Jim,
I would like to commend you for a wonderful summer. Jason had such a great time and what an excellent group of boys! We could not have played with a finer organization, including administration, coaches, players, and families. Bo, Brandon, and Tom taught the game well and provided many opportunities to stretch and grow as a player. Even though Jason has not been a third baseman, he got opportunities to play in that position as well as the more familiar short and 2b. I would like to add that we loved having Tim on the field and in the dug out when he could be there. Thank you for always keeping us up-to-date on all the news, the communication was excellent. We can't wait for fall!! Thanks again for all!
Jerri Thompson
July 30, 2007
Jim and Tim,
I want to thank you for giving my son, Chris Moynihan, an opportunity to play for the 2007 17 year old Dulin's Dodgers. The exposure to quality competition and college coaches was a wonderful learning experience that Chris will cherish for years to come.
Bo Reynolds was a fantastic coach for these young men. His commitment and passion for not only the game, but our boys, was evident. Bo was instrumental in developing their talents and abilities, and his faith and confidence in them took their game to a higher level.
This was a fine group of baseball players and young men. They respected their coaches, parents, opponents, and the game itself. Also, I can't imagine a better group of parents. They were supportive in every aspect of the game. These boys have developed friendships that will last a lifetime.
Thanks again to the Gameday organization. Your mission of "providing prospects the opportunity to showcase their talents" passed with flying colors! Best of luck to the future of Gameday Prospects.
A Thankul Father,
Patrick Snipes
(Chris Moynihan's Dad)
_____________________________________________________________________________
August 3, 2007
Jim and Tim;
I would like to take a minute to thank you for giving Patrick the opportunity to play for the Dulin’s 17U team this summer.
Patrick had an enjoyable summer playing baseball for Dulin’s. It was everything and more than what we all expected.
As you know kids need to be taught all the time whether it is on the field, in the classroom or at home. Bo, Brandon and Tom did a terrific job not only for Patrick but for all the boy’s teaching them this summer. Not only on the field but off as well. What a great group of coaches, players and families. Patrick, Amy and I met some good people this summer and consider them all our friends.
As we have discussed where Patrick goes with baseball is unknown but I do know he’s a better young man and baseball player after spending time with the Dulin’s organization this summer. As a parent that’s important.
What Bo and Brandon did with him on the mound was great. He was never that excited about pitching until this summer and that’s all he talks about now. He became very confident and wanted the ball. He felt as though he contributed in all the games.
Thank you for considering him and giving him the opportunity to play for you all this summer.
Regards;
Ned Boyer
August 1, 2007
I wanted to let you know how much we appreciate the Dulin Dodgers experience this summer. When I called you this spring to update you on Beau's baseball activities, you went to bat for him, and Tim extended an invitation for Beau to play. I am not exaggerating when I say it was the best baseball experience we have had as a family, and Beau has had as a player. Actually, several people have had to listen to my long version...but, I will try to condense my feelings.
Just once before Beau quit playing did we, as parents, hope he would land on a team that was a positive experience. This team met all of our expectations. I told him over and over, this is what I thought high school baseball would be like. And I am glad he got to experience it once before he was through. The coaches were excellent teachers, and role models for the guys. The organization was flexible, understanding and 1st class. Regardless of what Beau does in baseball, hereafter, he has had a summer to remember.
Just some closing thoughts:
I am a big supporter of all three coaches who worked with Beau. I can't give them high enough marks. I told Beau, heck, you could ride the bench on this team, learn, and get better.
Also, whether Tim had a plan to do so, or not, he put together a group of players who were all of a like mind. Different players with different skills, but, serious about baseball. On the field and off. I asked a couple of parents if they thought Tim looked for a certain personality type. I was very proud of the group of guys that Beau played with, and spent time with on the trips. I think the players behavior begins with the parents. I have never been around a group of parents who got along as well as this group. More importantly, each one put the boys needs and concerns ahead of their own. Never have we played on another team where the other parents expressed a sincere desire to see your son do well. Most teams it is the opposite. On this team, I never felt another parent was pulling against my son, so their child could benefit.
I think these things begin at the top, and the behavior that you, Tim, Terri, and the coaches exhibit have a bearing on how the team will react. Thank you for treating my son with respect, both as a player and a person. We will always look to support the Dulin Dodgers in the future. Even after Beau is through.
