Locker#169

I have now returned from beautiful Tiger Town in Lakeland, Florida where I had a remarkable experience.

My dream as a boy was to make the big leagues.  Originally the thought was to make it as a player.  My athletic, baseball playing days have come and gone.  Now, as a professional instructor, I consider my time at the Detroit Tigers training complex the closest I've come to the major leagues...so far.

I spent 3 weeks as an instructor for the Doyle Baseball Academy.  I had the honor to work along side the best baseball instructors on the globe.  I am forever grateful.  Also, I had the opportunity to instruct many great athletes.  Some of the best 18U baseball players from around the world attend the Doyle Academy.  Many of these players will play at the college and professional level.

There is so much to report, but the one thing that stood out to me was the display of respect.  There are three particular examples.  First, the rapport between the instructors was amazing.  The styles, experience and knowledge among the group was quite diverse but the one thing that linked us all together was our mutual passion for the game and the development of kids in baseball and in life. 

And for the athletes themselves, their respect for each other was nothing short of spectacular.  Watching the players interact and help each other improve was refreshing.  Keep in mind that the ages participating in the academy was 12-18 which gives an indication of the varying skill levels of the players.  Junior and Senior Academy athletes had no problem partnering during drills and learning together.

Finally, the most surprising display of respect was of the on site professional players toward the academy athletes and coaching staff.  Many of the GCL Tigers made themselves available to the players and coaches.  It was cool to see the interest taken by the pros toward the academy.  There was a couple of days when the academy was on the field competing in game play when visiting pro teams (Blue Jays & Yankees) stopped to watch.  I confess my focus was diverted a few minutes watching these pros watching my guys.  Of course the academy players thought this was something special.  It was!  The best compliment to them as players was their attention.

Locker # 169 has been cleaned out with nothing left behind.  I have taken with me some great memories, new friends and a fresh outlook toward what God is doing in my life.