District Update

So the district tournament began today with a 3-0 victory for East Kentwood over Wyoming. The Scots and Byron Center started but Mother Nature (and the umpires) wasn't letting the boys play outside in the rain. The game will resume Monday at 2:30 with Joe Stegehuis up with a 1-2 count, 2 outs and Austin Coon on third in the top of the 5th inning with Byron leading 1-0. Come support yall

Cal Northview Recap

 Today, the Scots boarded the bus for the regular season finale against the OK Bronze champion Northview Wildcats. Defensive blunders and miscues lead to the Wildcats scoring three unearned runs off of starter Dan Zeman in the first inning to take a 3-0 lead. The Scots did chip away with an RBI double by Tanner Schaafsma in the third to cut the margin to 3-1. After Northview scored on another defensive blunder, the Scots offense started clicking at the same pace that it did the last two weeks. Caledonia scored 6 unanswered runs, leading by the game's eventual final score of 7-4. Drake Ellens, Mitch McCallum, Logan Hudson, and Joe Stegehuis all had hits that plated runners. The most impressive hit all day would have to be at the bat of ace Caleb Sleeman. When Northview went to the bullpen for the final time to lead off the 7th inning, Sleeman wasted no time taking the reliever's first pitch over the left field wall for a homerun. The pitching staff for Caledonia was solid today, as Dan Zeman went two innings and gave up no earned runs, and then Sam Vanderwal came in and pitched the remaining 5 innings earning the win. This tuneup was interesting for Caledonia, as I would say the first two innings showed a lot of relapses of past habits that killed the team earlier in the year, but the end of the game showed the resiliency that this group has shown lately and that is why they got the victory. The Scots improve to 23-8 on the year, and begin district play Saturday. The schedule for Saturday is East Kentwood vs Wyoming at 10 AM, with the Scots and Byron Center set to follow approximately at 12. The district final will take place afterwards. All games are taking place at Wyoming High School. Please do come out and support and watch some great baseball.

Game Thoughts:

1) Shoutout to Slee for the homer. Most importantly, this makes the home run count: Outfielders 3 PO's 1 and Infielders 0.
2) So now we have played the OK Bronze, Black, Green, Gold, Red, Silver and White champions all in the same season and have a combined 8-3 record against these teams. The schedule we played throughout the year has prepared us tremendously for the playoff run we aspire to make.
3) Shoutout to Bryce Houser, in only his third varsity game he shattered the record for foul balls retrieved in a game, and most impressively it was in an opposing ballpark, where you usually do not have to get 2/3 of the foul balls.
4) Its finally playoff time. I have my giant poster-sized bracket drawn out and filled in and I cannot wait for this to begin. I love the intensity and importance of every single pitch thrown. Whether it is a huge strikeout, double play, extra base hit or steal of home, every play matters in the playoffs. Time to defend our district title.

Cal Plainwell Recap

Today, the Caledonia Scots took on the Plainwell Trojans in a double header in one of the final tune-ups before districts for both teams. The Scots sent Caleb Sleeman to the hill and he was "human" allowing two base runners in two innings. Trent Foreman and Keegan Mulvey came in to provide relief and the Scots controlled the first game from start to end winning 9-0. Logan Hudson and Chris Clark had 2 RBIs, Sleeman, Tanner Schaafsma, Drake Ellens and Joe Stegehuis all drove in a run a piece for the Scots in game 1. After some quality Little Casears, the Scots renenergized and picked up right where they left off. In the second game, the Scots won 7-3 and the bats again were clicking on all cylinders. Logan Hudson had three more RBIs, Joe Stegehuis, Chris Clark and Mitch McCallum all drove in a single run. The pitching all day was on point as Mitch Horgan, Nick Tuori, Cody Jakiel and Drake Ellens limited the Trojan offense to 5 hits in the second game, but really only one hard hit ball. The Scots controlled this doubleheader the entire way and it was a great tuneup for districts. The offense was putting the ball in play constantly and all of the pitchers were pounding the zone and the defense played almost flawless. The Scots improve to 22-8 on the season, and tomorrow will travel to Northview in the final tuneup before district play.

