Big T Fundraisers!

Tom Pohlman is a coach at Southern and was diagnosed with Leukemia earlier this summer. Please consider taking part in one of the fundraisers the community is organizing to support Tom.

Register Now for Fall Ball

It's time to think about Fall Ball again!

• Fall baseball will be for ages 7-14.
• This is a fun and instructional season. There are no practices, and we don't keep standings.
• The 7-8 age group will play coach pitch. The 9-10 age group and the 11-12 age group will play on the East and West small fields. Ages 13-14 will play on the Henwood big field.
• Please note that if you played as an 8-year old in coach pitch this past Summer, you now move up and play in the 9-10 age group for the Fall. If you played as a 10-year-old in the minors this past Summer, you will move up and play as an 11-year-old for the Fall. If you played as a 12-year-old in the majors this Summer, you will play as a 13-year old on the Henwood big field for the Fall. If you played as a 14-year old in the Juniors this past Summer, you continue to play as a 14-year old on the big field for the Fall.
• The season will start on September 11 with the final games on October 30.
  
• All games will be played on Sunday afternoons at 1:00pm and 3:00pm, with some games at 5:00pm only if required by the number of teams.
• The cost is $70 and includes a jersey you can keep. This fee helps us cover the costs of umpires, baseballs, etc.
• Please note: You must live within Southern's official boundaries to be eligible to participate in Fall ball. The only exception is if you used to live within the boundaries while playing baseball at Southern, you continue to qualify. If this is too confusing or if you're hoping for an exception, please contact Bob.
• You can sign up online here. To help us organize teams, recruit coaches and order shirts, we ask that you please sign up online as soon as possible.
  
• The deadline for signing up is Sun-4-Sep.
• If you have any questions contact:
  Bob Hams, league director (bhams@roofmelt.com)
  
• We need coaches! Please contact Bob if you are interested in coaching. (No full teams will be allowed this year so we can achieve an even competitive balance.)

Fall Baseball is Coming Soon!

We are planning another season of Fall Baseball. You can expect another announcement within the next week with more details. Stay tuned!

District 9 West Michigan Big League Baseball Gets the Southern Treatment at the Big League World Series

Easley, SC 8/3/2011

The District 9 Big League Baseball team from West Michigan has wrapped up play at the World Series in Easley, SC with a deceiving 1-3 record. With a tough draw the D-9 team started out with 4 time World Champion South Carolina District 1. The game featured many scoring chances early by both squads and very good pitching performances. Jake Ritsema (Kenowa and Aquinas college) held the Host team scoreless thru 2 and battled thruought the game. A 6-2 loss was the final result with the D-9 team stranding 9 batters and 7 in scoring position. Manager Chris Lamange pointed out that the Host team has 6 players going to play division 1 baseball in the fall. "They were a fundamentally sound team with alot of fire power" Lamange said. Game 2 featured D-9 against the 2008 World Champion from Greenville, SC who represented the Southeast region. Down 3-0 in the 3rd inning Zack Schwenneker (East Grand Raoids and Michigan State) belted a Grand Slam to give the D-9 team the lead. Chad Macherwicz (Kenowa Hills) held the SC District 7 team at bay until the 5th when they hit 3 home runs and scored 7 runs in the 5th and 6th innings. "We had chances and didn't cash in while Greenville did" Lamange said. "I think the host team may be a little stronger top to bottom but these are two very good teams". In game 3 the D-9 team defeated the West team from Hayward California 6-4. A great pitching performance by Matt Krzkywa (Catholic Central) helped keep the West at bay and then a relief performance by Austin Goodyke (Calvin Christian) closed the door. The West has won the World Series several times since 1977 so this was a big win. In the final game of pool play D-9 played the East from Cumberland, NJ. After taking a 5-0 lead early and 3 strong innings pitched by Zac Malewitz (East Grand Rapids) a few mistakes and a couple big hits and the East tied it at 5 in the 5th. Jake Ritsema came in to close and held the East scoreless until a double to left, a sacrifice and a grounder scored the winning run for the East in extra innings.Peter Cupery (Holland Christian) led the bottom of the 8th off with a single and then a pop fly that looked like a sure hit was turned in to a double play by the East after a diving catch by the 2nd baseman. "6 hits in two innings and then 2 hits in 6 innings was the story of this game" Lamange said. I feel we could have gone 3-1 just as easily as 1-3 in this World Series Lamange said. The breaks just didn't fall our way.

