By Dave Sontag
Senior Writer

Most high school senior baseball prospects in Michigan would be thrilled that The University of Michigan and Michigan State University were hotly recruiting them.

Not that senior Bishop Foley Michael Reid is not grateful of UM and MSU’s attention, but he has had his educational and career structure determined for two years.

Reid has decided to attend Air Force, where he will couple his baseball talents with a rich family military tradition. His grandfather and his uncle both enlisted in the Navy. Now, it is Michael’s turn to represent his country.

“No one in the family has ever entered the Air Force. I figured that I would be the first,” Reid said. “I made it clear during the recruiting process that the military was at the top of my list.”

Reid said that he was using baseball as the conduit to enter the military. He looked into the Navy and Army, but was convinced to enroll in the Air Force – thanks to the relationship that he has developed with Air Force coach Mike Kazlausky.

“I met him in Jupiter, Florida last spring when I was watching a college tournament in which Air Force was playing,” Reid said.

Two weeks ago, Reid visited the Air Force Academy in Colorado. Following the trip, he was convinced that the Falcons would be the organization that he would join.

“I know it will be a challenge. The character and leadership development that I will experience is what drives me,” Reid said.

On the diamond, Coach Kazlausky has told Reid that he will use the talented competitor as a two-way player.

“I’d rather pitch, but I will do whatever I have to do,” Reid said.

He said that he now tops 90 with his fastball and has gained five MPH on his No. 1 pitch in the last year. In fact, he registered 92 MPH from the outfield last summer. At 6-foot-4 and 180 pounds, Reid has the stature that any baseball coach would anticipate.

“I call myself a utility player,” Reid said. “I probably will play every position this year except catcher and second base.” He credits his high school coach, Buster Sunde, with his development as a player.

“Coach Sunde is a father figure for all of us,” Reid said. “He is like my second dad.”

Reid does acknowledge his father as being the most influential person in his life.

“My dad (Michael Sr.) never had anything given to him. He had to work for everything that he ever earned. My grandfather was the same way,” Reid said. “My dad really helped me narrow down my choices.”

Veterans Day is not just another day for Michael Reid. The Air Force recruit would like nothing better than to continue the family military tradition – and add a dash of baseball to the equation.

“This is not the typical college experience, but I am really looking forward to the challenge,” Reid concluded.