Last week Tuesday, the Red Hawk varsity baseball team traveled to Grand Rapids to begin a three-game series against the Bengals of Ottawa Hills. In game, 1 Dylan Knauf and Cayden Steinebach shared the pitching duties, throwing a one-hitter.  At the plate, the Red Hawks totaled 18 hits in the first game, led by Zain and Rocafort with 3 each; Glyshaw, Greenland, Mullins, Menefee, and Snoeyink with 2 each; along with one hit from both Campione and Rypma. The final score of the first game was 16-0.

In game 2 Trenton Snoeyink, Logan Petty and Caleb Menefee worked together on the mound to throw a 2-hit shutout.  In this game the Red Hawks totaled 13 hits on their way to a 21-0 victory.  Logan Petty led the team with 3 hits.  Snoeyink, Steinebach, Rocafort and Brunin each had two hits.  Campione and Rypma again added one hit apiece.  

On Wednesday, Aiden Brunin took the mound as the Red Hawks played the 3rd game of a three game set at home vs Thornapple-Kellogg. The series was tied 1-1 and had been rescheduled due to poor weather a few weeks earlier.  Though TK was able to score 2 runs early, Aiden pitched 6 solid innings striking out 10 and walking only 2.  It took a few innings for the bats to come alive for the Red Hawks but, when they did, runs were scored in bunches.  Brunin and Willy Zain each had a pair of hits.  Logan Petty added a 2 RBI double and singles were hit by Glyshaw, Rocafort, Campione, Snoeyink, Knauf and Greenland.  Trenton Snoeyink closed out the final inning to get Cedar the 7.2 victory.

On Thursday the Red Hawks wrapped up their three-game set with Ottawa Hills as the Bengals traveled north to Cedar Springs. Freshman Walker Glyshaw started on the mound. He got in one inning of work, as did Dylan Greenland. Caleb Menefee came in to hurl the final 3 innings of the game. The Hawks totaled 12 hits in the game, led by seniors Willy Zain and Logan Petty with 3 each. Jeremy Campione and Nate Mullins each had 2, while Cayden Steinebach and Isaac Rypma each added one. The final score was 16-4.

On Friday the boys headed south to play the Northview Wildcats. Senior Dylan Knauf took the mound for the Red Hawks. He managed to control the tempo of the game, only walking one batter and striking out 2 in a complete game performance. Jeremy Campione led the team at the plate with three hits, followed by 2 for Snoeyink, Greenland and Glyshaw. Singles were added by Brunin, Petty and Zain as the Red Hawks outhit the Wildcats 12 to 8 in their 6-4 victory.  

This made the Red Hawks a perfect 5-0 on the week, bringing their record to 15-14. This week they will be wrapping up the regular season with a single at Big Rapids and a 3-game set against Kenowa Hills.

Districts will be June 5 in Rockford.  Cedar Springs will face off against the Rams at 10 am.

Last week the Cedar Springs varsity baseball team had to deal with a combination of Covid quarantines and colder temperatures, with wind chills that were below freezing.  That being said, there were some changes in the schedule. The Red Hawks played a conference double-header at Thornapple Kellogg on Thursday and another double against Traverse City West on Friday at home.  

Aiden Brunin took the mound in the opening game of the TK series.  He cruised through the first inning striking out 2 and allowing one earned run but had to come out of the game with some elbow discomfort. This left the remainder of the game to senior Trenton Snoeyink, who did a great job striking out a dozen Trojans, walking only 3. At the plate, the Red Hawks managed 4 walks and only 2 hits, a double by Snoeyink and a single by freshman Walker Glyshaw. Both hits were timely, as they each knocked in a run, but a devastating error in the bottom of the 7th inning caused the Red Hawks the game as they dropped their 5th in a row, this time losing 3-2.

