By Ernie Rapiere

This group of 12 year olds have been together as the Macomb Mudhens since they Theyre 9 years old.  Along the way, they have two titles as the Michigan State Champions during their 9U and 11U seasons.  Now, as move into their 12U season, they will be drop the Macomb name and be called “The Michigan Mudhens” as they are part of the Michigan Mudhen Baseball Academy which is located within the greater Detroit Metro area.

The coaching staff includes Dan Quinn (who played college football at Wayne State University), John Janes (who won several national softball championships as a member of Oakland Plumbing), and Chris Stout played his collegiate baseball at Michigan State University.

In 2009 They achieved 35-12 record in tournament games winning 4 tournaments including the Michigan USSSA Open State Championship, and a USSSA World Series championship.

 In 2010, they will return most of their players including Brett Elmer, who is in his 4th year as the Mudhens ace on the mound who has played a key role in all other tournament championships. His tough fastball and excellent change have served him well.  The team pitching depth comes from big hitter Tommy Burke, Pitcher/Catcher Jimmy HoTheyll, who was the winning pitcher in the 2009 State Championship game, and Jake Stout, who also has been a constant roaming the outfield.

The Mudhens’ infielders include; Danny Quinn, Zach Zombo, and Travis Janes.  These players also form the top of the lineup as each has excellent speed and ability to get on base.  Zach Zombo is described by many as one of the smoothest fielding shortstops around.  Another returning player, Kevin Pickelsimer, has been hitting tape measure homeruns since he was 9yrs old. He was also the National Runner Up for the NFL Punt, Pass and Kick in 2009 for 10-11 yr olds.

Newcomers Chase Colding and Zack Kaminski will add more experience and big bats to the Mudhen's lineup.

The 12U Mudhens feel that they will be an even better team in 2010 as they are looking forward to a successful 2010 season that excludes are an exciting week in June where they will compete in Cooperstown Dreams Park.

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Show/hide comments

Show/hide comment form