Andrew Willinger - Louisville, KY (Andrew's dad - Andy)
The Doyle's have always emphasized the importance of drills and routine to develop the baseball skills required to maximize a player's ability. While conventional wisdom has stressed competitive games, the Doyle's have said that learning is not primarily in games. I didn't believe them until my son, as part of God's plan, was put in a situation to prove them out.
My son's 14-year old (8th grade) season was completely wiped out by a broken foot followed by the broken middle finger on his throwing hand. He was devastated to have lost his entire season of 50 competitive baseball games the year before having to try out for baseball at a high school of 1600 boys. The focus of his rehab was to be ready for the Doyle Academy in July. He knew this was his only chance to hone his skills enough to make the freshman team at his very competitive high school. He arrived at Doyle with a still tender finger and the fear of having to take the field for 3 weeks with some of the best high school and junior college players in the country. The fear was enhanced by the fact he was 14 and hadn't played but 3 games all year.
He survived the Academy and was a changed player. His new-found attention to the fundamentals through drills and routine was incredible. He had also matured mentally and spiritually more than I would have thought possible for a 14-year old boy.
The question still remained, could drills, repetition, routine, etc. really take the place of a season of playing games? This question was answered when he not only made his high school team but was the only freshman to be named to the JV team where he led the team in home runs, extra base hits, and RBI's. He also won all 4 of his JV starts on the mound before becoming the first freshman at his high school to pitch a varsity game in almost 30 years. He won that game (over the #1 team in our state) and then 2 others. Basically, a kid who had last pitched against 13-year olds was able to go 3-0 against 18-year olds. So much for playing games, I'll take 3 weeks with the Doyle's over a season of games any time.
Thanks to Denny, Blake and the rest of the great coaches at the Doyle Summer Academy. You showed my son how to set goals and reach them; goals which a year ago would have been impossible to reach without the 3 weeks at Doyle. I can't wait to see what you do with him this July!
Stefano Muscatelli - Rhode Island (Tony Muscatelli, Stefano's dad)
Thought I would take a moment to update you on Stefano's senior year at TollGate HS in Rhode Islando. Academically, Stefano graduated as the 2009 class valedictorian. Stefano received 9 scholastic achievement awards and Male Athlete of the Year award from the local newspaper. After completing the 2008 Summer Doyle Academy, Stefano went to the Heads Up Showcase in Richmond, VA and this event led to more than a dozen colleges and universities inviting Stefano to visit and consider their school and baseall program including 2 Ivy League universities. Finally Stefano chose St. Mary's College in MD. SMC is the state honors collegs with a D3 baseball program in the Capitol Conference. SMC offered Stefano the starting catcher position.
As you know. Stefano needed to break through in his approach to hitting. Well, this year Stefano brook loose. He ended up in the 3-slot and winning the MVP with a batting average of 430. His throw down time is consistently 185. Again, thank you for your personal time and effort with Stefano. The Doyle experience has had a major impact on Stefano's approach to his baseball and his life decisions. Please remember Stefano in your prayers as he pursues his personal goals of playing in the MLB while realistically studying to become a surgeon.
Philip Pie - Wyndmoor, PA
I attended Doyle for 3 years with my high school team, Loomis Chaffee. My final year there was 2007. I am currently playing at The College of Wooster in Ohio. Another former student, Christian Lauer, just transferred into Wooster. We were working on our 1-2-field about a week ago and he immediately recognized that I must have been to the Doyle Academy. I still have my notepad with my powerline instructions, and I refer to it whenever my swing doesn't quite feel right. All my best to you and yours.
Mark Riso - Maryland
I played for your camp team in the early 80's. From that point, I went on to college and into a 24 year career in politics in Washington, DC. My greatest and fondest memories are when I played for your team. I loved it! Blake and I used to talk about baseball for hours and I will always appreciate how thoughtful Nancy was to me. I still tell family and friends about Doyle Baseball, and what it was like in Florida with you. I am reading with great interest of all the fantastic programs Doyle Baseball offers nationwide....At this stage in my life, and perhaps career, I want to spend more time with the only sport I have ever truly loved. Anway, I wanted to say hello and simply ask how I can become involved with Doyle Baseball again!
JEFF GLENN - Winter Haven, Florida - has signed a deal with the New York Mets. Glenn, catcher, was drafted by the Mets in the ninth round of the baseball draft in June. Congratulations, Jeff!!
Angel Rosendo - Caracas, Venzuela (Angel's Dad)
We are still on our way back to Venzuela. Coming back from Tampa to Orlando, Angel asked us to drop him back at Doyle. He was really missing all the great experiences he got over there.
Colton Nation - Bartlett, Tennessee (Colton's Mom)
Colton had a wonderful experience. He is already talking about doing the Academy next year. We were up late hearing all his stoies. I was so happy that it was something he enjoyed and learned a lot.
Joey Chapman - Springfield, Ohio (Joey's Dad)
Joey had a great time and really learned a lot. He can't wait for Fall baseball to start so he can put to use all that he learned. He really enjoyed the daily Chapel services. He really wants to attend another camp, maybe this winter. God bless.
J.T. Brooks - Rogersville, Tennessee (J.T.'s Dad)
I would like to thank Denny, Blake, Pat, and the whole Doyle staff for a great week of baseball instruction. My son, J.T., got some awesome instruction, and I learned a lot as well.
Yamato Hart - Bronx, New York (Yamato's Dad)
Yamato had a wonderful baseball experience at your camp...Although Yamato was exhausted and his body was sore, he wanted to go back immediately to New York to play/practice baseball instead of having a few days vacation in Orlando with his cousins.
Colemand and Loundes Pope - Columbia, South Carolina (Dad)
I just wanted to tell y'all that my boys had an incredible experience at Doyle. They said they learned more about baseball at Doyle in a week than in their entire baseball training before Doyle. They also got a lot out of chapel and all of the stories they hears. They have not stopped talking about it. Thank you so much to the entire Doyle staff!!!!!