Game Thoughts:

1) The only downside to today's game was the fact that because I gave up a run, I didn't get to take an at bat today. I stood in the on-deck circle but then was promptly pinch hit for. I was all pumped to lay down a bunt, still not sure what side I would have tried to bat from though.
2) Today was the varsity debut of 4 kids. Bryce Houser, AJ Clarey, Nate Regan and Travis Kuhfeldt all made their first ever varsity appearances courtesy running. Houser, Clarey and Regan all scored a run which means they have as many runs scored in two games as I do in two years.
3) The dugout has gotten rather crowded with 25 members on the roster, but now an MLB sized roster does not really fit in a high school dugout. A lot of energy and cheering taking place though, and hopefully the winning ways will continue.

Cal Hamilton Recap

Today, the Scots boarded the bus for the final time in the regular season for a trip to take on the Hamilton Hawkeyes. Caleb Sleeman was starting for the Scots, however before he ever toed the rubber the Scots offense struck for 3 runs. Logan Hudson, Trent Foreman and Chris Clark had 3 consecutive hits that all drove in runs to give the Scots an early 3-0 lead. In the second inning, Joe Stegehuis' double drove in another run and so Caledonia had a 4-0 lead after two. Sleeman was on as usual today, going 4 innings allowing only one hit and striking out 6. The Hawkeyes did score a run in the 4th off of Sleeman, but it was the result of an error so it is unearned. The win is Sleeman's 7th and he improves to 7-0 on the year. The Scots offense sputtered after the second inning, despite a 3 hit effort from Joe Stegehuis and a plethora of other hits, they kept leaving runners on and so it was going to be up to the pitching and defense to keep them in front. Drake Ellens had a huge catch saving a run in the fourth and Trent Foreman had a double play assisted by Huddy's cleats that both provided huge outs in crucial situations. Mitch Horgan came in and threw three hitless innings of relief to earn the save and the Scots escaped Hamilton with a 4-1 victory. The Scots improve to 20-8 on the season, and are on a 5 game winning streak entering the last regular season matchup with the Trojans of Plainwell. This will take place Tuesday at Caledonia at 4:15, and it serves as the final tuneup before the district tournament begins Saturday May 30 at Wyoming. The Scots will play Byron Center at 12 and the championship game will follow. Huge weekend as the playoffs start so come out and support the boys as much as you can.

After Game Thoughts:

1) Today's game song would have to be the one hit by Three Dog Night, "One is the Lonliest Number". Sleeman and Horgan were incredible today, allowing only 1 hit the entire game and really getting strikeouts when they were in a pinch. Slee started today by striking out the first 5 and then Horgan had a pair of K's. These two are crucial to our playoff success.
2) Sleeman had the most interesting Soulja Boy dance moves, and I don't think anybody was surprised. Kikkert was in awe though, and he tried to match with an attempt of the whip, but a huge emphasis on attempt...
3) Shoutout to Blake Swift for an unnoticed play today. As the ball skipped by first base and appeared to be heading out of play, Swift slammed the gate shut keeping the ball in play and saving the runner from advancing a base. Some real-cat like reflexes.
4) Shoutout to one of my most loyal readers, Jason Hutton. It was great spending the last couple days talking to you and thanks for the support. Thanks to everyone for reading though, I truly enjoy doing this so the fact everyone reads it makes it that much better.

Cal Byron Recap

Today, the Scots hosted the Byron Center Bulldogs in a non conference game, that also serves as a preview for next Saturday's district semifinal. The Scots sent Rob Gontjes to the hill, and Rob pitched by far his best outing of the season. Gontjes went 6 innings and gave up 4 hits and 1 run, earning his first win of 2015. The Scots bats were alive starting in the 3rd inning when they batted around and scored 5 runs. The Scots would end up taking a 7-1 lead into the 7th inning when Cody Jakiel came in and recorded the final 3 outs, and the Scots emerged victorious 7-3. The Scots improve to 19-8 on the year and will travel to Hamilton Wednesday for a game, the third to last tune-up before districts. It is unknown who will be on the bump Wednesday but I would suggest making the trip if you have time, we are playing great.

