I am beyond excited to announce I’ve joined the Saginaw Valley State University baseball staff as the catching coach. I can’t wait to work alongside Coach Jaksa and the rest of this awesome staff while making an impact on our catchers and team as a whole.
Go Cards!
#BeaksUp
We lost a game 2-0. We had a hotel lobby dinner long after it ended. I had conversations with parents that I’ll remember forever. Plus our guys had a ton of laughs… a lot making fun of me😂 Throw the record out the window. That’s what it’s all about…The relationships that last!
In 2021 my 16u will be the Angels, inspired by my cousin, Darian, who we lost at 16. She was an excellent athlete, but more importantly a phenomenal human.Her story changed our lives forever and I hope it impacts our men. Thanks Arsenal fam for the support!
6 yrs ago I moved on from playing ball. Didn’t play my senior season. Never played in college. Thought that was it for me. Today I started at SVSU, and not a coach on staff treated me any different. Life is what you make of it. So is baseball. Stay up, you never know what’s next.
Excited about the future at SVSU. Facilities. Cost. Opportunity. Hard to not want to be a part of this!
- $20M renovation to Ryder Center✅
- $25.4M biz school expansion✅
- Voted best dorms in MI✅
- Most affordable school in MI✅
- Reached GLIAC Championship in ‘19✅
#GoCards
Thank you for the memories and escape from reality every weekend. I’m beyond thankful for the opportunity Arsenal gave a downriver kid with coaching aspirations. I must get better and trust I will. Thank you for all the laughs and one liners. Love you boys & that’s 4 Life
#WeAre
High school ball players: this is your last weekend of the offseason. All that indoor gym/turf/cage work in the winter pays off now. Enjoy one final weekend of the offseason grind.
From now until August, it’s all about playing some ball. Doesn’t that feel good to say, man?!?
Yesterday was
#WorldMentalHealthDay
. We should be passionate about having conversations/exercises with our team in regards to mental health. It’s everywhere. Prioritize developing a player’s peace of mind.
35% of elite athletes and 1 in 5 young people are affected
@CoachSheets3
Jeff,
I encourage you to open your mind and watch the MLB, where you once played, where nearly every organization includes a one-knee catcher at the MLB level.
If you believe in teaching hitters like the pros, then why aren’t we teaching our catchers like the pros, too?
Been a crazy couple weeks! Today I became the Director of Baseball Operations at Lakeside Baseball.
Multiple cages w/ ATEC, Rapsodo hitting/pitching, turf field for teams, and weights/plyo wall coming.
Everything your team could possibly need is here! Brandonjustice21
@gmail
.com
I was the luckiest dude to be afforded the opportunity to coach this team. I wish them the very best next summer with
@Coach_Petro
, who will do a fantastic job leading & teaching them. A special group I’ll never forget!
Thank you Arsenal for the memories and lessons🅰️❤️
Excited to get this rolling. I believe Michigan is a loaded baseball state with some phenomenal teams & coaches. I think this will provide a platform to learn more & hear from some of the best coaches our state has to offer.
#CWB
Are you ready for a podcast dedicated to the Michigan amateur baseball scene, hosted by those inside it?
Cold Weather Bats, a Michigan amateur baseball podcast, debuts on all platforms Dec. 14, hosted by
@B_Sakowski_PG
&
@Coach_BJustice
.
I’m incredibly excited and lucky to share the news that I am the new varsity head coach at
@GI_RedDevils
.
I can’t wait to meet our team on Monday and begin working on building our program while prioritizing our student-athletes' advancement.
Let’s have some fun, eh?
#GoDevs
👹
Bit of breaking news into the CWB news desk…
Grosse Ile has named a new head baseball coach.
Congrats to
@Coach_BJustice
, 1/2 of the CWB duo, on his first HS head coaching job. We all know he’s going to do an incredible job continuing to rep downriver.
#CWB
You won’t find many humans out there like Coach Griesbaum. He genuinely cares about each individual in the program, no matter their role. He listens to our ideas as coaches, no matter how crazy it may be. If he can still show up everyday open-minded and eager to learn, we all can
“In non-league games, all players get opportunities. Does this approach result in losses? Yes. Do our state rankings suffer? Again, the answer is yes. However, we don’t care. The only ranking that matters is [the last one]!”
