TINA L. SCOTT
EDITOR
In their final game, the Merrill Bluejay Boys Baseball Team lost to Rhinelander 3-0 in their regional game, putting the Bluejays 4-8 in conference and 11-14 overall at the conclusion of the season.
“We struggled scoring runs down the stretch but had a successful season overall. We had quite a few guys step up over the course of the season, and they all worked hard from March to the end of May,” said Shawn Schultz, Merrill Varsity Boys Baseball Head Coach.
The team finished up with an end of the year awards picnic. Team awards were given for the 2022 season, as follows:
• Outstanding Hitter: Sam Reimann
• Outstanding Pitcher: Henry Reimann
• Outstanding Defender: Zach Neumann
• Best Teammate: Fletcher Ellenbecker
• Most Valuable Player: Walsh Award – Henry Reimann
“We had five Seniors that all contributed and will be missed next season,” Schultz said. “Fletcher Ellenbecker, Jack Hoock, Michael McRae, Zach Neumann, and Henry Reimann will be tough to replace. They were a great group of players that helped lead us this season.”
Two players make All Conference
Michael McRae (l) was named Honorable Mention All Wisconsin Valley Conference as an outfielder for the 2022 season. “Michael had a strong season defensively as our centerfielder,” Schultz said. “He batted .278 with 1HR and 5 RBI in conference.”
Henry Reimann was selected as First team All Wisconsin Valley Conference as an outfielder. “Henry played all over the field for us and was the eighth leading hitter in conference with a .359 average,” Coach Schultz said. “He did a great job for us all year long. Both guys were great leaders on our team and were certainly deserving of the recognition.”
“Henry has also been selected to play for the West team in the Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association All Star Classic on June 24-25 in Oshkosh,” Schultz added. “Henry is among the top 72 seniors in the state.
His play as a hitter and a pitcher helped earn him a spot on the team. It is exciting for him to get recognized for the great season he had for us.”