In the second game of the double header the Red Hawks got a brilliant pitching performance from senior Dylan Knauf as he earned the victory, striking out 10 in what would be a one-hit, complete game shutout. In a game that ended 5-0, Cedar scattered 7 total hits, but really came alive in the 4th inning, scoring all 5 runs with two outs. Snoeyink was again the leader at the plate with a pair of hits. Seniors  Alec McDonald, Dylan Greenland and Willy Zain each had a hit, Greenland’s being a 2 RBI double.  Juniors Aiden Brunin and Jake Rocafort each added a hit as well.  

On Friday the Red Hawks played host to the Titans of Traverse City West in a double header. West marched out a southpaw junior, Wyatt Danilowicz, who recently committed to #3 ranked Louisville. He was dominant on the mound, striking out 16 Red Hawk batters, walking one and hitting one as he put his 90 mph fastball on display. The Red Hawks were able to bring up a pair of JV pitchers to get some valuable varsity experience. Sophomore Clay Oosting took the mound and was able to battle the Titans for 5 complete innings, striking out 4 and walking 2, while allowing one run. Sophomore Braydon Gregory came on to finish out the final 2 innings of the game, striking out one and allowing a pair of runs. The Titans defeated the Red Hawks in the first half of the double header 3-0.

In the nightcap, Cedar Springs again started a sophomore. This time Haydon Koepke took the hill. He walked a pair of Titan hitters and allowed 7 runs in his 2 innings of work, only 2 of which were earned. A pair of early defensive errors extended innings for Traverse City, forcing a pitching change. Freshman switch pitcher Walker Glyshaw came on and finished out the game on the mound, striking out 10 and walking 3 in five innings of work. Again, a few errors allowed in 5 more runs and, again, only 2 were earned. At the plate the Red Hawks scattered 8 hits throughout the game. Senior Willy Zain had a single and a double. Dylan Greenland also added a double. Caleb Menefee and Dylan Knauf each added two singles, while Alec McDonald added one. With a final score of 12-5, the Red Hawks finished their third week of play with a 3-7 record.  

Coach Glyshaw said, “If we can get to the point where we can play crisp, error free baseball, we could be really good.  It’s frustrating when I look at our record and realized our win-loss record could be reversed.”

This week the varsity baseball team will play a trio of games against conference opponent, Wayland, while hosting Central Montcalm for a single game. The results of these games will be in next week’s paper.

Next week’s schedule:

5/3 Home Double vs Sparta

5/4 Double @ Catholic Central

5/6 Home Single vs Catholic Central

The Red Hawk varsity baseball team improved to 2-0 with a 10-2 victory over Grant on Tuesday afternoon. 

The Hawks were fueled by a great collaborative pitching effort. Peyton Newman threw four scoreless innings, allowing only one hit, walking two and striking out six. Nathan Male added two innings of middle relief, striking out two. Nathan Draper came in and closed out the seventh inning to seal the victory. 

At the plate, Thomas Reed again started off the game with a line drive shot up the middle. Junior Connor Ellison also added a pair of hits, as did Sophomore Bryce Marvel. The boys hit the ball well and were able to take advantage of a few mistakes made by Grant defensively. 

The results of the games vs Lowell will run next week. 

Red Hawk Elementary student Walker Glyshaw, 11, was selected to play in a 12 and under Junior National Baseball tournament at Disney at the end of December. Courtesy photo.

Eleven-year-old Walker Glyshaw, a sixth grade student at Red Hawk Elementary, has been selected to play in a 12 and under Junior National baseball tournament in Orlando, Florida from December 27-Jan 2. He will be one of only 12 players to represent the state of Michigan in a tournament that will be played at Disney. This tournament welcomes teams from all over the United States, as well as Puerto Rico and Canada.

Walker played travel baseball for the Grand Rapids Diamonds this summer and, after throwing a no-hitter against Hawks Gold, was invited to play in an all-star tournament at the Art Van Field of Dreams complex. This tournament was run by Gameday USA. Players were run through professional-style evaluations, measuring their ability to field, throw, hit and run. They were also scrutinized during in-game play throughout the weekend.  