We lost in the championship to
@Diamonds16u
. Their 4-man group pitched their tails off today! Mad respect for every coach and kid on that team for two years of great battles. Lot of guys on the field today will be on a college diamond over the next few years from both sides!
✌🏼 of 🧠
Take 5-10 minutes to just exist. No distractions. No phone. Nothin. Clear your mind. Breathe. Detach from thinking about what’s next, what was previous, and focus on what is now: the moment. Be ready for the moment!
Big ups to
@CoachSheets3
!
#BellLetsTalk
🅰️
What a fun, competitive, and productive environment today. Nearly 3 hours of live BP. In that span, every arm got a couple innings and every guy had 8+ live ABs. Radars going with video too. Nothing compares to the genuine family environment Arsenal provides.
#BeUnforgettable
🅰️
Over the past few months, since we recorded this, many things have come to fruition for Lakeside: Prime Time, numerous camps, new equipment, new instructors, our LB practices started, and in turn, many kids have grown their game and character.
Come see us at
@LakesideIndoor
😄
Crazy to see 10/20/30 dudes indoors, all without a mask on in MI. It is not a political statement, folks, it is a safety statement. COVID is very real. Be safe, be healthy. Look out for others & be considerate of those in your building. We’re all dealing with this. So should you.
TAYLOR MICHIGAN wins the LLWS. Another example of MI baseball’s excellence. Incredible for this area and the state of Michigan. Not to mention, the championship was against another Midwest team in Ohio. Midwest teams aren’t just good around here. They go win nationally too!🤝
You can learn a lot as a player, coach or fan by watching this team play the game. Team chemistry is off the charts. Bunch of studs and not a single ego. And the coach
@DewaltEddie
is one of the greatest! Congrats fellas
I asked my team, “why did you choose Arsenal?”
Then I asked myself.
It’s not a show up & throw BP job.
Our goal everyday is to improve and make our boys men.
I chose Arsenal because it challenges me to be a better coach & man... and never to settle.
Love this organization.
Beyond excited to join a storied program built on values and tradition. I’m looking forward to learning from one of the absolute best in Michigan HS history in Coach Griesbaum. Fired up about being a part of the tradition!
#TraditionNeverGraduates
We are excited to announce the newest addition to our staff,
@Coach_BJustice
, a 3rd yr HC for
@arsenal_ballMI
, Dir of Ops at
@LakesideIndoor
, and co-host of
@ColdWeatherBats
. We believe we are adding one of the area’s best young coaches that will improve our program from day 1!
Don’t want to get too mushy here so I’ll keep it short. I’m beyond lucky to be in this spot, though I wouldn’t be here without my mentors and Lakeside’s support. That being said, it’s time to put things into action.
Can’t wait to keep things rollin’.
Big shouts to my man mini
@Ryanmckay51
for stepping up when we were short handed at times this summer and coming in to chuck strikes and trust the defense. Won’t post his velo numbers, but 0.97 ERA 2 ER, 1 BB in 14.1 IP... not bad big guy 🤝😉
Kid is showing out. Made a game-saving double play from the outfield last game and here he does what Fredo always does: wins a battle, flies on the basepath and has some fun celebrating after.
@FredoVelaz2023
Uncommitted ‘23 OF Alfredo Velasquez in a long at-bat at PBR Future Games finds a barrel and drives one to the gap, then shows off the speed with a clean triple.
#BeUnforgettable
@FredoVelaz2023
@FlatgroundBats
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there. Countless Father’s Days spent at a diamond for the baseball dads, grandpas, coaches, etc. For that, I owe my dad/grandfather everything. Without them, I’m not sure I‘d be in baseball still.
Tell your dads thank you today and everyday
Beyond blessed to have the privilege to wear the 🅰️ for a 3rd year. Arsenal has helped me grow as a coach, but as a person more than anything else. That’s what it’s all about. The Arsenal family. Thanks to
@Aaronfwilson
for building something special from the ground up. 2021 OTC!
You have to see these two plays made by
@brendanth0mpson
&
@Jace_Davis_
featured in this highlight. Two of the best defensive plays I’ve seen all year, both coming in late inning moments.
Heckuva day for Mooney. Integral part of the squad on and off the field. Does a lot to keep our energy and chemistry up. Can also square up the baseball and plays high level of defense in CF with + arm strength.
