ADRIAN, Mich.—The
summer months can sometimes be used by a college
baseball coach as one of the very few opportunities
to relax and take some time away from a game that
is all-consuming, both physically and mentally.
Adrian College assistant baseball
coach Luke Harrigan has taken the opposite approach
this year, heading to Germany to take part in
Major League Baseball’s Envoy Program.
MLB’s Envoy Program selects
some of the nation’s best instructors and
deploys them to areas of the world that are in
need of instruction, equipment and guidance as
the game of baseball grows in popularity. Harrigan
will travel throughout Germany from June through
August.
Harrigan spoke of his unique opportunity
to lend his baseball experience and expertise
to the youth of Germany.
“I’m pleased and honored
to have a chance to represent both Major League
Baseball and the game of baseball. I’m looking
forward to bringing my passion for baseball to
new and existing baseball fans and players in
Germany. Baseball used to be solely America’s
game but with its popularity rising rapidly in
so many countries it is fast becoming the world’s
game.”
Early in his stint, Harrigan has
already worked with the Kapellen Turtles professional
team and local youth and is currently staying
in the Cologne area.
The Envoy Program, introduced
in 1991, has now sent baseball coaches on more
than 600 assignments to 72 countries, reaching
more than 500,000 young athletes and coaches.
The program provides detailed baseball instruction
to players while also instructing coaches and
administrators on such vital topics as field maintenance,
proper training, and team development.
Harrigan graduated from Adrian College in 2005
after lettering as a catcher for the Bulldogs
from 2002 to 2005. He was a two-time first-team
All-MIAA performer and a team captain in as a
senior.
The Bulldog assistant coach is keeping an online
journal documenting his travels with photos and
detailed accounts of his instruction. Fans can
view his online journal at www.adrian.edu/sports/baseball_envoy.php
