From the time he was ten years old, Sean Cunningham has played 90 – 100 games per season around the Midwest, including both travel and league games in the spring, summer and fall. Some of the highlights included a trip to Cooperstown with the Grand Rapids Flames to compete in a twelve and under Dreams Park Tournament against top teams from throughout the country and a berth in the 2006 Sandy Koufax World Series with West Michigan Elite.

During this time, Sean has continually developed his skills. Playing one year of junior varsity baseball as a freshman and playing varsity baseball as a sophomore and junior, Sean is facing the reality that his youth baseball career is coming to a close after his senior high school season at Forest Hills Northern.

Sean is heading into this final season with a sense of excitement.

“I feel that with our strong senior class combined with a talented group of underclassmen, we will have the opportunity to leave our mark at Forest Hills Northern and continue to help Coach Wysocki turnaround a program that has struggled in the past”, said Cunningham. “I know it won’t be an easy task, but with hard work, we can make it happen.”

Hard work is something Sean has never shied away from. Sean’s competitive nature and his work ethic have always been his aces in the hole. Since he started playing at ten years old, Sean was never the most athletic or the most skilled. However because of his work ethic, his desire to succeed and because of outstanding instruction and support from West Michigan Elite, Sean continued to compete with a great deal of success even against the more athletic and skilled opponents.

“Sean has always been a student of the game and is solid fundamentally. His work habits are only second to his will to compete”, said Sean’s father, Tom Cunningham. “I am proud of him for that.”

Today, Sean continues with that same work ethic and is now reaping the benefits of his hard work. Physically he is catching up with his 6’ 4” frame, with room to grow. He is no longer that little kid that was picked last or overlooked.

Sean will be playing for West Michigan Elite’s top 18U team this summer, coached by Jim Abbott. And, Sean is looking forward to playing baseball at the next level and continuing his education.

Colleges like Davenport University, Western Michigan, Central Michigan, Grand Valley State University, Northwood University, Aquinas and Grand Rapids Community College are among the many others showing interest in him.

“Playing ball at the next level has always been a dream of mine, and seeing my dreams come true has been one of the greatest feelings ever”, said Cunningham. “The whole recruiting process has been so much fun. I am looking forward to making the most out of my senior season, and finding a school that I can see myself attending as a student-athlete.”

Cunningham is quick to offer plenty of credit to the coaches and trainers who have helped him along the way.

“I would like to thank Mike Paul, Bryan Baar and Jim Abbott along with all the instructors at West Michigan Elite”, he said. “And, of course my high school coaches for helping me work to achieve my dream of playing baseball at the next level.”

“I would also like to thank the Grand Rapids Flames organization for giving me my first opportunity to play travel baseball at age ten.”

His coaches know that they can depend on Sean to work hard and strive to be better every day.

“I have known Sean and the Cunningham family for years, ever since he was in Thornapple Valley Baseball”, said second year Forest Hills Northern coach Dane Wysocki.

“I have seen him grow and develop into one heck of a player who has improved every year. I am expecting a big season from him in terms of both pitching and hitting. I guarantee you no one has worked harder than Sean has in the off season to make himself a complete baseball player.”

Wysocki has no doubts that Cunningham will succeed at the next level: “He will be a great addition to a collegiate pitching staff.”

Jim Abbott of West Michigan Elite offers high praise for Cunningham as well:

“Sean has been quite a surprise over the years and continues to get better every year. Right now he has command of three pitches, great velocity and an outstanding change up. I expect him to have a break out year both at Northern and in the summer!”

“If you have watched him you know he is a strong pitcher, but what may surprise people is his bat.  He can square the ball up with tremendous bat speed and power. He will be an impact player beyond high school”

West Michigan High School Baseball wishes Sean well in his senior season and at the next level!