Birmingham

The right equation

By Mike Moore
C & G Sports Writer

Talent and skill are one thing, but Seaholm players say chemistry is fueling strong season

BIRMINGHAM — The word “chemistry” is used all too often in sports.

Most times, the word — or the idea of team chemistry — is bantered about without much thought.

Other times, as is the case with the Birmingham Seaholm baseball team, the concept of chemistry isn’t something the guys take lightly.

What it is, in their opinion, is the backbone for everything they’ve accomplished this season.

At press time, the Maples were 16-6 overall and atop the Oakland Activities Association South Division with an 12-0 record. A year ago, they struggled to stay in the middle of the pack in the league.

What’s the difference?

“Chemistry,” senior center fielder Brian Bjerke said without hesitation. “Last year, it seemed like when things went wrong there was a lot of finger pointing and blame that went on. This year, it’s a group of guys that gets along on and off the field. We’ve been playing together for years, some of us since middle school. It’s like everyone is great friends with everyone else.”

“The chemistry has been great,” senior pitcher Kevin Crimmins added. “We’ve played and won some games this year that I don’t think we would have ever won the past couple.”

It hasn’t just been the chemistry, though. Seaholm’s talent isn’t too shabby, either.

“It’s been a complete team effort, and everyone has chipped in,” coach Don Watchowski said. “We’ve gotten great contributions on offense, defense and from our pitchers. Things have really come together.”

Senior Tyler Haggerson is anchoring the pitching staff. He was 6-0 at press time with an ERA below one while averaging nearly 10 strikeouts per game. Crimmins (4-1) and junior Jason Belong (2-1) have also chipped in and been stellar on the mound.

“We’re pretty proud of what we’ve done so far,” Haggerson said. “We’re not putting a ton of pressure on ourselves or anything. We’re just going out and doing what we know we can. At the same time, (sophomore catcher) Keaton (Aldridge) has done a great job working with us.”

Watchowski said he isn’t surprised with the success his guys have enjoyed. His team has been healthy for the first time in the past few years, and the maturation process of many of his key guys has seemingly worked its magic.

“They’ve done what I believed they could when the season got started,” he said. “One of our main goals was to win the league. We’re very close to doing just that.”

As for the next step?

Well, there’s an excellent chance Seaholm could find itself in a district final against either Beverly Hills Groves or Birmingham Brother Rice, the defending Division 1 state champ. While either team would be a tough task, it’s one the Maples welcome.

“It’d be awesome to play either one of those teams,” Crimmins said.

“We’d be ready,” Haggerson added. “Those are good teams. We feel we’re a pretty good team. It’d be fun to see how things play out.”

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Mike Moore at mmoore@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1038.