The post I am about to write has little to do with the game of baseball. Rather, it is about loss. The loss of not only a good friend and an integral part of Muskegon’s baseball landscape, but more importantly, the loss of a husband, father, and brother. Jim Grevel passed away unexpectantly yesterday leaving many friends and loved ones shocked and deeply saddened by his passing.

I was first introduced to Jim Grevel eight years ago when he moved back to Michigan after he had spent many years living in the State of Florida. When Jim arrived in Muskegon, he quickly connected with those who were active in the baseball community. Among those people was my brother Pete who soon introduced me to Jim. The friendship between Jim and Pete grew quickly and baseball was the bond. Jim became one of the founding members of the Lakeshore Baseball Club. In 2010, along with Pete and Len Piasecki, they approached the City of Muskegon to construct an agreement where the Lakeshore Baseball Club would lead an effort to “take over” control of Marsh Field, the historic home of Muskegon Baseball since 1916. In the years leading up to this takeover, Marsh Field had fallen victim to sharp budget reductions and its condition was in rapid decline. Since 2010, under the guidance of the Lakeshore Baseball Club, there have been approximately $150,000 in improvements made to the ballpark. This group, I believe, set in motion a baseball renaissance in the City of Muskegon.

Jim loved being at the old ballpark doing whatever needed to be done. Whether it was dragging the infield, raking the mound, or keeping the scoreboard, you could always find him at Marsh Field eager to talk about the game of baseball. In the past few years, a back injury prevented him from doing much of the physical work he once did. Despite the recurring back pain, Jim continued to do what he could to contribute. He helped to organize the men’s adult city league, coordinated the annual high school baseball all-star game, spearheaded numerous youth summer tournaments, and served as a conduit between local high school coaches and the Lakeshore Baseball Club. In addition to his contributions to Marsh Field, Jim Grevel also left an indelible mark on the Muskegon Clippers. While he often flew under the radar, he was largely responsible for procuring many of the players who represented our organization over the last five years. Much of our success can be traced back to the many hours he spent unearthing prospective players that would eventually wear the Clippers’ uniform.

Jim had a true passion for the game of baseball. He loved the game and maybe even more, he loved the relationships with the people he had met through baseball. You could always count on seeing “Grevey” on his cell phone talking to someone on the other end about the game he loved. Often times he would call me during the evening to discuss a player we might consider signing or simply to talk about baseball. I will miss those conversations.

Today my thoughts turn to his family. All of us associated with the Muskegon Clippers who were friends of Jim extend our deepest sympathies. We wish you peace that you might find comfort, the courage to face what lies ahead, and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. Yesterday we lost a good man. A man who enriched all of our lives. It is a stark reminder just how precious life is. Rest in peace my friend. You will be missed.

Donations can be made to the Jim Grevel Memorial Fund.  All proceeds from this fund will go to the Marsh Field Improvement Fund to help renovate and maintain Marsh Field, a place where Jim loved to spend as much time as he could.  Make Checks payable to 'Jim Grevel Memorial Fund' and mail them to Muskegon Clippers, 800 Ellis Rd, Muskegon MI 49441.