Chandler has had a love for baseball since he was 2 years old. We started “playing” out back trying to make consecutive catches. It was a great day when we got to 50, then 100. Then we went to no glove, then double catches, all working on eye hand coordination. We would play catch every morning before school and after. Just to throw, and get to talk to each other. We started in the youth baseball but soon found out it was daddy ball and if you didn’t have the “last name”, you weren’t going to play. its a shame the world revolves like this. It’s hard to find a dad who wants all kids to succeed. So we went to travel ball at age 6 and haven’t looked back since. Travel Ball, you don’t get to use your last name. The team name is much more important that the last name. It was with great thought that when Chandler wanted to play High School baseball as a freshman. He qualified because of the years of training from Travel League, and to his credit, he can play anywhere. H has played ALL positions and played them well. He played 1st base until he pulled his groin and the coach never put him back. He has played 2nd base, shortstop, 3rd base. Every outfield position, has a solid pitching form and his love is catching. He loves being a team first and foremost. Chandler puts forth his best effort anywhere he plays. Sure, the High School still plays the name game, (sad) but these challenges prepare him for life and his baseball career after high school and long after travel league.
We thank those coaches who have helped along the way.
Coaches Shaun and Dennis who gave Chandler his first break in Travel ball. Those two men have our respect and gratitude, for in those days, there were very few Travel teams.
Coach Dan Hackenbracht from Massillon. He said Chandler was a natural at catching and pushed Chandler to be his best. He had the ability to push the boys without being harsh. He constantly communicated why and what he expected. We have nothing but respect for Coach Dan.
Coach Dale Mitchell from Canton South. Coach Mitchell was instrumental in mentoring Chandler in the next phase, and moved Chandler around to other positions to give his knees a break.
Coach Brian Skiles. Coach Brian, not only loves the sport, but he truly does not play the name game and encourages other coaches to do the same. His mentorship to Chandler to be a living leader off and on the field is greatly appreciated. His faith in Chandler during his knee surgery was what kept Chandler’s love for the sport alive. Coach Brian’s foresight to have chandler play up 3 years as a catcher really made Chandler a better player. He would and records show, throw at least one 18 year old out at second base per game, even while he was only 15 at the time. Coach Brian also saw Chandlers gift for the sport and had him on the Gold Team where they would play the Elites tournaments. Chandler succeeded often batting against high level pitching.
Coach Chris Slackford, was another great leader for Chandler where he continued to have Chandler play up a level from his age group. Chandler plays well up and has no issues doing so with ease. Chandlers batting under Coach Chris was a .515 for the season against 18 year old pitchers easily in the high 80’s and low 90 mph range. Chandler, at one tournament had a pitcher, who Chandler went 2 for 2 off of during pool play, both of them doubles and when faced him for the championship, the pitcher stated to Chandler” I’m not letting you do that to me today.” Chandler went 1 for 2.
We now are with the E-80 Iron pigs and Coach Glenn is an outstanding human being, and take to heart the game as well as mentoring the young adults. He has seen Chandler play, and played against Chandler previously, knowing full well Chandler’s keen ability behind the plate.
We love baseball, I hope you found this article informative and helpful. I truly hope that coaches in the future will not play favorites in the school system, because it does nothing but put people down, those children who want to play the sport, often times are tired of the poor treatment and never play again. That is the shame of it.
We often try to home coach through the turmoil that High School gives him. This has got to be the hardest point for a boy and girls lives. The bullying is immense, the ridicule, the changing of their bodies and such. You should not have to deal with coaches that are blindsided and one sided. you should have coaches that are caring and nurturing in the sport; that teach finner point to the craft, not belittle you and cause feelings of disgust for the sport in the youth.