By John Kennett for the Midland Daily News

With an eye toward next year's International Softball Congress World Tournament in Midland, the Midland Explorers men's fastpitch team opens the season this weekend at the Midland Explorers Invitational at Emerson Park.

"I think we can be very competitive," said new manager Gregg Sauve. "It starts in the circle, and we've got a pretty good defensive ballclub that can compete with anyone. Looking toward the 2012 ISC, we've asked players to make a two-year commitment. We may have to add a piece to the puzzle here and there."

With a mixture of newcomers and veterans, the Explorers open up play with a 7 p.m. game Friday against the Tri-City Trojans, and follow that with games on Saturday at 4 p.m. against Owen Sound Jrs. and at 6 p.m. against Ashland Stockpack.

Also in the tournament will be Carey AllState, featuring former Explorers' pitcher Doug Gillis.

Along with serving as a coach for the Explorers last season, Sauve managed Carey and helped coach the Midland High softball team. From 1996-98, Sauve also helped coach the Explorers. He takes over from Clint Beane, who was the Explorers' manager for 10 years.

"Clint laid a great foundation here," said Sauve. "Guys liked playing in Midland for him and are coming back to play here. He did things the right way."

One of those returning players is Grant Patterson, who pitched for the Explorers before hurling the last two years for the Kitchener (Ont.) Rivershark Twins.

"Grant is a sound pitcher," said Sauve. "He will give us a lot of good innings and has a strong presence in the circle. He will keep us in games and give us a lot of opportunities to win games."

Patterson became available after Kitchener folded late last year.

"I had been hearing some rumbles about it," said Sauve. "You never know what is going to happen. A lot of it is based on the dollar amounts coming in."

Joining Patterson in the circle will be veteran Mike Joseph and newcomer Gregg Garrity.

"Mike and Gregg are real talented," said Sauve. "Three pitchers give us a luxury that not all teams have."

Sauve has some versatility with Garrity, who has been named to the ISC All-World team twice as a hitter. In 2006, playing for Kitchener, Garrity posted one of the highest batting averages in ISC World Tournament history (.667).

Joining veteran catcher Steve Roberts behind the plate will be John Zeiger.

"I'm not too familiar with John," said Sauve. "He's a Canadian guy who's a lefty. Gregg Garrity has thrown to him quite a bit, and he has a good stick."

Holding down the right side of the infield are long-time Explorers Kyle Beane at first and Steve Horning at second. Beane, who also will co-chair the 2012 ISC tournament committee, is starting his 16th year, while Horning will be entering his 19th season.

Newcomer shortstop Rowan Lam and third baseman Eddy Ketelhut form a solid duo on the left side of the infield.

"We've moved Eddy to third from short," said Sauve. "Lam is a real good fielder who is a pesky little hitter. He makes good contact with the ball."

After a 15-year absence, and after playing last season with the New York Gremlins, Dale Levy returns to the Explorers.

Added into that mix are three young players -- outfielders Shea Bryant and Catlin Porter, along with third baseman Jason Hoisington. Bryant is in his third year with the Explorers, while Porter and Hoisington accompanied the team to the ASA National Championships last August.

After playing baseball at Midland High, Porter took up softball last season and has enjoyed the transition. The Ferris State junior also won the place-kicking job last fall for the Bulldogs' football team. Hoisington and Porter both played last season for Carey.

"Shea is a Midland guy, and we're expecting good things out of him this season," said Sauve. "These three guys give us a lot of speed, which has been lacking in past. We're going to let the veterans get on (base) and then bring the young guys in to run for them. When you have good pitching, it keeps the run total down and hopefully, the speed will give us the runs we need. Also, it is nice to have some Midland players on the roster."

 

MIDLAND DAILY NEWS