By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - The success of the Niles FOP 9/10 and 11/12 year-old All-Star teams was something which every team member will remember for years to come.
But for one individual, it was not only an experience he will never forget, but it also earned him an Athlete of the Month award.
Ethan Zimmerman, a pitcher and shortstop for the 9/10 year-old team, was honored and received a plaque from Michiana Amateur Sports for his success in the tournament and was named Michigan Athlete of the Month.
Ethan's mom, Lori, said her son was nominated after the Amateur Sports Report was looking for individuals for the award.
Though Ethan admits he loves baseball, he also plays Rocket football, where he is a quarterback and running back and basketball, where his position is point guard.
Lori also stated that as busy as Ethan is, he still manages to get good grades and is even taking a freshman math class, and he is only in sixth grade.
The baseball season was also a pretty hectic one, both Ethan and Lori admitted. Ethan's brother, Evan, was on the 11/12 year-old All-Star team, making it difficult for the two brothers to see each others games, and making it hard on the parents.
But both said that this year will be a relief because both of the brothers will be on the same team next season and hope to return to the state tournament again.