Former Texas Ranger Pitcher Joins the Dodge City Wish-A-Thon Celebration Jan 2

Dec. 19, 2012 - PRLog -- Mike Jeffcoat, former Texas Ranger starting pitcher and current head coach of Texas Wesleyan baseball program http://ramsports.net/coaches.aspx?rc=69&path=baseball will be participating in Dodge City of McKinney’s Wish-A-Thon celebration January 2, 2013. Jeffcoat will be making a guest appearance joining other all-stars such as Drew Pearson, the “The Original #88” of the Dallas Cowboys and former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Brown, Randy White, and Bill Bates helping dealership grant the first wish of 2013 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation®.

The 2013 Wish-A-Thon is a new all-day charitable event hosted by Dallas Cowboys great, "The Original 88", Drew Pearson. The public is invited to join Dodge City of McKinney and guest as they break a YouTube record by broadcasting the longest YouTube Live event ever while filming for FOX Sports Southwest.  "Our goal is simple," stated Jim Proctor of Dodge City of McKinney. "We want to raise enough money to grant not just one, but several wishes for 2013".

Attendees can enjoy live music with local rock and roll favorites Midnight Empire and a DJ will also be on hand. Also, free food and beverages will be available into the night.

It's also important to point out that Jim Proctor of Dodge City of McKinney recognizes the importance of giving back to their community.  “Make-A-Wish is an organization that we all need to support wholeheartedly. They help bring hope and joy to the area children that we all live, work and worship with every day."

A couple of ways the public can help The 2013 Wish-A-Thon meet its goal of $50,000 is by donating online or coming by January 2nd, 2013 to Dodge City of McKinney to support the event. Make-A-Wish representatives will be on hand helping the Wish-A-Thon collect funds as well as a silent auction with great authentic memorabilia from football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer and rock and roll.

If you are unable to attend the celebration and would like to make a donation for this great cause visit http://friends.wish.org/006-000/page/Jeff-Thompson/Let's-Make-A-Wish-Come-True.htm  or call Dodge City of McKinney at 972.569.9650.

Jeffcoat is in his twelfth year at the helm of the Texas Wesleyan baseball program.  The 10-year Major League veteran has led Texas Wesleyan to eight 30-win seasons in the last nine years.

Under Jeffcoat's guidance, Texas Wesleyan has become one of the premier baseball programs in the NAIA. His teams have appeared in the Red River Athletic Conference Championship game in five of the last eight seasons, winning the title in 2007 and 2010.  In four of the last seven seasons, his teams have finished no worse than third in the Region and reached the finals of the NAIA National Championship Opening Round twice.  Jeffcoat has produced 58 All-Conference selections and four All-Americans.

Jeffcoat is well known as one of the most influential coaches in the country recruiting top talent in college baseball, and preparing the athletes for what it takes to make it to the professional level.  His coaching staff has been comprised of former major leaguers like Rusty Greer and DeWayne Vaughen.  “Our desire is to lead young men to earning a quality degree while playing competitive baseball putting them in an opportune position to play professional baseball” says, Coach Jeffcoat.

Last year, the team produced its seventh consecutive 30-win season with a final record of 31-23.  The team featured eight All-RRAC selections including four 1st-team picks.  Reliever Patrick Stanley was named Honorable Mention All-American after posting 13 saves and a 1.29 ERA.  Josh Mackey was honored as an NAIA Scholar-Athlete, and righty Derek Vaughn caught the attention of Major League scouts.  Vaughn became the 37th Texas Wesleyan player taken in the MLB Draft when the Tampa Bay Rays selected him in the 47th round.  Vaughn led the Rams with 79 strikeouts in 78.1 innings in his first season as a starting pitcher.

In 2010, the team finished the regular season with a record of 25-25.  However, with a 10-2 RRAC record, they won their third RRAC North Division Title and earned the top seed in the RRAC Tournament.  The team got hot in the postseason, posting a 7-3 record, winning the RRAC Tournament, and advancing to the NAIA National Tournament Opening Round Finals.  Jeffcoat was named RRAC Coach of the Year for the second time following that tremendous stretch drive.

In 2007, Jeffcoat's Rams went 41-10 and he earned RRAC Coach of the Year honors. The Rams took their first Red River Athletic Conference tournament championship and advanced to the Region VI final. The team featured nine All-Conference performers and an All-American in Hayden Lackey. Five members of that team went on to play professionally in the following summer.

“Providing the first wish of 2013 for the local Make-A-Wish Foundation is something we take very seriously.  We are honored to be in a position to provide this wish for someone in need of hope, and can’t wait to hold a celebration in their honor” states Jim Proctor, General Manager of Dodge City of McKinney.

To stay up to date on special guest confirmations & exciting new updates about this great event visit https://www.facebook.com/DodgeCityofMcKinney


Dodge City of McKinney is located at 700 South Central Expressway in McKinney and has a wide variety of outstanding vehicles as well as a state-of-the-art auto repair center.  They truly care about their customers, and strive to deliver the best customer service in the industry.  “At Chrysler Jeep Ram Dodge City of McKinney, we understand that there are thousands of other dealers just a click away.  That's why we will do what it takes to earn your business” states Internet Director, Jeff “Bubba” Thompson.