How One Man’s Pitch-by-Pitch Efforts are Undoing a 2012 Murder

The Athletic presents an inspiring profile of Zac Kristofak, a 25-year-old minor-league pitcher. Prepare to be captivated by his journey as you read about his resilience and determination. One unique aspect that stands out is the tattoo of “D.N.K.” on his left wrist. Do you know what it stands for? It’s Donna Nations Kristofak, his beloved mother who tragically lost her life on December 22, 2012, near their Atlanta home. The identity of the perpetrator may shock you—none other than Kristofak’s own father, John, who is currently serving a life sentence. In this story, Sam Blum takes you through the heartbreaking events leading up to this point, revealing how John Kristofak’s obsession with his ex-wife ultimately took a fatal turn.

The piece primarily focuses on the aftermath of this tragedy and highlights the incredible support Zac and his older brother Harrison received from their community. You’ll be amazed by the outpouring of love and care these young boys experienced. The acts of kindness didn’t end with the 300 presents that arrived on Christmas, just three days after the devastating loss. They found temporary shelter with the Kiebooms, their neighbors, whose son Carter happens to be Zac’s best friend and is now an infielder with the Washington Nationals. Eventually, their grandmother moved to town, enabling Zac to remain in his high school. Zac’s determination and talent led him to the University of Georgia, and now he’s playing for the Double A Rocket City team after being drafted by the Angels in the 14th round in 2019. Zac Kristofak’s journey to the majors isn’t just about baseball—he has a greater purpose. He aspires to redefine the Kristofak legacy, to rewrite his family name. If you want to immerse yourself in this touching story, we highly recommend reading the full article. (Alternatively, you can explore other captivating longforms.)