Walker proved to be a standout from among the hundreds of players, finishing 3rd in the home run derby, batting over .800 in four games, and posting some of the highest mph ratings while pitching. Walker drew the eyes of scouts as a solid all around player, but he has a unique skill—he is ambidextrous. The glove he wears while pitching has six fingers so he can switch arms while on the mound. He has learned to throw left handed while pitching to left handed hitters, and right handed to right handed hitters. Having developed both a change up and a curve ball with both hands, along with a strong fastball, gives him a clear advantage over every hitter he faces.  

Walker is the son of Justin and Elizabeth Glyshaw, both teachers at Cedar Springs Public Schools. Walker’s teachers are Mr. Verwys and Miss Sheckler.

Congratulations, Walker! 

Joseph Franklin Watson Sr. “Joe or Pappy”, age 82 of Cedar Springs, passed away Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at Metron of Cedar Springs. Joe was born September 6, 1934 in Lexington, Virginia, the son of James and Melinda (McCormick) Watson. Joe served 10 years in the United States Air Force and 10 years in the Michigan National Guard. During his time served, Joe played minor league baseball for the Air Force. Joe had a heart for coaching and umpiring for the Little, Pony and Silver Baseball Leagues. Joe was a founding member of Cedar Springs Amateur Athletic Association, member of the Roundtable Coffee Drinkers, a Keystone Kop, and was the Grand Marshal of the 2012 Red Flannel Parade. Joe considered his greatest life achievement being a grandparent to 14 grandchildren. Surviving are his beloved wife, Florence E. (Clark) Watson; children, Joseph Michael Grove of Virginia, JeDonne (Jerry) Morton, Joseph (Connie) Watson Jr., Kelli Watson, Charlie (Ladonna) Watson, Merri (Rich) Moore; grandchildren, Steven, Megan, Hollie, Nick, Jake, Jeff, Chris, Mandi, Charli Anne, Ashley, Ricky, Elizabeth, Erin and Carlee; great grandchild, Addison; brother-in-law, Virgil R. (Sandie) James; sister-in-law, Mary Ellen (Melvin) Cole; brother-in-law, J. Thomas Bundy; many nephews, nieces and cousins who he adored; and friends that he loved as family. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Mayhlon James “Tarzan” Watson, James Alexander Watson, Geraldine “Binky” Bundy, and Margarite “Moe” Sweeney; Nephew, James Alexander “Butch” Watson; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles O. and Mary (Caverly) Clark; brother-in-law, Herman O. Clark; and sisters-in-law, Maxine M. (Clark) Manteufel and Alice J. (Clark) Haubenstricker. The family will receive friends Saturday at 10 a.m. until time of service at 11a.m. at Solon Center Wesleyan Church, 15671 Algoma Ave. N.E., Cedar Springs, Pastor Larry Young officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Cedar Springs Veterans Park Fund.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

Logan Kobayashi had a good week calling games behind the plate for the JV Red Hawks. Here he is shown in one of the games against Greenville.

JV Baseball

Last week was a good week for the JV Red Hawks baseball team. They went 2-2 for the week and won the conference series against Greenville. They were only a couple of plays away from being 4-0.

Coach Tyson Hoffman said, “Typically in baseball average is about .500 baseball. We hit that this week, but were right on the cusp of being above average. The difference is just a couple plays that we need to make.”

The week ended with a 4-2 loss against Grant. Tuesday’s games against Greenville were wins, 11-3 and 9-4. Thursday, April 20, they lost to Greenville 5-4.

“After the game against Grant, we really improved our base running, had timely hitting, and made the plays we needed to make,” said Hoffman. “We were evenly matched with Greenville and it took the little things to get the series win.”

Logan Kobayashi had a good week calling games behind the plate and showed great base running instincts.

This week’s games will be against Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills.

Coast to Coast Baseball would like to invite local players (ages 10-18) to one of our upcoming tryout events. At the tryout, our staff will evaluate your skills in four areas; hitting, fielding, arm strength and speed.

