Siblings, Downers North Grads, Have Parallel Home Run Days 1,500 Miles Apart

Payton and Jimmy Janicki, who lost their older brother Nicholas, hit home runs within 32 minutes of each other playing for different colleges.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 9:03pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the baseball and softball games of the Janicki siblings, with sharp geometric planes of their team colors overlapping to create a dynamic, multi-perspective visual representation of their synchronized home run achievements.The Janicki siblings' synchronized home runs, achieved while honoring the memory of their late brother, demonstrate the power of family, resilience, and the ability to find joy and success even in the face of tragedy.Downers Grove Today

As if guided by unseen forces, siblings Payton and Jimmy Janicki, who graduated from Downers Grove North High School, had a remarkable day on April 11. At 3:03 pm in New York, Payton hit a 2-run home run for Wagner College, and 32 minutes later in Texas, Jimmy hit a 2-run home run for Troy University. The siblings, who lost their older brother Nicholas eight years ago, believe their brother helped them achieve this special moment.

Why it matters

The Janicki siblings' parallel home run achievements on the same day, while playing for different colleges 1,500 miles apart, is an inspiring story of perseverance and family connection in the face of tragedy. It highlights the power of sports to bring people together and the importance of cherishing every moment.

The details

In the fifth inning of a softball game against Le Moyne College, Wagner College shortstop Payton Janicki hit a 2-run home run. Just 32 minutes later, in a baseball game at Texas State, her brother Jimmy Janicki, a sophomore catcher at Troy University, also hit a 2-run home run. Payton went on to have a standout game, going 2-for-4 with 3 RBIs and a run scored in Wagner's 4-1 win, and 4-for-4 with 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored in an 11-1 victory. Jimmy also had a strong performance, going 2-for-4 with a run scored in Troy's 15-2 win, and 4-for-6 with 3 RBIs and 3 runs in Troy's 12-11 victory in 11 innings.

  • On April 11, 2026, Payton Janicki hit a 2-run home run at 3:03 pm in a softball game against Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York.
  • On April 11, 2026, Jimmy Janicki hit a 2-run home run at 3:35 pm in a baseball game against Texas State in San Marcos, Texas.

The players

Payton Janicki

A shortstop and team captain at Wagner College, Payton Janicki is a graduate of Downers Grove North High School.

Jimmy Janicki

A sophomore catcher at Troy University, Jimmy Janicki is a graduate of Downers Grove North High School and the younger brother of Payton Janicki.

Nicholas Janicki

The older brother of Payton and Jimmy Janicki, who passed away at the age of 21 eight years ago, and whose memory continues to inspire the siblings.

Tami Janicki

The mother of Payton, Jimmy, and the late Nicholas Janicki, who has made it a priority to attend her children's college games.

Jason Janicki

The father of Payton, Jimmy, and the late Nicholas Janicki, who has made it a priority to attend his children's college games.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It was definitely a crazy feeling. It was really a surreal moment for sure.”

— Payton Janicki, Team captain, Wagner College

“We've had similar days, but nothing like what happened on that day. I mean, that was crazy.”

— Jimmy Janicki, Sophomore catcher, Troy University

“I think it was definitely some help from up above.”

— Jimmy Janicki, Sophomore catcher, Troy University

“We probably definitely got some help from up above. My brother, all our loved ones we have up there. So that definitely played a part. And then we just kind of let our talent do the work.”

— Jimmy Janicki, Sophomore catcher, Troy University

What’s next

The Janicki siblings will continue their college baseball and softball seasons, with Payton Janicki graduating from Wagner College in May and Jimmy Janicki continuing his sophomore year at Troy University.

The takeaway

The Janicki siblings' parallel home run achievements on the same day, while playing for different colleges 1,500 miles apart, is a heartwarming story of family, perseverance, and the power of sports to bring people together, even in the face of tragedy. Their story serves as an inspiration to cherish every moment and honor the memory of loved ones.