Guided by CC Hall of Fame Coaches John Salter (Head Coach) and Al Moran ’57 (Asst. Coach), the 1987 Catholic Central (CC) varsity baseball team finished with a 26-8 record en route to capturing Catholic Central’s second Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSSA) State Championship. Led by seniors Greg Haeger, Doug Martin, Joe Mackiewicz, and sophomore Leo Hutchinson, the pitching staff baffled hitters all season with a team ERA of 2.10. Senior Vince Morin and Junior Kevin Rogers were a quick double play combination, while seniors Bob Malleck, Mike Czarnota, and Gil Garcia were steady in the outfield. Juniors Matt Cannon, Mike Dorocak and John Gotts provided timely hitting. Seniors Ed Reed, Brian Wisniewski, junior Larry Bsharah, and sophomore Chris Johnston gave the team clutch plays. Shamrock 1987
In the MHSAA state tournament, CC defeated Westland John Glenn 9-8 in the Districts, Livonia Franklin 4-2 in the Regional and then went on to punish Lansing Everett 12-2 in the state Semifinals. Midland Dow was the opponent in the Finals which was delayed by 2 1/2 hours because of weather. The Shamrocks overcame a 3-2 ninth inning deficit surviving a bases loaded, no out situation. Mike Czarnota led off the bottom of the ninth with a triple to right and scored on Bob Malleck’s double for a 3-3 tie. The Shamrocks loaded the bases with one out and Malleck scored the winning run when the Dow pitcher walked Doug Martin. Detroit Free Press June 14, 1987
Many observers believed this was one of the best high school baseball games ever played. Coach John Salter agreed “It was an unbelievable game!” I hoped someone recorded the game so I could watch it again when I can sit back and relax. “It was a classic.” In the end, the Shamrocks left East Lansing with another state championship. Detroit Free Press June 14, 1987
Back Row: Athletic Director Robert Santello • Head Coach John Salter • Gil Garcia • Mike Czarnota • Greg Haeger • Brian Wisniewski • Ed Reed • Assistant Coach Al Moran • Moderator Rev. Norbert Clemens C.S.B. • Principal Rev. Dennis Andrews C.S.B.
Center Row: Vince Morin • Bob Malleck • Doug Martin • Joe Mackiewicz • Chris Johnston • Leo Hutchinson
Front Row: Matt Cannon • John Gotts • Kevin Rogers • Mike Dorocak • Larry Bsharah
