Todd Rose | Daily Press Gladstone baseball coach Joe Dermogray spoke with his team Wednesday during the MHSAA Division 3 Region 33 semifinal game against Houghton in Gladstone.
GLADSTONE – It's hard to find a high school baseball program with the success that Gladstone has had in 10 years.
Since 2014, the Braves have won nine district championships, six regional championships and qualified for the Division 3 state semifinals four times.
But 2024 brings new challenges for the purple and white. Coach Joe Dermogray is no longer at the helm of the program and has chosen to join the University of the Bay staff.
Ironically, his replacement is a former Bay College baseball player and a familiar name to those who follow high school baseball in central UP.
Tyler Swanson, who previously played at Bark River Harris College and North Central University, will be the Braves' captain.
“Gladstone has always had a high quality program and has a great little league system that attracts talent all the way up.” Swanson said. “I'm very excited to be here. I certainly appreciate the opportunity. I'm excited to work with these guys who are already working so hard.”
While the Purple and White are losing their top three pitchers and starting catcher thanks to graduation, they still have a quartet that is chomping at the bit to maintain established standards.
“It will be an opportunity for the players to step up.” Swanson said. “The seniors and juniors on this team have always played in the shadows, obviously, but never had to take center stage, even through Little League. I’m excited to get the opportunity and really be trusted as a core part of the team.”
While the situation presents an opportunity for new players to rise, Swanson acknowledged it also creates a layer of anxiety in the program.
Swanson and the entire coaching staff are forced to be at their best.
“We have to find ways to connect with kids to get them to buy in. It's so fun to watch kids blossom with opportunities they never had before.” Swanson said. “I'm looking forward to seeing that, but we're going to coach them every day. We're going to give them a chance. If we don't succeed right away, it doesn't mean we won't get another chance. We're going to keep running there and keep working on things and improve on that at the end of the season. I think this team is going to grow a lot from now until June, so I'm really looking forward to it.”
The Braves open the 2024 season today against Iron Mountain at 4 p.m.