The real story of the World Series is the hospitality shown by the staff and mostly the host family of Chris, Alan, Taylor and Aaron Schaaf. The team landed on Monday and after checking in to the village and pictures, were treated to a home cooked meal at the Schaaf's house. During the tournament anytime someone needed anything from a bandaid to consoling Big Momma Schaaf was always there. The team went to Lake Keowee on Sunday and boated all day. The highlite was jumping off of a 35 foot high rock in to 70 foot waters. Coach Lamange's mom Betsy took the challenge and plunged in to the lake. Last night the Schaaf's had a Southern Boil at their house for the whole team. "Wow, what a great dinner Macherewicz said" The team is touring Clemson University today before attending the Finals tonight that will be televised on ESPN featuring the Southeast against Puerto Rico at 6:00 PM.

Also representing the D-9 team and not mentioned are MJ Oshinski(Catholic Central), Matt Brown(Kenowa Hills), Ryan Elble(East Grand Rapids) EJ Grochawalski(Union/GRCC), Grant VanPutten(Holland Christian), Jake Bruns(Holland Christian), Travis Kraii(Grand Rapids Christian), Kyle Corey(West Catholic) and Trent Zwiers(Calvin Christian/Calvin College). A star studded team that we are all very proud of. Tony Macherewicz and Ed Grochawalski were the other coaches.

Southern Juniors West All-Stars Come Up Just Short

Chuck Tanner, former MLB player and coach, once said, “It is hard to win a pennant,
but it is harder to lose one.” The SLL West Juniors Baseball All Star team experienced the full
measure of the truth of that famous quote on Sunday at Pinery Park as they dropped
a 5-1 decision to Western Little League in the District 9 championship game. The
team’s bats went silent after a series of games where they were able to run up
double-digit scores on their opponents.

Coach Mike Horjus’ squad was the odds-on favorite going into the weekend, having
taken one from Western Little League by a score of 10-1 earlier in the tournament,
but a determined Western squad prevailed in the end. The team was led in the
tournament by the formidable hitting of Jack Bates, Carter Masek, Sam Jansen, and
Casey Horjus. Matt Reglin, AJ Zawacki, Masek, and others turned in outstanding
defensive efforts, including more than a few “web gems.” All 13 players on the squad
contributed to the team’s outstanding post-season run.

While no one on the team was satisfied with the second-place finish on Sunday,
there is no taking away the memories and friendships made throughout the post-
season. There were great moments for both players and fans of the SLL squad along
every step of the way. As Yogi Berra once said, “It ain’t over till it’s over” and while
the season may have ended just a little earlier than the team would have liked, there
is little doubt in the minds of those who know and love these guys that they will be
heard from again; these guys aren’t done yet!! Baseball is the greatest game on earth
and the coaches and fans of the 2011 Juniors’ West All Stars are proud of the effort
this team made and look forward already to another season of pulling for our SLL
squads.

Seniors Baseball All-Stars Bow Out of Regional Tournament

The District #9 Boy's Senior Baseball team lost a best of three Sectional series with the District #12 team from Holton this weekend.

Here is a recap of the games.

Game #1: Mike Priest pitched a strong game for Southern. He battled throughout the game, allowing a few unearned runs, while getting out of multiple jams. Offensively, Southern had chances to score, but could not string anything together against Holton's pitcher who kept them off balance by mixing up his pitches well. Holton played a strong defensive game nailing a couple of Southern runners on the base paths. Southern scored their only run when David Zwiers hit a long double, and was driven in on a sacrifice fly from Austin Huizinga. Final score: District #12 over District #9, 3 to 1.

