Dear Bob,

Todd and I want to thank you for providing Max the opportunity to travel to Australia, and do what he loves most...play baseball, travel, hang out, and eat. He had a fabulous time, loved both of his host families, and had nothing but the most positive things to say about the entire trip. Max is grateful for the experience and we think he gained a great deal from going.
He received the copy of the e-mail you sent to Mr. McCray and Mr. Rodriquez recommending him for a chance to try out for the Area Code games. What an honor! He has responded on the web site, filling out the player profile. He didn't have last year's stats though, I hope that doesn't get in the way. Please let us, or Max, know if there is anything else he needs to do. Thank you again for these great opportunities.

All our best,
B and T Smoot

Dear Mr. Williams,

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to you for the trip of a lifetime. I had such a terrific time in Australia that words can not even describe them. From this experience, I have learned much about myself and baseball. Being away from parents for an extended period of time in a foreign country can take a toll on a young person. However, you facilitated the process in Australia because you were always open for questions and help.

I want to let you know that I have learned so much about the game of baseball by my experiences. I was fortunate enough to play on both the Expos and the Brewers, and thus able to get insight and direction from four different coaches on the tour. Each of the coaches taught me different aspects of the game that I would probably not learn until later in my baseball career.

I also want to thank you for teaching (and reiterating) how to conduct ourselves as men in a different country and away from home. I not only learned how to further conduct myself on the field, but also how to act off of the diamond. I appreciate so much what you have done for me and hopefully we will maintain contact in the years to come.

Sincerely yours,
Andrew Berger

Hi Bob,

I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for taking John to Australia with the Goodwill Series. It truly was the trip of a lifetime for him and I am sure it will become one of those defining events that shape the rest of his life. Although the trip was a "baseball" trip and it sounds like he did ok in that regard, it was much more than that.

This was the first time he was away from home for an extended period of time. It was also the first time he went on such a trip and did not know anyone he was traveling with. My wife and I were concerned about that and how he would handle the different situations he would face. All of our fears were allied when Tony Adamson told us what a fine young man John is and how well he represented our family and country. John has always been a pretty mature young man, but hearing this from a total stranger gave us a tremendous amount of pride in him.

John was also invited back by the first host family he stayed with in Adelaide who went as far as offering to pay for half of his return flight! They didn't want him to feel out of place at Christmas so went out and purchased some gifts for him to open on Christmas! For these folks to open their homes and hearts to John is quite a testament to the Australian people!

We knew John is a good baseball player before he left on this trip. We now know that John is a mature and caring young man who can make decisions and function in situations that most kids his age would have a difficult time with. I am glad that my wife and I fought the urge to tag along and allowed him to experience this on his own. I also appreciate the help Coach Smothers provided John. He told me that coach helped tweak his batting stance and he saw immediate improvements. John said all the coaches were helpful and offered tips when asked. It sounds like he took advantage of having such talented coaches and tapped into that knowledge whenever he could.

I know trips like this are a tremendous amount of work and it takes a special kind of person to arrange all the details to pull off such an event. I would recommend the Goodwill Series to any aspiring baseball player. As I said above, I believe this trip will become a life defining event for John, and I really appreciate all of the hard work and dedication that you put into it.

Thank you!
Tim Diebolt

Hello Mr. Williams,
I can't thank you enough for the wonderful trip you provided me with.  Everything we did in the outback was awesome.  All the people I met and all the great baseball we played and the families, it was an experience.

As well as the fun, this trip was also filled with learning.  I learned a whole bunch of stuff on the trip, from hitting, fielding, throwing, to mental toughness.  I think that the mental toughness speech you gave us was something I will always remember throughout my baseball career and throughout my normal life.  I have never really been taught mental toughness as part of a baseball players repertoire.  I have heard of mental toughness, and that is good too have, but never as a key factor to your game.

Well, all in all, I can say I learned a lot and met some really cool people and some awesome coaches. I would do it again in an instant.  I guess the only downfall of the trip was that we didn't get to beat the under 18 Queensland team. If we had them again, we would beat them.  I hope the trip was as good for you as it was for me.

Tyler Maytum  #13

Dear Mr. Williams,

Sorry I haven't written you earlier. I've been pretty busy with school and sports, but I would like to personally thank you for the opportunity of a lifetime.

That trip to Australia for Christmas in 2003 was a fantastic trip and a wonderful experience. The people were nice, the weather was excellent ... it was perfect for baseball. The coaching staff was wonderful, it helped me out a lot for my high school season. I learned things that I never knew. It shined a whole new light on the game of baseball for me.