After Game Thoughts:

1) Rob pitched out of his mind today. Definately was a huge plus to have him throw great and minimize the bullpen usage so Byron didn't see a ton of pitching.
2) Well, now we have played the champions in the OK Black, Gold,Red,White,and Green so I would definately say we are prepared for a tough playoff schedule. I feel that the regular season challenges are very essential in making sure we play our best ball all year long.
3) Happy birthday shoutout to Emily Mayer, thanks for coming to all of the games all year long no matter what the weather or location. She would like the world to know that at the store tonight, she did see Blake Swift when the girls and my father went to buy birthday cake.

Rockford Invite Recap

Today, the Scots went out to Rockford to compete in the Rockford Invitational, a four team tournament along with Rockford, Newaygo and Fruitport. In the first game, the Scots took on the Fruitport Trojans, and they played phenomenally. While the offense left guys on base, they also put a lot of runners on with hits left and right. Matt Kikkert was the Scogs starter and he went 5 innings and allowed only 3 hits. I came in relief and pitched the final 2 innings and gave up 1 hit, so all in all the Trojans only had 4 hits but no runs. Caledonia advanced to the finals with a 4-0 win over Fruitport, where they would face Rockford.
In the first inning, the Scots struck for 3 runs as results of a throwing error and a hit batsmen. 3 runs were more than enough for the pitching staff, as Sam Vanderwal went 5 innings and held the Rams to only one run. The Scots tagged on another two runs and Trent Foreman slammed the door and they won 5-1, winning the Rockford Invite. The Scots now improve to 18-8 on the season. This upcoming week, they will host Byron Center on Monday and then a road trip to Hamilton on Wednesday. These games are huge in the preparation for the district tournament which is May 30 at Wyoming.

Game Thoughts:

1) All football and baseball players almost shutout Rockford this year. We will gladly take the 47-1 combined win though. Two huge wins for both programs.
2) To the pitcher who took a line drive to his "manhood", I hope everything is alright. Wow I think I felt the pain when he got hit and watching his reaction was just awful. Really hope that kid and his junk recover.
3) 4 games to go on the year before the playoffs and it appears the last two days we are starting to turn a corner and head into the positive direction right at the proper time.
4) Shoutout to the parents for a delicious walking taco without the bag today. Great meal I really loved it.
5) Shoutout to Kikkert for throwing 5 shutout innings then catching a bullpen in the second game.

Cal GRC May 14 Recap

sorry for the late post, the old man is under the weather and so I was making sure everything at home was running smoothly. The Scots lost today 4-3. Down 4-0, they clawed back but it was never quite a good enough effort. Base running blunders, untimely hitting and early pitching issues lead to show that the Scots weren't ready to play today and most of the senior class came today already checked out. With the loss and Lowell win, the Scots cannot win the OK White, and a win would clinch second tomorrow. The teams play at GRC in the series finale at 4:30. Remember that the Scots play in Rockford for 2 on Saturday so come support then too.

Cal GRC May 13 Recap

Today, the Scots and the GRC Eagles met in the first of three games in the final OK White conference series of the year for both teams. Standings wise, the teams are polar opposites with Cal in a first place tie, and GRC in last place in the White. This is misleading however, because GRC has been in a lot of close games lately and so it was going to take a good effort to topple the Eagles tonight. The Scots were sending Caleb Sleeman to the mound today, and well he does what everyone expects. Sleeman went the distance, going 6 innings and allowing no runs to score as the Scots rolled today 10-0. Everyone seemed to hit the ball today for Caledonia, starting in the second inning when the Scots batted around and took a 6-0 lead. In the fifth, the Scots tacked on 2 more, and then got the final hammer in the 6th to win 10-0. Not to brag, but we did still have the bases loaded so it could have gotten worse but all you need is 10. So with Lowell winning the first two games over Forest Hills Central, the standings currently sit at 11-3 Lowell and 10-3 Caledonia. Tomorrow Lowell wraps up their series with FHC and the Scots will play their second game home against GRC. Friday, Cal and GRC will conclude at GRC. These three games will determine who ends up winning the OK White conference.

