Jim,
I just wanted to send you a note now that the regular season is over to express mine and David's complete satisfaction regarding David's turning around his hitting this past season all because of you. We were not the only ones that noticed his rapid progress since the middle of the season. Many parents, players and coaches noticed his improvements as well. Several asked what got into David and his hitting and I told them he started to take lessons from Jim Kehoe...
David, for the most part has always been able to put the bat on the ball, however, with your help, he really started to hit with a purpose, hit aggressively and not hit defensively. David for the most part was hitting towards the bottom of the line up on a team that was stacked with hitters. About the last 4 or 5 weeks in the season, his coach moved him up to the number two hitter in the line up and it really helped the team.
David was awarded with the honor of achieving the highest batting average on his team this past season, again all because of you. In conclusion, we are very glad you and I spoke about working with David and his hitting. We will continue to take lessons from you not only for hitting but fielding, running and pitching too.
Thanks for being so positive and a great role model for not only David but the other kids in Cactus Little League.
All the Best,
John Phoenix
Jim,
My son Griffin now age 9, started his baseball career at age 5 when he was on Jim Kehoe's T-Ball team. Being our first experience in organized baseball we did not know what to expect. Jim's mission for these young players was to give them a love for the game. His enthusiasm and support for the kids was exemplary. He provided them with a basic foundation with which to build their skills and appreciation and love of the game.
Now 5 seasons later we found ourselves once again under Jim's direction as Griff played on Coach Jim's minor league team. Jim's enthusiasm and love of the game has not waned. His players were always put first. Jim broke the game down to the basics and rehearsed them time and again. It paid off as the combination of Team and Fundamentals resulted in our team winning the league title.
Jim has always made extra time and effort available for his players who found themselves in a slump. He has even dropped by our home to give our 5 year daughter a quick 10 minute hitting lesson as she embarks on her baseball experience in T-ball.
We have known Jim Kehoe and his entire family both on the field and off and consider them not only teammates but friends.
Brian Raczynski
June 18th 2009
Coach Jim,
I wanted to drop you a note to tell you how pleased we are with your work with Jacob. The results of your efforts far surpassed our expectations. Here's what you were able to accomplish:
1. During the Regular Season, Jacob had an On-Base Percentage of .250. It was at that point that we began lessons, because our team qualified for the Tournament of Champions, and Jacob was selected to the All-Star team as a pitcher (but he was going to have to hit also). Jacob's numbers during TOC and All-Stars - OBA of .524 !!! More than double his regular season OBA - and that was against much tougher competition. It's amazing how much you were able to do in such a short period of time.
2. You were able to relate to Jacob on a level that no other coach has. Unlike many coaches in the area, you worked within Jacob's comfort zone and capabilities, instead of trying to make him conform to "your way", as many of the local coaches do. Your visible excitement and enjoyment made Jacob feel like he was truly improving (which he was), and you built up his confidence so he knew he could be successful.
3. Once you started working with Jacob, I could see a renewed desire to play the game. He started working harder, enjoying himself more, and even dropped 10 pounds along the way.
4. Jacob loved the fact that you weren't strictly running "on the clock". He knew that if he needed a few extra minutes, it was OK, or if he had a question, he could contact you at any time. You really made him feel like you were his personal hitting coach.
At first, I was a little skeptical, having worked with hitting coaches in the past (even former Major Leaguers), and having shelled out large sums of money with very minimal improvement. I'm glad we decided to work with you. Again, thank you for putting the time and effort in for Jacob. We look forward to continuing with you as Jacob continues with baseball.
Howard Shore