Game #2: Southern jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the 1st. By the end of the 2nd it had increased to 5-0. Jake Lewis started the game on the mound for Southern but due to the early lead, was removed and saved for the championship game. Chris Collins did an excellent job in relief in this game to make sure the game ended in a Southern victory. Leading the hit parade were Austin Huizinga with 3 hits and 3 RBI, Taylor Martin with 2 hits and 4 RBI, and Nick Wojcynski with an RBI double. Final score: District #9 over District #12, 11 to 0.

Game #3: The rubber game was a well played game through the first 7 innings. As expected out of two teams good enough to make a Sectional Final Game, each team got some great pitching and defense through regulation. Jake Lewis pitched into the 8th inning, having a no-hitter for the majority of the game. However, once his pitch count required removing him from the mound, things fell apart for Southern. The Holton bats came alive against a trio of Southern relievers, coupled with some walks and Southern errors to blow open an exciting game scoring 12 runs. True to their character, the Southern team did not give up fighting scoring 4 runs of their own in the bottom of the 8th, before bowing out of the tournament. Leading hitters included Taylor Martin with 2 hits and an RBI, and Mike Priest who was on base many times. Final score: District #12 over District #9, 12 to 4.

The Southern Senior Boy's baseball team represented itself well, going 6-2 during their tournament run. They came together as a team (from different school teams including East Grand Rapids, Catholic Central, Christian, and Ottawa Hills) and battled not only other teams but also the high heat, playing 8 games in a span of 11 days in 90+ temperatures. While the outcome was not what everyone wanted, Manager Steve Lewis, coaches Jeff Huizinga and Jay Martin, along with all the parents that watched these games are all very proud of the effort put forth by the Southern kids.

Seniors Baseball All-Stars Win District Championship

Thanks to Jay Martin for providing some specifics on the the Seniors Baseball District Championship games between Southern and Western from Wednesday night.

Game #1: Southern jumped out to a 2-0 lead on a ground rule double from Elliott Zimmerman. By the 7th inning Southern upped its lead to 5-1, in large part to a monumental homer from Jake Lewis. Western battled back to tie the game in the bottom of the 7th and force extra innings. Southern responded in the extra frame scoring 2 huge runs, started off by a hit from Austin Huizinga and finished with a 2 run single from Austin Batka.
Bower Snedeker pitched an excellent game, with Mike Priest getting Southern out of a jam in the 7th and winning it in the 8th. Taylor Martin contributed 3 hits and the other RBI.

Game #2: In this game Western took the early lead with 3 runs in the top of the first inninng. Southern bounced right back in their half of the inning to tie the game. Pitcher Austin Batka then settled in to hold Western down while Southern took the lead and increased it to 11-4 after 4 innings. The big hits that lead to the lead came from the heart of the order with a Jake Lewis missle shot HR, 2 doubles from Taylor Martin, and a double from David Zwiers. Once again Western would not quit, cutting Southern's lead all the way down to 1 run 11-10. Mike Priest then had a huge double driving in two in the bottom of the 6th for some much needed insurance runs. Relievers Nick Wojcynski and Taylor Martin maintained the lead for the middle innings, before handing the ball over to Priest to come in slam the door shut, setting off a giant pile of exhausted and elated ballplayers.

Overall it was a total team effort that brought the Title to Southern, making them Back-to-Back District 9 Seniors Champions. Other members that all contributed to the Championship included: Tyler Boyd, Chris Dickow, Mitch Sayfie, Chris Collins, Remy Woods, and Taylor Smith.

Tournament Updates

The District 9 Big League Baseball will play for the championship of the Central States Regional Tournament at Pinery Park tonight at 7:00pm. There are several Southern players on that team so come out and support them.

