Coaching Testimonials

Mike Bess - (Director Of Baseball Operations)

Coach Bess has been a coach, mentor and friend of mine for almost twenty years.  I have played competitive baseball through the college level and beyond, including over 100 games spanning four seasons in high school under Coach Bess.  During that time, he led his teams to top state rankings, league titles and produced multiple All-State players.  Coach Bess' proven success and unparalleled knowledge of baseball make him one of the great teachers of the game, which is backed by his passion for developing young players who want to learn to play the game the right way.  I would recommend Coach Bess to any player or team seeking to improve their performance on the field.

J.P. Bauman
St. Philip Catholic Central 1999
University of Chicago 2003

I have had the pleasure to play, work with and coach with Mr. Mike Bess.  He is an outstanding teacher of the game of baseball.  He is knowledgable, thorough and makes any player a better player.  Mike has accomplished so much in the game of baseball and I consider him one of the best baseball men in the state of Michigan.  He has excelled as a coach, umpire, tournament director, manager and presenter for the game.  I can attest to Mike's ability as he was the head coach at St. Philip Catholic Central when I was the athletic director and coached my two oldest sons who had outstanding high school careers.  Mike has demonstrated he can work with young players to college players and between.  Mikes dedication to the game includes induction into the Battle Creek Baseball Wall of Fame and the St. Philip Catholic Central Athletic Hall of Fame as a coach.

In concluding, Mike Bess loves the game of baseball and athletics and has shown that thru out his long career.

Terry Newton
Director of Baseball Operations
Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Department

Our association with Mike Bess began in 2008 when he became our son’s baseball coach.  It didn’t take long for us to realize his knowledge and passion for the game.  Mike is an excellent coach/teacher/friend for all and has found the balance of encouragement, discipline and tough love that results in better performance from his players.  Our son continues to have great experiences playing for him and associating with him.  Mike is a great asset to the game of baseball.

Jack and Donna Wickham
East Lansing, Michigan

Marlon Wright - (Baseball Coordinator)

I have had the distinct honor of calling Marlon Wright a friend for the last 15 years, with the first two coming as teammates at the University of Michigan. Early on in our relationship it was very easy to see that he had a passion to be the most complete baseball player that he could be. His drive and desire is what made him a contributing member to the University of Michigan’s 1997 Big Ten Championship team. Marlon told me half way through our first year as teammates "You are going to play in the Big Leagues one day." As a 18 year old Freshman ballplayer that was just trying to find his way on the field, I thought he was crazy. Marlon’s keen eye for talent and his sense of the game, even then, allowed him to see things for me in my baseball future that I didn’t even know were possible. Marlon’s knowledge of all aspects of the game is only rivaled by his quest to learn more about the game and impart that information on every young person that he comes in contact with. Marlon is a tremendous person, instructor, and a true caretaker of the game of baseball.

Bobby Scales, Infielder
Chicago Cubs

 I have known  Marlon Wright for many years. He was an accomplished college baseball player at the Division I level. He has coached for many years, provided private instruction, and has the experience in the coaching field that would be valuable to kids of all ages. In addition I worked several camps with Marlon and I believe he knows how to teach the gameof baseball. I have known Marlon for over 8 years and he is one of the most trusting, hard working coaches I know. He has a commitment to excellence and a strong passion for the game. He is a  teacher of the game and a teacher in life. Kids will benefit from his teachings not only through skilled instruction but their mental mind set for the game will improve. He has great connections throughout the coaching community. One of Marlon's strongest characteristics is his ability to share and learn more knowledge of the game with other coaches. I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with him regarding baseball and exchanging advice on aspects of coaching. He always makes time to converse with me and other coaches as well. Marlon is a professional in every sense of the word and a great mentor, not only to me but to his peers who respect him tremendously.   

Jay Alexander
Head Baseball Coach
Eastern Michigan University

I was fortunate enough to call Marlon a teammate while playing at the University of Michigan. Marlon was always there with a smile on his face and ready to learn. The best part of being around him was how easy it was to talk to him and ask him questions. He was always trying to help his younger teammates. He has always had great knowledge of the game. Whenever I am around him talking baseball, I can see the love and passion in his eyes. He definitely knows what he's talking about and has to tools to help and develop baseball players.

JJ Putz, Pitcher
Arizona Diamondbacks

I have had the pleasure of knowing Marlon Wright since the Fall of 1995.I have had the opportunity to network with many people in the baseball community both as a player and as a coach, but not many match the passion for the gamethat is owned by Marlon Wright. My first baseball experiences with Marlon included our years together while playing collegiately at The University of Michigan.  Marlon was the consummate teammate, exemplified tremendous leadership qualities, and astounding dedication.  His playing and teamwork skills have transcended into his coaching abilities.  Marlon has assisted with our Wayne State University baseball camps where he has demonstrated not only a distinctive ability to teach specific baseball skills, but he carries a genuine enthusiasm to give back to the game of baseball by providing rewarding experiences for the new generations entering the game of baseball today.

Ryan Kelley
Head Baseball Coach
Wayne State University