By: Jonathan Szczepaniak | Grosse Pointe Times | Published July 11, 2023
GROSSE POINTE WOODS — Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett baseball, after advancing to the state finals this year, earned more recognition with four all-state honorees.
With four players headed to play Division I college baseball who all were honored by the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association as Division 2 all-state players this year, Liggett has its own modern day four horsemen.
Senior shortstop Jarren Purify (Dream Team)
Everyone should know the Clemson University commit by now.
A show-stopping shortstop who’s just as impressive with the glove as he is with the bat, Purify added another stellar season to his resume this year.
The three-time all-stater held an offensive slash line of .437/.514/.765. Purify also tallied team highs in hits (52), doubles (15), runs (44), and stolen bases (19) to go along with his eight home runs and 31 RBIs this year.
“Jarren is a quiet leader, but he leads by example,” Liggett coach Dan Cimini said. “Skill set, he’s a five-tool player. He’s just really talented — most talented player we’ve ever had here at Liggett. He just does everything right. He’s got speed, got a great arm, great range at shortstop, runs the bases extremely well, hits for power. He’s been a joy to watch for the last three years.”
Purify was a vital part of Liggett’s 2021 state championship win, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to anyone if he’s an immediate impact player at Clemson.
Senior catcher Oliver Service (Dream Team)
Since moving to catcher in 2021, Service, a University of Texas commit, has been one of the best catchers in the state in any given year.
With an elite-level arm and efficient defense behind the plate, Service’s offense has continued to be impressive for Liggett.
Holding an offensive slash line of .370/.485/.722, Service added 40 hits, 10 doubles, eight home runs and 38 RBIs to an already exceptional high school career.
While his offense is what jumps out, Service said he focused on a particular part of his game this season.
“Definitely my defense,” Service said. “I really took pride in that and making sure that it got better to the best of my ability this year, and I think I did that.”
Judging by the performance of Liggett’s pitching staff this season, it’s safe to say the two-time all-stater lived up to his expectations on the defensive end.
Junior second baseman Reggie Sharpe (second team all-state)
Want someone to keep an eye on for next year’s Dream Team? Look no further.
An athletic second baseman who’s an elite-level defender, Sharpe and Purify formed one of the strongest middle infield duos in the state this season.
Sharpe hit .382 with a .481 on-base percentage and 1.010 OPS this season, and he collected 39 hits, eight doubles, 33 runs and nine steals on the season.
Sharpe said he took a step forward in an important aspect of his game this season.
“During the season, I really focused on mental and making sure that my mental was good,” Sharpe said. “Even if I wasn’t getting the exact outcome that I wanted, if I was following my plan or what I wanted to do, I was OK with that. I was taking my little wins and they turned into large wins.”
Sharpe credited Purify, Service and the rest of Liggett’s senior class for his transition onto the squad and said he expects to do the same as a senior in 2024.
The University of Michigan commit is expected to headline the veteran leadership next season, and Cimini said he expects Sharpe to flourish in that role.
“I expect Reggie to be the leader of the team,” Cimini said. “He knows what needs to be done, and he’s going to be that leader and be that guy. He’s going to come in and pitch for us. He’s going to be the guy. He’s been waiting for this for the last four years, and now he has that opportunity. I’m really proud of him.”
Junior utility Preston Barr (second team all-state)
Slotted in as a utility player on the all-state list this season, Barr was productive anywhere Liggett placed him this season, especially with a bat in his hand.
Hitting .324 on the year with a .922 OPS, 34 hits, 35 RBIs and 27 runs, Barr said his offensive production was a key focus for him coming into the season.
“I’ve started to become a more mature hitter at the plate and started seeing the ball a lot better, especially with higher velocity,” Barr said. “It’s great to see results on the offensive side of my game because that’s what I’ve really been working on.”
Barr, a University of Michigan commit, has been a part of the Liggett culture for a while, especially watching his older brother, Kurt, who currently plays at Michigan, deal on the mound for Liggett throughout his career.
Barr said he’s excited to progress with his pitching heading into next season and to contribute to the winning culture at Liggett baseball.
“I’m lucky to be able to play for such a great school,” Barr said. “It has had a great impact on me in the classroom and on the field. Watching my brother go through the program has really helped guide me in the right direction.”