I read something today about attending schools close to home and saw something once about the average distance baseball players end up from home.
With early signing ending today, I was just curious how far from home your son is or will be attending college. To kick it off mine will be 731 miles away
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46 miles.......just out of curiousity, let's also add what division. Wondering if kids travel further to play at certain levels. I would assume Power 5 will be the furthest. Mine is mid-major D1
580 miles, D1, Sunbelt conf, we are from PA. I'm wondering if the northern players end up traveling more often and farther (I'm guessing they do) as baseball is much more fun down south in February!
325 miles. D1
1,400 Mi, D3.
456 miles south! D1 Sunbelt
460 miles....Virginia to New York. D1.
Drove it many, many times and it was worth it every time.
630 miles, D3, SAA ☀️
Oldest - 28 Miles Mid Level D1 and love seeing "most" of the games.
Don't expect to be so lucky with youngest as I hope he'll be in more demand (fingers crossed).
2,400 miles, D3, also SAA for my 2016. His D1 brother was 3,000 miles away.
463 miles. D3.
Here's another question - how many trips to watch baseball per season, on average?
Right now I'm thinking one visit per month, and one more for post season tournament if they make it, or two during the final month if they're not.
1,750 miles, 28 hours driving, 5-hours flying. The best thing that ever happened to our son, going away and learning to be on his own!
I'll get to most of the home games......and quite a few away games including (hopefully) NC State and Campbell during the spring trip. Most of their road trips (conference and non-conference) after the first month are within 2 hours.
#2 son 929 miles to NESCAC
plan to visit 2x per month during season at home or away games
Ill have to increase my visits to older son at SEC 800 miles away
130 miles, Power 5 school — guessing I skew the results. 
ILVBB posted:1,750 miles, 28 hours driving, 5-hours flying. The best thing that ever happened to our son, going away and learning to be on his own!
Bout the same for Ryno. 1,805 miles, 28 hours driving. He and his mom made the trip this summer.
As far as visits, we plan to go to their first 2 series, because the bookend a week in Waco/San Antonio. (My wife's brother lives in Austin, so it will save us some hotel money, and we'll get to see family.)
Then we are kicking around going to New Orleans for the Tulane Series, since it is my wife's b-day, and we've never been.
Then probably to the Big10 Tourney in Omaha, NE. We may drive for this one, even though it is 17 hours away.
320-miles D1
After 5-years of boarding school (840 miles currently) and spending Jr year of HS in Europe (4,100 miles), college should be a breeze at 320 miles.
Will be the closest son has been to home since age 14. 
835 miles, Power 5, 1 x month or more if we can make it work
MidAtlanticDad posted:
Thanks Mid - That is the chart that I remember seeing! Surprised that there are so many responses on here that are well outside the 184 mile average in the chart. For all those that are close, enjoy being able to see them play. For the rest of us, strategic planning and scheduling will be a must!
If everything works out, 1,300 miles and D1. Fingers and toes crossed!
Son is HS soph. Target school list for next year is the following:
110 mi
537 mi
603 mi
300 mi
596 mi
Son can go as far away as he wants, wherever he wants, within budget constraints.
I hope it is close to home, so I can see him play, but not imposing this on him.
When my son went off to college, I had the Southwest rule; he could go anywhere Southwest Airlines flew!
For a couple of years I tried to counsel students/parents as to schools where their kids could go and play baseball. I gave up because most parents wanted to see their kids play baseball as if they were in HS. They put schools on the list which were a 5-6 hour drive but not schools which were a 2-3 hour flight. It was never about money, it was Mom and Dad wanted to have the same kind of experience watching their kid as they had while he was in HS. In the end; parents had less realistic goals for their kids than the kids themselves. Go figure!
175 miles away, D1. I'm assuming about 1x/month we'll visit. Would be more but we also have a daughter running HS track in the spring. We were open to whatever was the best fit but really prayed he stayed in Texas so we could see a bunch of games.
JCG posted:463 miles. D3.
Here's another question - how many trips to watch baseball per season, on average?
Right now I'm thinking one visit per month, and one more for post season tournament if they make it, or two during the final month if they're not.
We planned once a month when our son was playing JuCo and D2. Both were about 250 miles away. In some cases the away games were closer than home games.
