Fort Recovery entered the final weeks of the season as a sub-.500 team, only to win six straight during their tournament run to finish 16-13. (Press Pros Feature Photos)
Days after their appearance at the OHSAA state tournament, most people take for granted the kind of personal triumph it is to get there, let alone win. Some thoughts on Russia and Fort Recovery.
I want to take these few words to give one last tribute to the 2024 area high school baseball season, and the remarkable tournament journey enjoyed by both the Russia Raiders and Fort Recovery Indians in Division IV.
Where Russia was concerned I think it was no surprise that they got to the Final Four for a third year in a row. An experienced veteran group of seniors, they’ve played together for a long time in multiple sports, and simply put…they’re just that good. The trick, however, is to not take it for granted. Even the best still have to go out each day and play as if their season depends on it.
Russia was able to do that through their first 30 games, compiling a 27-5 record while losing only to Arcanum, Celina, Marion Local, Coldwater, and the eventual state champion Berlin Hiland. But along the way they also did what every good baseball team does at every level of the game. They peaked at the right time, winning an impressive 15 games in a row before losing to Berlin Hiland in the Division IV semi-final game.
They came oh-so-close…but Russia, seeking a second title win in three years, fell to state champion Berlin Hiland, 2-0.
In Recovery’s case, not so much was expected. In fact, you could make the case that NO ONE saw them coming! To give you an idea, as late as May 4 they lost to Russia by the unflattering score of 15-0.
And prior to their six-game winning streak to end the season they were a less-than-.500 team…at 10-12.
But again, the athletes they had suddenly began playing with some instinct once the weather got decent and baseball became doable. Doable to the point of winning all the way to the OHSAA Final Four for the first time in a decade…and winning 3-1 against Hillsdale in Saturday semi-final game.
The important thing to now keep in mind in Fort Recovery is that there’s a chance for a baseball culture to again emerge, like with those teams under coach Jerry Kaup a decade ago. All you have to do is play, and if kids start earlier, and keep playing, they really can follow in the example of perennial winners like Fort Loramie, Coldwater, and yes, Russia.
Hats off to the two area teams that not only got to the state tournament – Russia and Fort Recovery – but gave a good account of themselves while losing to the defending champs, Berlin Hiland. You deserve the recognition of being this week’s Who’s Hot honorees on Press Pros.
On behalf of sponsor, the St. Henry Bank, Press Pros is happy to recognize this week’s Who’s Hot honorees, the Fort Recovery Indians and the Russia Raiders baseball teams.