Game Thoughts:
1) Today's Sleeman pitching song would have to be one of Queen's greatest hits, Another One Bites the Dust. Sleeman is now 6-0 on the year. To put his recent dominance into perspective, after allowing a hit in the first inning, some teammates asked between innings if he was feeling okay. Yeah the kid is crazy talented...
2) Still on Sleeman kind of, but last night was academic awards night at Caledonia, and that's why we couldn't play. Believe it or not, we actually have smart kids on the team this year. Sleeman, Kikkert, Blake, Cody, Huddy, Coon, Drake and I all qualified to go last night even though I am sure they all didn't go. Sleeman, Coon and I were named OK Conference Scholar athletes, and Caleb and I were MHSAA Scholar Athletes. Don't worry folks, we get it done off the field just as well as we take care of business on the diamond.
3) Tonight was senior night, well the third and final one for me (basketball and football also). This one was crazy to think about because most of us have been playing together since Little League so we are basically just one big summer family, and its like our last big family vacation this season.
4) We made it back to Pizza Hut tonight, and it was well worth it. It had been since last year since I had gone to Pizza Hut, and I forgot how much fun it is to hangout with all of the guys. A final shout out to the movie Benchwarmers which we spent way too much time quoting last year, and the true inspiration of our Pizza Hut tradition.

Cal Lowell May 8 Recap

Sorry for the delayed post, the power outage did not allow me to post a game recap. Last night, in the rubber match of the series, the Caledonia Scots defeated Lowell 6-1. With that win, Caledonia ties Lowell for first place in the OK White. If the Scots win out, or at least match the amount of wins Lowell gets next week, the Scots will be OK White champions. So a quick recap. The Scots struck first on a single by Logan Hudson in the top of the first. Trent Foreman followed this with a sac fly and Caledonia lead 2-0. The offense didn't stop there, as in the second inning Mitch McCallum and Drake Ellens each singled in a run to extend the lead to 4-0. Joe Stegehuis then extended the lead even further with a 2 run home run to left, his first of the season. Up 6-0, the Scots would need nothing more offensively. Mitch Horgan was on fire last night, throwing a complete game allowing only 6 hits and striking out 9. The Scots will play Grand Rapids Christian next week, with the first game on the road Monday, before playing two home games Wednesday and Thursday. On Saturday, Caledonia travels to Rockford for a pair of games. This week the fan support was unreal, thanks to everyone who came. 

Game Thoughts

1) Joe Stegehuis may be the best offensive player in the OK White. He is an extremely tough out, and it has been a Miguel Cabrera-like performance the last two years. To elaborate on that, the guy never fails to impress at the plate. He always seems to find the hole or at least move the runner.

2) It feels a lot like football season. After a big win over Lowell, the two of us are tied and its Christian week. Now just like football, we need to keep a level head and finish strong and get this championship.

3) The outfield has all 3 of our home runs this year. I would like to point out that the POs have as many home runs as the infield/catchers. Good work POs.

4) An off topic note on power outages in Caledonia. Caledonia completely pitch black has such a weird feel to drive through...I wish that we could have gotten another power outage day. But hey, 17 macros left til I'm out of school so no complaints.