Since the summer of 2001, over 3000 athletes from 46 different states have participated in the Coast to Coast Baseball program. Our alumni now compete at every level of collegiate baseball…. and even professionally.

Players who are accepted to the program, may choose to represent the USA in competition in Puerto Rico, or work with top college coaches and pro scouts at one of our Florida or Arizona Camp and Showcase events held at a MLB spring-training complex.

In addition to the tryout, an instructional hitting camp will be held the same day. The goal of the camp is to help players improve hitting fundamentals as well as their mental approach at the plate. Events will be held at:

June 23 Genesee Fieldhouse Grand Blanc, MI

June 25 Grand Valley State Allendale, MI

June 26 Albion College Albion, MI

Tryout start time at all events is 10:00 a.m. Hitting camp start time at all events is 2:00 p.m.

For more information, players and parents can visit our website. Register for one or both events on our website www.CoastToCoastAthletics.com or by calling our office (740) 373-4455.

Coast to Coast Baseball would like to invite local players (ages 10-18) to one of our upcoming tryout events. At the tryout, our staff will evaluate your skills in four areas; hitting, fielding, arm strength and speed.
Since the summer of 2001, over 2000 athletes (ages 11-12, 13-14, 15-16, 17-18) from 46 different states have participated in the Coast to Coast Baseball program. Our alumni now compete at every level of collegiate baseball and even professionally.
Players who are accepted to the program may choose to represent the USA in competition in Puerto Rico, or work with top college coaches and pro scouts at one of our Florida or Arizona Camp & Showcase events held at a MLB spring-training complex.
In addition to the tryout, an instructional hitting camp will be held the same day. The goal of the camp is to help players improve hitting fundamentals as well as their mental approach at the plate. Events will be held at:
July 23 Genesee Fieldhouse Grand Blanc, MI
July 24 Spring Training Indoor Chesterfield, MI
July 25 Elite Baseball Grand Rapids, MI
July 26 Central Michigan Univ. Mt. Pleasant, MI
July 27 Colley Law School Stadium Lansing, MI
Tryout start time at all events is 10 am. Hitting camp start time at all events is 2 pm.
For more information, players and parents can visit our website. Register for one or both events on our website www.CoastToCoastAthletics.com or by calling our office 740-373-4455.

Congratulations to the Rockford Rebels 13u travel baseball team, who took first place in their age bracket in the School’s Out Backyard Blast tournament held in Lowell June 10-12. The Rebels team, made up of boys from Rockford, Cedar Springs, and Belding, were undefeated in tournament play, and won the extra-innings championship game against Grand Ledge with a score of 2-1.  The Rebels continue their regular season play in the local GRABL league through the end of June.  More info about Rebels baseball:  www.facebook.com/RebelsBaseball.

