PBR: Please tell us a little about yourself and the Melbourne Central Catholic Baseball Program.

Dooley: I have been at Melbourne Central Catholic for 26 years.  I am surrounded by great people that have great faith.  It is amazing how much more I knew 26 years ago.  As each year passed, I realized more and more that I did not know anything. I believe that if you work hard and stay humble that good things will happen to you and your program.  We really try hard to get kids to hustle, play with enthusiasm and understand the life lessons that being a part of a team/program can bring you. Asking kids to give up some of their individualism is difficult these days but you have to maintain your program’s philosophy while also adjusting to the people that you coach. A huge part of coaching is developing relationships with the players. We strongly believe that wearing your uniform correctly, hustling, playing heart and mind, having great passion and enthusiasm can really set yourself apart.      We want to teach life.  Manners, respect, responsibility, accountability, sacrifice, being dependable, being first class, being good people and good students are all goals that we strive for each day on and off the field. It is not if you will be as good as you want to be but will you be as good as you are supposed to be.  Maximize your talents.  

PBR: You recently competed in the Tournament of Champions in Jacksonville. Please tell us about your team’s experience.

Dooley:   The Jacksonville Tournament of Champions is just a first class run event. The people involved handle things so well. There is so much fellowship to experience with no ego involved. Our players and coaches were treated so well. It was an honor to be on the field with so many great programs that have such great players and coaches. The competition was top notch and we certainly left a better team and more importantly better people. Our goal is learn from great programs and people.

PBR: Please tell us about your coaching style and about anyone who may have influenced you in your style or philosophy.

Dooley:  I am doing what I do today because of Howard May.  Coach May is a hall of fame coach that had HUGE impact on me. He is an even better human being.  His influence on people runs so deep.  He is widely respected. I am so proud that I was a part of his program but even prouder that I call Coach May one of my dearest and closest friends. He is just a special person. Coach Dusty Rhodes also had a great influence on me even though I did not play for him. Finally, there are so many players and members of their families that have impacted me and continue to do so. We have outstanding parents in our program.

PBR: Is there one game you look forward to every year? One opponent you especially enjoy playing?

Dooley:  We try to treat each game as an important moment in our season. I am sure the kids will have their own answer to that question but I just like to compete and compete the right way. It is also important for me to mention that I get to work with the absolute best role models and teachers.  Our coaching staff is very special to me. Four of them played for me and all of them could be considered my best friends. Terry Henderson works with the hitters along with Pat Riebsame, Phil Piotrowski works with the pitchers along with Neville Maycock and Ohmed Danesh works with the outfielders and does so many things to help the program run smoothly.

PBR:  What changes have you seen in high school baseball, if any, in recent years?

Dooley:  Getting players to buy into a team concept is an everyday work in progress.  It is about relationships over winning. The players play year round now and have to be motivated each day that this is something special we get to do. Getting players to understand what true hustle and enthusiasm really is. Players think talk and posting on social media is intimidating to others. Hustling intimidates.

We need to get rid of excuses and just play the game. It is a game of failure so move on and no need for excuses. Truly there is no excuse for not hustling, dressing properly, being a good teammate, being early, having controlled emotion and having fun.

PBR: Who are some players in your program that are moving on next year to play at the next level & who are some up and coming players you have that we will be getting to know soon?

Dooley: Vinny Capra is one of the best players around. His brother John Capra is right with him.They are two of the best people/players I have been fortunate to be around. They work so hard and are team players. They both will play in college.Christian Vargas is a 4 year player and he will be playing baseball next season at Salve Regina in Rhode Island. Those seniors will play in college. Alex Carpenter is a junior that has committed to Florida State.  He is a tough competitor on the mound. He has a chance to great at the next level. Mark Potter is a sophomore that has incredible physical tools. Austin Nickle certainly should be a next level prospect in the next two years.