Since the original Spring Lake High School, now middle/intermediate school building, was created, we have had an iconic baseball field for our teams to use. Located just across Hammond Street from the school, it has seen generations of Spring Lake baseball history.
From the legendary Coach Hickman himself to last year’s state runner-up varsity squad, Hickman Field is the site of many stories and successes.
Though not given the name right away, the field is named after the beloved coach Tom Hickman. He was known for coaching football, wrestling, and, of course, baseball. Hickman served as the district’s athletic director and taught in the district. Hickman won the state Big Brothers Big Sisters “Big Brother of the Year” award in 2015, and was nominated for Gov. Rick Snyder’s “Governor’s Award.”
In his many roles with the district, Hickman made a large impact on his players, students, and community as a whole, and for that his legacy will not be forgotten in Spring Lake Schools. He retired in 2003 after more than 40 years of service to the school and its sports.
Today, Spring Lake baseball doesn’t just have its legends and lore to lean back on – it has a legacy to live up to. The 2024 varsity baseball team soared through the postseason to reach the Division 2 state final. Zane Stahl pitched in the semifinal to lead the Lakers to their first state title berth since 1995.
The 2025 Campaign
This year’s team has expressed that they are hoping to use what they learned last season to help them make this one just as good – if not better.
Third baseman Alex Batka recalled turning a triple play under the lights at Marsh Field against North Muskegon during that state-title run, as well as a walk-off against crosstown rival Fruitport. The senior said he hopes this year to bring back more than memories.
“I think what it took last year to get to the state finals was the team chemistry that we had,” he said. “Everyone on the team was close and there was no negative energy throughout the team. Also, trust was a big factor.”
Batka is committed to play baseball for Aquinas College after graduating.
The team has already notched a few impressive outings and memories. Senior Ryan Grimm, who missed last season due to injury, pitched a no-hitter early in the 2025 season.
“I did feel great that day, but there’s always a bit of luck with throwing a no-hitter or a perfect game,” Grimm explained. “I felt great because I had not thrown in a game in more than a year, sitting out my junior year due to injury during the basketball season.
“Sitting out last year was a great learning experience for everyone on my team, showing that trying to be a great teammate is essential for everyone, no matter your role. The pitching performance was on par with one of my best.”
Grimm said he threw about 70-80 pitches in the no-hitter, a reward after attending every practice and game the year prior despite not touching a baseball or the field.
While a personal comeback,Grimm said the team shares lofty goals, and that laughter and friendship are key ingredients.
“The hopes and expectations for this team are high,” Grimm said. “It would be great to get back to where we were last year, but we’re going to have to work hard to do that. The goal for this year is to do the best that I can do, and do it winning.”
