CWA Prospects

Baseball training and lessons

Staff

CWA is an organization created to give back to the kids—to give back all I have learned in my 23 years in baseball. My dream was to have an organization of my own. I came from a small town in South Carolina named Newberry. I was honored to play for my school and represent my hometown. I will be forever grateful to my coach and all who believed in me. I have had the best life being able to play the game I love, then going on to coach and manage teams in the MLB. I have an opportunity now to give back and help the next generation to achieve their goals. 

Along with my staff, we will offer the best training, skills, and our time to cultivate the best ballplayers.

With the support from the players, parents, and staff, we will be the best in the upstate. We appreciate each and every one of you!

Carolina Wheelhouse Academy
Home of the
Upstate Diamond Ducks

Gookie Dawkins

Jonathan Hurst (Pitcher)

5555

Gookie Dawkins was drafted by the Cincinatti Reds in the 2nd round of the 1997 Major League Baseball Draft, from Newberry High School.

He has 23+ YRS experience in professional baseball, all with the Cincinatti Reds Organization. 15 YRS professional playing and 8 years coaching or managing.

Gookie won an Olympic Gold medal in 2000 while playing for the United States baseball team.

Teams played for: Cincinatti Reds, Seattle Mariners, Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox, Kansas City Royals, Charlotte Knights.

Jonathan Hurst attended Spartanburg High School and Spartanburg Methodist College. In 1987 he was taken in the 4th round of the Major League Baseball Draft, by the Texas Rangers.

22+ YRS Pitching Coach

19 YRS Professional playing experience (2YRS in the majors)

18 YRS Player Development

Teams played for: Texas Rangers, Montreal Expos, Los Angeles Dodgers, NY Mets, Japan, Taiwan, Mexico, Venezuela. Coached in Panama 2 YRS.

Gookie Dawkins Owner/Instructor

Jonathan Hurst Instructor (Pitching)

Jax Cash Instructor (Hitting, pitching, fielding & catching)

Matt Middleton Instructor (Hitting, fielding & pitching)

Stephanie Grizzle CFO/Owner