Baseball Factory Board Members, Administrators, Instructors, Staff, and other Personnel:

My name is Andrew Tobias and my son Joshua, who is a rising Freshman just recently participated in your Dodgertown World Series.  What an event!!!  It is probably one of the greatest baseball experiences in his and my life.  The instruction, competition, and total organization of the event was top-notch. 

Since our introduction to the Baseball Factory by Will Havens of Baseball Express, we have been blessed by excellent instruction, especially by Matt Schilling.  We think he is the best hitting and middle-infield instructor in the country.  I am sharing this E-mail because I want the entire organization to know that we appreciate your expertise and professionalism.

Not only was I impressed with the organization of Dodgertown, but I was
“blown away” by the quality of the people who were there.  What impressed me the most was the positive, jovial attitude of the instructors and coaches.  2:00 pm in the hot Florida sun is a difficult time to be happy, and cordial, and laughable with the players.  The coaches and instructors were professional in their delivery of information, but found time to keep the kids excited and alert.  I was just trying to survive…and they conducted themselves in this manner the entire tournament…What a testament to your organization.  When you can match organization, with quality information, a professional delivery, and unconditional positive regard, you have a winning formula.  That is exactly what my son and I got from Dodgertown.  Thanks!!!  Thanks!!!  Thanks!!! 

I want to mention a few people whom I met while at Dodgertown.  Please forgive me if I leave someone out, these are just the names that I remember.  I must start with Steve Bernhardt who organized and oversaw the event.  Steve was just polite and sincere in all that he did…not to mention very busy. 

I was glad to meet my buddy, Dave Packer.  It was great seeing him after talking to him for countless hours on the phone.  Dave always made Joshua and I feel like we were the only ones in the tournament.  He always made time to talk and answer questions.  Thanks Dave!!!  Dan Forester was super nice as well.  I got he and Steve Bernhardt confused a few times, but I don’t think they knew…[until now]. 

Chris Rhodes did an outstanding job with instruction throughout the week.  He also did a great job helping to coach the Owls on championship Day!!!  Great job Chris and Gooooooooo
Owls!!! 

This brings me to my favorite coach, Mike Zolecki.  Coach I would be lying if I told you that I wasn’t cracking just a little smile while writing this E-mail.  I know you hurt your Achilles, and I pray that you have a speedy recovery.  I want you to know that you changed the way that many of those players view baseball and coaching.  What energy and enthusiasm.  My son just thought you were terrific.  He soaked up every word you and others had to say.  Please don’t stop being enthusiastic and crazy about baseball.  That kind of attitude changes the life of kids forever.  I know it has already changed one kid.

Cecile, it was nice to finally meet you.  I thought you were the most helpful parent in the world until I heard Steve mention your name.  I couldn’t figure out who this lady was who was always at every practice and always helping out.  Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. 

I also had the pleasure of meeting and hearing Rick Sofield.  Wow!!!  Wow!!!  Wow!!!  What else is there to say?  What a motivator.  What energy!!!  He and his assistants took time to talk with me and answer some questions.  What a great group of coaches.  Sofield is second to none when it comes to knowledge of the game, and communicating that to people.  He communicated principles of life as well as baseball principles.  Thanks Coach!!!  You are one of a kind…

There were many other great people like Charlie Strasser, Romy Cucjen,
Michael Valarezo, and the coaches who conducted strength and conditioning and agility [Frank, Bill, and Matt]. 

What a great week and what a great group of people.  Working in the people services business, I know it’s not the event but the people who conduct the event.  The Baseball factory has done a great job of hiring quality personnel. 

Kindness, patience, understanding, respect aren’t attributes that you can teach.  The people who assisted with Dodgertown had that and more.  Thanks for making our experience a great one.

Sincerely,

Andrew Tobias

Andrew K. Tobias, Ph.D.
President, Tobias Consulting Services