Baseball

HURON VALLEY LUTHERAN

The senior class has left an indelible mark on the HVL baseball program during their 4 years at the school. One of those achievements was last year’s first district win in the last decade. Our entire HVL family will miss these great young men, but the baseball program will be forever grateful for their accomplishments and leadership. A note about each…

Roberto – He joined us as a junior never playing baseball before and displayed a natural ability for the mound as he would have been our #3 starter and a regular player in the infield. His willingness to learn and put in the extra work on his own led to his quick learning of the game. Good luck in your future as you begin your study of your trade.

Jared – He was a 4 year player (last 3 as a starter in the infield and / or the outfield). Jared’s unique ability to draw walks with his challenging strike zone put him on base in some of our most important situations. His drive to succeed allowed him to get the absolute most out of his athletic ability. Good luck as you go to Liberty in the fall.

Logan K – He was a four year starter and all-conference performer as a centerfielder the last 3 years. Logan’s speed in the outfield and his base stealing prowess was an integral part to our success. As a team leader and captain this spring, Logan encouraged his teammates to be better players, while at the same time leading by example. Good luck at Concordia next fall as you begin your college career.

Dima – He was a four year starter and an all-conference and all-district performer as a catcher. His batting career had some huge highs and a few downturns, but his excellence behind the plate will be hard to replace. As a team leader and captain this spring, Dima was willing to put in the work necessary to be a top-notch catcher in our area, and that work ethic will guide him in all his future endeavors. Good luck as you begin your studies at Eastern Michigan in the fall.

Zac – He was a four year starter and multiple time all-conference and all district performer as a hitter and a pitcher. Zac was our ace the last two years and our leading hitter the last two as well. Zac had a ton of natural athletic ability, but he also was willing to put the work in to become even better. That work ethic will lead him to great things. As a team leader, captain, and former MVP of our team the last two years, Zac will be sorely missed in our program. Good luck at Wayne State next fall.

Logan S – He was a member of our team for 3 of his 4 years in high school, playing full time as a freshman. Logan was a quality pitcher and infielder who was going to be a regular on the mound for us this spring as a starter. As a potential state qualifier in the high jump this spring, we had to share him with his love of track. Nevertheless, he would have succeeded in both due to his natural athletic ability. Good luck to you as you begin your studies at UM-Dearborn in the fall.

Jonathan – He was a 3 year starter (came his soph. season) and all-conference and all district performer as a hitter and infielder. His natural hitting style made him a staple in the middle of our order as a major run producer. His long arms and legs also made him a tough relief pitcher in the later innings. With his love of golf, we had to share him in the spring with the golf team. Nevertheless, he led our team in RBI’s last season even after suffering a foot injury early in the season. Your positive nature and your hitting ability in the middle of our lineup will be missed! Good luck as you begin to study your trade in the fall.

PARKWAY CHRISTIAN

Andrew Shea
Andrew Shea is a first year high school baseball player. He has participated in cross country for four years. Andrew is also involved in the theatre department.

Jacob Canady
Jacob is a first year high school baseball player. He participated in soccer for a couple of years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jacob Robinet
Jacob transferred to Parkway his junior year and became an integral part of our athletic department. While he wasn’t allowed to play in games right away, he contributed at practices until he was eligible to play. Last spring in baseball he received Academic All State and 2nd Team All Macomb County awards. As a senior Jake was a three sport athlete: football, basketball and baseball.

Mitchell Gross
Mitchell has participated on the baseball team for four years and played his first year of football this year. He is extremely dedicated to everything he pursues.

 

 

 

 

 

Matthew Politi
Matthew has been a member of the baseball team for four years. He also joined the football and basketball teams. Matthew is the only four year varsity baseball player on this year’s team. Last spring he received Academic All State, 2nd Team All Macomb County and 2nd Team MIAC honors.

Noah Thomas
Noah was joining the varsity baseball team for his first season. He has been a strong supporter of Parkway athletics for his entire high school career.

 

 

 

 

 

Sangsu Ha
Sangsu has been a member of the baseball team for three years and was looking forward to his second year of eligibility.

 

Uriel Synod
Uriel returned to Parkway his junior year. This would have been his second year on the varsity baseball team. He also played football his senior year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zack Jaksa
Zack double sported last spring contributing to the baseball team and qualifying for States as junior track athlete. Zack has played football for four years and will be continuing his football career at Bluffton University. Zack has also contributed to Parkway’s basketball team.

CHARYL STOCKWELL

Gray Glasser
Gray played left field and pitched for CSPA. He was a 3 year CSPA Varsity Letter winner. In 2019 he was All League, All District. Gray was one of the aces of the pitching staff. Gray will be attending MSU in the fall. His baseball talents and batting power will be sorely missed next year.

 

 

 

Jacob Sartor
Played Right Field for CSPA; was a 4 year varsity player. Jacob was known for exemplifying a great attitude and his desire to play has always been outstanding. It’s been a honor to have Jacob playing with this team. We will miss his great personality and talents. Jacob has been accepted into MSU and is planning on taking AFROTC. (Air Force officer training).

