Turnin2 providing Michigan with competitive softball, training
For the past several years, softball in the state of Michigan has been on the rise. The success of the University of Michigan has caught the eyes of many and with that, the number of softball indoor training facilities has grown.
Turnin2, founded four years ago, is a travel ball club and facility home to about 15 teams. The building itself is a 20,000 square foot building in Brighton, Michigan, and is strictly bat and ball. There is an area for infield work and about eight to 10 cages.
The model at Turnin2 is to bring in several former players to coach, instruct and train the athletes. The facility functions as a club atmosphere according to Rodney Robeson. During a phone interview, he said, “We will not turn anyone away.”
“We as an organization really believe in developing these kids,” said Robeson. “The kids will figure it out as they go. It’s not our job to run a mile, it’s our to job to show them what it looks like and to be as positive as we possibly can and give them the tools to be successful.”
The Turnin2 brand has really taken off over the past couple of years regionally and nationally. So much that they’ve established the reputation of being able to play some ball and other teams know the game will be a battle.
“In a short period of time we’ve been able to establish this culture,” said Robeson. “It’s by the grace of God of being able to attract good parents, good kids and good coaching. They are the ones that represent this organization and we have high expectations.”
During travel season, the majority of the teams travel. They play in the region but not necessarily Michigan. For example, the second-year 16u team isn’t playing in Michigan once. They play exposure tournaments that offer a competitive format, where there is a winner at the end and not a round robin style.
“We are trying to showcase these kids but in a team environment and not make it about one kid. I want every kid on my team to go play somewhere and we feel very strongly that the team is important.”
Every kid that has come through this program has gone on to play at the next level. There haven’t been any Power 5 signees but plenty have signed to schools in the MAC. Others are going Division II and III and some junior college.
“We want the kids to play where it’s a good fit for them. It’s not about us, meaning Turnin2,” said Robeson. ‘We have plenty of kids who can go DI but if they want to be a nurse or a doctor and they need a lighter schedule, it shouldn’t be about us directly telling them where to go. It should be where they think they fit in. “
In just four short years, Turnin2 has improved the softball community in southern Michigan and continue to build on their success year after year.
“If the kid is committed and can play good ball. If they have a passion for this game then so be it,” said Robeson. “Let’s help develop them for life.”
The Turnin2 programs is built on the 3 R’s. Respect, Responsibility & Represent. One of our main goal’s is to help all our kids get to the next level if they have a passion and commitment to do what it takes to get there but more importantly, our biggest priority is to mentor and develops these kids for life and all the challenges life will bring. Softball is a tremendous vehicle for us to help accomplish this goal.
