Heights High is excited to welcome Mike Lynch as the new varsity baseball coach. Lynch says “baseball has always been in my heart,” learning from his dad at the age of four and continuing on through youth, high school, college and even professional ball.

Growing up in Cleveland’s Collinwood neighborhood, Lynch played for St. Edward’s and Lake Catholic High Schools, before trying his luck on multiple college teams. “It was discouraging at times,” he said, “and took a lot of trial and error. But I knew if I got the opportunity, I had to go for it.”

After years playing short stop and 2nd base, it was hitting that finally earned him a spot on the team at the University of Rio Grande. “Coach Brad Warnimont put me out in left field just so he’d have me in the lineup,” said Lynch, who believes that overcoming hardship is the key to success. “I preach heavily on overcoming challenges, … then anything is possible.”

After college, he decided to try his luck at professional ball, traveling across the East Coast and Midwest trying out for teams before finding his spot with the Schaumburg Boomers of the 16-team Frontier League that includes the Lake Erie Crushers.

When he returned home in 2014, he knew he couldn’t leave baseball behind and started his coaching career at Benedictine. In his first years, the team wasn’t expected to do well. “The Athletic Director predicted we’d win two games,” he said. They won 14.

“I truly believe that’s why I’m on this planet,” he said. “I coach because I feel inside I’m supposed to inspire.”

He hopes to inspire the Tigers this spring as they embark on their second year in the highly competitive GCC. “If we can work together, listen to one another and get through our failures, then we’ll be successful.”

Baseball tryouts begin on February 24th with the home opener against Mentor on Monday, April 7. Any students interested in trying out for a spot on one of the three teams should add Boys’ Baseball to their Final Forms or email Coach Lynch at malynch5@yahoo.com.