3000 mi...D1.
I like ILVBB's Southwest Airlines rule. Another tough one is when son only has 4 days off for Thanksgiving. Too far and expensive to see for such a short time.
2015 - 23 miles D1 (make most games, including league road games; probably get to 60% of spring training games which require flights. I can usually catch balance of games on internet)
But his brother's (2018 non-athlete) first choice is 761 miles away
JCG posted:463 miles. D3.
Here's another question - how many trips to watch baseball per season, on average?
Right now I'm thinking one visit per month, and one more for post season tournament if they make it, or two during the final month if they're not.
I agree with ILVBB rule. We were a three hour SW flight away and direct so we could leave on Friday afternoon and make the Friday eve start in a pinch.
We looked over the schedule and in general went ~once per month, almost a week during Easter break when they played 5-6 games, plus conference tournaments, Regionals and one CWS. My son's team won 3 of 4 conference championships, and we went to four straight Regionals, so we lucky (not from a financial point of view 
) but hey you only are in this position once in your life.
Plan in advance and get the SW credit card at the right time to earn enough points to get a free companion pass. A couple of other cost savers. Pre-book cars on Priceline and get them much cheaper, also it is not well known, but cars are much cheaper if rented off airport. Most parent groups work out deals with local hotels. Finally plan on spending A LOT more than you originally budgeted for stock up food runs, dinners out with roommates, teammates, Margaritas!, it all adds up.
oldest - 1,000 - While the home games were far away many of the conference away games were within driving distance.
youngest - 700 - Then I moved 300 miles further away. I flew. I didn’t matter. I remember doing play by play over the phone for each at bat to a former board member for his son’s first college game. He was 2,600 miles away. I lived near the college.
807 miles and yet the same cold latitude as Connecticut. 
P5.
My son's current #1 is about 2,900 miles away (driving). His original "dream school" is about 33 miles away. And other choices are all over the map! He could end up anywhere, I have no idea.
But if he goes away, I'm certain my wife & I won't be able to attend too many games; we have 3 other kids at home.
I have changed my opinion over the years. Make sure that if your son goes far away, the coaching staff will offer the support needed for him. If not, it's mighty lonely far far away.
JMO
Do I get some kind of prize? D3, 5017 miles. Trying to work out a spring break trip but have two younger sons still playing high school ball, so don't want to miss their games either. Ugh.
500 miles, Power 5
2,300 Miles NCAA Division 1....Los Angeles to South Carolina
A solid 13.8 Miles. Mid Major D-1. This year every game will be within a 4 hour drive, with the exception of a mid week series at Ohio State.
Goin_yard posted:A solid 13.8 Miles. Mid Major D-1. This year every game will be within a 4 hour drive, with the exception of a mid week series at Ohio State.
Man. I. am. so. jealous.
D3 - 27 miles - will be at most games on weekends, mid week will depend on 2019 HS schedule.
biggest concern is being able to do job during ball season.
smokeminside posted:Do I get some kind of prize? D3, 5017 miles. Trying to work out a spring break trip but have two younger sons still playing high school ball, so don't want to miss their games either. Ugh.
Holy Schmoly,
Smoke where the heck are you????? Your bio says, "West."
5017 miles???? Sure you're not East????? (as in Asia?)
Definitely a winner in my book!
2.5 hours driving. Far enough where my son feels his independence but close enough where I can get in my car to go watch some of his games.
Florida State Fan posted:2.5 hours driving. Far enough where my son feels his independence but close enough where I can get in my car to go watch some of his games.
This is the one I'm hoping for.
355 miles, D1.
smokeminside posted:Do I get some kind of prize? D3, 5017 miles. Trying to work out a spring break trip but have two younger sons still playing high school ball, so don't want to miss their games either. Ugh.
Uh, yep, you win.....are you taking the scenic route Honolulu to the University of Maine is 5148 miles....so there's a still a possibility someone will beat you lol
Go44dad posted:Florida State Fan posted:2.5 hours driving. Far enough where my son feels his independence but close enough where I can get in my car to go watch some of his games.
This is the one I'm hoping for.
Mine is similar and it's worked out great for us. We can drive to all the weekend home games, and many of the weekend away games. And I can take a half day off and drive to a weekday home game if I want.
