By Brad D. Bates
C & G Sports Writer

Matt Faust knows how to put his best foot forward.

In his first year leading the Birmingham Little League 10-year-old team, Faust and his fellow coaches, Ed Schwartz and Bob Coury, guided the squad to the city’s first state title since 1973.

“We just kept winning and winning,” Faust said. “We went into districts just focused on winning that, but we just kept going.”

After topping rival Commerce in the district championship, Birmingham faced a who’s who of Little League state-title contenders in Roosevelt Park, Grosse Pointe Farms and Western to win the state title.

“All those teams have won state titles in the past,” Faust said of the storied traditions represented by the programs his squad topped.

“We had to come from behind, but we just kept playing. We’re hitters, and we just outhit everyone. We’ve also got tremendous pitching depth with five great starters.”

Faust said he believes all the teams in the league can take pride in and share the excitement of the state title.   

“(Commissioner) Dave Palmeri has set (Birmingham Little League) up to where it is now,” Faust said. “He’s done a fantastic job.”

It wasn’t just the state championship trophy that highlighted Birmingham’s trip to Tecumseh July 31.

“The kids had a blast hanging out,” Faust said. “We had a hotel with a water slide. That’s what the kids are going to remember most, how much fun they had at the water park.”

Faust hopes those memories instill a level of camaraderie to keep his team intact for the future.

“Hopefully no one moves, and we’ll keep the same group together when they’re 12,” Faust said. “Once you’re 12, you’re associated and you can go to the Little League World Series. That’s every kid’s dream.”

You can reach Sports Writer Brad D. Bates at bbates@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1029.