Players/Parents

This is an email that I never thought I would have to write in my life.

COVID19 has officially cancelled the remainder of the school year. With the remainder of the school year being cancelled, the 2020 baseball season is officially cancelled. There are no details on when, but the athletic department will be refunding pay to play fees.

My heart goes out to all of our players, and parents that were looking forward to what should have been another incredible year for the Maples. My heart especially goes out to our three seniors. I cannot even imagine someone telling me I could not play baseball my senior year. I would like to take a minute and talk about each one of them individually:

Sam Leslie

Sam is one the most team oriented guys that I have ever had the privilege of coaching at Seaholm. Last year, Coach O and myself asked Sam if he would play JV as a junior because of the senior heavy class we had, knowing that we needed Sam to be a big part of our every day lineup his Senior year. Sam accepted the challenge with open arms. Worked hard every day, and never once complained about the situation. Sam would have played a combination of Right field and first base this season, while batting in the middle of our lineup. There is no question in my mind that Sam’s hard work would have payed off tremendously his Senior year. In addition to playing the field, during tryouts Sam threw a bullpen. It was the best bullpen I have ever seen Sam throw. I asked him if we was working on his pitching too. He told me that he was working on it all winter long, and wanted to be a pitcher for us too. This all goes to show how hard Sam worked, and how ready he was for his Senior year. Sam, I want to thank you for all of the hard work, and please know that the work did not go unnoticed!

Mitchell Metikosh

Mitchell would have been starting his second year on Varsity as one of our top Pitchers. As a junior, Mitchell was our stopper out of the bullpen. No situation was too big for him when he entered the game. Last year Mitchell threw 22.2 innings, went 2-0 with 4 saves. He had an ERA of 1.54. When I say no situation was too big for Mitchell, I truly mean no situation. During our first game of the season, we called on Mitchell to come into a 4-3 game in the 5th inning. It was his first Varsity outing. Mitchell threw 2 shutout innings with 2 strikeouts, while picking up the save. We knew right then and there we had our bullpen guy. This success continued throughout the year for Mitchell. Again, having no problem putting Mitchell in tough situations, We brought him into the pre-district game up 6-3 in the 6th. Like he did all year, Mitchell finished the ball game strong picking up another save. This season we were expecting several things out of Mitchell. If his arm allowed more innings, he would have been one of our top guys starting on the mound. We obviously knew what we had with him out of the bullpen if needed. Mitchell was also going to compete for a starting spot in the infield or outfield. After seeing what Mitchell did as a junior, his Senior season would have been something special. Mitchell, I want to thank you for all he hard work, and having the ability to be an absolute bulldog on the mound!

Scott Clippert

Scott would have been starting his third year on Varsity. Scott was going to be one of our go to guys on the pitching mound this year. As a junior, Scott threw 29.1 innings and went 4-1 with 20ks. One of Scott’s best games last year was when he threw 6 shutout innings against Groves. He gave up one hit in the contest, and helped us complete the season sweep of Groves. For those that remember the game from last year know it was more than a normal shutout. To be put mildly, the home plate umpiring was not the best. It truly got to a point where Scott had to throw the ball right over the plate or it would not be called a strike. Scott showed extreme confidence and composure to overcome that adversity. Scott also threw a complete game victory against North Farmington and West Bloomfield. Scott signed a scholarship with Albion College this past winter, and was ready to have an unforgettable Senior season. Having multiple conversations with Scott, we would talk about him going 9-1 on the mound. The talk was never about putting pressure on Scott, the talk was because I knew, and he knew that 9-1 was what he was going to do. I believe Scott was that good. The plan was also to have Scott play first base and outfield. Scott, I want to thank you for two great seasons on the Varsity. I cannot wait to hear nothing but amazing things with you pitching at Albion next season.

Seniors,

I am truly sorry that you do not get to play your senior season. Please know that you will always be part of the program. We still plan on having an event where we acknowledge you and what you meant to the program. In this tough time all I can say to you is this: Keep going, and keep working. As bad as this day is, and I truly believe it is bad; just know if this is the worst part of your life, then life will be pretty good. Still live every day to the fullest, and accomplish all of the things outside of baseball that have not changed. Myself, and the rest of Seaholm Baseball will always be there for you.

Senior Parents,

I cannot even imagine what all of you are going through at this time. This has to be absolutely devastating. I want to thank all of you for the support over the years. Your efforts with fundraising, giving players rides, and coming to games will not be forgotten. Having yours sons in the program has been nothing short of a privilege for myself and the rest of the coaching staff. The parents in this senior class are all very special. Always positive of the program, and what we are trying to accomplish together. Please do not be strangers. Please comeback. Please do not let this be the last time. I will always remember the impact each of you had on the program. We will have a day to acknowledge your sons that I hope you can all be part of.

All Players and Parents,

I hope everyone is staying safe during this time. As hard as this is for everyone involved, please know that we will come back stronger and better than ever. Baseball, and in daily life. If anyone needs anything, please do not hesitate to call at any time. Whether it is baseball or just needing to talk to someone, we are all in this together. One day we will all be back, on the ball field doing what we love. That day cannot come soon enough. To the players coming back next year: Do not give up, do not stop getting better, be ready. Next year will be here before we know it. I look forward to the day when this is all behind us.

I hope everyone is healthy and remains in good spirits. I hope to see everyone sooner rather than later!

Go Maples

John Toth
Varsity Baseball Coach
Seaholm High School