I really look forward to trying out next year for a second chance at going on another trip with you and your staff, but again I truly appreciate the opportunity thank you.

Sincerely,

David V. Triplet, Jr.

P.S. I especially want to thank you for taking care of me while I was away from home, it being my first time, and I'm glad I came.

Dear Coach Williams,

Thank you for allowing me to participate in a trip of a lifetime!!!!!!
The 2004 Goodwill series to Australia was a great experience that I will never forget.

I made great friends on both the Australian teams and on my own. I still stay in contact with many of them.

My parents were unable to make the trip, so I really learned to be responsible and focus in a hurry.

This learning experience will help me forever. The Australian people are great and learning about thier culture the way we did ,is not something you can get out of a book. Area code is a quality organization that helped me experience international travel, play baseball at a high level with excellent coaching.

I learned baseball!!!! I have confirmed in my mind that baseball is what I want to pursue! I know there are many areas where I can improve and I am dedicated to making it happen. I want to thank you and Delmon for helping me.

I want to continue to participate in area code events and I want to go back to Australia and play.

Area code has made me a better player and a better person, Thank You!!!!!!!

Adam Perlo

Hey Bob it's Phillip Myers (Louisville, KY).

I never got the chance to say thanks for inviting me to go on the Australian trip with you. I would also like to thank you for sending me the invitation to the Expos combine in Virginia. I received the letter inviting me back to Australia next year, and I would love to go if I can collect the money for it. That trip down there was one that I won't soon forget. One last thing, thanks for sending the letter to Mississippi State for me, that was a big deal. I am rambling on so I'll talk to you later.

Philip Myers

Dear Mr. Williams,

I want to take a moment to express my appreciation for giving me the opportunity to participate in the Goodwill Series 2003 this past winter in Australia. The chance to go to a different country, meet so many people that share a common interest, immerse myself in a truly mesmerizing culture and do what I love most - play baseball, is truly a memory I will never forget.

The people in Australia were fantastic and their hospitality second to none. I had a wonderful experience with my host family in Adelaide, the Noblets. During the course of my stay with them, I feel as though I forged friendships that will last forever. Please express my appreciation to those charged with the responsibility for matching 'billets' with 'hosts' - they could not have done a better job!

Overall the experience was awesome and one that I shall never forget.

Without opportunites such as this, there would be no way I could hope to accomplish my personal goals and aspirations, competing on a field with 'the best of the best'. With your help, I was afforded the opportunity to do just that and in Australia of all places. Hopefully, one day I will be able to achieve the ultimate dream and compete at the professional level.

I anticipate that Area Code Baseball will become an important part of my baseball life as I pursue my previously mentioned goals. I would very much like to remain on your invitation list for future events. I was left with such a favorable memory of my time in Australia that I already with to return (just ask my Dad, I have already initiated 'negotiations' for a return trip - wish me luck). In additon to the Goodwill Series ventures, I also have a sincere desire to be a part of the Area Code Games tournament when I come of age.

I view the opportunity you extended to me as a vote of confidence in my future potential as both a player and as an individual. In fact, I believe that, as a direct result of this trip, I have already experienced a change for the better in terms of both an increased level of maturity as a young adult and as a baseball player.

Again, I appreciate the opportunity you extended to me and remain hopeful that my relationship with Area Code Baseball / Goodwill Series will continue to grow and develop.

Yours in Baseball,

Colton Stock

Bob,

I just wanted to take a moment and express mine & Cody's thoughts & appreciation for a wonderful experience in Australia. If I have said it once I have said it a thousand times - Baseball teaches far more than the game itself. Taking a group of players having never played baseball together & watching these guys play as if they had been together for several seasons and acheiving excellent win status was fabulous. The instant relationships formed, on and off of the field are 'life skills'.

We sincerely thank you for all of your efforts as I can only imagine the time and effort you put forth to make these valuable experiences and memories for so many players. Our 14's demonstrated impressive talent, great attitudes and undoubtedly a love for the game of baseball and we feel it to be an honor to have been a participant among these delightful athletes. It was a pleasure meeting and playing for Artie Harris & Terry Reynolds, they were wonderful coaches.

Once again, we appreciate you and all of the staff that made Goodwill Series, Australia 2003 possible.

Sincerely,

Kelly and Cody Thomas

Bob,

As always your baseball followup was great reading. It is good to know that there are people like yourself and the Goodwill Coaches that continue to focus their attention on young men and baseball fundamentals. It is becoming a rare occurrence to see young men learn and practice our great game. Many are going to other sports as the coaching declines at the younger levels, and the competition becomes more and more scattered. The Goodwill Series is a great example of what a "game" can mean to a young man.

