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CHEBOYGAN – Even in the toughest of seasons, there’s usually a silver lining somewhere.
In the case of Cheboygan's James Charboneau, one of those moments occurred just over a week ago while the Chiefs were facing Northern Shores foe Boyne City on the road.
Looking for a signature outing, the Cheboygan senior pitcher delivered by striking out six, allowing just two hits and surrendering one run in 4 1/3 solid innings. While the Chiefs fell short in a 1-0 loss, it meant the world to Charboneau, who keeps plugging away for Cheboygan as his career winds down.
“I would say (that start) was the best of my season,” Charboneau said. “Not only did I play well, but the defense behind me played well, and it was a tough Boyne City team. We struggled to put runs up, but looking at that game from a defensive standpoint, there was a lot to like.”
Even in the most difficult times for the Chiefs, Charboneau’s provided a positive presence with his experience and leadership, whether it’s on the mound, hitting, or encouraging his teammates.
When he talks about leading, Charboneau learned from those before him.
“Coming up in this program, there’s always been upperclassmen who have been leaders, so I’ve got to learn from them, guys like Dylan (Balazovic) last year, and going back to Henry (Stempky) and Daniel (Wilcome),” Charboneau said. “I think that was important for me and Sean (Postula), specifically, to step up and be leaders in this program.”
Whether it was the moment his mother signed him up to play tee-ball, his little league days, falling in love with the Detroit Tigers, or currently leading in his third varsity season with Cheboygan, baseball has been in Charboneau’s DNA.
When you have a player in the program who loves the sport as much as Charboneau does, it really hits home. Just ask Cheboygan’s Kevin Baller, who understands the impact the right hander has made.
“James is the type of kid you want on your team,” Baller said. “His positivity and his leadership have been bar none. Kids get down and we’re not having the greatest year right now, but if you were to see James’ work ethic and how he approaches every practice that he comes to, it’s great. He expects the same from everybody else around him. It’s just been phenomenal to see him take on the leadership role.
“We’re struggling right now, but James is over here playing and giving it his absolute best."
After his high school career concludes, Charboneau said he’s not sure if he’ll continue with baseball in some fashion. But no matter what he does baseball-wise, the future is bright for Charboneau, who said he’ll major in pre-law when he attends Michigan State University next fall.
As excited as he is for what’s ahead, he’ll miss the good times in the program – hanging with the guys, learning from the coaches, and being a workhorse on the mound.
“I'll miss the atmosphere,” Charboneau said. “There’s nothing quite like it out here. Playing two doubleheaders, there’s nothing better. You get to come out here for a couple hours every day and nothing else matters. It’s baseball and I’m going to miss it, for sure.”
Cheboygan heads to Sault Ste. Marie on Thursday.
Contact sports editor Jared Greenleaf at [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @sportsCDT
This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Charboneau a positive, experienced leader with Cheboygan baseball
Continue reading...
In the case of Cheboygan's James Charboneau, one of those moments occurred just over a week ago while the Chiefs were facing Northern Shores foe Boyne City on the road.
Looking for a signature outing, the Cheboygan senior pitcher delivered by striking out six, allowing just two hits and surrendering one run in 4 1/3 solid innings. While the Chiefs fell short in a 1-0 loss, it meant the world to Charboneau, who keeps plugging away for Cheboygan as his career winds down.
“I would say (that start) was the best of my season,” Charboneau said. “Not only did I play well, but the defense behind me played well, and it was a tough Boyne City team. We struggled to put runs up, but looking at that game from a defensive standpoint, there was a lot to like.”
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Even in the most difficult times for the Chiefs, Charboneau’s provided a positive presence with his experience and leadership, whether it’s on the mound, hitting, or encouraging his teammates.
When he talks about leading, Charboneau learned from those before him.
“Coming up in this program, there’s always been upperclassmen who have been leaders, so I’ve got to learn from them, guys like Dylan (Balazovic) last year, and going back to Henry (Stempky) and Daniel (Wilcome),” Charboneau said. “I think that was important for me and Sean (Postula), specifically, to step up and be leaders in this program.”
Whether it was the moment his mother signed him up to play tee-ball, his little league days, falling in love with the Detroit Tigers, or currently leading in his third varsity season with Cheboygan, baseball has been in Charboneau’s DNA.
When you have a player in the program who loves the sport as much as Charboneau does, it really hits home. Just ask Cheboygan’s Kevin Baller, who understands the impact the right hander has made.
“James is the type of kid you want on your team,” Baller said. “His positivity and his leadership have been bar none. Kids get down and we’re not having the greatest year right now, but if you were to see James’ work ethic and how he approaches every practice that he comes to, it’s great. He expects the same from everybody else around him. It’s just been phenomenal to see him take on the leadership role.
“We’re struggling right now, but James is over here playing and giving it his absolute best."
After his high school career concludes, Charboneau said he’s not sure if he’ll continue with baseball in some fashion. But no matter what he does baseball-wise, the future is bright for Charboneau, who said he’ll major in pre-law when he attends Michigan State University next fall.
You must be registered for see images attach
As excited as he is for what’s ahead, he’ll miss the good times in the program – hanging with the guys, learning from the coaches, and being a workhorse on the mound.
“I'll miss the atmosphere,” Charboneau said. “There’s nothing quite like it out here. Playing two doubleheaders, there’s nothing better. You get to come out here for a couple hours every day and nothing else matters. It’s baseball and I’m going to miss it, for sure.”
Cheboygan heads to Sault Ste. Marie on Thursday.
Contact sports editor Jared Greenleaf at [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @sportsCDT
This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Charboneau a positive, experienced leader with Cheboygan baseball
Continue reading...
