Dutch baseball, softball must use home-field advantage

The anticipation is growing all across the state this week.
Everywhere from Manchester to Belleville, from Adrian to Marquette, baseball and softball players, coaches and fans alike are gearing up for the second season. The district tournaments for both sports are taking place this week, beginning with Tuesday’s pre-districts and Saturday’s district semifinals and finals.
Playoff time is here again. Now the fun starts.
Some of the most memorable events that I’ve covered in my career have been high school baseball and softball playoff games. From Blissfield’s state championship baseball team and Clinton softball’s run to the state quarterfinals in 2003 to Tecumseh’s rise into a softball power (2005-present) to Manchester’s breakthrough season in softball last year, the playoffs have provided more than its share of memorable stories. And with another playoff run beginning, more magic moments are sure to be created.
Both the Manchester varsity baseball and softball teams have battled to get to this point. In baseball, the Flying Dutchmen had an up-and-down season and take a 15-15 record into the postseason. Meanwhile, the softball team (19-12, 10-4 Cascades) placed second in the conference for the second straight year, finishing two games behind Grass Lake. With the regular season behind them, both teams’ focus now shifts to making a long run in the playoffs.
Fans in town receive a special treat this year, as the Division 3 district tournament comes to Manchester. The Dutch (and Dutchmen) will be joined by Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard, Grass Lake, Whitmore Lake and Ann Arbor Greenhills.
Hosting a playoff round is nothing new for Manchester. In previous years, the high school has hosted regional and state rounds in volleyball, wrestling and basketball.
It’s a great opportunity for Manchester. Not only does the school get to show off its facilities (which are top-notch), the tournament should provide a boost to area businesses, with the other teams and their fans visiting over the weekend.
Being the host is something both the baseball and softball teams also need to take advantage of. They know the ins and outs of their fields better than their opponents. It should also give Manchester a home field advantage with the crowd, as it can ride the support of a larger fan base than their opponents (although the other teams are expected to bring their share of fans).
They will need to use any advantage they can, as both teams will face stiff challenges in this district. In baseball, the odds-on-favorite is Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard, which roared through the season 33-1 and is currently ranked No. 1 in the Division 3 state polls. The Dutchmen will also be challenged by Cascades foe Grass Lake, which won the state title in 2007. Whitmore Lake is another threat, as the Trojans and Dutchmen have become regular playoff opponents in recent years.
In softball, the Dutch are one of the favorites to come out of the district, as they have plenty of experience back from last year’s district champion and regional finalist team. But they too will be challenged, most likely by Grass Lake. The Warriors captured their first league title since 1995 and will be just as motivated to continue their magical season. Manchester split a doubleheader with the Warriors May 20, so both teams are familiar with each other and know they can beat the other.
Another playoff run is underway, and it’s a special time of year. Memories will be made, and players, coaches and fans will be ready.