The host family Jordan was assigned to was absolutely the greatest. The 11 and 14 year old boys in the family became attached to Jordan and Jordan to them. I am sure they will be in contact for many years to come.

He explained his experience with his roomy's and his Expo teammates, as one he will never forget...and one that truly exemplified "Team."

His coaches, Rob and Mike, were teachers and surrogate father's in one. Jordan learned a lot about himself and a lot about baseball...and the food was awesome.

Jordan is in the middle of finals this week, and when they are complete, he said he will be sending a follow-up thank you letter for the opportunity to compete and enjoy the great learning experience in Australia.

As a father, I can't thank everyone enough...and a special "thank you" to Eleanor...what a saint she is.

In short, my son left as a 16 year old boy, and returned a young man.

Thanks again,

Eric

Good day Bob!

I want to thank you for providing the December Australia trip for our son. Dustin has continued in his road to success. This opportunity has shown him what it takes to get to the next level. Terry and Artie provided a strong but fun time for him. He really enjoyed his host families and sharing there culture and friendship.

It was a trip that he will never forget. He is slowly relaying all that he did to us. His nightly calls to us were like heaven. He has shown such maturity with each new experience that has been given to him. Thanks again for your wonderful program!

Warmest regards,

Bruce and Lori Carrico

Hello Bob!

Just wanted to say thank you for allowing my son Wesley to be part of the December trip to Australia. This trip taught Wesley so much about himself as a person and as a baseball player. He has made memories that will last a lifetime.

Wesley understands what it takes to play at the next level and is highly motivated to make the necessary preparations. Each day since his return he shares more and more with us about the trip. I think he could be a recruiter for your next trip!

My only regret is that my husband and I did not make the trip with him. So again, thank you so much for making this trip a reality for Wesley.

Susan Cogdill

Dear Mr. Williams,

The trip to Australia was something that I'll never forget. I learned more in 2 weeks about what it takes to be successful in the future than I have all my years. Charlie was great, as was Dan. To me it wasn't as much about the playing time as it was about how much I learned. Staying with host families and meeting new people was great and very informative.

Thank you for giving me this opportunity, I really enjoyed it.

JD Shoemaker

Dear Mr. Williams,

Although we have never met, I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to play in the Goodwill Series in Australia in August. It was great playing baseball, something I truly love, with people not only who have the same interest but in another part of the world. It was a great experience for baseball and life. I would like to thank Rob for coaching and teaching us the game at the highest level. I know that it made me a better player but baseball was not the only thing I learned. It was a great experience. The people in Australia were wonderful and learning their culture was very interesting. Thanks again for the opportunity and I will definitely keep in touch. I look forward to meeting you.

Thanks,

Matt Rossignol

Hello Rob,

Hope you and your family are doing well. I am sure you are keeping busy traveling with the kids. I have been wanting to send a note sooner, but we have be extremely busy with moving and football season.

Wanted to express our appreciation again for the opportunity that you gave us in travling to Australia. The trip was far more than we ever expected. We had a great time and the boys made friendships that will last forever. We will definetly go back if possible. Brandon had a great time being coached by you and Mike. You both did a great job and let the kids have fun.

We have talked to Pat and his dad several times since we returned, actually Pat called several days after we returned, checking on how his bat did in Australia. I think we talked more about Australia and the people than about baseball. He is doing well with Seattle. His dad will come up and watch one of the boys football games before the season is over.

Brandon is very interested in traveling wherever he can and playing for a team again if you can use him. He would like to go back to Australia if possible in December if there comes available any openings. We would not go as a family, but I feel comfortable enough letting him go on his own there. Let us know if you need a catcher or bat boy!!!!!

Thanks again for everything and stay in touch. Please express our appreciation to your parents for their involvement and help.

Take care and God Bless you,

Herb, Missi, Brandon and Bryan White

Rob and Bob,

I truly want to thank you for the opportunity you provided my son by inviting him to play for the American U14 team in Australia. What a great experience. He played on an excellent team and met some wonderful people. Dylan stills emails his new friends in Australia and in the States to keep in touch. It was great for him to be able to see how hard the Australians work at the game we all love. This has helped him understand even more there is always someone working harder, so you have to keep trying to improve everyday yourself. I also had a wonderful time in Australia and met some really great people and this wouldn't be possible without your invitation.

I scout for the Braves as you know and see kids all of the time and let me tell you I have passed on several names of players to watch that were in Australia playing for both US and Australia. I have also invited a few of the players from the US to play for our select team the Indiana Yankees. Dylan and I spent time with "Little Game Hunter" Jim from Alaska at Spring Training last week as well as Sipio, Justin, Mike, and John and these friendships will last for years due to your work. Dylan received his invitation for Australia and is already planning on attending again. I hope the players he is playing with in the future continue to be as good a group as before. If you ever need another coach or just help with anything please feel free to call me.