He only comes home on holiday breaks, which is fine with me.
Distance from home was very low on the priority list when he was looking at schools. He could have easily ended up at a school that's literally 3 miles from our house. Or at one of his early choices, which was an 8 hours drive.
Son is 139 miles from our driveway to Doug Kingsmore Stadium. We have gone to all home series and some away depending on timing and distance. I have also made weekday games in past. Thanks to the Peach Pass, i make solid time on the NE side of Atlanta and cruise past the traffic on most afternoons. 2-2.5 hours depending on time of day out of Atlanta.
EDIT- I will also add that Clemson streamed all the home games son's freshman year and any i missed we watched there. Last year, all home and most away games were on Watch ESPN App which helps alot.
Buckeye 2015 posted:smokeminside posted:Do I get some kind of prize? D3, 5017 miles. Trying to work out a spring break trip but have two younger sons still playing high school ball, so don't want to miss their games either. Ugh.
Uh, yep, you win.....are you taking the scenic route
Only if there’s an insane person on the board. No sane person from Hawaii would go to Maine. Maine’s campus is just north of nowhere. It’s 250 miles north of Boston. It’s 185 miles north of the Maine - New Hampshire border. When you get to Bangor take a left at the third igloo and go ten more miles.
Trip Advisor lists a walk in a bog as the #1 attraction in Orono. #2 and 3 are breweries.
RJM posted:Buckeye 2015 posted:smokeminside posted:Do I get some kind of prize? D3, 5017 miles. Trying to work out a spring break trip but have two younger sons still playing high school ball, so don't want to miss their games either. Ugh.
Uh, yep, you win.....are you taking the scenic route
Only if there’s an insane person on the board. No sane person from Hawaii would go to Maine. Maine’s campus is just north of nowhere. It’s 250 miles north of Boston. It’s 185 miles north of the Maine - New Hampshire border. When you get to Bangor take a left at the third igloo and go ten more miles.
Trip Advisor lists a walk in a bog as the #1 attraction in Orono. #2 and 3 are breweries.
Can't imagine anyone would want to do that either....lol. I was just trying to find a way to come up with smokeminside's 5017 miles and that's the only way I could get close
1200 miles D1 WCC, home and school are both under ten minutes from airport making for an easy travel situation.
2018 HS Senior. JUCO 460 miles away. Lots of choices closer, but it was the best fit for his baseball goal (P5 D1) .
D1- 650 miles
smokeminside posted:Do I get some kind of prize? D3, 5017 miles. Trying to work out a spring break trip but have two younger sons still playing high school ball, so don't want to miss their games either. Ugh.
Wow your kid really hates you. ;-)
2019 sons dream school (D1) is 331 miles away. Wouldn’t really be away from home as his grandparents are there. Other schools are as close as 1 to 423 miles (D1 down to JUCO). We shall see what happens between now and his signing day next year. Either way, I hope to stay within driving distance, but will adjust to where he chooses to continue his education!
Good luck to all and let’s continue this very cool thread,
My sons playing days are over. But he attended a school less than an hour away. The furthest drive to a conference away game was 4 hours.
When the coach reached out he was not interested but he went, because he know I would make him. You never know how many options you will have and it was only a few hours of his time.
It was far enough away that he could pretend we did not exist, But close enough, if He needed something he could get home quickly or Needed some Help we were available. Or heck even if he wanted to introduce a girl to us. (only happened once, at a baseball game, and she did the introductions while he was pitching)
D3 8 trips a month during the season.
1157.8. Good thing his Grandfather has a lot of SW points. Looking forward to them coming to Kentucky and Louisville. I haven't seen the full schedule yet. Hopefully there will be more games out this way.
2018 will be at a D3 about 2hour drive on turnpike...figured this distance would provide him enough independence and the ability to support (if needed) in the event he needs us. Not sure how many games yet, but I do plan to go to the non-conf ones that are close to my place...
smokeminside posted:Do I get some kind of prize? D3, 5017 miles. Trying to work out a spring break trip but have two younger sons still playing high school ball, so don't want to miss their games either. Ugh.
