Familiar face primed to take reins of Northville baseball program
Mike Malley (center) was hired as Northville’s head baseball coach in September.
Familiarity breeds success, the legendary saying goes.
That is bound to prove to be a spot-on assessment for reigning Division 1 MHSAA baseball champion Northville, which hired widely-respected assistant coach Mike Malley earlier this fall to replace 2024 head coach Dan Cimini, who accepted the head baseball coaching job at Warren De La Salle just a couple months after leading the Mustangs to their first-ever state title.
Malley has been a member of the Northville coaching staff for the past eight years, the first six as head junior-varsity coach. Last year he served as the Mustangs’ first-base coach, among other roles.
“Serving as a high school baseball head coach is something I’ve dreamed of doing at some point in my career, so I am beyond excited to get this opportunity,” said Malley.
Malley is Northville’s third head coach over the past three seasons. Cimini succeeded John Kostrzewa, who stepped down following the 2023 season following an ultra-successful tenure.
Northville baseball history legendary
“The level of baseball at Northville has always been exemplary, which makes it such a unique place to coach. Northville is a great baseball town — the tradition and history here are amazing,” Malley added. “I feel fortunate to be able to help continue the momentum from last year.”
The Mustangs’ 2025 roster will be close to 90% new compared to the 2024 roster, which included 16 seniors.
“The nice thing is I coached this year’s seniors when I was the JV coach, so there’s a familiarity there that should help,” Malley said.
Eaton a leader
Among the six returners from the state championship team is starting shortstop Carson Eaton, who will give Malley a foundational piece at a vital position.
“Most of the kids coming back may not have played a lot this past season, but they were able to learn by example from the seniors who graduated,” Malley said. “Last year’s seniors did everything the right way and I’m sure that rubbed off on their younger teammates.”
Malley said the team has already started morning off-season workouts.
Among Malley’s top assistants will be longtime coaches Brian Reed and Tim Cain, who previously coached the Mustangs’ freshman squad for 15 years. Cain will serve as the school’s junior varsity coach in 2025.
Malley teaches history (among other subjects) at Northville High School.
“Just teaching in the building bill be a benefit,” Malley said. “Seeing the kids in the hallway and being able to hold conversations with them will definitely help.”
Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.
