Playing on the junior varsity last season as a sophomore, Northampton's Ian Csencsits knew it was time to make his move.

It was a transition that has been at the core of his existence.

So far, the current junior has taken some giant steps. Over the last nine games, Csencsits has played a role in the Konkrete Kids' five-game winning streak and their move to the top of the Lehigh Valley baseball elite.

The second baseman/first baseman was ready to step into the limelight. He was among a group of underclassmen who were set to make their move onto the big stage.

"I knew this was the year where I had to prove myself," said Csencsits. "I'm glad to be back playing with some of the guys. I knew I had to work hard and be ready to see what I could do out there.

"But I knew I was ready for the next step."

Csencsits also certainly has made his presence felt.

"He (Csencsits)was not originally a starter, but he had the potential to be one," said head coach Mick Sugra. "He is one of our hardest workers. When we had an injury to our DH (designated hitter), (Csencsits) stepped into that role.

"He also has a very good glove defensively , so we recently moved him to first base and moved our first baseman to the DH role."

Baseball has been a household work in his household.

His father John was a Whitehall High School and Moravian College standout who also is a Blue Mountain League Hall of Famer with 66 career homers and a .394 average in 11 seasons.

"I started playing baseball in T-ball and it has always been a big part of my life," said the younger Csencsits. "My dad has been a big part of my success and he helps me a lot. He spent a lot of time with me in the local batting cages when the weather was bad earlier, and we are always talking about the game."

The younger Csencsits has followed in his father's footsteps as a solid, reliable hitter in the Kids' lineup.

"My fielding used to be ahead of my hitting, but now things have evened out," he stated. "I just work in hitting the ball hard and solid. I have been seeing the ball a lot better lately."

With his team on the rise in the ultra-competitive East Penn Conference, Csencsits doesn't see too many obstacles in their path.

"We have great chemistry as a team this year," he said. "We have a team in which everyone is contributing. It has really been a team effort and we all want to keep working hard until we get to the playoffs."

As for himself, Csencsits is enjoying the moments on the field.

"I can't get enough of baseball," he stressed. "If I'm having a bad day, playing baseball can make it a better one. I have always been happy for the opportunity to play. I would love to play in college. W recently played at Coca-Cola Park and that was a great experience.

"I just hope we can keep on playing for a while."