Ramstein’s Schmiedel got bigger role, bigger results

Ramstein starter Michael Schmiedel throws a pitch during the Division I final against Lakenheath at the 2026 DODEA European baseball championships on May, 22, 2026, at Southside Fitness Center on Ramstein Air Base, Germany. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)

As a freshman, Michael Schmiedel played more of a background role on a senior-laden Ramstein baseball squad.

This spring, though, the Royal coaching staff let the sophomore know his role was expanding. Schmiedel was going to be a key cog in a squad.

“Being able to play a big role was a great opportunity for me,” he said. “It was a challenge, but it was definitely fun being able to show what I was capable of.”

His capabilities had him shining on DODEA-Europe’s most unstoppable team.

Schmiedel became the Royals’ ace and No. 3 hitter, leading them to a perfect 16-0 season that ended with the program’s third consecutive Division I European championship.

In the title game against second-seeded Lakenheath, the son of Dirk and Lyndsay Schmiedel came one out away from a complete-game one-hitter.

For his performances throughout the season, Schmiedel has been named Stars and Stripes’ 2026 DODEA-Europe baseball Athlete of the Year.

Schmiedel credited assistant coaches Tom Yost and Calvin Delp as the two who had the biggest influence on his second-year rise.

“Last year, I was kind of inconsistent when I got opportunities, but this year, I’ve been able to really show how much I’ve improved over the year,” Schmiedel said.

One of the biggest advancements came at the plate.

In a lineup full of power, Schmiedel’s came to the forefront. In a three-game span against Kaiserslautern and Stuttgart in mid- to late April, the sophomore slugged three homers and drove in nine runs. And he parked one in the semifinal win over Wiesbaden on May 21.

Schmiedel pointed to two major factors: Yost worked on Ramstein’s approach at the plate, which led to seeing the ball better and stronger contact; and the sport of golf, which the sophomore had claimed the European championships by nine points on the modified Stableford scoring system.

Schmiedel described how the posture and hip rotation he used on the golf course translated well into the batter boxes during the spring.

“Over this last year, golf and baseball have both helped me really get my mechanics in order,” Schmiedel said.

Considering his success in both sports, Schmiedel could have a tough decision on his hands regarding his future, although he currently favors the diamonds over the links.

“I love both sports so much. I feel like for me, golf is more of a hobby, and I would love to get more into baseball over these next two years,” Schmiedel said. “We’ll see what happens.”

When it comes to his pitching, Schmiedel got a huge boost from his battery mate, his brother Will. Michael Schmiedel said he and his brother were at times inseparable from one another, often working out at gyms together as well as being throwing partners.

Having these experiences with Will, a senior, was something Michael wouldn’t trade away.

“It was so much fun,” Michael Schmiedel said. “Being able to play with him these last two years has been a blast. He’s been my best friend through it all.”

Looking ahead, the lanky Schmiedel expressed a desire to gain weight so that his fastball can gain some speed and to work on his hip rotation while batting.

He once again will handle more responsibilities for the Royals next spring, following the graduation of six seniors. Still, with four starters expected to return and the program’s depth, Schmiedel doesn’t doubt a fifth-straight European crown is in the cards.

“Sky’s the limit, man,” Schmiedel said. “Over these next two years, we’ve lost a couple of core guys, but I think if we keep grinding, we can go as far as we want.”