|
- By Ernie Rapiere
Just as the 2010 13U Macomb Mudhens will be returning stronger than ever, so is the case with the Mudhen Baseball organization. They are growing dramatically, under the auspices of the Michigan Mudhens Baseball Academy. They are in the midst of significant expansions and upgrades to their training facilities. They have also added major additions to their staff. These upgrades and new coaches will enable them to develop athletes into their top potential. Two big names in baseball have joined the Mudhen Baseball Academy, Cory Conrad and Doug Brooks. Cory is well know across the national travel baseball circuits as the founder of the Encintas Reds of Southern California. He has since moved to Michigan and now a key member of the coaching and player development staff at MBA. In addition, Doug Brooks, a former pitcher with the Los Angles Dodgers, has also joined the Mudhens Academy as part of their pitcher and player development staff.
These expansions have them on course with plans to field a total of six teams from 9U through 14U during 2011. This year, they will field three teams to compete in the major’s class of baseball ages groups; 10’s, 12’s and 13’s. But this year, rather than the Macomb Mudhens, all teams will be known as the Michigan Mudhens.
“We’ve come a long way and still have a lot that we want to accomplish” says Tony Leonard, who founded the Mudhens back in 2006 with the help of his twin brother Scott. Since then, Tony and Scott (who both played together in college as SS and 2B respectively) have coached the current group of 13U Mudhens since they were 9 years old. Since starting, this group has won 214 games, 23 championships, and 5 runner up titles They have also won the Michigan State Championship four years in a row. Last season, the 12U Mudhens compiled a 58-10 record that included winning the Michigan Super NIT, the Battle of the Borders, and the Michigan Majors – just to mention a few. They also finished 9th at the USSSA Elite 32 world championship at Disney (Florida) going 6-2 in that event.
Looking forward to 2010, as this team moves into their 13U season, they are well position to be stronger than ever. They are returning 11 players from last year’s team and they have added some exceptional players that will make them a formidable team.
These new players include; Ryan Rea (an outstanding 6’ 185 lbs. lefty pitcher who came over from the Lakes Area Dodgers), Nolan Clenney (a very fast lefty who will be their lead off hitter), Alex Roed (who is great hitter who batted .550 last year- he is a all around player), and finally – Colin McCelland (a 5"10 160lbs power hitter who also will be one of their top pitchers). This athlete played up an age group level last year as part of the nationally ranked 13U MSA Black (Michigan Sports Academy).
Returning players include; Trey Fulton (whom many believe is one of the top shortstops in America), Kyle Randick (who batted 585 last season, hitting 24 homeruns, batting in 123 runs on 153 at bats). Last year Kyle was hurt and could not pitch. However, this year, he returns with a strong arm and is expected to one of the top pitchers in his age group. The Mudhens also return Alex Malzone (a 6’ 150lbs. pitcher who pitched a 1 hitter in the Elite 32 against the Houston Banditos Black), Pete Zeimis (a 5’10” all purpose player who hit 580 last season), Nick Plummer (an outstanding lefty 1st Baseman with excellent power), and Andrew Manduzzi (a 5’10” athlete who is an “All America” class catcher along with being an excellent pitcher).
Looking toward their 2010 season schedule, the Michigan Mudhens will play up in the 14U age brackets during most of their area and regional tournaments. They will compete within their 13U age bracket in such national venues as the Michigan Super NIT, Battle in the South, and Michigan Majors along a path that they once again hope will lead them to compete for the Elite 32 crown. This is a team that has the talent to win many major events this year – including being a formidable opponent at the USSSA Elite 32.
 |
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Show/hide comments
Show/hide comment form
| 
Rich