Baseball team brings great expectations for 2020

Baseball team brings great expectations for 2020

By Robin Morales

Associate Editor

The LCC baseball team posted a 36-9 record in the 2019 season, including a 27-1 performance in MCCAA Western Conference play.

Both records were the best winning percentages in school history, but the Stars went 1-2 in the NJCAA Region XII tournament.

"The regional tournament, it's a tough thing to win," said second-year LCC Head Coach Jordan Keur. "I thought we played pretty well; just fell a little short. … That's baseball, one game can end it for you."

Following the preseason resignation of former Head Coach Andrew Huard in February of 2019, Keur was hired. He said he is excited to fully implement his program in his first complete season.

"Last year I only got half a year with the guys, so it was kind of learning on the fly; my philosophies, their philosophies," Keur said. "I like to be aggressive, I want the guys to not be afraid to make mistakes. I want them to take extra bases, just the little things."

Returning sophomore outfielder Ethan Collack commented on the team's chemistry and new mentality for this season.

"We're definitely way closer than we were last year; we've all bonded very well," Collack said. "We definitely have a different mindset this year with our work ethic."

Sophomore first baseman/outfielder Maxwell Hecht is a new recruit to LCC after playing at Concordia University, in Ann Arbor, last season.

"I love the guys here, I love the team," Hecht said. "I have a really great relationship with all the coaches.

"Over the offseason we've been working very hard … and I'm excited to see this thing get all put together and see all the pieces kind of fall into place."

Hecht added that "big things" can be expected this year for a deep run into the postseason. Keur said he has confidence in the team's ability to succeed on the field.

"The goal is to win the conference championship, win the Michigan championship, and then make it to the regional and see what we can do with the regional … see if we can go compete in Oklahoma (in the nationals)," Keur said.

"That's what these guys have worked for all fall and winter, that's the goal."

The Stars will play their first games during spring break in Florida. They will play their first home game of 2020 against Muskegon Community College, Tuesday, March 17 at Westside Park.