Local Sports Journal

It hasn’t been an­ easy road for the Fruitport Trojans’ baseball team in recent years. That’s because the team is on its third head coach in three years.

This season, the reins have been handed over to Nick Reed, who takes over a team that finished 11-14-1 a year ago.

“The kids have really bought into our philosophies as they are on their third head coach in 3 years,” Reed said “With this being my first year as the head coach, I have been impressed with how much they work and work together.  We look to improve every game and to be competitive in every game.”

In order to do that, Fruitport will rely on a solid group of returning players. Junior outfielder Mitchell Reyes batted .329 from the leadoff spot a year ago, junior catcher Kolin Lakatos hit .306 last year and senior Jacob Breese returns after hitting .279.

Senior infielder Justin Wierengo is a team leader both on and off the field and will look to have a solid season, senior infielder Brandon Lee will lead by example with his hard work and Amilio Flores is a senior utility player who adds power hitting to the lineup.

Key newcomers include senior Tyler Fehler who will add depth to the pitching staff and speed on the base paths, junior Travis Grimm, who returns after posting two victories and a save last season and junior utility player Austin Curtis, who can not only pitch, but play just about anywhere else on the field.

Sophomore infielder Andrew Slocum, who was called up late last season as a freshman, also lends plenty of versatility to the Trojans’ roster. Junior infielder Alex Bowen has some varsity experience, and after a solid off-season, is expected to make significant contributions this season.