I hope you get a chance to see my other boys they are top line players. Also I would like you to know Dylan has worked extremely hard since Australia and played in his first tournament last weekend till rain came on Sunday. But in two games against teams that have played 25 games already he threw out four runners and hit very well. His pop time to second is an amazing 2 to 2.2 consistently without a super strong arm yet. I attribute this to his going with you and realizing he must work harder than ever if he wants to play college baseball.

Thanks Bob & Rob.

Sincerely
Buddy Swift

Hey Bob!

A Big Texas Hi and Thanks for the wonderful experience in Australia this past Christmas.

In all, our trip went smooth without any problems, visas, transfers, etc. With two sons playing, Nicholas with the Astros, and Jeromiah with the Brewers, it was a double blessing to be able to not only watch them play the game they love, but to experience the game in another country with another culture. The people of Australia were FANTASTIC!

Both boys had wonderful experiences with their host families in Adelaide as well as Perth.

They made friends for a lifetime, and we did also. We have stayed in touch and shared stories of the Australian teams success in their national tournaments. The boys made lasting friendships with the others on their teams as well. The experience as a whole was excellent. Nicholas enjoyed Justin Humphries and Scipio Spinks as coaches and learned a great deal about the game and team play.

Jeromiah also enjoyed Corey Rodriguez and Rob being his coaches. And thanks for the warm-up jacket, Jeromiah wears it with pride.

The boys are now in the middle of their High School season and have been able to share and use their Australian experience to teach other players how fortunate they all are. For example, our young people here are very lucky to have baseball programs in their schools and opportunities like Area Code Baseball to further their skills and play the game they love.

Both boys would love to play again sometime.

Thanks again,
Sandy Garcia

Dear Mr. Williams,

I want to thank so much for giving me the opportunity to play this past December in Australlia at the Good Will Series 2002. It is a memory that I will never forget.

I also made a lot of friends for life -- not only on the Mariners, but also on the South Australlian and West Australian teams, especially my three hosts Josh, Jason and Jason. They were great and I would recomend them for next year. They are the best hosts I've ever had. They not only took me to every game but also to animal parks and the beach to play sand cricket and eat fish and chips. Their parents treated me like I was one of their own children.

Also, my coaches John and Mike were the best. They were so cool.

It was a wonderful experience. Thank you again.

From Trevor Gee (14 and under Mariners)

Mr. Williams -

This is Isamu McGregor. I played for the 14 and Under Mariners team that went to Australia in December of 2002. I just wanted to thank you yet again for the brilliant opportunity that you gave me in inviting me on this trip.

Learning about all of the different things that make up the Australian culture was truly fascinating; and it was equally fun, because all of the Aussies asked just as many questions as I did about America. I'm sure that back here in the States they don't have wildlife parks with kangaroos and koalas or traffic with everything "wrong" (according to us).

But the overall experience was exhilarating. I am sure that I will never forget this trip; it was, truly, one of the best times of my life. It was awesome meeting you, all of the coaches, and all of the players from around the United States as well as the Australians.

I hope that I can take all of the things I learned about baseball and utilize them in my future. And I can only hope that because of this event, my career will prosper. Thanks yet again for everything you have done.

Sincerely, Isamu McGregor

Mr. Williams,

I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to play baseball in China and Australia. I will never forget 2002, being 16 years old and getting a chance to travel to 2 different countries and do what I love - play baseball.

The coaching I received was awesome. I learned alot and will use the training I received to continue to improve my baseball skills. The chance to go to different countries and meet so many people that have the same interest as I do is an experience I will never forget.

Thanks again,
Louie Romero

Bob,

Hi, how's it going? Been wanting to email you but things have been pretty busy. My wife and I would like to thank you for giving Louie the opportunity to play for the Goodwill Series in China and Australia.

Louie has changed for the better in his maturity as a young man and as a baseball player thanks to your organization. He works harder than ever on the baseball field and has also become a better student.

It seems like so long ago on that hot June summer day in Phoenix when Louie went to the Area Code Baseball tryouts at Maryvale. As we drove home that day we never in our wildest dreams imagined that he would be asked to play in China and later be asked to play in Australia.

Please let Rob know that Louie really enjoyed being coached by him. We also appreciated Sara Brown's updates from Australia.

Please keep in touch and let us know of future opportunities to play with your organization as Louie is very interested.

Thanks again,
Roumaldo and Lisa Romero