Going Nor'East-r | Alpena @ Rogers City Baseball

2026 Rogers City Hurons | Varsity Baseball

ALPENA/ROGERS CITY, MI - Part of a three day trip to Northeast region of Michigan's Lower Peninsula brought The Big Madonski to the World's Largest open-pit Limestone Quarry in beautiful Rogers City. For some Nor-East'r Baseball action between the hometown Hurons and the Wildcats from Alpena.

Calcite Quarry | Rogers City, MI Photo captured by Sal Madonna 5/09

With a runner on following a walk, Cayden Rhode cracked an RBI Double to give the Hurons an early lead. Rhode, would advanced to third on a Sacrifice and score off a wild pitch to give Rogers City a 2-0 lead going into the second inning.

Cayden Rhode standing on second. Photo captured by Sal Madonna 5/09

The 'Cats would respond in the second with an RBI double of there own courtesy of Gavin Ross. Brady Chapman pulls off a great sacrifice bunt to advance his teammate to third and later came around to score off a RBI Single from Owen Kaiser. Ethan Walker brought his teammate home with a game tying RBI Single of his own, Rogers City would retire the side to knot the game at 2 a-piece going into the third.

Alpena's Owen Kaiser racing home. Photo captured by Sal Madonna

Rogers City threatened to regain momentum after loading the bases with 1 out, but Alpena escaped without surrendering a run, definitely one of the biggest moments of game 1. The Wildcats would take control in the fourth inning. Kaiser would break the tie with a RBI double of his own, alongside another RBI Single from Ethan Walker to extend the Alpena lead. The Wildcats would put Game 1 on ice, following a wild pitch that would bring in Gavin Ross. Brady Chapman would seal the deal, delivering the 6th run with a RBI Single to bring home Kaiser. Rogers City did not score a run after the first. Alpena defeats Rogers City in Game 1, 6-2 Final from Schalk Memorial Field.

Ethan Walker prepared for anything coming his way. Photo captured by Sal Madonna 5/09

I do like to appreciate the Northeastern part of lower peninsula with it being my first time in the subregion. Beyond the games itself, Nor-East'r left a lasting impression on me. The beauty of the area speaks for itself, but what stood out even more was the people and the hospitality shown throughout the trip. Everywhere I went, I was honestly welcomed like an old friend, that sense of community is something special and made me reflect A LOT. The pace, conversations, scenery. It all reminded me how important genuine people and simple moments really are.

Thompson's Harbor State Park | Presque Isle Photo Captured by Sal Madonna 5/09