A group of talented high school senior athletes from the Grand Rapids area is set to compete in the annual John Bos Baseball and Softball All-Star Games. The event, which supports scholarships at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC), will take place on June 18. GRCC and Davenport University are hosting the games in collaboration with athletic equipment supplier Game One. Baseball matches are scheduled for 3, 5, and 7 p.m., while softball games will occur at 5 and 7 p.m. These events will be held at Davenport University’s Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex.
Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for students. Proceeds will benefit GRCC’s John Bos Scholarship Fund, awarded to student-athletes who participate in at least one of the college’s teams while maintaining eligibility under the Michigan Community College Athletic Association.
John Bos started his career as a physical education teacher at what was then known as Grand Rapids Junior College. By the 1920s, he coached all men’s sports teams including football, basketball, baseball, track, tennis, and swimming. His teams were known as “Bosmen” and achieved state championships in several sports before he left GRJC in 1938 to lead the Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department.
The John Bos games have been honoring his legacy since 1959. GRCC’s Athletic Director Lauren Ferullo explained that these games have long showcased some of the best players from Kent and Ottawa counties.
Tentative schedule:
Baseball:
– 3 p.m.: Ottawa Kent (OK) Silver vs OK Blue
– 5 p.m.: OK Gold vs OK Green
– 7 p.m.: OK Red vs OK White
Softball:
– 5 p.m.: Teams from OK Blue, Silver, and Gold mixed
– 7 p.m.: Teams from OK Green, Red, and White mixed
