Each of us is the sum of our experiences. Elite Fastpitch
Inc. and I are no exception. The following is not my resume for I believe my
great pitchers are my resume. The following is how Elite Fastpitch Inc. evolved
to its current operation. If you choose Elite Fastpitch Inc. as your school for
Fastpitch training you should understand my coaching philosophy.
The beginning 1965 - 1967
Graduation
from HS, marriage to Carol, employment as mechanical designer at Janney and
college at night school (Penna. Institute of Technology) Mechanical Engineering
/ Machine Design.
Lessons learned-
1) Life on your own is hard, days are long, education and hard work is the key
to advancement. 2) Train to advance.
The War years 1967 – 1969
Entered
US Army, assigned FT Dix, Ft Polk, Ft Benning (Paratrooper / Ranger), Ft Gordon
then assigned to Co F, 75th RANGER (ABN) as Team Leader 2-2 Republic
of Viet Nam. Trained under Delta Project 5th Special Forces (Recon
Commando School). 3 Purple Hearts, Bronze Star for Valor, CIB, promoted to
Staff Sgt E6 after 18 ½ months service.
Lesson learned-
1) Humans can be barbaric, noble and heroic (at the same time). 2) The United
States and her Armed Forces are the protector of all decency in the world. 3)
Train hard to survive and win against your opponent. 4) Be competent &
confident in self but, be a team member. 5) Be true to your unit, even to
death.
Business / Military and success 1969 – 1992
Held
business titles of Asst Chief Engineer, Mfg Manager, Plant Manager, Vice
President Operations, and President. Military assignments of- as Lieutenant-
Special Forces A Team XO & Commander, Ranger Company Commander. As Captain-
Infantry Company Commander, Special Forces A Team Commander. As Major- Infantry
Battalion Operations Officer. As Lieutenant Colonel- Mechanized Infantry
Battalion Commander.
Lessons Learned- 1)
A man’s word is his bond. 2) Doing right isn’t easy… do it anyway. 3) Set
standards and train to standards. 4) Leadership, determination and training
succeed.
So, you thought this was about sports or Elite Fastpitch
didn’t you, well…. It is.
Those
experiences have made me a focused trainer. I’m willing to go against the grain
to produce only ELITE players. Not everyone will join my operation, it does not
disturb me. Not everyone will stay with me, I don’t need everyone. The best
will stay or those that join and stay will be the best, the elite of the elite.
I’ve trained with the best. I’m training the best. Elite isn’t just a
company name it is a way of life.
Thomas B Besser
President
Elite Fastpitch Inc