Cal Lowell May 7 Recap

Today, the Caledonia Fighting Scots and Lowell Red Arrows met for the second straight day with first place on the line. After yesterdays pitching battle, all of the bats came to life today with no shortage of offense from either team. The Scots played from behind all day today, and unfortunately could not overcome a very rough third inning in which Lowell scored 10 runs. Lowell struck first, but then the Scots answered back and it was a 1-1 game after 2. In the third inning, Lowell literally got every single ball they hit to drop, including a 2 RBI single that literally hit the chalk in left field. I love the fact that the groundskeeper repaints the line, but had it not happened this afternoon, that ball is foul and the game complexity is a little different. Unfortunately, as Caleb Sleeman put it best, "sometimes that's just the way the cookie crumbles" and after seeing-eye single after seeing-eye single, Lowell finally was stopped after widening the lead to 11-1. The Scots were very resilient today, but the offense was just never enough to come back. The offensive highlight today would have to be in the 7th inning, when Drake Ellens hit a home run to left field. Unfortunately, the Scots still trailed by 5, and would lose 15-10. Lowell, with the win takes sole possession of first place in the OK White, leading by one game with four to play. These two teams meet in the rubber match tomorrow, with the winner taking the driver's seat. The game is at 4:30 at Lowell, the field isn't at the high school its by some elementary school. If you don't know, ask a parent who does and they'll help you get there. I would love a third straight electric crowd, as the atmosphere is just so much fun to be a part of.

Game Thoughts:

1) I cant believe I forgot to add this yesterday. This rivalry is a little personal for me because my aunt, Margaret Tuori, is an English teacher at Lowell High School and so its always good to come out on top against her school. Sorry Margaret, you're still my favorite aunt.
2) Apparently I have learned that one of the Lowell assistant coaches reads this blog. I hope you enjoy it, and I also hope I don't give away too many secrets and scouting tips. If that coach wants to talk to me after the game tomorrow, I've got all sorts of insight on the other league teams from watching them all year so just find me after the handshake line.
3) So we now have 2 home runs to our opponents 1, so thanks Drake for giving us the upper edge. It reminds me of these other home runs that happened against Lowell last year...Sorry Keegs I had to.
4) Kikkert, Sleeman and I are basically the greatest baseball analytic team in the OK White, if not the entire state of Michigan. Between stats, pitch counts, situations and spray charts, we have everything covered and definitely are gaining that upper edge.

Cal Lowell May 6 Recap

Today, the Scots hosted the Lowell Red Arrows in the first game of the biggest series of the season, with the winner of the series taking control of the OK White heading into the final week. The first game of the series is always important, the 1-0 series lead is always huge, but today was probably the most anticipated game of the year to date. Caleb Sleeman, the ace of the Scots, and Jared Melle, the top hurler for Lowell were set to face off. For everyone in attendance today, they got to watch the top 2 pitchers in the OK White face off against each other, and wow neither disappointed. No bullpen was necessary today as Melle went a complete 6 and Sleeman went a complete 7 on 79 pitches. The pitchers duel meant that runs were going to be tough to come by and whoever could claw them out would come out on top. Logan Hudson drove in both runs for the Scots on a triple and a single, and those 2 runs were all Sleeman would need. Sleeman went the distance, striking out 9 and only allowing 4 hits. Zero Lowell runners would cross the plate, as the complete game shutout gave the Scots a 2-0 win. Lowell had their fair share of opportunities with runners in scoring position twice, but the Scots got the outs when they needed them and that was the pivotal reason for winning. One huge play was early in the game when the Red Arrows had runners on the corners and two outs. As the first base runner dashed toward second, catcher Chris Clark fired one to second and Trent Foreman cut it off and fired it back to Clark who tagged the runner and got a huge third out to keep the game scoreless. Going into this series, every player and coach knew that there was going to be an emphasis on pitching, defense and timely hitting and the pitching today on both sides was superb. Fortunately for the Scots, the timely hitting came at the bat of Logan Hudson and with 2 runs, the Scots are now tied with Lowell for first in the OK White. These two teams will meet again at 4:30 tomorrow in Caledonia, before concluding the series at Lowell Friday night. Come out and watch two of the top teams in West Michigan duel it out for two more competitive ball games.

