Grand Slam Tournament Coach's Comments
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is Stan Cordrey and I coach a 10 year old baseball team from Helena, Alabama (Birmingham). On May 22, 2009, our baseball team came down to play in a baseball tournament at Frank Brown Park, put on by Grand Slam Sports. I have been involved in coaching for approximately 10 years and never have seen the effort put forth to put on a tournament as I saw that weekend. The tournament was scheduled to start on Friday and finish on Sunday. In case you don’t remember it rained very hard both Friday and Saturday for long periods of time. Just in the 10 year old age group there were 13 teams to start with from several states. My group traveled approximately 5 hours to attend this tournament with several families including mine staying the entire week. The tournament was pushed back and started on Sunday still under wet weather conditions and was able to be completed on Monday (Memorial Day). Other tournaments would have been called off on Saturday due to the weather. Between the staff at Grand Slam Sports and the staff of Frank Brown Park the tournament was completed and many boys were happy because of some hard work. My team has never played in a Grand Slam Tournament so I have no ties to this organization. My daughter has played several times at Frank Brown Park in the Girls World Series Tournaments every summer. I just want it to be known that I for one thank you for your hard work and the effort you put into making the tournament a success. By the way, our team did not win the tournament, but I still think those involved should be commended for their efforts. You made many boys very happy by giving them the opportunity to play baseball and that is what it is all about. If this email went to the wrong person please forward to those involved. I will not think twice when it comes to playing in another Grand Slam Tournament and/or playing in Panama City. Thanks again for all your effort.
Thanks,
Stan Cordrey
Helena Wildcats 10U Baseball
Larry,
Once again, we had a great time. We have been coming to the Grand Slam World Series for 4 years now. I swear, it keeps getting better. The staff and umpires are professional and the whole tournament is very organized. I can not see why any team would want to go anywhere else for a World Series. We will be back to try to defend our World Series Championship!
Thanks,
Al Barrilleaux
Gulf Coast Hurricanes 15U
<b>Larry, just a note to say thanks for outdoing yourself again on the Grand
Slam Session II this year. Good teams and an Opening Ceremonies to be proud
of. The weather was tough as we all know but could not be helped. We look
forward to coming back again next year as 13's to defend our back to back
Championships. What a great place to play! Rusty Ford Texas Tide
Gentleman, I just wanted to thank you for the way in which you conduct your organization. This year was our first real experience with travel ball. To have the coaches we do teamed with Grand Slam was a blessing to our family. As parents we appreciate your willingness to always stress to the boys the importance of enjoying the game and to always remind us that this time is so brief. I'm sure in your line of work, you are presented with all types of personalities. While that may be quite frustrating at times, just remember you are making a difference.
Many thanks.
Melody and Tom Shenker, Stixx Baseball, Leesburg, Georgia
Larry,
This was our first tournament with you and I want to compliment you and your staff for a well run tournament in Cordele this past weekend. Particularly, the umpires were the best we’ve had this year. We didn’t agree with every call, but they were consistent with both teams and from inning to inning… If we had a question, they were respectful and allowed us to ask it and then they answered with the same respect.
Just like many of us coaches, you probably here more about the problems than the good, so I wanted to pass along my comments.
We plan to play with you again in Cordele in June.
Again, great tournament…
Tift Co. Thunder (9U) - Lawton
Larry,
First of all we had a great time playing in the World Series last week. As a coach of the 14-U DCB Tar Heels, I think the experience that our players had will be a good one. When the weather moved in on Saturday we were disappointed of course but still had a great time. I (we) would like to know if there is any way to access the pictures of our players since weather canceled all of the events? If so let me know and I will pass the info on to all of our parents. Once again thanks for a great time!
Mike Callahan (Coach 14-U DCB Tar Hells)
Thanks for a great weekend. We had a good time. The umpires were consistent and did a good job and we always enjoy Panama City. Also, a special thanks for handling the scheduling conflicts with our coach and our players. We appreciate your hard work.
Emerald Coast Vipers
Thanks again for a wonderful tournament. Without question, this was the best officiated tournament we have ever played in. The two on field 8 were outstanding and the championship game was equally well officiated. You really outdid yourself this time. Thanks for a wonderful weekend filled with great memories.
Bert Barrow
Montgomery Biscuits
Hello once again! I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated you working with us this past weekend. When it comes to tournament directors, you are the best by far. You are always more than willing to listen to concerns but more importantly making each and every one of your tournaments the best experience possible for the players and coaches alike. Grand Slam is truly the way to go when you want to experience good baseball in a great environment. Thanks for everything!
Mike Johnson, 10-U Legends Baseball
Larry, The Scorpions wanted to thank you for a great World Series; you always run a great tournament. Everyone on our team (from the parents to the coaches) always comments on what a great experience the Grand Slam World Series is for our boys.
Kudos to you and your staff for all of your hard work - we always enjoy coming back to Panama City Beach to play in your World Series!
Thanks,
Kim Farnell
14U Sandy Springs Scorpions
Larry we would like to thank you and your staff for doing a great job on session 3 of the world series in Panama city. we had a great time and all we had to worry about was coaching . you run a great tournament and make it easy on coaches to get info on standings and any other things that come up like rain. please thank all of your staff and a great big thanks to your umpires , they done a great job, one of the best group of umpires i have seen in several years. i have attended your world series for 4 years and you keep making it better every year. thanks for the great tournament
North Florida Bulls