Covington Catholic graduate Luke Maile made his 2026 Major League Baseball season debut unforgettable.
Called from Triple-A July 2, the Royals catcher stepped to the plate for the first time this season July 6. He then launched a 396‑foot three-run home run off All‑Star left‑hander Cristopher Sanchez.
The blast ignited a six‑run first inning and helped Kansas City roll to a 15–1 win over Philadelphia. Maile finished 1‑for‑4 with two runs scored and three RBI. The moment carried a personal twist. His homer came on the 25th birthday of his first cousin, Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer. He’s another CovCath standout.
Their athletic roots run deep. They share a grandfather, Dick Maile, an All‑American basketball star at LSU and a 1965 NBA draft pick. Luke’s father, Rich Maile, played college football at Kentucky and Dayton.
Maile has developed a flair for dramatic call‑ups. Last season, he also homered in his first game with the Royals. It was a solo shot off Charlie Morton on May 4.
His July 6 blast gives him at least one home run in five straight MLB seasons. That brings his career total to 23.
Maile, who played college baseball at Kentucky, spent two seasons with the Cincinnati Reds.
He went 1‑for‑6 with a walk for the Royals before the All‑Star break.
Walton-Verona grad climbing Brewers’ ladder
Walton-Verona alum Travis Smith continues his steady rise through the Milwaukee Brewers’ system.
The 23‑year‑old right‑hander was promoted to Double‑A Biloxi on June 9 after opening the season with High‑A Wisconsin. Smith is 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA in five appearances including two starts covering 10.2 innings with Biloxi. He has a 6–2 record with a 7.76 ERA in 15 appearances across the entire 2026 season. This includes five starts .
Smith finished 2025 with Wisconsin, posting a 1–2 record and 4.10 ERA in six starts. He began that year at Class‑A Carolina, where he logged 19 starts, a 4–4 record, and a 3.20 ERA. His career minor‑league ERA is 4.87.
Taken in the 15th round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of Kentucky, Smith was one of the top prep pitchers in the Class of 2021. Perfect Game ranked him No. 84 nationally, No. 26 among right‑handed pitchers, and No. 2 overall in Kentucky.
The 6‑foot‑4, 220‑pound hurler grew up in Walton. He’s the first minor‑league player from Walton-Verona in 50 years, according to Baseball Reference, which lists former Pirates prospect Lenny Spicer as the last.
