Batter up it’s Ironhead!  Ironhead continued to perform under the competitive pressure of this year.  He looks forward to his leadership role every year while helping other players as well as speaking up to/for the team.  His offensive numbers speak for themselves as he leads in most all offensive categories.  He was in a 3-way tie for the defensive award and was voted Best defensive player by his teammates by more than twice the vote.  His MVP award was a unanimous vote by the coaches.  I get a positive / inquisitive comment almost every game from either an opposing coach or umpire wondering “who is that kid?”.  Malik is a fiery competitor who comes to compete every day.  Congratulations Malik!

Name:  Malik Brown

Years Playing:  9

Age:  12

Why I play baseball:  Because it is the sport that I enjoy the most and that I am best at.

Best playing memory:  When I hit 2 home runs in one tournament this year.

Worst playing memory:  When I walked in 3 runs in a game to put us out of the playoffs several years ago.

Advice to coaches:  Make playing for your team FUN.

Advice to parents:  During a game, don’t give your kids instructions because most of the time it messes them up.

Advice to players:  Give 100% effort.

Favorite coach or player from history and why:  Drew Churchward from the WSU baseball team.  I like how he plays the game with fire.

Batter up, it’s “B”!  He is another modest Cub with exceptional skill.  It is always a pleasure to coach a gifted athlete but B is rare because of his modesty and sensitive nature.  B is a very coachable kid with an excellent attitude and high level of respect for fellow players and coaches.  His manners are impeccable.  It feels like he goes into another character as he takes the mound and becomes the other team’s worst nightmare.  He has been the most effective and consistent pitcher of the year.  It has been a pleasure to coach him.

Name:  Braelon English

Years playing:  8

Age:  12

Why I play baseball:  I like to have FUN and hang out with my teammates.

Best playing memory:  Last pitch of my last game.

Worst playing memory:  I got hit in the face with a baseball.

Advice to coaches:  Keep me in at pitching as long as I throw strikes.

Advice to parents:  Only let the coach talk not the parents.

Advice to players:  Support your teammates at all times.

Favorite coach or player from history and why:  Justin Verlander because he taught me how to throw super fast.

Batter up, it’s Mr. Big Shot!  Hosea is a typical 12 year old boy with an exceptional heart.  He really feels bad if he thinks that he disappoints his teammates.  However, he is the perfect example of 100% effort as he gives you everything that he has on every play.  This is his second year with the Cubs but in a lot of ways he is the model player for this team.  Some of his traits include:  High level of character, ultimate teammate, work ethic, modest, talented, and he smiles a lot while playing.  He is a lot of FUN to watch and coach.  Congratulations Hosea on a job well done.

Name:  Hosea Nelson

Years playing:  4

Age:  12

Why I play baseball:  Because I enjoy it.

Best playing memory:  When I dove and caught a ball.

Worst playing memory:  When I struck out looking.

Advice to coaches:  Keep doing what you do.

Advice to parents:  Be a little more punctual.

Advice to players:  Give 100% effort.

Favorite coach or player from history and why:  Satchel Paige because I like the way he played and respected the game.

Batter up!  It’s Ryan “Hollywood” Roberts.  He’s the Detroit Cubs 2009 Most Improved Player.  Ryan has the gift of mental toughness that has allowed him to work hard all year in spite of his lack of experience.  This is Ryan’s first year playing organized baseball and he has stepped up to the challenge and embraced our 100% effort motto.  He also possesses the desire and ability to be a leader which is always a treat for any coach.  Ryan inspires his coaches with his fiery personality and competitive spirit.  Congratulations on a job well done.  Finish Strong!

Name:  Ryan Roberts

Years Playing:  1

Age:  12

Why I play baseball:  To have FUN and get some experience.

Best playing memory:  When I hit my first home run vs the Southfield Tigers.

Worst playing memory:   When I dropped a fly ball vs the D-town Tigers.

Advice to coaches:  Keep on encouraging players to do their best.

Advice to parents:  Get your kids to practice and the games on time.

Advice to players:  Hustle and give 100% effort.

Favorite coach or player history:  Coach Jerry Brown