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Dodson Remains Focused On Tasks

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By CLIFF GILL

Tribune correspondent

Published: August 10, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - Philosophers as far back as Aristotle have pondered whether the chicken arrived before the egg, or vice versa. In New Port Richey, a similar question is, which came first, Michael Dodson's prodigious baseball swing or his long drives in golf?

"Oh, that's easy. Golf was first," said a smiling Dodson, 11. "I started playing golf at age 4. I have an uncle who built and designed a golf course, and another uncle who manages a local course here in Pasco County. These family ties have given me numerous opportunities to work on my game."

Dodson's golf prowess was first demonstrated in 2005 when, at age 8, he competed against 80 other 7- to 9-year-olds and qualified to represent Tampa Bay in Mutual of Omaha's Drive, Chip & Putt contest at the Legends Golf and Country Club near Orlando. Dodson competed against some of the best young golfers in the state.

"It was the first time I had ever walked a golf course," he said. "My uncle Jed was my caddy."

Although hitting a golf ball off a tee is difficult, hitting a baseball being thrown at speeds of up to 75 mph also takes some work. Credit Dodson's baseball coaches for helping transform the River Ridge Middle School sixth-grader into a home-run hitter and an all-star.

"Mike's first love was golf," said all-star coach Randy Keslar. "After witnessing him hit his drives consistently 225-240 yards, we knew that the same hand/eye coordination could produce tremendous results on the ball field."

"This is only Mike's second year playing organized baseball. Working with him allowed us to fine-tune his swing. He had a tendency of bringing his bat back while the pitch was approaching, much like a golfer brings his club back to hit a stationary ball. We told Mike to keep his bat back, ready to spring forward to meet the ball on a more effective swing plane."

In four district and sectional all-star games, he ended up hitting four home runs, with 12 RBIs and a batting average of .667.

During a game, Dodson focuses on the pitcher before his at-bat.

"The pitcher's delivery determines where I stand in the batter's box," Dodson said. "A pitcher who throws sidearm will make pitches appear inside, so I step away a few inches from the plate. If his release is next to his head, I try to have my feet right up against the inside line of the batter's box."

Dodson also focuses in the classroom. Consistently receiving A's and B's, he has not had a C on his report card since third grade.

"My mom constantly talks to me about priorities," he said. "School and church are at the very top. I complete my homework when I first get home from school. If there is a huge amount, I do my homework on the way to and from practice and games."

In the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, Dodson scored in the 98th percentile in math and in the 92nd percentile in reading.

He also has an artistic side, proven by the art sculpture of Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash that he and a schoolmate created. The sculpture was displayed at the Florida State Fair.

Dodson has been a handbell ringer since third grade, and he is a self-taught pianist. For the past five years, he has been involved in Odyssey of the Mind, twice qualifying for the world finals. He has won a Pasco County essay contest and placed second in the state in a poster contest sponsored by the Sons of the American Revolution.

River Ridge Middle's Nancy Pratt had high praise for Dodson.

"I have had a theme for years," she said, "To be like a giraffe and reach for the top. Michael is a 'reach' student."

On Sundays, Dodson volunteers as an altar server at his church.

"My grandfather and uncles were altar servers when they were my age," he said. "My brother and I are carrying on the tradition. It's important to be involved in the church. It keeps my family ties close."

Teachers, coaches: If you would like to nominate an outstanding student-athlete to be featured in an upcoming In The Community article, contact Cliff Gill at reportercliffgill@yahoo.com or (727) 860-4903.

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