Southern’s Juniors Baseball West All-Star team will be playing for the District Championship Saturday at 3:00pm at Pinery Park. The team is undefeated so come out and root them on to a championship.

Southern’s Senior Baseball All-Stars won the district championship with two hard-fought victories over Western on Wednesday night. CONGRATULATIONS!! They will play a sectional best two out of three against the district 12 champions Saturday at Pinery Park at 6:00pm and 8:00pm. Stay at Pinery Saturday and cheer for the Senior Baseball All-Stars!!

Good luck to all!!

Congratulations Seniors Baseball Teams

Congratulations to all four of our Senior Baseball teams for finishing first or second in the district-wide team tournaments. Team Lewis went undefeated in Class C to win the crown while Team Huizenga went all the way in Class C to win the championship. Not to be out-dueled, Team Vulpetti came from the losers' bracket all the way back to win the championship. Trying for a clean sweep, Team Norton came up just short and finished second in Class A. Great season and congrats to all of the senior baseball players and their coaches. Well done!

Coaches: Equipment Return Dates

Equipment return dates are July 12 and July 14 at 7:00pm for all leagues at Southern's equipment shed. All coaches need to return jerseys and equipment bags. 78ers players keep their shirts.

If you are not able to make it, please find a parent or assistant coach to turn in the equipment on one of the above dates on your behalf.

Questions? Contact Steve Bender at launchllc@gmail.com.

Missing Bat Bag

A black Nike bag has gone missing from Southern, It has about 5 or 6 bats including a DiMarini CF4. It was left at Southern on Saturday. If someone has it, Please email Amy McCulloch at amcculloch@lighthousegroup.net. Thanks!

Southern Big Leaguers Win Wooden Bat Tourney

Congratulations to Southern's Big League Baseball team coached by Chris Lamange and Steve Kraai for winning the annual wooden bat tournament championship. This was Southern's first championship in four years. Congratulations, guys!

Congratulations 2011 Seniors Baseball All-Stars

Manager: Steve Lewis 821-7535
Coach: Jeff Huizenga 293-2610
Coach: Jay Martin
Jake Lewis
Mike Priest
Elliott Zimmerman
Taylor Martin
Tyler Boyd
Austin Huizenga
Chris Dickow
Nick Wojczynski
Mitch Sayfie
Chris Collins
Pat Cvengros
Austin Batka
Bower Snedeker
Remy Woods
David Zwiers

Congrats to Southern's Class A Majors Baseball Champions!

An improbable tournament run that began with a heartbreaking loss and ended with an 8-1 Southern victory finished on Wednesday night at Southern's East Field.

Coach Matthew Sullivan's Majors team, coming off a 12-1 regular season, defeated Zeeland in a game filled with excitement and watched by hundreds. Two weeks ago, the team sponsored by Treadstone Mortgage lost a tough 3-1 decision at the hands of Byron Township. They then went on to win 7 games in 10 days to labor through the loser's bracket of the Class A District 9 Majors tournament.

Members of the team were:
Dane Addington
Brett Bauman
EJ Sullivan
DeShawn Dykhouse
James Murray
Rashon Adams
Emmett Warners
Teddy Russo
Jackson Reid
Matthew Winkle
Kyle Cornetet
Max Israels

The success for the Treadstone Crushers began on Monday, June 20 with a 7-3 win over Lowell, followed with a win over Grandville 4-0 on Wednesday, a 9-4 victory over Pinery Park on Thursday, and continued with a 6-3 decision over Western on Saturday. On Monday, the team faced the same Byron team that had beaten them earlier in the tournament and defeated them 4-3 thanks to a masterful pitching performance by Jackson Reid and Matthew Winkle and a 3-run first inning towering home run by Teddy Russo. Reid scored the game winning run on a wild pitch in the bottom of the fifth.

