courtesy Lakeshore Athletics

(10-2-23) In 2005, Jim Sanford had the unenviable task of finding a new leader for the baseball program for the first time in 21 years.  He turned to Mark Nate to lead the program and continue to build on the base that was created.

Now 18 years and two state championships later, Mark Nate is retiring as the winningest head coach in Lakeshore baseball history.  He leaves the program with a sparkling 436-199 record, including 6 conference titles, 9 district titles, and 6 regional titles.  His Lancer teams appeared in 3 state title games winning back to back titles in 2017 and 2018.

Lakeshore Athletic Director, Greg Younger, had this to say about Coach Nate’s retirement. 

“Mark has been a tremendous asset to Lakeshore Baseball for the past 18 years.  His dedication to our program has obviously produced great outcomes not only on the field for us, but also in the special relationships and bond he has formed with his players and coaching staff.  We certainly appreciate all the time and effort Mark has put into leading our program and we will certainly miss having him lead our program.  As a personal lifelong friend and neighbor, I cherish the time we spent working together on the baseball program and will miss the regular interaction with him that we have enjoyed in working together for the past 13 years at Lakeshore.  I know his time will be well spent chasing his grandkids now and we hope he enjoys every minute of it!  I also want to thank the great Coaching staff that he assembled over the years for their commitment to all of our athletes as well!  They were a true asset to our program for many years as well.” 

An interview with Coach Nate discussing his career and his retirement can be found here on the Lakeshore Lancers Network:  LakeshoreLancersNetwork Coach Nate Retirement Interview

The State Titles….

2018

State Semifinals

Division 2 – June 14 | 2H Coverage
Stevensville Lakeshore 3, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s 0 (10 inn) – Final Box 
Saginaw Swan Valley 3, DeWitt 1 – Final Box 

2017

State Semifinals

Division 2 – June 15 | 2H Coverage
Stevensville Lakeshore 7, Chelsea 1 –  Final Box
Bay City John Glenn 15, Dearborn Divine Child 4 –  Final Box