By Mike Moore
Staff Writer
Napoleon — They will hit the road as underdogs, the team expected to have its season come to a close.
They will arrive at Carleton Airport with very few anticipating another game in 2016.
And that’s all just fine with the Napoleon baseball team entering Tuesday afternoon’s Division 3 quarterfinal game.
“We’re not supposed to be here,” coach Jeff Mohr said with a laugh. “That’s what we’re selling. We’re controlling what we can control, and having fun with it. The nice thing for us is we’re flying under the radar a bit. This is a team that hasn’t been ranked. Nobody really knows about us, which is nice.”
Plenty of people know about the Pirates’ opponent, though.
Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett is an annual power that’s won three state titles since 2011, including one in 2014.
“We can’t worry about them at all,” Mohr stressed. “They are going to hit us. We have to react, handle some adversity and find ways to get some good swings. I mean, if we get a ground ball, execute and get an out.”
Freshman Collin Bradley will get the start on the mound for Napoleon.
The ace of the season is 9-2 so far with one save.
“Why not us?” Mohr said. “We have a chance. We have a chance like anyone else would in this position.”
If nothing else, the Pirates are going to enjoy the moment.
This is, after all, a team that finished third in its conference and was a toss up to even get
through districts.
“This has all been a blast,” Mohr said. Napoleon hasn’t been to a quarterfinal game since the mid-90’s. “This team has gotten hot at the right time of the season. … Really, we’re playing without any pressure. Liggett is supposed to be here. That’s the team that’s supposed to win. We’re going out to play baseball and have fun. And if we keep it close, I like our chances.”
Mike Moore is a play-by-play commentator and Sports Writer for JTV Sports. You can reach him at mjm12@albion.edu. He’s also the author of ‘Love, Defined; A Dedication to the Love, Sacrifice, and Magic of Motherhood.’
Love, Defined is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Tate Publishing or by contacting Mike directly.
Visit http://lovedefinedbook.weebly.com for more information.