The next day Coach Sullivan's squad travelled to Zeeland to face the previously undefeated Zeeland team. The team never gave up hope when they were down 6-0 after 3 innings, rallying for two runs in the fourth and three in the fifth thanks to an Emmett Warners two-run home run. In the sixth, after Winkle had struck out the side in the top of the frame, EJ Sullivan singled to start the inning which brought up Warners again. On the 8th pitch of the at-bat, he homered again to right-center field and bedlam ensued.

On Wednesday in the championship game, Zeeland came to the friendly confines of Southern Little League and although the faces were friendly, the Southern bats did not greet them warmly. Russo went deep in the second inning, making the score 5-0. Zeeland's lone run came in the fifth on a leadoff homer. As the Zeeland player rounded first on his home run trot, Max Israels, Treadstone's second baseman, gave the player a high-five of congratulations, displaying true Little League sportsmanship.

EJ Sullivan was a beast on the mound throughout the game, keeping the hitters off balance all evening. Matthew "Papa Grande" Winkle came in to close the deal, securing the final four outs. Treadstone's final run came on a Kyle Cornetet double which plated Israels in the sixth to complete the scoring.

Immediately after the last out was made, about 50 of Southern's other players stormed the field to congratulate the winners. It was an awesome scene.

Congratulations to Coach Sullivan and the Treadstone Mortgage Crushers for a great tournament run and for a District 9 Class A Majors Championship.

Coaches: Equipment Return Dates

Equipment return dates are July 12 and July 14 at 7:00pm for all leagues at Southern's equipment shed. All coaches need to return jerseys and equipment bags. 78ers players keep their shirts.

If you are not able to make it, please find a parent or assistant coach to turn in the equipment on one of the above dates on your behalf.

Questions? Contact Steve Bender at launchllc@gmail.com.

Southern's Baseball Majors A Team Plays for Championship Wednesday Night

On wednesday night at Southern's East Field at 6:00pm, Southern's Class A Majors Baseball team takes on Zeeland for the District 9 championship. Come on out and cheer on your home team!

Big League Matchup Tonight

Southern's two Big League Baseball teams (Lamange vs. Berrios) play each other tonight at 5:00pm in a double header. Grills will be fired up so come out and enjoy some baseball tonight at Southern.

Congratulations 2011 Juniors Baseball West All-Stars

Manager: Mike Horjus
Coach: Steve Salasky
Coach: Dan Vaughn
Mason Banbury
Jack Bates
Zac Correll
Alec Hollen
Casey Horjus
Sam Jansen
Miles Kuperus
Carter Masek
Matt Reglin
Noah Salasky
Sam Vaughn
Ben Wollet
AJ Zawacki

Congratulations 2011 Juniors Baseball East All-Stars

Manager: Zach Lewis
Coach: Victor Jimenez
Coach: Jeremy Hankiewicz
Scot Boeve
Jared Bulthuis
Brendan Bowman
Sean Campbell
Drew Hankiewicz
Bryce Henkey
Rylan Jaglowski
Hunter Karczewski
Spencer Near
Skyler Pruis
Jacob Rabideau
Kyle Vulpetti
Jon Winkle

Seniors Baseball Rain-outs Rescheduled

Three recently rained out games in Seniors Baseball have been rescheduled as follows:

• The Lewis vs Norton-Campbell game from Mon-20-Jun has been rescheduled for Tue-28-Jun at 7:45pm.
• The Lewis vs Vulpetti game from Wed-22-Jun has been rescheduled for Fri-24-Jun at 5:30pm.
• The Huizenga vs Norton-Campbell game from Wed-22-Jun has been rescheduled for Fri-24-Jun at 7:45pm.

The online schedule has been updated.

As a rule, whenever we make a change or correction to a schedule, we always announce it to all our email subscribers. That means some of you might receive schedule change announcements for leagues not of interest to you. But hopefully you can understand the importance of notifying players, families, umpires and volunteers about schedule changes.