My name is Lee Tunnell. I've been involved in professional baseball for the past 28 years as a player, coach, and scout. I have had the privilege over the previous two years to coach my son's high school baseball team. During those two years I also had the privilege of coaching Cole Cleveland. Cole is talented offensively and defensively. He started at first base and hit cleanup on a team that included two D1 scholarship OF's as well as a player who was drafted in the June professional baseball draft. Cole has college level ability and could be considered in next year's draft. His value to our team went beyond his physical ability. He has an intense desire to win and comes to play every day. Cole brings his best to the field and encourages everyone around him to do the same. He was an example of character off the field as well. He also has shown great determination, a strong work ethic, and perseverance. This was demonstrated as he overcame four knee surgeries in a short period of time and was able to make himself available to play (with Dr.'s consent).
As a coach I always trusted that Cole would do his best, that he would do whatever I asked him to do, and that he would influence others on the team to do the same. He was a very low maintenance player. I also had the privilege of coaching Cole on a showcase team this past summer. One of the things that made that team unique is that the players conducted free baseball clinics for kids in the cities where we were playing. We finished the summer by playing and conducting free baseball clinics in Nicaragua. Cole's heart for people was evident as he lead groups and related with the kids and their parents at the clinics. He was quick to volunteer and was always ready to do whatever was needed.

I look forward to working with Cole in the future and can give him high recommendations as a player in regards to his ability as well as his character.
Lee Tunnell, Coach