There are some youth coaches who simply want to have an impact on someone's life while teaching them the fundamentals of the sport they love. If they're lucky, they'll get one, maybe two athletes that are playing at an elite level.
That certainly seems to be the case for TJ Lonon. The Founder and Head Coach of Great Day for Baseball has been fortunate to have two of the top players in the low country.
Langston Lewis and Arnez Reed, both on the 12U team in Savannah, Georgia, have developed into a two-headed monster and Lonon considers them both to be two of the better players in the area.
Lewis can be a headache for opposing teams, with thirty stolen bases and a .375 batting average. And Reed is no slouch either, leading the pack in home runs with five on the year. Lonon said it's poise at the plate that's allowed him to be so successful.
"Arnez has started working harder and getting stronger," said Lonon. "The light bulb has come on. He finally understands how good he can really be."
Thompson said the game inspires him because it sets him apart from everyone else.
"The kids in my neighborhood only talk about going to the NBA or NFL," said Thompson. "They don’t play much baseball outside my home. So when I’m outside hitting off the T, they laugh at me and try to get me to play basketball or be there quarterback. I like playing basketball and football but I love playing baseball."
The duo understands just how significant they are and what they can bring to the table.
"Arnez is an awesome player," said Lewis. "He has a great glove at first base and has a powerful swing. I do think we do feed off each other especially when we are both hitting good."
"My teammate Langston is a stronger hitter and a good defensive player," said Thompson.
Most youth coaches simply want to have an impact on someone's life while teaching them the fundamentals of the sport they love. If they're lucky, they'll get one, maybe two athletes that are playing ahead of their time.
That certainly seems to be the case for TJ Lonon. The Founder and Head Coach of Great Day for Baseball has been fortunate to have two of the low country's most finest.
Langston Lewis and Arnez Thompson, both on the 12U team in Savannah, Georgia, have developed into a two-headed monster and Lonon considers them both to be two of the better players in the area.
Lewis can be a headache for opposing teams, with thirty stolen bases and a .375 batting average. And Thompson is no slouch either, leading the pack in home runs with five on the year. Lonon said it's poise at the plate that's allowed him to be so successful.
"Arnez has started working harder and getting stronger," said Lonon. "The light bulb has come on. He finally understands how good he can really be."
Thompson said the game inspires him because it sets him apart from everyone else.
"The kids in my neighborhood only talk about going to the NBA or NFL," said Thompson. "They don’t play much baseball outside my home. So when I’m outside hitting off the T, they laugh at me and try to get me to play basketball or be there quarterback. I like playing basketball and football but I love playing baseball."
The duo understands just how significant they are and what they can bring to the table.
"Arnez is an awesome player," said Lewis. "He has a great glove at first base and has a powerful swing. I do think we do feed off each other especially when we are both hitting good."
"My teammate Langston is a stronger hitter and a good defensive player," said Thompson. Langston is the lead-off guy and I’m the cleanup guy. So he plays a big part in our lineup. I depend on him to get a hit and pass it down the lineup. This is our strategy every practice and game!
Although it's just his second year competing in the sport, Lonon said there's no doubt in his mind that Lewis will be a draft pick when the time comes.
"He has grown into one of the top players in the area," said Lonon. "Legends are not born. They are created."
. Langston is the lead-off guy and I’m the cleanup guy. So he plays a big part in our lineup. I depend on him to get a hit and pass it down the lineup. This is our strategy every practice and game!
Although it's just his second year competing in the sport, Lonon said there's no doubt in his mind that Langston will be a draft pick when the time comes.
"He has grown into one of the top players in the area," said Lonon. "Legends are not born. They are created."
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