See how the game was originally played June 18,19 at Hartwick Pines State Park

Hartwick Pines State Park will host the inaugural “Hartwick Pines-ALS Classic” Vintage Base Ball Tournament on June 18-19 to benefit the ALS of Michigan Foundation. Four vintage baseball teams from across the Lower Peninsula will compete to help raise money and awareness about the disease commonly known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease.” Teams participating include the host Hartwick Pines Swampers, the Petoskey Mossbacks, the Saginaw Old Golds and the Walker Tavern Wheels.
There will be two games on Saturday, June 18, with the first game beginning at noon between the Petoskey Mossbacks and the Walker Tavern Wheels. The second game pitting the Saginaw Old Golds and the Hartwick Pines Swampers will begin 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first game. On Sunday, June 19, the consolation game will take place at noon and the championship match will follow the first game. All games will be played on the field at the park picnic area.
“The inspiration for holding this tournament came when a friend of the Hartwick Pines Swampers and former Walker Tavern Wheels player, Don ‘Skeeter’ Barnowski, was diagnosed with ALS in 2010,” said Hartwick Pines Swamper manager and park historian Rob Burg. “We felt this would be a fitting tribute to Don and help him spread the word and help find a cure for ALS.”
The “vintage base ball” will be played by the rules of 1860 and feature the players fielding the ball without the use of gloves and being able to catch the ball on one bounce for a “fly” out. This is how baseball was played in the early days of the game at community picnics and other events.
In addition to the games, there will be food, a silent auction, sales of merchandise, and other activities. The ALS of Michigan Foundation will have a tent to provide more information. All proceeds from the event will go to help find a cure for ALS. On Saturday evening, a special “Music at the Museum” program at the Logging Museum at 7 p.m. will feature musician and educator Michael Deren presenting his “Past in Person: Lumberjack” program.
Hartwick Pines State Park is located at 4216 Ranger Rd., Grayling, MI 49738. There is no charge for the tournament, but donations to the ALS of Michigan Foundation are encouraged, and a Recreation Passport is required for vehicles entering the park.
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum is part of the Michigan Historical Museum Family. For more information please call (989) 348-2537 or visit www.michigan.gov/loggingmuseum
Michigan residents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($10 for motor vehicles; $5 for motorcycles) by checking “YES” on their license plate renewal forms, or at any state park or recreation area.

The community is invited to attend the first ever Fathers vs. Players fundraiser community picnic, for Cedar Springs Baseball, on May 22 at 1 p.m. This family fun day will be held at the Cedar Springs Varsity baseball field, and will promote community awareness, support and raise money for off-season training for all high school baseball players.
Everyone is asked to bring their own picnic lunch, and there will be an area for barbecue grills. Vendors will conduct games with prizes, and some of the games include the dunk tank, putting green, bean bag games, a radar gun to check how fast you can throw and speed timing.
The main event will be a game between the high school players and their dads.
All youth players with the Cedar Springs Junior Ball League are encouraged to attend, and they will be asked to take their position on the field when the high school players take their positions. Everyone will be asked to “run the bases” when the game is over.
Individual players will be asking for donations. If you are interested in organizing, donating or sharing, please call Roger Louck at (616) 706-8599.

Opening day at Comerica Park is a big deal for Detroit Tigers fans. And Tiger fan Kelsey Kiander, 14, an eighth-grader at Cedar Springs Middle School, got to do something special for opening day—she was chosen as an honorary member of the grounds crew where she got to place third base on the field.
Kelsey, the daughter of Shila and Kevin Kiander, of Cedar Springs, was one of 30 winners of Kids Opening Day Sweepstakes, an essay contest that drew more than 230 entries. Kelsey wanted more than anything to go to a game for her birthday, and Shila saw the sweepstakes on Facebook and decided to write an essay about Kelsey, with the hope that she might win a chance to go.
Her essay read: “My daughter has been waiting for opening day since the end of last season.  She has always rooted for the Tigers but last year she became a real fan.  Her great grandfather spent his winters in Lakeland Florida and was a big Tigers fan. Last year, at the age of 90 he was diagnosed with a terminal heart condition. My daughter spent 3 weeks caring for her great grandpa.  She prepared his meals and gave his medication to him. During those three weeks, they didn’t miss watching a Tigers game together. Grandpa died last July. After great grandpa died, Kelsey was given his Detroit Tigers baseball cap. She wore it all summer. Kelsey has said she was lucky to get to spend those weeks taking care of her great grandpa. She says that some of her favorite memories of her time with her great grandpa was when they watched the Tigers together.  She has never been to a Tigers game and all she wants for her birthday is to go to a Tigers game.  Her birthday is April 7th and she will be 14 years old.  I can’t imagine a better birthday present for my daughter then spending opening day at Comerica Park!”
Shila was excited when she found out she’d won. “When they called me I couldn’t believe it,” said Shila. “We decided to wait and tell her on April 7 (her 14th birthday) that she had won the sweepstakes winning four free tickets to Sunday’s game!”
Kelsey was excited, too, and had a great time at her first Tigers game at Comerica Park with her family!
Detroit lost to Kansas City, 9-5.