Smoke - Yes, you get the virtual "Solar Impulse 2 Award" (the solar plane that flew around the world). Great on the gas budget, but not so fast. I figure at an average speed of 40mph, you could leave on Monday to get to the Saturday game. Leave earlier if you want to bring #2 son for East Coast showcases, college visits or camps. Very doable! 
D1. 400 miles So cal from N cal
1886 miles away — hidden amidst the corn fields of Iowa...
2325 Miles - D3 - SCIAC - typically 2 trips to watch live (1 week for 6 to 7 games; and another weekend for 3 game series) - rest of games on streamed video
Appalachian Mtns posted:2325 Miles - D3 - SCIAC - typically 2 trips to watch live (1 week for 6 to 7 games; and another weekend for 3 game series) - rest of games on streamed video
Appalachian, congrats to your son I would send my son across the world to go where he is at!!!
I am looking forward to their continued improvement this coming season.
MAM posted:1886 miles away — hidden amidst the corn fields of Iowa...
"Is this heaven? no its Iowa"
Thanks BOF
Son #1, 50 miles, football at Tufts in Boston - that was an easy and very fun day even though at the time the football team wasn't very good (in middle of a long losing streak). Only lasted one year before a non football related injury to his big toe made him decide to give it up. The doctor said, I can fix this, but if you break it again then it'll probably be unfixable - so an easy decision for him to give it up.
Son #2, 330 miles - NH to PA for D3/Centennial Conf games... A few times it was leave at 6A - arrive in time to see first pitch of DH, watch both games, grab a bite to eat w/ won, and drive back getting home after midnight. One time I got there only to see the CF make 2 errors and SS make 1 error in top 1 for a game where son lasted about 3 or so innings. Official scorer of course called 'em hits ;-) First two years - weekend starter. Last two years were mostly relief. Still wouldn't miss the chance to be there whenever I could - it only lasts so long. Last game was at Johns Hopkins the night of the riots in Baltimore - never forget it because we had a hotel room downtown and it was quite an experience going out that night. We were one of a handful of customers at a popular restaurant.
Son #3, 875 miles - D2/Conference Carolinas. Thankfully games had radio streamed on internet. Only was able to see a few games in person. We eventually moved closer, but son was injured for second season. After not doing so well in school, he spent one year at a JUCO, but now has made the decision school just isn't his thing. Struggling through becoming a big boy now.
smokeminside posted:Do I get some kind of prize? D3, 5017 miles. Trying to work out a spring break trip but have two younger sons still playing high school ball, so don't want to miss their games either. Ugh.
That distance exacerbates the fact that Thanksgiving is a pretty bogus holiday for college students. Most have only 2 days off, and some schools close their dorms and dining halls so the students have to either fly home, no matter how far and how expensive, or make friends quickly enough so they'll get invites to join a local family's holiday celebration.
I hope everybody's kids here have safe trip home and/or a good nearby spot to go to.
* edit to say some schools, not all, close their dorms.
325 miles - JC Had to drive through the LA basin to get there so that sucked. Bonus was that it was same town our daughter was living in so free couch surfing and bonus visits. Probably 4 - 5 trips each of two years.
210 miles - D2 Saw quite a few games, probably 10 trips including a few closer road game trips.
2500 miles - NAIA One trip on the weekend of Senior Day. Lots of fun. Also, tried to coordinate a few of their Florida trips but couldn't leave my HS team for multiple extended trips across the country.
I tell you I miss those trips. To this day I regret not going on that first trip to Florida for their spring Break.
BishopLeftiesDad posted:I tell you I miss those trips. To this day I regret not going on that first trip to Florida for their spring Break.
Now on front end of it all, this type of reflection is why I visit this site.
Thanks for sharing Bishop.
JCG posted:smokeminside posted:Do I get some kind of prize? D3, 5017 miles. Trying to work out a spring break trip but have two younger sons still playing high school ball, so don't want to miss their games either. Ugh.
That distance exacerbates the fact that Thanksgiving is a pretty bogus holiday for college students. Most have only 2 days off, and some schools close their dorms and dining halls so the students have to either fly home, no matter how far and how expensive, or make friends quickly enough so they'll get invites to join a local family's holiday celebration.
I hope everybody's kids here have safe trip home and/or a good nearby spot to go to.
