Grand Rapids Community College baseball played against Bay College, winning the first game 10-0, and following the second game with a final score of 9-2. During the first game against Bay College, Head Coach Mike Eddington earned his 200th win in the same week the team won their fourth straight conference title.
Eddington notes the accomplishment of this moment, but explains that this isn’t just about him.
“For me, it’s just a focus on one game, really is what it is,” Eddington said. “It’s about the players, not the coach.”
This is a moment that is built upon from the momentum carried by the players and coaches. To Eddington, the wins don’t matter, not compared to what is built to get there.
“It’s just all about the relationships with the players, and all the coaches I’ve had,” Eddington said.
The team and coaching staff awarded Eddington a game ball bearing all their signatures to mark the occasion. Sophomore Shortstop Cannon Paul shares how he feels about this accomplishment for Eddington.
“I think that’s awesome…he definitely deserves it. He’s a great coach, and it just shows how good of a coach he is,” Paul said.
As the Raiders were at bat a total of 50 times throughout the games, Freshman Rightfielder Michael Hurlbutt points out it wasn’t their best day hitting.
“I think we played good overall. I think we need to just work on our approaches a little bit better at the plate, and then we could’ve taken care of business a little bit quicker,” Hurlbutt said.
Although their swings weren’t connecting, the Raiders who made it on base utilized their chance to advance in runs by making steals. Over the course of both games, the Raiders racked up a total of nine stolen bases. Leading the charge with each stealing four bases was Freshman Third Baseman A.J. Speigl and Sophomore Centerfielder Jack Lockwood.
The Raiders will face Bay College again on Saturday, May 2. Since Belknap Park will be occupied, the double header game will take place at Kenowa Hills High School, starting at 1 p.m.
