Follow on Twitter- @PrepBaseballM
Follow on Instagram- @pbrmichigan

To view the 2021 Michigan Scout Blog, please click here.

Division 1 Team Of The Week: Week 6 - Grand Ledge

GRAND LEDGE - It has been an outstanding first season as head coach for Grant Householder, who had big shoes to fill at Grand Ledge.

“There is a foundation of excellence that has been built over the past 60 years by Charlie Gorman and Pat O'Keefe, so going into 2021 those lofty expectations remained the same,” explained Householder, who shares coaching duties at the top of the program with Mike Rademacher. “I knew that we had relatively strong experience, returning seniors Logan Todd, Kaden Nowak and Noah Warren, so the offense/defense had a strong base. The question was going to be if other seniors and underclassmen would perform given the opportunity and so far they have really stepped up.”

Six wins last week has the Prep Baseball Report D1 Team of the Week now 28-2 on the season.

“I've been around this community and program for my entire life, so I have the advantage of knowing the process and expectations,” Householder said. “Replacing coach O'Keefe is something that simply cannot be done. The legacy he created will go unmatched in any community, not just ours. That said, I think the transition has been smooth because I've worked directly with coach for the past five years. The players and community know my objectives and process, so it has been as seamless as possible.

“Coaching with co-head coach Mike Rademacher is another advantage, as he has 40-plus years in the program. That cumulative knowledge of our coaching staff has been on full display. There are people on our staff that have direct connection to O'Keefe, so that concepts, methods of teaching and communication have been consistent throughout the entire program.”

This past week Grand Ledge swept Lansing Catholic 8-1 and 13-3, Mason 1-0 and 8-6 and Caledonia 11-1 and 11-2 to push the winning streak to 11 games after the Comets suffered back-to-back defeats for their lone losses of the campaign.

“The biggest thing that has stood out this year is how close knit of a group we have,” Householder related. “It truly shows the togetherness and friendship that the kids have for one another. There is a display of unselfishness that drives team success over individual success. I believe the cultural concept of competition and support fuels that closeness. Missing 2020 provided a perspective for everyone and you can see the enjoyment every day. The depth of our offense has been a standout this year, seeing different players lead the offensive attack all spring long.”

But it has been Nowak, Todd and Warren, a trio of college commits that have led the way. Nowak is a Hillsdale commit, Todd is the 24th-rated senior shortstop in Michigan who is going to Davenport, and the left-handed hitting Warren, the 12th-ranked 2021 outfielder in the state, is headed to play for regional champion Kellogg Community College next year.

“Kaden has been the most consistent player on our team,” Householder said of his left-handed hitting standout ranked 118th among all seniors in Michigan. “He displays strong plate discipline and a high baseball IQ. His defense and athleticism at first base has been on full display. Recently, he eclipsed the 100 career hit mark.

“Logan has had terror stretches at the plate, really putting his mark on the team’s success. His leadership needs to be an asset for us to be successful moving forward.

“Noah is the straw that stirs the drink at the top of our order, with strong plate discipline and pop out of the leadoff spot.”

But others have been coming on of late.

“Over the past week, more players have gotten opportunities and really stepped up in those roles,” Householder pointed out. “That allows our kids to be more comfortable when the pressure is on in the state tournament.”

One is senior Jack Franco, who tossed a shutout against Mason this past week.

“He is coming off an injury and didn't skip a beat, commanding the zone and keeping hitters off balance,” Householder said.

Admittedly, there has been more that has been pleasing for a coaching duo that had to replace O’Keefe, who coached 51 years and won what was a state record 1.315 games before retiring.

“There have been a lot of surprises because we only had three or four players with any varsity experience, so we knew surprises had to be there for us to be successful,” Householder said. “Senior Aiden Alspaugh has had a strong season at the plate, providing much needed power that we lost from the 2020 class. He has been a staple in the middle of our order. Cole Mance (the 232nd-rated junior in Michigan) has thrived in his role leading the pitching staff and there are high expectations moving forward.

“Others have done well to provide offensive and positional depth which keeps our roster well-rounded. Junior Thomas Kerrigan (40th-rated 2022 outfielder in the state) and sophomore Caleb Estrada have displayed strong hitting that will provide pop throughout the lineup.”

Games with Detroit Central Catholic and Midland are sandwiched around a matchup with either Williamston or Portland in the Dean Shippey Diamond Classic this week before tournament play is set to begin the following week.

“We've talked all year about our mindset and approach being the keys to our success,” Householder concluded. “Nothing we do from here on out can be a mental mistake because we've put in the time to be in positions of success. Another thing will be the consistency of our pitching staff and defense. That is where every team needs to be strong and that is no difference with us.

“We’re excited to see how the kids handle the pressure that they will face and if they can take advantage of all their opportunities that will be presented.”

Recent Articles