A Summer Classic on the Diamond
The hills of southern Michigan will soon echo with the crack of bats as the best senior baseball players from Hillsdale County take the field for an all‑star showdown at Hillsdale College. Scheduled to begin at 5 p.m., the game promises a showcase of talent that has been honed over a season of hard work, and it will be open to fans without charge.
Team Oaks, guided by veteran coach Brian Stroble of Jonesville, will field a roster that includes standout seniors such as Devan Herendeen, Carsen Cornila, Talon Titus, Ian Doyle, Lucas Kyser and Marshall Baker. Among them, Titus has emerged as a dominant pitcher, topping the county’s strikeout charts, while Herendeen and Cornila bring speed and precision to the outfield.
Across the lineup, the Jonesville contingent also features Luis Thilo, a first‑team all‑league selection and team leader for the RedHawks, alongside teammates Weston Word and Brayden Bever. The group is complemented by players from Camden‑Frontier, including Devin Marquart, who adds depth to the infield.
Team Pines, under the direction of Kody Hodshire from North Adams‑Jerome, will counter with a strong cast that includes Nathan Todd, Conner Arsenault, Kaleb Hale and James Johnson. Arsenault, recognized as one of the county’s top catchers with 172 putouts, will look to anchor the defense, while the squad also welcomes Waldron’s Aiden Boyd, Seth Williams and Troy Shamplo, all first‑team all‑league honorees.
Additional talent will be on display from Pittsford, where Jacob Drawe, Nate Wickard and Mondale Knepfler will represent the hosts, with Drawe boasting a perfect 5‑0 record on the mound and earning first‑team all‑league honors. Litchfield’s lone senior, Brady Kerr, will also feature after a first‑team all‑league nod, and Hillsdale coach Kobe Baker will see five of his seniors take part in the contest.
The event will be overseen by umpires Joe Kunkel and Rick Lee, ensuring fair play as the community gathers to celebrate these young athletes. With free admission and a festive atmosphere, the game stands as a highlight of the local sports calendar, spotlighting the next generation of baseball stars.