* edit to say some schools, not all, close their dorms.
You make a good point here. It wasn't cost effective for us to fly Ryno home for Thanksgiving, but thankfully, he was invited to accompany a teammate to his home in Illinois. We'll get to see him in 3 weeks for Christmas Break though!
JCG posted:smokeminside posted:Do I get some kind of prize? D3, 5017 miles. Trying to work out a spring break trip but have two younger sons still playing high school ball, so don't want to miss their games either. Ugh.
That distance exacerbates the fact that Thanksgiving is a pretty bogus holiday for college students. Most have only 2 days off, and some schools close their dorms and dining halls so the students have to either fly home, no matter how far and how expensive, or make friends quickly enough so they'll get invites to join a local family's holiday celebration.
I hope everybody's kids here have safe trip home and/or a good nearby spot to go to.
* edit to say some schools, not all, close their dorms.
Yes this is a practical issue that can sometimes be overlooked - flights are expensive for Thanksgiving - for really only 2-3 days off, that can make it an expensive and short trip. My daughter in New England area was invited to stay with a friend, which was very gracious and appreciated!
Son’s school takes whole week off but he’s slumming it in Boston with old and new friends alike. Old friends’ parents helping out with hotel reservations for a bunch of hs buddies to get together. We are gonna miss him but he says he’s “making moves and connections!” Saw Matt Damon’s back, through a window. His world is getting bigger.
Even coming home from Iowa at Thanksgiving is impossible. Luckily the coach and his wife opens their home to all the players that aren’t going home, so our son will be well fed and I am sure have fun. We’ll miss him, that’s for sure — but it just makes no sense to come home. Will make the winter break that much more meaningful.
40 Miles, D2 - Northeast 10.
I am close enough to see the local games, and maybe work in an early season baseball vacation!
DI - 165 miles. Made it to all home games and all in state & some out of state away games. Freshman & Sophomore(RS) years.
DII - 8 miles. Made every game both RS Sophomore & Junior year. Made most every fall ball games as well. Attended all fall ball this, his final year. Plans are to go to every game again this year even though he has been a SP for all three years and is only in one game per series.
We have been blessed by having him close. Taking it all in this year.
Son staying with friends in their dorm for the first part of break. Shelter in place because of a drug deal gone bad. He thought it was exciting. Happy Thanksgiving!
650 D1. We were able to make a couple home games and 2 away games. Luckily most of his games were on some type of video feed. He is driving home now for Winter break (they are on the quarter system) and just dropped a teammate at the halfway point. It will be a long 5 hours waiting for his arrival!
BishopLeftiesDad posted:I tell you I miss those trips. To this day I regret not going on that first trip to Florida for their spring Break.
Same here. Son last played in 2015 and we still miss going to the games. I do regret not attending the D2 Juco regionals when he played. They didn't win, but they were competitive.
50 miles, 1 hour door-to-field. We went to 98% of games both home and away. Thank goodness our jobs allowed us to do this. Son said he didn't mind us there. We loved the travel and we made mini-vacays out of the away weekends. (Remember, "you never know when it's his last game").
Went to all three opening weekends, all away. Freshman year they opened at Ol' Miss. Since son's team was the visiting team, they of course batted first. Son made his college debut in the first inning, batting first. When I saw him walk to the plate I....could....not....breathe.
keewart posted:50 miles, 1 hour door-to-field. We went to 98% of games both home and away. Thank goodness our jobs allowed us to do this. Son said he didn't mind us there. We loved the travel and we made mini-vacays out of the away weekends. (Remember, "you never know when it's his last game").
Went to all three opening weekends, all away. Freshman year they opened at Ol' Miss. Since son's team was the visiting team, they of course batted first. Son made his college debut in the first inning, batting first. When I saw him walk to the plate I....could....not....breathe.
LoL. Good stuff, Keewart!
Son is a 7.5 hour drive away. He redshirted his freshman year due to an injury, so I “only” made a half dozen or so trips. Last season, the only SEC series I missed was at Arkansas. I still regret that one!! My goal is to see every opposing stadium.
