On the Bench with Byron Higgin

 If Donnie Schuelke’s brothers Josh or Carter ever wanted to wear No. 11 to honor their brother Donnie, Coach Keven Larson says they will be given the jersey.

Otherwise, Donnie’s three No. 11 jerseys will be given to the Schuelke triplets (including Logan, who doesn’t play baseball). “Nobody else will ever wear the No. 11 again,” said the coach. Coach Larson says Donnie’s Legacy was the way he treated his triplet brothers.

“He’d bring them to open gym and Logan to Robotics. He’d bring in all three. They never missed a morning,” said Coach Larson.

There was talk at graduation that the triplets would struggle next year with Donnie away at school in Duluth. And he worked every day with his father.

So this dedicated to his family was complete and absolute. “He would play catch with his brothers in the backyard — with their mother — who taught them the game,” said Larson.

He tried to keep the tears from falling but it was an impossible battle. “It will be a big change for sure. I know Donnie, if his brothers ever played varsity, would have been back to watch their games, that’s for sure.”

DONNIE SHIRT: AVAILABLE: A shirt with “fly high Donnie” is available through Borch’s at: www.flyhighdonnie.itemorder.com/sale.

(Orders due on Thursday). Proceeds go to the Schuelke family.