The Dexter Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Berklich commits to Concordia
By Don Richter, Sports Editor
PUBLISHED: August 7, 2008
Dexter's Joe Berklich will continue his baseball career at Concordia University next season.
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Berklich, a first team All-Area and first team All-Southeastern Conference performer, batted .575 with two home runs and 40 RBIs last year for the Dreadnaughts. He also added 20 doubles and six triples and had an on-base percentage of .699.
A four-year varsity player, Berklich (6-foot, 195 pounds) said he chose Concordia because of its size and Ann Arbor location. He also considered Bethel College in Indiana and Jackson Community College.
"I was looking for a school close to home," said Berklich, an infielder/pitcher. "Coach (Karl) Kling is really accomplishing a lot at Concordia. I decided I wanted to be a part of that. He has a real excitement for the game of baseball and he talks proudly of his program at Concordia."
Last season, the Cardinals, who play in the NAIA's Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference, posted an overall record of 27-22. The 27 wins set a school record.
Kling, who completed his fifth season a year ago, is Concordia's all-time winningest coach with 101 victories.
Berklich, who bats left and throws right, said he hasn't decided on a major yet.
"But I have some interest in criminal justice," he said. "I also like history, which I am thinking about for a minor. I would like to be able to find a job where I can help people."
Though Berklich is beginning a new chapter in his life at Concordia, he said he would never forget the time he spent as a member of the Dreadnaught baseball program.
"While playing Dexter baseball I made a lot of friends," he said. "We were together for quite a few years because we started playing together in seventh- and eighth-grades. We had a lot of fun times."
Berklich said he'd always remember his first season as a Dreadnaught.
"I'd have to say my most memorable moment from Dexter varsity baseball was winning districts when I was a freshman and then going on to play in regionals," he said.
Berklich said he has gained inspiration from many people over the years including his parents, family, coaches and friends.
"But the person I owe a special thanks to is my Uncle Greg Berklich," he said. "He has been like a father to me ever since I could remember. He is there whenever I need him, always supporting me. He gives me my drive and determination on and off the field to do well in baseball and in life. He has been my coach for so many years going all the way back to Ypsilanti Little League. He's someone who has always been there for me."
Greg Berklich is Dexter's varsity baseball head coach.
"Most players are surprised when they find out he is my uncle, and not my dad, because he is always there either coaching or supporting me."
Greg Berklich said Joe is a coach's dream as a player.
"He's just an extremely hard worker," he said. "He goes at it full blast. He's really aggressive at the plate and he's able to hit the ball to all fields. He settled into first base really well this season. I know Coach Kling was impressed with that."
Off the field Berklich said Joe is a reliable and caring person.
"He likes to try and help other kids," he said. "He's also worked for me with my excavating business and you get your money's worth with him. He's a really great kid."
Sports Editor Don Richter can be reached at 475-1371 or at drichter@heritage.com.
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