 "Photo: Courtesy WSU Sports Information")
Although, the Warriors struggled last year to find ways to win ball games, a new season brings a new beginning. After finishing last season with a 25-26 record, Wayne State will be more prepared heading into this season because they have more tools and experiences.
The 13 new players should contribute to the team and expect to have their roles increase as they gain experience. With senior captians John Skaggs and Justin Mazur and junior captian Michael Wiseman taking the lead, the Warriors should be a team the rest of the GLIAC shouldn’t overlook.
Last season was coach Ryan Kelley’s first season at WSU, and he said injuries played the lead role in the outcome.
“We had great workouts as we prepared for the season, but when the season hit, we really dealt with adversity and injuries,” Kelley said. “We had 10 injuries, which is a lot for college baseball, at key positions. All three of our captains were injured.”
This doesn’t mean there weren’t things to smile about last season. Thirteen players from the Warriors baseball team were selected to the GLIAC All-Academic team. Kelley couldn’t have been more proud.
“We have a team GPA of 3.1 right now, so it’s very important that we do well academically,” Kelley said. “We stress it every day.”
Michael Wiseman, one of two Warriors selected to the Daktronics, Inc. All-Midwest Region Second team, returns this year. Wiseman was also selected to the Rawlings/ABCA All-Region Second team, along with Ryan LePensee.
The Warriors have many fresh faces, and they bring success from their high school and junior college levels.
Brock Bates, from Delta, Ohio, played baseball for four years and was an All-State and All-League player. John Schafer, a catcher, transferred from Kellogg Community College and assisted his Bruins in reaching the NJCAA World Series last year.
Pitcher Alex Pierse earned himself All-State and All-League honors and helped guide his team to the Division I state championship in 2009.
Freshman Tyler Higgins, from Mt. Pleasant, was drafted by the Texas Rangers fresh out of high school.
“We’re looking for him to come in and do some big things for us,” Kelley said.
These players are only a handful of the talent Wayne State has for this season.
“We’ve got guys at a number of key positions, pretty much we’ve loaded up on the mound so we have good pitching depth,” Kelley said. “We’re looking for guys to step up and help us out.”
Leadership is essential to a team when they aspire to make a championship run, and the Warriors have a fresh source this season.
Skaggs, a first baseman, has 80 career games under his belt. His defensive talent is what makes Skaggs such a valuable player, committing just one error in 255 opportunities.That gives him a .996 fielding percentage over three seasons.
“Consistency in baseball is very important. A lot of the pro hitters talk about being consistent and having the same swing whenever you’re at bat,” Skaggs said. “The same applies to the field. I take a lot of pride in my defensive work.”
As for his status as captain, Scraggs said he recognizes the achievement.
“It’s a great honor, and I’ll lead the team by example into a good season,” he said.
Mazur is entering his senior season as Wayne State’s all-time leader in winning percentage with an .857 mark. This stat will be a major factor this season, but Mazur favors the pressure. He is also WSU’s active leader (22nd all-time) in strikeouts per 9 innings with 6.84. Picking up 45 strikeouts last season, Mazur was selected to the All-GLIAC Honorable Mention team.
Wiseman posted a .985 fielding percentage last season and lead the GLIAC with 27 runners caught stealing. The All-GLIAC first-team selection also tallied 6 homeruns, 35 RBI and 44 runs scored.
Wiseman played in the All Horizon Air Summer Series last summer, gaining valuable experience.
“It was definitely an experience I will never forget,” Wiseman said. “I played with a lot of good players, and it made me a better player for the upcoming season.” Wiseman also was the recipient of the GLIAC Commissioner’s award.
Kelley said the Warriors look to improve their execution, as well as winning every pitch. Kelley’s team goal is to play and win a national championship.
“If you set a top level goal, you’re bound to have success,” Kelley said.
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