In journalism world, be it at a newspaper, TV station, magazine or whatever, a reporter pitches a story. The goal: Convince the boss this is something you’ll want to see.

If you’re reading this post, chances are you’re a fan of high school sports or involved in some way. Consider this our “first pitch” to be your home for news and information on the best Michigan has to offer – and in the least, where you start your online day.

We’ve got big plans.

The first 12 years of my career were as Prep Sports Editor at the Lansing State Journal, and my favorite stories to tell have been of your successes – on the field or off, conquering small hills or mighty mountains, often expected but sometimes out of the blue.

Great stories are overflowing in high school athletics. But often, there are not enough opportunities to tell them. We hope to do so here.

“First Pitch” won’t be the name of our full version. We haven’t decided on a title yet; in fact, we’d love to hear what you’d like to name it.

But here’s what you’ll find:

• Information useful whether you’re an athlete, coach, administrator, or fan.
• Stories you’ll want to know whether they take place in your hometown or another you’ve never visited.
• Features highlighting, among many things, the best performances around the state  and explaining why the MHSAA does some of the things we do.
• Additional coverage, often behind the scenes, from the MHSAA state finals.
• Our takes – with links – of the best stories written and produced by Michigan’s media corp.
• Schedules and scores for all of your varsity teams.
• MHSAA tournament information for all 28 sports we sponsor.
• And eventually, a lot more.

Over the next few months, you’ll get a taste with “First Pitch.” If you like something we’re doing, let us know. If you’d like to see something else, I’d love to hear about it.

Michigan is the 10^th-largest state. There are more than 58,000 square miles of land, and by vehicle it’s 625 miles from Calumet High School near the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula to Bedford High on the southeastern border with Ohio. Nearly 10 million people live here.

We aim to make the state a little smaller.

My contact information is at the right of this screen, and my e-mail address is [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you – and telling the entire state about the great things you’re doing.