The MIAA baseball champion Flying Dutchmen have placed nine players on the coaches' all-conference teams announced today.
The MIAA baseball champion Flying Dutchmen have placed nine players on the coaches' all-conference teams announced today.
Coach Stu Fritz's Dutchmen posted a 16-2 MIAA record to win their sixth league championship in ten years. The team will compete in the NCAA Division III championships beginning Thursday.
Senior outfielder Mike Van Beek of Hudsonville (Unity Christian HS) has been voted the league's most valuable player. An all-conference honoree for three years, Van Beek had an amazing 100% slugging percentage in conference games, batting .458 with a league-leading seven home runs, 48 total bases and 24 RBIs.
Joining Van Beek on the All-MIAA first team are senior first baseman B.J. Maas of Jenison (Jenison HS), senior shortstop Casey Glass of Hudsonville (Hudsonville HS), senior outfielder Kyle Blackport of Grand Rapids (South Christian HS), and senior pitcher Matt Widenmier of Midland (Midland HS). Blackport was honored for the third time. Two years ago Glass was voted All-MIAA at third base. He was moved to shortstop during the first month of this season.
Hope players on the All-MIAA second team are freshman second baseman Jon Edmondson of Grand Rapids (Forest Hills Central HS), sophomore third baseman Kyle Trapp of Grand Rapids (Forest Hills Central HS), sophomore pitcher Jon Deming of Portage (Portage Northern HS), and junior pitcher Kenny Bart of Jenison (Jenison HS).
Receiving coaches' honorable mention were senior outfielder/designated hitter Clisby Jarrard of Barrington, Ill. (Barrington HS) and junior pitcher Kenny Bart of Jenison (Jenison HS).