Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph (center right) and Rep. Aric Nesbitt, R-Lawton (right of Proos), welcome the 2012 Division 4 state champion Decatur High School baseball team to the Michigan Senate. The Raiders finished 36-6 on the path to winning the team’s fourth state title in 13 years. (Leader Publications Photo/Provided)

LANSING — Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph and Rep. Aric Nesbitt, R-Lawton welcomed the 2012 Division 4 state champion Decatur High School baseball team to the Michigan Senate July 18.

“It was an honor to welcome these student athletes to the Michigan Capitol and recognize them for their accomplishments,” said Proos, R-St. Joseph. “This team has earned the respect of the entire state by winning their fourth state championship in 13 years and doing it the right way. Their hard work and dedication helped them achieve something that they, the Decatur community and all of Southwest Michigan can take great pride in.”

The Raiders defeated Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett in the state championship game on June 16 by a score of 4-1.

Under the guidance of coaches Ben Botti and Jeff Kawaski, Decatur also earned state titles in 1999, 2002 and 2003.