The 2010 high school baseball season will begin much like the last nearly two decades for Coach Ron Wagner’with one major exception.
After 18 years’compiling a record of 284 wins and 245 losses at the helm of the Brandon Varsity Baseball team? Wagner will travel north on M-15 this spring, stepping in as an assistant coach for the Goodrich Martians.
‘I gave my heart, soul and 110 percent to Brandon Baseball for 18 years. When they did not renew my contract, they ripped my heart out,? said Wagner. ‘Now I’m 110 percent behind the Goodrich Martians.?
In June, after 18 seasons as Brandon Varsity Baseball coach, Wagner’s contract was not renewed by the district. No specific reason was provided by Brandon school officials.
Over the years, Wagner compiled two district championships, 10 district finals, two regional finals, three league championships, and many invitational championships. In addition, the Blackhawks were ranked as one of the top 10 teams in the state a total of ten times. In 2004, the Blackhawks were recognized in the High School Sports Magazine as one of Michigan’s top teams.
Last year the Blackhawks defeated the Martians twice’resulting in two of their six losses on the 2009 season.
‘When Goodrich hosts the Brandon Blackhawks on April 22, I’m going to be all for the Martians,? said Wagner. ‘I love those kids at Brandon, but my heart is now with Goodrich.?
A 1971 Brandon High School graduate, Wagner accumulated 11 varsity letters from baseball, basketball and football. His career also included part of league high school basketball championships in 1970 and 1971. While several colleges were interested in Wagner’s athletic abilities, he chose to work in construction in his father’s business. Wagner stayed in the area and was employed at General Motors Truck and Coach Plant until his retirement in 2003.
Head Varsity Baseball Coach Bob Foreback (427-132 in 15 seasons) had several conversations with Wagner regarding the assistant coach position and welcomed him to the team.
‘If you ever want to keep coaching, come to Goodrich,? said Foreback. ‘Goodrich is very lucky he took us up on the offer, his caliber of baseball intellect and ability to work with kids is outstanding. We are very fortunate to have him here. Now he has the right color of blue on. I’m glad he chose us.?
‘I can only imagine that when Goodrich plays Brandon it might be hard to beat the kids he coached. Still, he might really want to beat the school.?
The coaching expertise of Foreback, along with Wagner, may be tested this season after the Martian’s graduated a host of players last year.
‘Never in 15 years of coaching have we had zero pitching experience coming back,? said Foreback.In 2009 the Martians compiled an overall record of 27-6 (15-1 first place in the Genesee Eight league).
‘Everyone is gone,? said Foreback. ‘All nine starters from last years team have graduated, five of which were starting pitchers. Jake Bourassa (All State), Caleb Jones, Steve Hughes and Bobby Short all started four years on the varsity and Luke Harrison, and Jowe Zito started for three. Last year’s seniors accumulated more than 100 Varsity wins and a trip to the final four in 2008 in their tenure,? he said.
‘With that being said, we are building from the bottom up and I am excited with the new crop of young, energetic new players. I think we have a chance to surprise some teams in the GAC because they are expecting Goodrich to have no experience. The lack of Varsity experience may be accurate but we have a good nucleus of young players that have plenty of baseball experience. Mt. Morris will probably be the favorite to win the league with Lakeville and Goodrich looking to make a strong run.?
‘In conclusion, the team will be made up of two seniors, five juniors, three sophomores, and three freshmen. How well we learn to play together will determine how successful we are. It is sometimes difficult to mesh personalities from four classes but that will be our challenge.?