 

Gabe Knight
Gabe played Center Field and Pitcher for CSPA Baseball and was a 3 year Varsity Letter Winner. In 2019 he was All League, and All District. He was this year’s Team Captain. His leadership will be sorely missed as he takes his talents to the collegiate level. Gabe will be attending Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee and studying Sports Management. He will be playing baseball for WLC.

 

Travis Lucas
Travis played 3rd base and pitcher for CSPA. Travis is a 4 year varsity letter winner. He made the 2019 All League team. He is a solid player who provided excellent leadership on and off the field. He is a 3 sport athlete who has made a lasting impression on CSPA Athletics. He will be sorely missed. In the Fall Travis will be attending Xavier University where he earned an academic scholarship.

Drake Leverenz
Drake played shortstop and pitcher. He is a 2 year Varsity letter winner. He is a very talented player who never fully showcased his talents due to injuries. He was on track for a breakout 2020 season. Drake will be attending trade school in the fall.

We congratulate all our CSPA Senior Baseball Players. They are highly talented and our program will definitely miss all of them. Good luck in your future endeavors. GO SENTINELS!

OAKLAND CHRISTIAN

Jack Farstvedt IF
Favorite Food: Chicken Parmesan
Favorite Baseball Memory: Winning the 2019 district championship
Favorite thing about OCS: The staff and students are easy to get along with and made me feel welcomed from day one.
Coach Pyke on Jack: Jack is a tremendous teammate. He is a student of the game always trying to find ways to get better. He leads by example. More than a baseball player, Jack always puts others first. He goes out of his way to check in on and help both the coaches and players. He is going to be a great addition to a college roster.

 

 

Charlie Frazee P/1B
Favorite food: Venison Steak
Favorite thing about OCS: The tight-knit community that is Oakland Christian, especially within the senior class.
Favorite baseball memory: During a game sophomore year it was raining, windy and cold. In the top of the second, I hit a no-doubt, big fly to center field for my first career homerun.
Coach Pyke says: Charlie is the best example when explaining to the team what hard work looks like. He has put in countless hours of training. He works the hardest when no one is looking. He is focused and attentive on the field. He is a good teammate and believes in doing what is best for the team.

Angelo Scafone OF/P
Favorite food: sushi
Favorite thing about OCS: The friendships I have developed.
Favorite baseball memory: Game-winning hit against Merritt,
Coach Pyke says: Angelo is a competitor. His teammates rely on his calm demeanor in high pressure situations. His ability to process information at game speed impacts the game greatly. Angelo is a good teammate and a better person. His thoughtful spirit influences all the people around him. His attitude and effort have made the baseball program better than when he first arrived.

 

 

 

Seth Tison IF/C/P
Favorite Food: Filet Mignon Steak
Favorite thing about OCS: The school community allows for deeper relationships with students and staff
Favorite baseball memory: Scoring a critical run in the 2019 district championship game. We went on to win the game.
Coach Pyke says: Seth is a great leader on and off the field. He is involved in many activities at Oakland Christian, doing all of them well. He is a great competitor on the field, driven by a desire to always get better. He leads the charge at practice and is always ready to play. His mental toughness will have a lasting impact on the baseball program.

 

 

ROEPER

Gianni Miliotto
Gianni participated in baseball for all 4 seasons. Gianni showed excellent commitment and dedication to the program. He worked hard at gaining more playing time over the years. He had a great attitude and was a hard worker.

Chandler Thomas
Chandler was our starting left fielder ever since his Freshman year. He was known for making diving spectacular plays. Chandler wasn’t afraid to get dirty and he played the game hard. Chandler was always willing to do anything to help the team.

 

 

 

 

Justin Akkashian (left)
Justin was the captain of the outfield. He played center field for his entire career. He was one of our most consistent players. He was a smart player and had excellent base running instincts. Justin would always be looking forward to each baseball season all school year long. He truly loved the game!

Evan Akkashian (right)
Evan was one of the most athletic players I have ever coached at Roeper. Evan had the ability to make the Sportscenter highlight play. His strength was in his pitching. He was a workhorse in his Junior season where he carried our pitching staff. Every time Evan pitched, he gave us the ability to win. He was the team captain and he always led by example. Evan also played shortstop in his career.

 

SOUTHFIELD CHRISTIAN

Jared Ervin
Jared was a 3 year member of the varsity baseball program and he earned 4 varsity letters in baseball. He was a member of the 2018 MIAC Baseball Championship team and he plans to attend Grand Valley State University in the fall.

Caleb Glenn
Caleb was a 2 year member of the varsity baseball team, he earned 4 varsity letters in baseball and he also earned a varsity letter in track. He plans to attend Howard University in the fall.

 

 

 

 

Ian Hanafee
Ian was a 4 year member of the varsity baseball team, he earned 4 varsity letters in football and was a member of the varsity basketball team. Ian helped the team to MIAC Baseball titles in 2018 and 2019 and he earned 2nd Team All MIAC Conference and MHSBCA All District honors. Ian was named the team’s “Most Spirited” teammate twice. He will attend Wheaton College in the fall and be a member of the football program.

