As the 2025 baseball season begins, Head Coach Gabriel Farr of Thurston High School (MI) isn’t just focused on wins—he’s focused on transformation. “My biggest goal will always be that each of our players becomes a better human,” says Farr. “That means they work hard, never give up, and love each other and themselves.”
With high standards and a commitment to growth both on and off the field, Thurston’s baseball program continues to prioritize character, chemistry, and competition.
Leadership by Culture: Returning Stars Anchor the Team
This year’s top returners bring more than just experience—they bring pride and passion. Xavier Gay, Leo Mello, Josiah Robinson, David Bentley, Cortez Crumble, and Damar Crimes have each spent over three years with the program, making them integral to the team’s identity.
“These guys know our culture inside and out,” says Farr. “They lead in ways that are much more profound than I ever could. They have pride in this program and each other.”
New Faces Making Waves
Thurston’s young roster will also benefit from emerging talent. Kosta Haack, Denell Brown, and Rashad Marshall are early standouts expected to make a strong impact in their first season. “They’ve started to separate themselves as valuable additions, both on the field and off,” says Farr.
No Captains, All Leaders
Rather than assigning formal team captains, Coach Farr encourages every player to lead. “Assigning captains can give others an excuse not to lead,” he explains. “I want all of my players to be great competitors, communicators, motivators, friends, and leaders.”
Building Brotherhood: Team Chemistry in Action
Team chemistry is no afterthought for Thurston—it’s baked into the daily routine. From competitive drills and quirky quizzes to team skits, movie nights, fantasy drafts, and collegiate game outings, the players are constantly bonding beyond baseball.
“These moments outside the diamond help us build trust, learn about each other, and form lasting connections,” says Farr.
Pushing the Limits: Player Motivation & Mental Growth
Motivation is personal at Thurston. Whether it’s early morning workouts or late-night conversations, Farr tailors his approach based on who his players want to become.
“I want to understand their dreams, then help them believe in something even bigger than they thought possible.”
New Training Philosophy: Simulate, Don’t Just Visualize
One of the biggest shifts in Thurston’s training this year is a move away from traditional visualization toward live simulation. “Not every player can picture a game scenario in their head,” explains Farr. “So we’re creating more game-like reps in practice to build instincts and confidence.”
Strengths, Weaknesses, and the Future Ahead
With a young and eager roster, the team’s strength lies in its willingness to learn and adapt, though inexperience may present early challenges.
“We don’t have the experience we had last year, but we also don’t have bad habits to unlearn,” says Farr. “Whatever we build now, we’ll be able to build on in the coming years.”
Scheduling for Growth
Thurston’s 2025 schedule offers a balance of competitive challenges and learning opportunities. “We’re playing teams with different levels of talent—including some who are more talented than us—and that’s intentional,” says Farr. “We grow most when we’re pushed.”
Mental Toughness: The Great Equalizer
For Coach Farr, the mental side of the game is everything. “You look at the diversity of MLB players—different sizes, shapes, backgrounds—and realize how important mentality is in baseball,” he says. “That’s what makes this game so much like life. With the right mindset, anyone can succeed.”
Looking Ahead
With a balanced schedule, a core of committed returners, rising young talent, and a culture rooted in brotherhood and growth, Thurston High School Baseball is poised for an exciting 2025 campaign—not just on the scoreboard, but in the lives of everyone involved.
 isn’t just focused on wins—he’s focused on transformation. “My biggest goal will always be that each of our players becomes a better human,” says Farr. “That means they work hard, never give up, and love each other and themselves.”
With high standards and a commitment to growth both on and off the field, Thurston’s baseball program continues to prioritize character, chemistry, and competition.
Leadership by Culture: Returning Stars Anchor the Team
This year’s top returners bring more than just experience—they bring pride and passion. Xavier Gay, Leo Mello, Josiah Robinson, David Bentley, Cortez Crumble, and Damar Crimes have each spent over three years with the program, making them integral to the team’s identity.
“These guys know our culture inside and out,” says Farr. “They lead in ways that are much more profound than I ever could. They have pride in this program and each other.”
New Faces Making Waves
Thurston’s young roster will also benefit from emerging talent. Kosta Haack, Denell Brown, and Rashad Marshall are early standouts expected to make a strong impact in their first season. “They’ve started to separate themselves as valuable additions, both on the field and off,” says Farr.
No Captains, All Leaders
Rather than assigning formal team captains, Coach Farr encourages every player to lead. “Assigning captains can give others an excuse not to lead,” he explains. “I want all of my players to be great competitors, communicators, motivators, friends, and leaders.”
Building Brotherhood: Team Chemistry in Action
Team chemistry is no afterthought for Thurston—it’s baked into the daily routine. From competitive drills and quirky quizzes to team skits, movie nights, fantasy drafts, and collegiate game outings, the players are constantly bonding beyond baseball.
“These moments outside the diamond help us build trust, learn about each other, and form lasting connections,” says Farr.
Pushing the Limits: Player Motivation & Mental Growth
Motivation is personal at Thurston. Whether it’s early morning workouts or late-night conversations, Farr tailors his approach based on who his players want to become.
“I want to understand their dreams, then help them believe in something even bigger than they thought possible.”
New Training Philosophy: Simulate, Don’t Just Visualize
One of the biggest shifts in Thurston’s training this year is a move away from traditional visualization toward live simulation. “Not every player can picture a game scenario in their head,” explains Farr. “So we’re creating more game-like reps in practice to build instincts and confidence.”
Strengths, Weaknesses, and the Future Ahead
With a young and eager roster, the team’s strength lies in its willingness to learn and adapt, though inexperience may present early challenges.
“We don’t have the experience we had last year, but we also don’t have bad habits to unlearn,” says Farr. “Whatever we build now, we’ll be able to build on in the coming years.”
Scheduling for Growth
Thurston’s 2025 schedule offers a balance of competitive challenges and learning opportunities. “We’re playing teams with different levels of talent—including some who are more talented than us—and that’s intentional,” says Farr. “We grow most when we’re pushed.”
Mental Toughness: The Great Equalizer
For Coach Farr, the mental side of the game is everything. “You look at the diversity of MLB players—different sizes, shapes, backgrounds—and realize how important mentality is in baseball,” he says. “That’s what makes this game so much like life. With the right mindset, anyone can succeed.”
Looking Ahead
With a balanced schedule, a core of committed returners, rising young talent, and a culture rooted in brotherhood and growth, Thurston High School Baseball is poised for an exciting 2025 campaign—not just on the scoreboard, but in the lives of everyone involved.
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