Today we’d like to introduce you to Tre Bartley.
Hi Tre, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Baseball has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started playing when I was seven years old and initially, it was just a childhood hobby. Then my coach, Barry Sims, took a deeper interest in me and began mentoring me both on and off the field. He saw my potential and helped me develop into a great athlete which led to playing varsity baseball at Lithia Springs, recreation ball with Wallace Park, and travel ball for the West GA Jackets. Eventually, I tried out to play collegiate baseball at Jacksonville State University but unfortunately, it didn’t work out in my favor. The disappointment from that experience led to some lost focus and bad decisions on my end, but it also led me right back to my old field at Wallace Park where I began my coaching career.
I started the 9U Wallace Park Tigers in 2016 and we played recreation and all-star games. We were extremely successful, and I decided to move the boys to more competitive tournaments through USSSA Baseball. I kept this team with me until the Covid shutdown in March 2020. I lost quite a few players after the shutdown so once we were able to play again, I started to rebuild and formed the Turn 2 Tigers. Since then, my program has grown from one team of 12 to four teams with over 40 athletes. Officially Turn 2 Athletics Inc., we are now a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to minority athletes and committed to providing access to competitive baseball in underserved communities. Our mission is to support the growth of our talented players by developing their athletic skills and building their personal character in a team-focused environment. By giving these kids the chance that many larger, well-known organizations won’t offer them, our goal is to help our players feel loved and seen, with hopes that they reach their full potential both on and off the field.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No journey is always smooth and I’ve had my fair share of struggles through the years. Being a black kid in a predominantly white sport comes with its own challenges so as an athlete, I was often judged and criticized unfairly compared to my peers. And even now as a coach, there are naysayers and criticism that come my way simply because I’m a young black man leading a minority program.
There’s also a lack of funding and resources for our kids. There’s a severe lack of African-American players at the pro level and it’s not because our kids can’t play or are less talented. Black kids do play baseball and love the game but it’s the most expensive youth sport and many talented kids, especially black kids, are priced out of playing. Becoming an IRS-approved non-profit was a major step in the right direction for us because now we can secure the financial support needed to help offset some of the financial burden associated with travel ball. And we’re always looking for sponsors so if you’re reading this and would like to support, don’t hesitate to reach out.
But my biggest challenge came in 2020 when I was shot three times. I almost lost my life and that time away from my boys helped me realize what was important to me. These kids changed me for the better and I’m blessed to be their coach. I love each of them as if they were my own and I don’t take the privilege of influencing the next generation of baseball players lightly. So I use the struggles I experienced to help me teach my boys the lessons and mental toughness they’ll need to thrive in baseball and in life.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve had many jobs but being the program president and head coach of Turn 2 is what I’m most proud of. I get to teach my kids the game and then watch them grow and excel from the seeds planted by our program. My coaching style is different but I’ve learned a lot throughout the years and I give all I have to my program. I’ve sacrificed a lot and it’s not always easy, but the love I have for my boys is deeper than baseball and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
There are so many people who played a major role in my journey. First I have to shout out the coaches who believed in me. I would not have the passion and knowledge of the game without Coach Barry Sims, Coach Tyrone Newbern, and Coach Harvey Riggins. These coaches helped shape the man I am and I appreciate them for all their influence.
Malcolm Anderson helped me build my first team, the Wallace Park Tigers. Those boys mean the world to me and Malcolm was a big part of our success. I’m grateful to them and him for making me the coach I am today.
My former manager April Jackson and assistant coach Devon Wells were very instrumental in the T2’s early success. The program grew from one team to five between 2018-2020 and I couldn’t have managed during that transition without their help.
My new management team, Melody Echols and Jaleesa Fears have really elevated my program to a level I wasn’t expecting. The program is thriving and I couldn’t do what I do without them. I’m truly grateful for their leadership and support.
My Tiger family – I have the best baseball parents on the planet in my program. Turn 2 wouldn’t be what it is without their love, commitment, and consistent support year after year. They always go above and beyond for whatever the program needs, and truly believe in the vision and trust me with their kids’ development. It’s always deeper than baseball with us and I’m blessed to have them.
And last but certainly not least, my mom Sarita Mitchell. I made a lot of tough choices when I was younger and left behind many opportunities to build this baseball organization. She didn’t always agree, but I know she was always proud of me and having her in my corner means everything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.turn2baseballga.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turn2baseball__/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Turn2TigersGA/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3x366Yrs8epmNIj_AIdQVg
Image Credits
Youth SideLine (for headshot and organization picture only)
