Richard J. "Dick" Groch

To Nancy and Groch family. I am writing this to Dick because I know he will find a way to read it. But it is my feelings towards him.

Dick I miss your phone calls because I always took something from them and it made me baseball smarter. I never felt you worked for me you worked for the team you were with, be it the Yankees or Brewers. I learned from you a game is 9 plus innings, a workday is 9 plus hours and while a game had to end your work ethic never ended. The early morning drives to spring training games were enjoyable and the evaluations and game reports never stopped and we found ways to have a few laughs. What I enjoyed most is your ability to teach young individuals looking to have a baseball job. You talked they listened they learned. You were never afraid to challenge an opinion and to sell yours.
The scouting world has changed and I always believed the eyes and multiple game looks provided an accurate story and picture better than the complex stat sheet. You told me scouting was keeping a history profile on a player as every player has a different development curve. My family will miss you and we will stay in touch with Nancy. The Melvin´s have long strong memories of you as a loyal employee and friend. Your name and cell number will remain on my phone as long standing friendships never leave our thought's and our hearts.

Doug Melvin

Coach Groch,

I got to know you as a young ball player when you coached with Team Canada back in the 1980´s and brought the team to Chatham, Ontario. My dad Bill Twigg who played for you in the late 1960´s brought me to the ball park and I was lucky enough to be introduced to you. You gave me a baseball card that day of you from when you were in Russia teaching baseball to young Russians. Years later I got a chance to play at St. Clair County for the Skippers and follow in the footsteps of my dad. I was just as thrilled as my dad to have had the chance to learn a lot about the game of baseball from you when I enrolled in your Baseball Theory class at SC4. It was then that I realized why my dad looked up to you so much as his baseball coach and mentor. I also realized how lucky my dad was to have had a chance to play for you. The baseball world has lost a great ambassador of the game. Rest in peace Mr. Groch.

Brad Twigg
Skipper Baseball 1993-1994

Coach Groch,

Thanks for recruiting me and giving me a chance to play under one of the greatest baseball minds. You were a great teacher both in the classroom and on the field. I learned so much about the game of baseball from you as a player that allowed me to take what I learned from you and pass it on to my son Brad and other young ball players back in my hometown. You left a lasting memory with me that I have cherished my entire life. I am eternally grateful that we got a chance to continue our relationship years after I left Port Huron. You will be deeply missed.

Bill Twigg
Skipper Baseball 1967-1969

R.I.P. Coach. Thanks for all the memories playing with great ballplayers that you recruited over the years,many are still my best friends today. Mike Zalucki class of 1972-73 team.