Most baseball enthusiasts will tell you that a team’s success is built up the middle.
With that in mind, the success of this year’s Lake Orion squad should come as no surprise, thanks, in large part, to their double play combination of Ross Tonyan and Joe Barnes.
The pair cemented their place as one of LO’s best duos this season and are ready to take their games to the next level.
A signing ceremony was held last Wednesday at LOHS. Barnes has committed to play at Grand Rapids Community College, and Tonyan will play at Adrian College.
Tonyan, who plans to study business at Adrian, will also consider playing basketball at the school. He was the point guard on Jim Manzo’s basketball squad the past four years.
‘Playing more than one sport really brings out the competitiveness in you,? he noted.
Barnes played basketball and football, as well as baseball, but is looking forward to concentrating on one sport for a while.
‘Just getting used to playing college baseball will be good,? he said. ‘I’d rather play at a junior college school than sit on a bench at a Division I school.?
Barnes, who is LO’s all-time leader in hits, runs, RBI and stolen bases, said his goal is to transfer to a larger school after two years. In the meantime, he’ll study either teaching or business and said he’d consider becoming a coach himself someday.
The pair credited their great coaches, especially baseball Head Coach Andy Schramek for their success.
‘Andy Schramek is such a great coach,? Tonyan noted. ‘He just knows how to make players better.?
‘Lake Orion is known for being one of the best,? added Barnes. ‘To put on a Lake Orion uniform the last four years has been awesome.?
The duo noted that they hope to keep putting on those uniforms for a couple more weeks.