News Summary
Bob Sullivan, a legendary figure in West Michigan baseball, recently encouraged three young players before their historic competition at Wrigley Field. The 95-year-old, who has helped advance numerous talents to Major League Baseball, shared inspiring advice and presented jerseys to Dax Martin, Cash Freese, and Terry Lowery III as they prepared for the ‘Pitch, Hit & Run’ competition. Dax excelled, earning a spot in the championship at the 2025 MLB World Series. Sullivan’s mentorship continues to elevate the baseball culture in Grand Rapids.
Grand Rapids – Bob Sullivan, a celebrated figure in West Michigan baseball, recently provided invaluable encouragement and advice to three aspiring young players just before they competed in a historic event at Wrigley Field. Sullivan, who is now 95 years old, has a rich history in baseball, having served as a scout for the Detroit Tigers and boasting an impressive record of sending 60 players and four managers to Major League Baseball.
The three young baseball enthusiasts, Dax Martin (12 years old), Cash Freese (9 years old), and Terry Lowery III (8 years old), were invited to Sullivan’s Carpet and Furniture store. During their visit, they received jerseys and hats, enhancing their experience with a local baseball legend. Sullivan, who is remembered for his contributions as the former owner of the Grand Rapids Sullivans baseball team, took the time to motivate the young players, urging them to strive for success and compete in life, regardless of the outcome.
Dax Martin, Cash Freese, and Terry Lowery III participated in a “Pitch, Hit & Run” competition in May, which served as a qualifying event that allowed them to advance to a regional competition held at the iconic Wrigley Field. This popular competition measures players’ skills in three key areas: hitting a baseball off a tee into designated zones for points, pitching to hit a target, and racing the bases to record their times, which also accumulate points.
The regional competition took place on a Saturday, and the results were promising for the young athletes. Among the trio, Dax Martin excelled in his age division, earning the top spot and the opportunity to advance to the championship planned for the 2025 MLB World Series. Martin expressed his excitement about playing at Wrigley Field, building on his previous experiences at nearby Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers.
Bob Sullivan’s influence in the baseball community goes beyond his impressive scouting record. He is honored as a member of seven different halls of fame, recognizing his multifaceted contributions to the sport. Furthermore, the field in Grand Rapids that bears his name serves as a testament to his enduring legacy in the region. Through his mentorship and support, young players like Martin, Freese, and Lowery III are inspired to pursue their dreams within the sport.
The connection between the older generation of baseball figures like Sullivan and the emerging talents of today creates a nurturing environment for young athletes. As they prepare for their future in sports, the encouragement and advice shared by legends contribute significantly to building their confidence and skills. Events like the “Pitch, Hit & Run” competition not only provide a platform for young players to showcase their talents but also inspire them to pursue their ambitions in baseball.
In summary, Bob Sullivan’s legacy and ongoing support for young baseball players exemplify the deep-rooted culture of baseball in West Michigan. As the young competitors gear up for their future challenges, they carry with them the motivation and lessons learned from a respected figure in the realm of baseball.
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Additional Resources
- WZZM13: Bob Sullivan Inspiring Young Players
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- Duluth News Tribune: Grand Rapids into State Legion Baseball Semifinals
- WDIO: Grand Rapids Baseball Faces Delano Tigers
- Wikipedia: Baseball
- Google Search: Bob Sullivan baseball
- Google Scholar: Bob Sullivan baseball history
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
- Google News: Grand Rapids baseball
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
