, lack of interest from the community, and limited players with previous experience—the Yates Lions have found success through their unity and desire to win. After finishing the 2024 spring season with a 2-10 record in the 4A Region III District 21, the team is off to a much stronger start this season, boasting a 5-1 record.
“It feels good playing with my brother,” said Kylen. “I wouldn’t change for anything. We have a connection when we both are on one accord and not arguing. This is our second year playing pitcher and catcher, and we are doing a hell of a job at leading this team with a 5-1 record. We had to step up as leaders and get out of our comfort zone for us to be able to start winning games.”
About Kylen Nicholson:
Class: 2025
IG: @luhh__twinn
Position: Pitcher, first baseman
Height & weight: 6-feet-6, 205 pounds
Favorite artist: Dee Baby
Status: Uncommitted
Favorite subject: Math
Shout-outs: God, Mom, Dad, Coach Ajiodo and Coach Mike
About Kyle Nicholson:
Class: 2025
IG: @walkdown_twinn
Twitter: @kylenicholson07
Position: Catcher, third baseman
Height & weight: 6-feet-2, 190 pounds
Favorite artist: Lil Baby
Status: Uncommitted
Favorite subject: Math
