Dear Steve and Rob,

Just saw your blog note...Wow 15 years, you know what that means. Does time fly by or what!? Knowing that you interact with so many players and their families, I am not quite sure if you will remember us. But anyway it is nice to see you still moving forward in life.

I can hardly believe that it's been five years already since my then runt of a son, Patrick Sapp stepped through your door down in Columbia and now he is well on the way in college. Still that kid at heart though and much bigger, he never wants to stop playing the game. And, I am sure that he will always be involved in it one way or another.

I truly believe that everything happens for a reason in our lives. And, everyone is placed on this earth for their unique purpose. A select few are lucky enough to figure out just why they are here for on this earth. I think you guys have been one of those blessed with that gift of figuring out your life purpose... and due to an unfortunate twist of fate that happened five years ago, I believe that we were lucky enough to find the Baseball Factory when we needed somebody to pick up and organize some of the pieces of Patrick to get him where and to who he needed to be with. Thanks for growing and providing so many of these types of kids with the numerous outstanding professionals to interact, mentor, and at times to become friends with. Some of these individuals, to this day, are still there for Pat. I know they have helped in teaching him the assets of work ethic, responsibility, commitment, and respect to oneself and to to others. Patrick has built on these virtues and I believe he is well on his way to getting to where he dreams of being.

Where is he now? Well, through his first year at Frostburg. Yes, like I said, time flew. He hasn't quite figured out what he wants to be when he grows up, but everyone around him knows what it will be. He will figure it out one of these days on his own though. He athletically accomplished quite a bit last year: At 18 years old he became FSU's starting shortstop (a first for that school from what I have been told), achieved the highest batting average on the team, statistically ranked in the top five on the team in many areas of the game, and will be receiving the Aaron Zumpano Rookie of the Year award this fall. He is currently in New York playing in the NYCBL; even enjoyed teaching at the camps out there this year. It will be interesting to see just which one of the many young ball players that has been following him around this summer gets his signed hat and ball at the end of the season. (a team tradition) Next spring look for huge things with the Bobcats. Guy is putting together an amazing team. As you said.... Keep teaching: Pay if forward, give and life gives back. Combine your beliefs with my "don't forgets" and Patrick is going to go far just like the many who have been graced by a little bit of "the Factory" over the short fifteen years you have been here.

Sometime in the next year, I hope to introduce you to Todd, Patrick's big little brother. Where Pat was blessed with grace, reserve, and finesse of the middle infield, Todd was given the outgoing bullish attitude and power a corner guy needs. He, at now fifteen, has already wowed them up and down the east coast to Omaha, and down south. (amazing what size added to talent does for a player) But, Todd too needs the lessons and fine tuning that you guys teach your players. It makes the difference in true success on and off the field. So keep up the good work.. It is truly great to see a couple of guys like you and Rob doing something so fun and awesome as this. Good luck and have fun in your next fifteen! Take care,

Cathy Hart
Baseball Factory Parent