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Posted on Thu, Jul 4, 2013 : 5:45 a.m.

A look into Demetrius Sims city: Balancing baseball, family, school, life

By Daniel Brenner

Demetrius Sims just completed a notable baseball career at Huron High School, leading his team to a district title and receiving a second team All-State nod. While most high school seniors get to enjoy a summer of graduation parties before heading off to college, Sims started taking classes and working out with the baseball team at Bethune-Cookman University just two weeks after his final high school game. He returned home last week to participate in the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Star Game at Comerica Park and also had the opportunity to see his family. Sims allowed us to follow him as he balanced baseball and family while preparing for the next chapter in his life.

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Photos by Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Former Huron shortstop and AnnArbor.com 2013 Washtenaw County baseball Player of the Year Demetrius Sims warms up and stretches on the baseball field on Saturday, June 29. He was the only player in the county selected to play in the MHSBCA All-Star Game at Comerica Park on Monday.

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Demetrius Sims and his father Don Sims walk under netting to enter batting cages at Huron High School to practice for the MHSBCA All-Star Game. They decided it would be a good idea to practice hitting and fielding before Monday's game. Although Demetrius also played football and basketball, Don acknowledged Demetrius' extreme athleticism on the baseball field when he was 10 years old. Demetrius broke hitting records during his career at Huron, but struggled with his batting average as a senior.
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Demetrius began playing organized T-ball when he was five with the Ypsilanti Township Parks and Recreation Department. By age nine, he climbed the little league ranks and began winning district titles and competing on the state level. His AA Raptors travel ball team coach Charles Brock described Demetrius as a "special talent." He played on the junior varsity team during his freshman year and was brought up to varsity for the playoffs where he remained through his senior year. He finished high school as a district champion and two-time team captain.
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Demetrius grew up in shadow of his older brother, Dion Sims, who was drafted in the fourth round of this year's NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. Dion played football and basketball for Michigan State following an All-State prep career in both sports at Orchard Lake St. Mary's. Although brotherly competition existed, Demetrius pushed his baseball talents to make a name for himself. "Dion was a great model for how to compete on a high national level," Don said. "But, Demetrius wanted to play a sport where he could really refine his own craft."
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In early years, Demetrius was afraid of the ball and often shied away from pitches. Don noticed the difficulties and helped him overcome the fear. "It was a rough first year and I wasn't sure if I wanted to play baseball," Demetrius said. "My dad worked with me everyday in the backyard until I got better."
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Demetrius, his little brother Dyson, and his father Don laugh while looking at a cellphone at a graduation party on Saturday. "My dad has a lot to do with the person and player I am today," Demetrius said.
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Demetrius tosses a football around with his younger brother Dyson, 7, and fellow Huron graduate Daniel Hugan at a high school graduation party. Demetrius accepted a full-ride baseball scholarship to Bethune-Cookman in Daytona Beach, Florida and started taking classes on June 25. He came back to Ann Arbor for graduation parties, preparation, and the all-star game.
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Demetrius Sims holds a bat while he and his all-star teammates wait out a rain delay in the visitor's clubhouse at Comerica Park. Demetrius and other teammates joked about running and sliding on the tarp, but were worried about getting their uniforms dirty. The game started an hour-and-a-half behind schedule.

"Being able to interact with the best players in the state was awesome," Sims said. "It was a fun experience and one I'll never forget."

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Demetrius runs up to the concourse level to talk with family and friends during a rain delay. He acknowledges that he doesn't always show it, but his family gives him the energy to play sports.
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"Last night was very emotional for me," Don said after the game. "To finish off his final high school game on this stage at Comerica Park, leading off with the best players in the state, it was very emotional."
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Demetrius takes a moment to himself and tapes up his arms before opening ceremonies. Although he played three sports throughout high school, he decided his junior year he would focus on baseball. "I made my own path, baseball was all my own," he said.

Although he respects the aggressive and fierce nature of other sports, he appreciates the relaxed atmosphere of baseball.

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While Demetrius stretches, the tarp is removed from the field at Comerica Park. "Every sport he played, he leaves it all out there. No matter if it was on the court or field, he always gave 100 percent," Don said.
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Demetrius walks up stairs to enter Comerica Park before the game. Don is most proud of Demetrius for playing in high pressure game situations. "Most parents would look away when when their kid is in that situation. I am in a different ball park. I want him to be in the position where there is pressure, as long as he is having fun," he said.
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Demetrius receives a hug and words of support from a coach before leading off in the top of the first inning.
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While playing shortstop, Demetrius catches a ball and tags an East player attempting to steal second base. Demetrius says he especially likes the mental aspect of the game. "Every single play, I have to be focused and ready."
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"I think I played pretty well defensively, but it wasn't my day at the plate," Demetrius said after going 0-for-3 batting with two pop flies and a groundout. The West lost to the East 9-4. "I'm proud of how he carried himself and represented the area and our family," Don said.
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Demetrius celebrates with West teammates after they turned a double play to end an inning in the all-star game. Sims started the game, but cheered from the dugout in the later innings as coaches made sure everyone played at least one inning. Demetrius' family always stressed the importance of character and integrity. "I think sportsmanship is everything," Demetrius said. "It doesn't matter if one team is better than the other, you have to show them respect."

Daniel Brenner is a photographer for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at danielbrenner@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @DanielJBrenner.

Comments

Daniel Brenner

Fri, Jul 5, 2013 : 8:58 p.m.

Thanks Pete. I was very fortunate to have the Sims family allow me into their lives during a critical weekend. AA.com decided to go with the scrolling picture format because it allows for a more cohesive and chronological story arc. It's easy to get lost and skip over captions in galleries. The only disadvantage is the size of pictures cannot become full screen. The black and white adds a timeless "feel" to the story, much like the sport of baseball. And Pete is exactly right, the overcast clouds looked real nice in B&W. How did everyone receive the story? Please write if you have any opinions/suggestions/critiques.

Pete Cunningham

Fri, Jul 5, 2013 : 2:27 p.m.

Amazing job by Dan on this piece. Love the black and white. Really makes pics of overcast days, which there have been no shortage of lately, pop. For more on Demetrius and his baseball/family journey check out this accompanying story: http://www.annarbor.com/sports/high-school/baseball_all-star_game_gives_player_and_family_fitting_final_sendoff/

sweetdaddy1963

Thu, Jul 4, 2013 : 4:09 p.m.

This is a great article maybe I'm a little bias and I say that cause I'm afican american, but it's just great to see a young man of color doing well in the sport I love so well. I hope this inspires more AA kids to stay the course in baseball because the sport needs more all around kids like this don't know if my boy will ever play at the level of Demetritus but this article has inspired him to practice harder good luck D.....

Kelly Mosley

Thu, Jul 4, 2013 : 1:41 p.m.

Great article and pics about a great kid. Meechie, best of luck to you with your baseball career. We will be following your progress! We will miss you and be cheering for you always!

Salbolal

Thu, Jul 4, 2013 : 12:33 p.m.

Very nice article and good photos.