Alex Stepaniak
BY BRIAN RZEPPA
While each sport throughout the past year has been impacted by restrictions related to COVID-19, perhaps no team has been more affected than the Trenton High School varsity baseball team. Coming off the heels of a state semifinals appearance, the Trojans were geared to compete in a big way in 2020.
The season was cancelled however and with that 12 seniors said goodbye to the team without having suited up again after the extended playoff run. With proverbial rug ripped out from under them last season, it would have been easy for the Trojans to backslide in 2021 but that has not nearly been the case.
Ripping off big wins over Downriver league foes like that of Wyandotte Roosevelt, Southgate Anderson and Taylor, Trenton has picked up where they left off at the close of the 2019 season.
This hot start has turned many heads, but it has not come as all that much of a surprise to longtime Head Coach Todd Szalka.
“Despite losing the entire 2020 season and graduating 12 seniors, we had a very optimistic view on the skillset the 2021 team was bringing to the table. The key is that nearly all of our players are playing in the summer,” Szalka said.
“So, although we lost last season to COVID, players were able to play with their travel team or with the Trenton Legion team. We were also afforded with some fall practices that allowed players to get some extra work in that was critical to their development.”
There have been some bumps in the road, like their walk-off defeat at the hands of Huron, but it seems that every bump is followed by a triumph. After that walk-off loss, the Trojans bounced back with a 12-5 victory over that same Huron team. As the season has gone on, the bumps have generally gotten smaller while the team has found its groove.
“To date, the players have performed as well as the coaching staff could expect. Sure, there have been some hiccups, but that is expected. We normally start the season a little slow because we have so many things that we have to teach. We do things a little differently and once our players acclimate to our systems, they thrive.
“This group of players came in with a tremendous mindset from day one. After the 2019 final four run, program expectations are high. The players realize that to play at a high level, you have to practice at high level.”
The team has managed to get the job done in a number of different ways, whether it be a 13-7 slugfest against Erie-Mason or a pair of no-hitters that the pitching staff has dealt. Seniors Micah Ottenbreit and Ricky Kidd have excelled on the mound, but they’ve had some solid offensive support across the board.
“We’ve had several standouts this far. It starts with seniors Micah Ottenbreit and Ricky Kidd on the mound; both of them have been phenomenal. Collectively in 28 innings of work, they have given up a total of six hits, two earned runs, and struck out 50 batters. With efficiency like that, they give us a chance to win every game on the mound.”
“At the plate, Ottenbreit has led to way so far, hitting nearly .500 through 30 at-bats. Juniors Matt Cheetam and Brock Beaudrie are both hitting over .400 and have come up with some big hits. Senior Al Szczechowski has changed the complexion of games with his baserunning ability.”
Ottenbreit and Kidd, who teamed up for an 11-inning no-hitter against Wyandotte, have been the anchors of the pitching staff and have come a long way in their four years within the Trenton High School system. Their efforts, along with the other members of the rotation, have showcased a big part of what the Trojans are building.
“Let me say this, these kids work their tails off away from the field. We provide a framework for them, but many of our pitchers are putting time in on their own. I can’t understate the importance of the weight room, it’s a game changer. Take a guy like Micah Ottenbreit. He’s always had the arm talent to be special, but the work he’s done between 2019 and now has propelled him into an MLB prospect.”
As the team continues to heat up, Szalka isn’t thinking about the long-term just yet. He is optimistic the team will be able to compete in the postseason but wants to take it day-by-day.
“Our expectations are to win every game we play. We believe we are contenders for the Downriver League title, a district title, and will work to make another run at the state title.”