Just when Ashland University head baseball coach John Schaly thought his 2027 roster was complete, there was a very important missing piece added on Friday (Nov. 7) night.
 
Team IMPACT's Holden Miles, age 7, officially signed with the Eagles on Friday in the Rinehart Room – prior to watching the AU volleyball team's home match alongside the baseball team.
 
"We wanted to announce the new addition to our team," Schaly, the winningest head baseball coach in NCAA Division II history, said. "We wanted to make it official. You're officially a part of our team now, Holden, and we're excited to have you."
 
Said graduate right-handed pitcher Chase Carter, "I didn't really know what to expect from Team IMPACT when we first wanted to be on the leadership team. But then we got the pictures, and that first e-mail of Holden. I remember specifically talking to (senior catcher Nate) King, and we were like, 'Dude, this kid's going to be awesome.'
 
"He molded into the team immediately. This kid loves to be around every single one of us, and it's an absolute honor to have him with us. We thank you for being a part of our team, and appreciate the fact that you are awesome as you are."
 
Miles was with the Ashland baseball team this fall, coming to the intersquad scrimmage – being in the dugout and touring the facility.
 
During Friday's signing ceremony, Miles received both an Eagle baseball practice shirt and one of the team's R.E.D. (Remember Everyone Deployed) shirts.
 
"This is our third year," Schaly said of the team wearing the R.E.D. shirts on Fridays. "Our players have to earn the R.E.D. shirts. There's a lot of ways that our guys have been able to earn their R.E.D. T-shirt. You have done way more than these guys have, things that you have had to overcome in your short lifetime.
 
"If anyone has ever earned a R.E.D. T-shirt in this program, it is you."
 
Miles said the event was fun, and he is excited to make friends on the team – something he's already well on his way to doing.
 
At the end of the ceremony, Miles led the team breakdown prior to everyone heading to Kates Gymnasium for the volleyball match.
 
Team IMPACT matches children facing serious illness and disability with college sports teams, creating a long-term, life-changing experience for everyone involved.