Haveman to the Max

Max Haveman about to pitch. The baseball team is 7-14 on the season. Photo credit to Biancah Dells.

Junior Max Haveman, a tall, powerhouse hitter and a menace on the mound, plays both varsity baseball and football.

Haveman is a pitcher and center fielder for varsity baseball and is a wide receiver for varsity football. He excels in baseball more than football due to his strong arm and power at the plate. 

“I like baseball, because there are times throughout the year where you’re not hitting or pitching very well. You fail a lot in baseball, but the satisfaction of succeeding is good,” Haveman said.

On the flip side, he has had some hardships playing varsity football. While he is a very talented wide receiver, he just started playing last year. 

“I’d say at first learning the different concepts and plays were the most challenging, because there’s certain little things that I don’t really understand,” Haveman said. 

In order to improve his game, Haveman receives a lot of help from his football coaches. He also credits his parents for instilling him to give his effort in whatever he does, but gains plenty of encouragement from his teammates.

 “I would say most of my inspiration would be my teammates, it’s always good to see them,” Haveman said 

Haveman may have his troubles understanding concepts, but he is smart and can learn quickly, which is what got him a starting spot on varsity this past fall. 

Senior and both baseball and football teammate Isiah Stoy has nothing but praise for Haveman.

“He started ‘cause he’s really smart and can run good routes. He also works hard in the weight room and comes to everything,” said Stoy.

Baseball teammate and junior Sam Pollack thinks highly of Haveman as a teammate in regards to his work ethic and play on the field. 

“Max [Haveman] is a great guy, always looking to get better no matter if he played good or bad. He is a great person, always bringing you up positively,” Pollack said. 

Haveman standing on first base with his coach Kolbe Vandenburg. Haveman is a big hitter for the team. Photo credit to Biancah Dells.

Being a multisport athlete takes a toll on his body. As of the following week, he is now out for most of the baseball season if not the rest. This is due to a shoulder injury he got from pitching. It is very vague as to where in the shoulder, but he is taking cautions to make sure it heals. 

“I can’t pitch for a month, but I’m doing physical therapy right now, and my doctors said I can start throwing in 2 weeks,” Haveman said.

Haveman wants to accomplish getting his shoulder back to full strength and health, along with being able to throw without pain in his shoulder. 

About Jaden Bozek 21 Articles
Jaden Bozek is a senior and fourth-year journalism student. He participates in marching band as well as varsity baseball and football. He is excited to meet others through The Roar and plans to pursue Sports Broadcasting in the future.