Blake Parpart
Blake was a 4 year member of the varsity baseball team and he also earned 4 varsity letters in football. Blake helped the baseball team to back-to-back MIAC conference titles in 2018 & 2019 and he was a 2 time 1st Team All MIAC Conference selection, as well as a 2 time MHSBCA All District selection. Blake will attend Kalamazoo College in the fall where he plans to play football and baseball.

 

CLARENCEVILLE

Tavian Cruz
A five-tool player, Tavian earned All-Western Wayne Athletic Conference honors in 2018 and 2019 as well as All-District honors in 2019. Batting leadoff, he set the table for our offense during his years as a Trojan. Tavian also excelled in the field as a shortstop where he exhibited tremendous range and instincts. He will be remembered for his enthusiasm and respect of the game. Tavian will continue his academic and baseball career at Rochester University where he plans to pursue a degree in Sports Marketing. Thank you Tavian!

Antonio Iuliano
Every team needs a player like Antonio. Whether it was on the ball diamond as an outfielder or in the dugout, Antonio kept the team loose and having fun. He was also responsible for one of the best catches you’ll ever see. In the 7th inning of the 2019 Regional Semifinal, Antonio’s diving catch in right center field sealed the 3-2 win for the Trojans. He will miss his days with his teammates on the ball diamond and will be equally missed in return. Antonio will continue his education at Oakland Community College where he plans to study Automotive Mechanics. Thank you Antonio!

Zachary Jones
During his years as a Trojan, Zach proved to be a leader and fantastic teammate. When asked what he was most proud of, he put the team first stating, “I’m most proud of being a part of a program that won three District Championships and a Regional Championship.” To be sure, Zach was an integral part of those accomplishments and he earned All-District honors in 2018. His combination of power and speed made him a threat when at bat. In the field, Zach excelled as a pitcher and center fielder. Zach plans on attending MIAT College of Technology and pursuing a career in HVAC. Thank you Zach!

Anthony Mullen
On the baseball diamond, Anthony served as a valuable and selfless teammate. Primarily a catcher, Anthony was willing to take on any role that was asked of him. This was only possible due to his high baseball IQ. This past winter, he did an exceptional job leading our winter conditioning and preparing our pitchers. Anthony intends to continue his education and earn a degree in computer science. Thank you Anthony!

Garret Peeler
Garret began playing baseball in his junior year and it was a pleasant surprise that he did. He showed tremendous growth during his first year and we were all looking forward to what he would have accomplished this season. Garret expressed that he enjoyed his opportunity to play the game and that he loved his time with his teammates. Garret will go on to serve our country as he plans to enlist in the Marine Corps. Thank you Garret!

Benjamin Shute
Ben’s intelligence and fundamentals allowed him to be an effective second baseman. He could always be counted on to be in the correct position whether it be a relay or executing a bunt defense. Ben’s love of the game and his teammates shined through and contributed greatly to the team’s success during his time as a Trojan. As the team’s resident genius, Ben earned MHSBCA All-Academic honors in 2019. Ben will attend Schoolcraft College and pursue a degree in Business Administration. Thank you Ben!

Zachary Topolewski
Zach’s athletic ability made him a versatile player as he could be counted on to play second base, outfield, and shortstop. Offensively, Zach batted in the top of the order and was a clutch hitter. His combined talents in the field and at bat earned him All-District honors in 2019. Zach stated that he will miss his teammates and coaches and I know those feelings are reciprocated by all. Zach will continue his education by first attending Schoolcraft College before heading off to Michigan State University. He intends to earn a degree in either Athletic Training or Physical Therapy. Thank you Zach!

WHITMORE LAKE

Gareth Romine
Gareth is one that will be missed at Whitmore Lake. He manifests outstanding leadership both on the field and in the classroom. He is a two-sport captain (basketball and baseball), 3.5 GPA, and a member of the student council and National Honors Society. He works hard, pushes others, and is very community-oriented. Next fall, Gareth will be attending Grand Valley State University where he hopes to continue his athletic journey. The future is bright for this young man.

 

 

 

Lutheran Northwest

Left to Right: Carter Beck, Michael Conte, Aaron Gunn, Brendan Pfenning, Jacob Ponder, Carter Rohman, and Jack Wieleba

The 2020 senior class of the Lutheran Northwest baseball program consists of seven seniors who all have experience in the program. Carter Beck, Michael Conte, Aaron Gunn, Brendan Pfenning, Jacob Ponder, Carter Rohman, and Jack Wieleba have all been a part of the LHNW baseball program during their high school career. These seniors were heading into their senior year coming off back-to-back MIAC championship seasons and reaching the district final in every season of their high school career. The 2019 season finally saw them break through and earn a district championship.

The season may have ended early, but this group of young men had been preparing for the baseball season for quite some time. Both Aaron Gunn and Jacob Ponder were returning as All-MIAC players from 2019. Carter Rohman has earned All-MIAC honors each of the previous three years and will continue his playing career at the University of Maine. Each of these young men has given their time and talents to Lutheran Northwest athletics in many ways. Their contributions will be missed on the field, in the dugout, and in the hallways.