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I can think of many
benefits of sports but none more important than the
lesson of learning. I’ve heard many great athletes
speak but probably none more astute than Mike
Schmidt who when speaking to a collection of College
Baseball Coaches said, “I never realized how good I
could be until I discovered how little I knew. Once I
committed to continual learning I think I progressed
as far as my mind and body could carry me.” As
coaches we sometimes approach athletes learning as
if it was a trip with an end in mind rather than an
endless journey to be enjoyed for a lifetime. My
greatest enjoyment from baseball is that I continue
to learn every day. I learned as a player (not
enough), I learned as a coach (enough to be
helpful), and I continue to learn as a fan (making
every practice or game fun)! Whether you are a
player, coach, or fan; never accept what you’ve
learned as enough. Keep practicing and learning
before the season, during the season, and after the
season. Never think that your current status is
“good enough”, because in reality, “good enough”
just isn’t good enough. |
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In
the News |
Be sure to get a copy of the
Philadelphia Inquirer on Father’s Day, Sunday June 17. Our very
own Steve and Dan Cook along with Frank and Brian Casey
will be featured in the cover story of the Neighbors’
section. This article will focus on the relationships
between fathers and sons and baseball.
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Summer
Camps
Summer Camp is
quickly approaching for Grand Slam this year as kids from last
year’s camp are eager to get started again. Last year’s baseball
camp was extremely successful and the boys enjoyed a great week
of fun and baseball. Some highlights included sliding practice
on a slip n slide, guest speaking from Coach Karl, a fun quiz at
the end of the week to help everyone learn more about baseball,
and tons of baseball fun all week long.
Last year was also the first ever softball camp for Grand Slam.
Softball players started off with a visit with two professional
softball players from the Philadelphia Force. Professional
players Lyndsey Grace and Stephanie VanBrakle talked to the
girls about what it’s like to play professional softball then
lead the girls through some pitching and hitting practice. Camp
finished the week off with a water balloon toss and a scrimmage
between the girls.
Sign ups have already started for Grand Slam’s baseball and
softball camps so sign up today to secure a spot for your
player. Softball camp will run from July 31-August 3 and
baseball camp will run from August 7-11.
Coaches’ Corner
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Coach Karl would like to
congratulate Grand Slam students Matt Murray and Dan
Hennigan.
Matt, a junior pitcher at Owen J. Roberts, made his
second straight all Pac-10 league team. Matt is
considered one of the top prospects in the area and is
already being heavily recruited by some of the top
college programs in the country.
Dan, a junior at Downingtown West High School, also made
his second straight all Chest-Mont league team. Dan, a
shortstop and second baseman, hit well over 500 this
season. As a sophomore, Dan was a member of the Chester
County Carpenter Cup and Keystone Games all-star teams.
Like Matt, Dan is a top college prospect. |
Skate
Park Grand Opening Party June 2nd
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We are very excited to
announce our new skate park sponsor, Fairman's in West
Chester. Fairman's is the Philadelphia area's premier skate
shop. Fairman's
will bring three decades worth of skateboarding knowledge to our
skate park.
Come try the skate park at our Grand Opening party on June 2nd
from noon until
7pm.
The best part of our Grand Opening party is that is FREE for
everyone. You
just have to bring a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads. Also you
must have a
waiver filled out by your parents if you are under 18. We will
have rental
equipment and Fairman's gear for sale.
Other Grand Opening Party Perks:
We will be giving away prizes all day! The Grand Prize is a week
at Woodward
Skate Camp!!! We also have t-shirts, dvd's and Grand Slam
coupons.
Live Music including The Dominoe Theory and others to be
announced.
Check out our website for more info
www.grandslammalvern.com
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Party
Central
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As June rolls around we
see an increase in end of the school year parties. This
is a great time to book your party and let the kids get
together one last time before summer hits and everyone
goes their separate ways as camps and vacations start.
Take advantage of the coupon at the end of this
newsletter for your next party in June! |
Employee Spotlight
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We would like
to congratulate Andrew Southworth for his recent graduation from
Valley Forge Christian College. Andrew hopes to find work in the
Youth Ministry field but will continue working here at Grand
Slam in the meantime.
We would also like to congratulate Danielle Bove for her recent
graduation from Penn State University. Danielle will be starting
a full time position with Vanguard this summer. Congrats to our
College Grads!
Congratulations
goes out to Sarae Salmon and Todd Willier
on their recent engagement. Although Todd and Sarae started
dating before they applied to Grand Slam, they will be the 4th
Grand Slam Couple to tie the knot in the past 4 years!
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