Game Thoughts:

1) Due to Sleeman's love of rap music (and his ability to rap songs that nobody ever saw coming), todays performance can be summed up in one of the 90's most memorable rap songs, MC Hammer's "Can't Touch This". Sleeman was pitching out of his mind today and I am sure he knows all of the lyrics to this one too.
2) Huge crowd today, shoutout to everyone that came out and supported. I love seeing the usual fans, but all the new faces today were great. As my boy John Nise said in football, "More Fans, More Touchdowns"..well it almost applies. Either way, love the support and keep on bringing new faces to the games.
3) That honestly may have been the quickest 7 inning baseball game I have ever seen. It ended in 1 hour and 17 minutes. Compared to that 4 hour marathon against EGR, I will take this any day of the week.
4) The dugout was rocking today, and I think the fan energy was at a fever pitch level. It honestly felt like a playoff game with all of the at bats being so crucial and having everyone in the park being so engaged in the ball game.
5) I know that there is a lot of baseball to be played still, but honestly this is exactly how I wanted my final baseball year to go so far (Sorry for the shocking announcement, I will accept farewell gifts on my final road trips to stadiums, so Lowell better have something Friday..) Hopefully, we keep playing important ball games all throughout the year, because the huge games are so much fun to be a part of.

May 2 Cal Northpointe DH

Today, the Scots tried to rebound from the loss last night to West Ottawa with a doubleheader against the Northpointe Christian Mustangs. The Scots struck first with two runs in the first inning of the first game, one of which was driven in on a double by Logan Hudson. After the Mustangs responded with a run in the 1st and 3 runs in the second inning to take a 4-2 lead, the Scots offense responded in the third. Logan Hudson drove in another run, and then Tanner Schaafsma singled in Hudson to tie the game at 4 runs a piece. Neither team scored again, and as a result the game would go into extra innings, the 6th due to the fact that today was supposed to be two 5 inning games. In the top of the 6th, the Scots sent 10 players to the plate and the offense exploded. Austin Coon doubled in 2 runs, Drake Ellens drove in two runs on a single and Logan Hudson drove in two on a single and the Scots took a 10-4 lead. A lead off walk led to a Mustang run but that would be all as the Scots won 10-5. Hudsons four RBIs lead the way and Trent Foreman pitched 4 innings in relief to earn the win. Recording the save was Nick Tuori, his second of the year.
In the second game, the Scots sent out sophomore Ben Snider to start in his varsity pitching debut. Before Snider even stepped on the rubber, the Scots gave him 4 runs. Danny Paas drove in 2 runs and Joe Stegehuis and Tristen Flowers both drove in a run and the Scots had every single batter step up to the plate in that inning. After the Mustangs responded with one run, the Scots struck again in the second for four more runs. Danny Paas, Tristen Flowers and Cody Jakiel each singled in runs in the second. In the third, the Scots scored three runs, Chris Clark and Drake Ellens each drove in a run on singles. After this point, a lot of POs got at bats. Matt Kikkert reached base in his varsity batting debut, while Nick Tuori, Sam Vanderwal and Dan Zeman all did not reach base. Sammy did hit the ball the farthest with a nice fly out to right field. Ben Snider was spot on today, going all 5 innings allowing one run on 4 hits and recorded 5 strikeouts on the way to earning his first career varsity win. The Scots improve to 12-6 on the season, with a huge series starting Tuesday. On Tuesday the Scots travel to Lowell, and then on Wednesday and Thursday the Scots host Lowell. The winner of this series with take control of first place in the OK White and more than likely win the league. On Friday, the Scots travel to Covenant Christian for a pair. Come out and support this week as they are the most meaningful games of the regular season!

Game Thoughts
1) Another rough at bat today, striking out for the 4th time in 4 career at bats. Hopefully on Friday we can get a big enough lead to give me another at bat, that will be the one.
2) With tonight being the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight, there was a good amount of discussion and chatter about that bout. Personally, I'm pulling big time for Floyd Mayweather, as are most of my teammates except for Chris Clark. Chris, for some reason, is rooting for the non-American....
3) So before the game we had a discussion on baseball lingo like "chinkers" and "Texas Leaguers" and "cans of corn" and it's disappointing that everyone on the squad doesn't know those things, they are part of what makes baseball baseball.
4) Had to keep score manually today, and to be entirely honest I would much rather keep score on the book rather than the iPad. It just feels right to be doing baseball things old school.
5) Shoutout to Ben Snider, for dealing today. Great work kid, one heck of a debut. More importantly, thanks for the ride this morning I loved saving the gas..