Normally, when spring comes around, high school seniors? attention is focused on prom, graduation, and all sorts of other distractions.
However, three Brandon High School varsity baseball seniors ? Derek Foyt, Andrew Burch, and Mark Butzu ? proved to be key members of the Blackhawks this season, despite the team’s subpar 15-20 record this season.
Those three seniors, along with juniors Andrew Harding and Ray Reynolds, were recognized for their efforts by the Flint Metro League’s coaches.
Foyt and Harding were selected first team all-league, while Burch, Butzu, and Reynolds made the league’s honorable mention squad.
In addition, Foyt and Harding were named to the all-district team, and Wagner said Foyt is a favorite to make the Division 2 All-State team.
‘If he doesn’t make All-State, then nobody deserves to make All-State,? Wagner said of Foyt.
Foyt led the Blackhawks with a .485 batting average, and also compiled a .596 slugging percentage, 30 stolen bases, and 24 RBI. He also served as the Blackhawks? #1 starting pitcher this year, going 2-6 with a 3.48 earned run average and two saves.
Harding batted .412 for Brandon this year with a team-leading five home runs and 30 RBI.
The Blackhawks lost to Orchard Lake St. Mary’s for the third straight year in district action this season, ending a season that kicked off in April with high hopes.
Wagner said while the season was a disappointment, it was not for lack of effort on the part of the Blackhawks.
‘High expectations sometimes lead to big disappointments,? Wagner said. ‘I thought we would definitely be one of the teams in the running for the league title. They came to work, practiced, and tried their hardest.?
On the bright side, Foyt, Burch and Butzu showed their dedication to the team from start to finish and set a good example for their teammates, Wagner said.
‘I wish every year, my seniors could be focused as these three,? he said. ‘They played excellent for us this year.?
Among the positive moments for Burch, Butzu and Reynolds this year were going to Sault Ste. Marie for a game this year, while Foyt said the Blackhawks? seven-run comeback in a game against Swartz Creek stood out in his mind.
All four all-league Blackhawks interviewed on June 6 (Burch was working and unavailable during that time) said losing to St. Mary’s in districts three years stands out as a disappointment for them this season.
Butzu intends to work in the construction field in the future, and also said he will take a few fall classes at Oakland Community College.
Foyt’s future has yet to be determined ? he said he has not decided where to attend college yet. However, he has committed to playing in two all-star games this year ? the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association East-West All-Star Game June 23 at Comerica Park in Detroit, and the third annual Negro Leagues Celebration High School All-Star Game, slated for Aug. 5 at Comerica Park.
He has already been selected as the starting center fielder for the East team.
Foyt said he has plenty of good memories from his years with the Blackhawks.
‘A lot of kids come in through Coach Wagner’s program and go out good baseball players,? he said. ‘To be part of that for four years is something really special.?
Wagner will being joining Foyt on the East team as one of the coaches for the East-West All-Star Game.
‘What an honor,? Wagner said of getting to coach in the game. ‘I get to coach one of my own players. That’s real nice.?
Wagner said Foyt will ‘definitely? play college baseball at the university level, if not next year, then in the future.
‘No doubt, he’s the best player I’ve coached in 14 years here,? Wagner said.