It is with great sadness that I inform our baseball community  the passing of a true ballplayer, Dean Lockwood. Dean passed away early Saturday afternoon, April 4, 2009, He was 15 years old. Dean's life, although way too short, will leave a lasting impression on those who knew him and those who had the chance to compete against him on the diamond. As one of Dean's former coach's I can tell you Dean was a special player. Special not only because of his tremendous talent, Those who watched him play recognized his talent immediately, but special  because of his competitive spirit. During the game's biggest moments, when other players were trying to avoid the spotlight, Dean always wanted the ball. Dean was the winning Pitcher in the championship game for the 1st FPBL Elite team. In the Championship game of the Youth Baseball World Series in Tenn, Dean hit a 330ft HR, at age 13. Dean was selected to play for team USA and traveled with them, at age 13, to Puerto Rico. He was one of the bright spots on team USA's Championship team. Dean could run, hit for power and had a rocket arm and he knew the game. He was like another coach on the field. The only thing Dean did not have was a solid foundation. He did not have the advantage so many of us take for granted, a stable home life. A place where he could retreat  for support, love and encouragement regardless of what happened or how he performed on the playing field. I'm not only deeply saddened by Dean's passing, I'm also filled with regret. Regret that I could have done more to teach Dean about life and how to cope with his situation. Good coaches teach players how to play the game, great coaches teach players how to deal with life, and the challenges and adversity that often comes with growing up on less than an ideal situation. For those of you who knew Dean and are still coaching, honor him by making a difference in the life of a troubled child. For those of you who did not know Dean, I'm sorry you did not have that opportunity, I hope this tragic story inspires you to be not just a great coach...

but a great coach.

Dean's former Coach John Tosner