We were fortunate enough to make it to Omaha. Now that a few months have passed and I’ve had some time to reflect, it still seems like a dream. We spent 10 or 11 days in Omaha. Not only was it great baseball, Omaha is a GREAT town. I will tell anyone, if you ever have the chance to go to the CWS, GO!! It was the coolest sporting event I have ever attended. The locals treat you like royalty if you have a kid playing. Very nice people.
younggun posted:We were fortunate enough to make it to Omaha. Now that a few months have passed and I’ve had some time to reflect, it still seems like a dream. We spent 10 or 11 days in Omaha. Not only was it great baseball, Omaha is a GREAT town. I will tell anyone, if you ever have the chance to go to the CWS, GO!! It was the coolest sporting event I have ever attended. The locals treat you like royalty if you have a kid playing. Very nice people.
A local says thanks. We do embrace the CWS (and amateur sports in general) and it is something we look forward to every year. Not only attending the games, but meeting the players and their families from around the country. Happy to hear you enjoyed your stay in Omaha! Many happy returns.
Keewart said..."When I saw him walk to the plate I....could....not....breathe."
Man, have we ALL been THERE! Nervous as a cat in a room full of rockers! In my case, it was the mound, too...But, it usually all worked out.
My son got the start last spring at Texas A & M. It was a 6:30pm Saturday game in front of 6800. I was watching on TV and had a hard time breathing lol
baseballmom posted:Keewart said..."When I saw him walk to the plate I....could....not....breathe."
Man, have we ALL been THERE!
Nervous as a cat in a room full of rockers! In my case, it was the mound, too...But, it usually all worked out.
I am not sure I"got comfortable" until mid-sophomore year.
I really don't know how you pitcher parents do it.
Keewart,...XANEX!
OK, the topic is "distance from home" and some great recent posts reflect the nervousness of even our seasoned parents when their sons are on stage somewhere a long way from home.
Here's a different take... we just had HS sign-ups. Record number of freshmen. Consequently, I am getting a record number of individual freshmen parent "feedback" notes, mostly via email, sending me some of the craziest questions, full bio's of sons, instructor/camp/travel team name drops, videos (yes, videos), etc. This is INCOMING HS FRESHMEN at a small school. We haven't even started conditioning yet, let alone tryouts/practice. My prospective new JV coach is having second thoughts. We've entered a whole new dimension. My reply always includes some version of... "your son is in HS now, a key initiative of our program is to get them comfortable with handling their own business and we start expecting that the day they signed up."
While the geographic distance is very minimal, so many of these parents are NOT yet ready to let their sons go the distance of finding their own way. Much work to do. Your stories provide me with always-needed perspective and patience
My son went to a boys Catholic HS. It had a long reputation of strong baseball teams and a very stable and respected coaching staff.
There was no parent meeting, no communications, just a notice for tryouts. However, part of that notice was the communication from the coaches that they did not want to talk with the parents about baseball. They made it clear that the only discussions that they wanted with the parents was about our son's welfare and the weather.
I may not have agreed with the coaches at times; but the message and adherence to the message made my and my son's life easier (it also helped when he was in college).
We were lucky, my son had good coaches, with a well run program. In the end, the team did well and my son was prepared for the next phase of his life.
Fun times:
Kid's due at the airport tonight at 9:30. He gets mom on the phone.
Kid - Hey, I'm at the airport. Where are you guys?
Mom - Uhhh........................... Your flight is tonight.
Kid - No, I'm here now.
Mom - ...........................you're f-ing with me, right?
I get on the phone.
Me - what's up buddy?
Kid - are you going to send me my boarding pass?
Me - Sure. Do you want me to call an Uber for you?
Kid - I can do that.
Me - And hold your hand while you cross the street? I sent you the confirmation number. Use that to check in online.
Kid - I know. I tried and it just showed me the flight info and wouldn't let me check in.
Me - Hold on. ( I look at the website, all is right) It's fine. Button on bottom left. Try it again.
Kid - OK. Love you. See you tonight.
I come to a realization. Duh! Call the kid back.
Me - I think I sent you the Christmas flight info. I'll send you the one for tonight right now. I hope you learned something.
Kid - what?
Me - Don't f with your mom.
keewart posted:baseballmom posted:Keewart said..."When I saw him walk to the plate I....could....not....breathe."
Man, have we ALL been THERE!