We are so blessed to have been able to experience Miguel Cabrera for all these years. I know... his contract, the rebuild, ‘hes old,’ but he’s still Miggy. One of the best hitters of all-time, and has to be up there as the best of this generation.
Still got it 👑👑👑
This culture is created by the players. We are only as strong as the guys in uniform. They work hard, don’t make excuses, and treat each other like family. We certainly get guys opportunities, but they earn the scholarships. Takes a special guy to wear the 🅰️
#BeUnforgettable
Uncommitted ‘23 who will mash at the next level and give you a sure-handed MIF. Had a great year so far and earned it… worked his tail off this winter.
@Ryanmckay51
One of the most overlooked abilities in sport is the ability to have a clear mind. Your practice and pre-game prep should challenge you to not just be better, but also to react without panicking so that the game will feel free, fun, and easy.
So proud of this team & their resiliency. We got punched in the mouth on Day 1, but on Day 2: Beat an all SEC/ACC lineup & 4 hours later, won a game in 10 innings… special stuff.
Incredibly lucky to be in that dugout to witness the talent & high character of this roster.
Easy to be happy for Mike Rice. He’s a phenomenal human being and coach. Hard to find anyone who cares more or works as hard as this guy. Go get that 💍
@mikerice02
There is a common misconception that you need to travel all over the country for kids from the Midwest to get exposure. The numbers say most MI kids are going to end up playing (or transferring back) to the Midwest in college; guess where the region’s D1/2/3 coaches go in summer?
Tournament week. If these months of sacrificing baseball have taught us anything, it’s to be thankful we are afforded the opportunity to play ball, and receive the support from our loved ones (especially your parents!). Been waiting all year for this. Let’s get it!
#ArsenalBoys
🅰️
Inevitably came up short, but what Sr.
@thejacobharris8
did today was absolutely incredible. Broken nose, eyes swollen, bottom 7; he gets dressed, doubles, and ties the game.
Thanks for the first year, South coaches/players/families. Thanks
@DanGriesbaumJr
& Sr. TNG!
S/O to
@darththill
. Had TJ surgery and instead of folding, he’s found a way. Not only working his tail off to get back, but also in helping our Arsenal pitchers all offseason w/ individualized routines + goal weights. Something he does simply bc he loves it. Thankful we have him!
I’ll show up to any Eddie Dewalt coached team’s game. I don’t care how far! Watch and learn from this guy. Thanks for having me today, had a ton of fun. No doubt they are the best team in the state.
Next time, when the discussion is about who the best 16u team in Michigan is, it should begin and end at one place!! Down 5 horses? No problem, call up the young dawgs oh and one of the best around, ole Goldie!! But on the real, that was fun!! Competition is what I'm all about!!
Wake up up everyday and find a way to love it. Surround yourself w/ positive & honest influences who pick you up, but set you straight. Most important, be positive within yourself. Too many of us fear addressing our mental health and making changes. Life is what you make of it.
#NewProfilePic
The man who made me love baseball. He’s still giving me lessons to this day. Keep fighting big man. Today’s been a tough one, but tomorrow’s going to be a better one. One day at a time. I love you so much.
Congrats to my guy
@matthew_greene5
on a 💍! Huge hit in the state final too. One of two state championship winners on our team. Looking forward to seeing you ball out this summer 👀
High level pacing and IQ on the bump here. The secondary pitch is advanced, nasty KNCV with great placement. Frame is projectable, plenty more to come from Drew.
Back to work after the off week. Arsenal Classic. All games on Periscope per usual.
Thursday:
6:00PM @ Lakeland HS vs. college connect 14u
Friday:
3:45PM @ Liggett vs The D 14u
6:00PM @ Liggett vs
@Arsenal14u
Saturday:
11:15AM @ Liggett vs Hit Dogs 15u
#BeUnforgettable
This is my cat, Acuña. I lease a place in GPP and he got out after an inspector left our window open. He’s probably exploring and seeing what the outdoors is all about. It’s been a day.
If any GP folk come across him, he loves being picked up and is extremely kind. Let me know🙏🏼
Happy heavenly birthday, Darian. Your legacy and message lives on. Can’t wait for the Arsenal Angels to take the field next summer with your jersey in the dugout. You inspire me everyday to live a better, honest, and kinder life.
