The Thunder Bay Blockheads, a local independent youth travel baseball organization, takes pride in our community and our ball players. The teams (8U-13U) were named so as to represent the prevalent theme of our local industry and educational programs. Whether it is Lafarge, Besser, the Alpena Community College Concrete Tech program or the several limestone quarry and excavation services, the Thunder Bay Blockheads take pride in representing that aspect of the community we call home.

During tournaments our parents are often asked by parents from opposing teams why we were named “Blockheads.” Our parents are happy to oblige as they market our brand, our industry and brag about their kid and home town.

But like many small communities without the heavy population seen downstate, our youth are involved in multiple sports, and are encouraged to do so. It’s very difficult not to feel pride in our community’s young athletes. Proud that they may continue to compete in high school and represent our Northeastern Michigan communities.

The goal for this travel team was to experience a more competitive environment, something that may not have been available solely within our local city or county borders. In order to do this, families sacrifice much time and money to spend several weekends paying to stay in hotels, fill their gas tanks and spend money for food in order for their boys to compete at “another level” against mostly downstate teams.

It resulted in wonderful friendships and memories. Not only amongst Alpena kids, but with Alcona and Oscoda youth and their families who are represented on Blockhead teams as well. In that respect, the 12U Blockheads were undoubtedly successful.

On the diamond, however, the 12U team has etched a solid legacy within the now three-year-old Thunder Bay Blockheads organization, which is currently comprised of age groups, 8U-13U. For the past three years, the 12U team has accomplished some impressive team results during their 10U, 11U and 12U seasons.

Over the past three years, the team’s win/loss record is 53 wins, 10 losses and 1 tie. The team failed to place in its first two tournaments, winning only two games combined in Charlotte and Hartland back in 2014. It was an eye-opening experience for the boys.

The team responded by winning their first-ever tournament in rival territory at Traverse City on Memorial Day weekend 2014. It was the very first title for the fledgling Blockhead organization. The rest is history … and this team, along with the other age divisions, began collecting hardware consistently ever since.

Of the 18 total tournaments the 12U team has played, the team reached 16 title games; winning 10 titles with six runner-up finishes. During this past 2016 season, the team went 22-1, with its only loss coming to Dexter 3-1 during the Bridgeport tournament title game. Due to its success, the 12U team will look to take the next step by challenging itself during their 13U schedule beginning spring 2017.

As the 12U Blockheads season comes to an end, the team wishes to thank our families for their commitment to their boys and our team. The 12U Blockheads also wish to thank our community sponsors for their efforts to make travel ball for this group possible: Lafarge-Alpena Plant, Bedrock Excavating, MC Sports, Cadarette Embroidery, Huron Distributors, Chuck’s Custom Decals, Family Enterprise Inc., and the Alpena News for helping spread the word.

Tim Marquardt is the manager of the Thunder Bay Blockheads 12U baseball team.