I am not sure I"got comfortable" until mid-sophomore year.
I really don't know how you pitcher parents do it.
With a few years perspective I can laugh at myself, but I can really identify with this.
In my son's case it wasn't even college. Not even high school. I hate to admit it, but it was 14U summer ball.
He was playing in a PG tourney for the first time. His team was the first at that age level for a local showcase program. Originally he was brought onto the team to be a catcher who could also eat some innings on the mound if necessary.
The game was being played in the stadium at Terry Park, which feels like playing in Yankee Stadium when all you have as a comparison is the local rec field.
They are playing a highly ranked team out of Texas. Their pitcher is a 6'5 lefty. Our pitcher is a 6'3 lefty. (at 14 mind you) Game is tied 1-1 after 5.
I knew our coach wouldn't let a kid go more than 5 so a new pitcher would be coming in for the 6th. As the sides change, who do I see jogging to the mound? My kid.
I'm sure this has to be a mistake. There has got to be another guy they can send in right? Nope, he's warming up.
Crap. This is a big stage. This is a big (although empty) stadium. This is a good team. There are literally a dozen people watching. How am I supposed to handle this?
I seriously thought I was going to throw up.
I can laugh about it now, but then I just didn't know any better. I literally felt like he was taking the mound in game 7 of the world series.
ILVBB posted:My son went to a boys Catholic HS. It had a long reputation of strong baseball teams and a very stable and respected coaching staff.
There was no parent meeting, no communications, just a notice for tryouts. However, part of that notice was the communication from the coaches that they did not want to talk with the parents about baseball. They made it clear that the only discussions that they wanted with the parents was about our son's welfare and the weather.
That description of your son's high school is 100% the same as my son's, right down to the religious affiliation.
My wife and I were out to dinner last summer and I spied my 2015 son's high school coach at a table with his family as we were being seated. I made a side trip for a drive-by hello and handshake. When I got to the table my wife asked why I wasn't behind her. I told her that I had to say hello to Coach on the way. She immediately picked up on my grin and asked, "He had no idea who you were, did he?" Nope, I said with pride. Son was a 3 year varsity starter.
JCG posted:Fun times:
Kid's due at the airport tonight at 9:30. He gets mom on the phone.
Kid - Hey, I'm at the airport. Where are you guys?
Mom - Uhhh........................... Your flight is tonight.
Kid - No, I'm here now.
Mom - ...........................you're f-ing with me, right?
I get on the phone.
Me - what's up buddy?
Kid - are you going to send me my boarding pass?
Me - Sure. Do you want me to call an Uber for you?
Kid - I can do that.
Me - And hold your hand while you cross the street? I sent you the confirmation number. Use that to check in online.
Kid - I know. I tried and it just showed me the flight info and wouldn't let me check in.
Me - Hold on. ( I look at the website, all is right) It's fine. Button on bottom left. Try it again.
Kid - OK. Love you. See you tonight.
I come to a realization. Duh! Call the kid back.
Me - I think I sent you the Christmas flight info. I'll send you the one for tonight right now. I hope you learned something.
Kid - what?
Me - Don't f with your mom.
Awesome...my first official laugh of the day. Thank you!! Happy Thanksgiving
MidAtlanticDad posted:ILVBB posted:My son went to a boys Catholic HS. It had a long reputation of strong baseball teams and a very stable and respected coaching staff.
There was no parent meeting, no communications, just a notice for tryouts. However, part of that notice was the communication from the coaches that they did not want to talk with the parents about baseball. They made it clear that the only discussions that they wanted with the parents was about our son's welfare and the weather.
That description of your son's high school is 100% the same as my son's, right down to the religious affiliation.
My wife and I were out to dinner last summer and I spied my 2015 son's high school coach at a table with his family as we were being seated. I made a side trip for a drive-by hello and handshake. When I got to the table my wife asked why I wasn't behind her. I told her that I had to say hello to Coach on the way. She immediately picked up on my grin and asked, "He had no idea who you were, did he?" Nope, I said with pride. Son was a 3 year varsity starter.