#KindnessIsBeautiful
Super lucky to be joining Corey as an assistant coach for Team Michigan in the National Championship.
Once in a lifetime opportunity for players to be a part of something memorable AND get legitimate MLB scout exposure. Join us in Omaha!
Excited to be named the State Coordinator/Coach for Team Michigan in
@NatChampSeries
in Omaha this year! This is Michigan’s first year to be invited! We are focused on getting our roster made up of the best 2025 & 2026 grads. HS coaches have been emailed. But you can reach too!
Known these guys since they were 14 and Gabe since he was 11. All three committed now and a part of the Arsenal fam. Their growth as ball players and men over the years has been fun to watch. Love ya boys, get some hardware this summer 🤝 🅰️
(Go Bears tho)
Catchers looking for one-on-one workouts: I’ll be starting private lessons in a facility on an hourly basis. Should begin in the next couple of weeks on weekdays only, and I’ll try to work with your schedule.
DM me here or email me if you’re interested.
Kyle went 6.1 allowing 0 hits against a very good
@OEBbaseball
team. Finished allowing 1 hit and 1 run.
- 11 strikeouts
- New personal best of 86mph
- 100 pitch complete game
- Absolutely dominant
Best outing I’ve seen this weekend from 2023 Kyle Remington
@KyleRemington8
.
Sat 83-85 T86 the entire game.
CB: 66-70
7 IP CG
1 ER
11 K’s
1 H
#uncommitted
#MILS
Will more than likely do what he’s done in any baseball setting and make strong impacts on the field, in the dugout, and the community.
Easy guy to root for but he’s also, uh, very good and undoubtedly deserves to hear his name called.
Congrats,
@aj_mooney2
!
7th rd/
#218
: Cleveland has tabbed SS Alex Mooney from
@DukeBASE
. Draft-eligible soph. hit. 315 (80-for-254) in 2023 for the Blue Devils w/a team-best 68RS, 20 2B, 8HR & 38RBI in 63-G after strong showing in ’22 Cape Cod League(.724 OPS). All-ACC 1st team. From Rochester Hills, MI
Day 1 of Year 1. Been thinking about this day for a long time! Filled with gratitude tonight for the many people who looked out for me/corrected me/advised me, and to GI for the responsibility.
Chapter 1 of hopefully a looong book opens up tomorrow.
See you at GIHS!
#GoDevs
🚨🚨Excited to announce I’m putting on The Michigan All-State Catching Camp. Mon/Wed evenings.
4-week invite only event where we combine top competition & instruction. Each graduate class will have one C awarded “All-State.”
Details & invite requests:
Before the season we had a goal of 100+ stolen bases (legitimate stolen bases; PB/blocked balls not included)
In 3 weeks, we’re at 70 total.
Make goals to SMASH them. Four more weekends to shatter that goal.
Who will be our leader?
@FredoVelaz2023
: 18 SB
@ryanmooney80
: 14 SB
For the next few days, I challenge you to put everything aside - politics, work, etc - and simply enjoy time w/ family. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s to be grateful for the slice of time we have to live this life. Don’t forget to LIVE this life and enjoy the moments. 🎄❤️
Let’s go!! Event sold out yesterday, but was lucky enough to see
@xanbarksdale
tweet that a spot opened. Have been following Xan & C101 for years and I’m amped to meet some of the catching brotherhood while learning/collaborating in a room full of catching royalty! Can’t wait🤝
Thx to everyone who stopped by to speak on
@ColdWeatherBats
at the
@MHSBCA1
.
Still blown away by all the support. It’s all about the kids whose talents and efforts - along with many excellent coaches/leaders - help make Michigan baseball what it is.
See y’all on a Diamond soon!
A look at our 17u roster following the summer.
Good luck to all of our guys headed to college ball. Plenty of guys committed to the best fit for them. That being said, we still have some studs looking for homes!
Learned a lot from this team. Can’t wait to see the future.
Yo!
@GLBatCo
absolutely killed it with my first new catchers in mitt in a decade. Couldn’t be happier with how this turned out. Another way to honor my cousin’s legacy and the quality is top-notch. , folks.
#LiveLikeDarian