Gerald and Connie Martin
As coach of The East Cobb Yankees, I speak for our entire team, our coaches, and our supporters when saying we have nothing but the highest respect and praise for Tim Dulin, Joe Platt, and the entire Dulins organization.
Having been involved in youth baseball for over 25 years with the Yankees, I have seen first hand how hundreds of organizations have operated, and sometimes how their stated goals and objectives for the young men in their programs are, in reality, totally different from the personal agendas of the organization and its coaches. .
In the end, the true value of a program and what it ultimately means to the young men who entrust others with their time, their hearts and their future aspirations…the long run as they say, not in the wins and losses or number of championships. There’s no doubt, we all enjoy winning more than losing, but young men at this age need and ask for more. They want and look for leadership with integrity, motivation and inspiration, development of not only their athletic skills, but also their own personal growth, the opportunity to have fun and a feeling of mutual respect. They look to their coaches for so much more than just putting a lineup on the wall and trying to win a ballgame. None of us are perfect or right all the time, but the value of the program, over time, lies in our efforts for these young men, and ultimately, winning because of it, not in spite of it.
It should be equally important to you and your program that players become great husbands, fathers, and citizens, regardless of whether they ever become great baseball players. The players who battled through college, med school, or law school are every bit as important to you as those who battled through the minor leagues. Are you giving your time and your heart and soul to these young men because you care and have a passion for them and their lives, or, are their current and future accomplishments all about your desires to win at all costs or build your own record or reputation? These are some of the many things that define a great program to me at any amateur or college level, things that aren’t defined by whether anyone ever thinks you are a great baseball coach or not. It’s these programs that help average players play good, good players be great, and great players achieve stardom. Win or lose, they enjoyed and gained from the experience. It’s these things that truly define programs as contenders or pretenders.
The area of Memphis is fortunate to have Tim Dulin, his coaches, and his organization available to many of its young men. In their short history, they have shown that they truly are a program that offers young men not only the athletic teachings and leadership they desire and deserve, but also the many other attributes that define a great program. Great players will win, but you also win when good players are put in an environment that motivates them to achieve and at the same time have fun playing the game. Because of this, they have developed not only a great program, but also a highly successful and winning program, which is a byproduct of their efforts. We regard Dulins’ as best program in Tennessee and its surrounding areas, and one of the best programs in the United States.
As an opposing coach, I don’t always enjoy watching the scoreboard when we play Dulins, as many teams have discovered over the past few years. But playing the Dodgers is always about the players and their respect for themselves, their coaches, and the game, and playing baseball the way it is supposed to be played.
I have nothing but the greatest respect and admiration for the integrity, the class, and the outstanding accomplishments of the entire Dulin organization.
James Beavers
East Cobb Yankees
Tim,
Let me say thanks to all the staff at Dulins for helping a 9 year old baseball player have a dream materialize into a reality. As a 9 year old kid, my son Josh Bell, not unlike many young boys, had a dream of playing professional baseball. His dream was a passion and his passion and determination led me to seek out the best instructions available. Dulins Sports Academy was where we turned for help. The staff helped Josh (and me) with the proper mechanics of pitching and hitting.
As the high school years came about, Josh, now an incoming freshman in high school, was asked to catch for his high school team. Having never caught, we turned to Dulins to teach him the skills of catching. The teaching paid off and Josh became the starting catcher for the Jackson Northside Indians.
Looking for more challenges and instructions, Josh turned to Dulins Dodgers summer team for exposure and instruction. Again, Dulins delivered like no other organization could. Dulins continued to teach Josh the skills of pitching, catching, fielding, and batting. Utilizing the teachings of the staff at Dulins, combined with the exposure of the showcases at Dulins and the Dodger summer team, Josh fielded many offers coming out of high school. Josh was drafted in the 5th round by the St. Louis Cardinals as a catcher, and had to weigh this professional opportunity against offers to pitch and catch for a number of D1 colleges. Josh had some very nice options. Josh chose to continue his education and play baseball at Auburn Univeristy in the SEC.
As I look back and see how it all happened, I think it's only fitting that I take a few minutes to thank the Dulin Sports Organization that has done so much for my son.
Thank You!
Luke Bell
Jackson, TN
