Al,
I wanted to take a minute and let you know how much Michelle and I have appreciated what you, Rod, Carmine, Jamey, and Cliff and all other staff have done for Justin throughout the years. Your impact on him as a player and person is significant and appreciated.
We have spent a lot of quality time at the Batting Center and have developed a special friendship and bond with each of you. You and everyone at the Batting Center have meant more to us than you’ll ever know. Justin has learned so many baseball skills from all of you. However, he has gained far more in his young life from your friendship, encouragement, and belief in him as a player and a person. Your encouragement and influence on him carried over into all areas of his life, including his academics. What you all have done to impact his self-esteem and confidence is tremendous.
Needless to say Justin was never the biggest player you ever coached or instructed but you instilled a belief in him that he could compete in the game he loves no matter his size if he was willing to work. All he has known is that he had to fight, scratch and claw in order to keep up and compete with kids much bigger than him. We were going through some pictures the other day and were amazed at the size difference. All of you helped to create that desire in him to be his best whatever his level is. He looks up to each of you and always respected and listened to you and everyone else on your staff.
There were many opportunities for him to go to school and play ball, and you played a major role in all of them. We will be forever grateful for your friendship and belief in our son that he could do it. Thank you for standing behind him in support of his goals and encouraging him and me during the struggles. For all the calls and contacts to college coaches you made. The positive comments and support you provided. We thank you.
Regardless of any future level he may attain in the game of baseball (after all it is a game), he will forever be positively influenced by having had the opportunity to know and associate with all of you.
We count all of you as some of our closest friends.