Prep Baseball Report

2020 Scout Day Spotlight: Michigan Select/Riverdawgs


Bruce Hefflinger
PBR Michigan Senior Writer

Follow @pbrmichigan

2020 Scout Day Spotlight: Michigan Select/Riverdawgs

This is part of a series of stories on summer baseball organizations that "partner" with Prep Baseball Report. The PBR Scout Day is scheduled for March 21.

Organization Name: Michigan Select and Saginaw Bay Riverdawgs
Year Started: Summer of 2006
How Many Teams/Level:
Saginaw Bay Riverdawgs have 11 teams ranging from 8U through 13U. Michigan Select 14U and 18U
Influential Coaches past: Mark Krzysiak, Tom Merkle
Influential Coaches present: Mark Jebb, Derek Schaller, Bill Ruff

Top Prospects

  • Nick Powers - Flushing HS/Michigan State University
  • Mitch Jebb - Swan Valley HS/Michigan State University
  • Brian Ross - Swan Valley HS/Michigan State University
  • Sandyn Cuthrell - Cass City HS/Central Michigan University
  • Hayden Jatczak - Bay City Central HS/Saginaw Valley State University
  • Joseph Jaruzel - Flushing HS/Saginaw Valley State University
  • Tyler McLaren - Freeland HS/Saginaw Valley State University
  • Chase Gruno - Birch Run HS/Saginaw Valley State University
  • Alex Kapala - Grand Haven HS/Hope College

Notable Alumni 

  • Brett Adcock - University of Michigan (4th Round Pick of the Houston Astros)
  • Tyler Palm - Oakland University (Minnesota Twins)
  • Josh Buchalski - Michigan State University
  • Mason Erin - Michigan State University
  • Cole Martin - University of Michigan
  • Grant Miller - Western Michigan University
  • Drew Bechtel - Oakland University
  • Sam Brooks - Bethune Cookman University (Florida)
  • Joey Buchalski - Oakland University
  • Tyler Janish - Oakland University
  • Zach Olszewski - Bethune Cookman University (Florida)
  • Maverick Prine - University of Dayton
  • Alex Sova - University of North Carolina at Greensboro
  • Luke Scharich - Oakland University
  • Avery Goldensoph - Committed/University of Michigan
  • Tommy Szczepanski - Committed/University of Michigan

Goals/Philosophy 

Saginaw Bay Riverdawgs exists to provide a competitive baseball experience for young athletes to help them meet their full potential. We do this by coaching our players to excel at the highest levels in both state and national competitions. Michigan Select teams' goal is to assist high school level players with fulfilling their dream of playing baseball at the next level.

How has the program grown?

Since Mark Krzysiak and Tom Merkle put together the original team (13U) in 2006, the organization currently has 13 baseball teams and six softball teams. Some of the age levels have teams both in the AA and Open Majors USSSA divisions. The "Michigan Select" teams were created for those players looking to play tournaments at the showcase level, with the goal of playing college baseball.

Key accomplishments 

More than 60 players have gone on to play Division 1, 2, 3, NAIA, and JUCO college baseball.

How has PBR been helpful?

PBR has helped players from this organization achieve their dreams of playing baseball at the next level. Current and future Michigan Select and Saginaw Bay Riverdawgs players will continue to attend PBR Scout Days and Showcase Tournaments, with hopes of fulfilling their dreams

Plans ahead

Teams across the organization plan on playing high-level tournaments in 2020, including showcase and PBR events across Michigan and numerous other states.