Yeah, ILVBB and Mid, we run things in a similar fashion (we do have a parent meeting but all other communication is through the players, we have built a successful, stable program) but I can usually make it to the parent meeting in February before having to lay out the guidelines to the new parents... been doing so successfully for going on ten years now with just the occasional inquiry prior to that meeting. The stories I could tell you from this year's incoming group would absolutely blow you away.
I do realize that, in part, it is a good thing. We have steadily grown interest in our program and more young players are, in turn, seeking out more playing opportunities outside of just the school/Babe Ruth/youth rec season. Also, there is a particularly challenging scenario for this year's newcomers - we have the majority of our V and JV players returning. From what I gather, there is a buzz of concern among the newcomers and parents as they "do the numbers". But, it's still crazy. The travel ball mentality is permeating in a big way. Sorry, back to the OP...
Buckeye 2015 posted:My son got the start last spring at Texas A & M. It was a 6:30pm Saturday game in front of 6800. I was watching on TV and had a hard time breathing lol
My wife gets more nervous watching on tv...
rynoattack posted:Buckeye 2015 posted:My son got the start last spring at Texas A & M. It was a 6:30pm Saturday game in front of 6800. I was watching on TV and had a hard time breathing lol
My wife gets more nervous watching on tv...
I was really missing baseball last weekend and I decided to play a game from 2 years ago on YouTube on the family room TV. I didn't remember 2017's PA's and I found myself getting tense every time he came to the plate.
My son was a PO starting freshman spring season. He was a conference starter. He usually started the first or second game, on the Saturday DH.
We still went to every conference game DH's Saturday and Sunday. And week day OOC games. Heck it's baseball. Also all the position players parents are there. Plus it is nice to watch a game in a relaxed manner. Other parents learned quickly not to talk to us when BishopLefty was pitching. We were never rude, buts let's say we we're distracted. Also we have two large dogs. Son loved us bringing them to games. But only brought them once when he pitched.
It was a fun 4 years.
D-1. East Coast to SoCal... In the end we took the 6 hour flight west over the seven hour drive south.
Pitchers parents watch the game a little more different than position player parents. Way more intense.
JCG... that was my best laugh this whole Thanksgiving weekend!! Awesome stuff!
MidAtlanticDad posted:ILVBB posted:
That description of your son's high school is 100% the same as my son's, right down to the religious affiliation.
My wife and I were out to dinner last summer and I spied my 2015 son's high school coach at a table with his family as we were being seated. I made a side trip for a drive-by hello and handshake. When I got to the table my wife asked why I wasn't behind her. I told her that I had to say hello to Coach on the way. She immediately picked up on my grin and asked, "He had no idea who you were, did he?" Nope, I said with pride. Son was a 3 year varsity starter.
I don't know that I consider this to be a good thing, I mean maybe I am a small town guy but I can't imagine being the coach of HS program and not knowing the face of a 3 year starter parent. Full disclosure our HS has 600 grads per grade so it isn't a small school. I understand the separation of player/coach, I am not buddies with our HS coach at all but my son was a 3 year starter and the coach knew who I was during his freshman year before he played varsity.
I mean there off season works outs, fund raisers, booster clubs, team banquets...I just think there is room between being over bearing and involved. Hell my sons college coach knows who the parents are of most of his team...and he has a relationship with none of them that I am aware of.
old_school posted:MidAtlanticDad posted:ILVBB posted:
That description of your son's high school is 100% the same as my son's, right down to the religious affiliation.
My wife and I were out to dinner last summer and I spied my 2015 son's high school coach at a table with his family as we were being seated. I made a side trip for a drive-by hello and handshake. When I got to the table my wife asked why I wasn't behind her. I told her that I had to say hello to Coach on the way. She immediately picked up on my grin and asked, "He had no idea who you were, did he?" Nope, I said with pride. Son was a 3 year varsity starter.
I don't know that I consider this to be a good thing, I mean maybe I am a small town guy but I can't imagine being the coach of HS program and not knowing the face of a 3 year starter parent. Full disclosure our HS has 600 grads per grade so it isn't a small school. I understand the separation of player/coach, I am not buddies with our HS coach at all but my son was a 3 year starter and the coach knew who I was during his freshman year before he played varsity.
I mean there off season works outs, fund raisers, booster clubs, team banquets...I just think there is room between being over bearing and involved. Hell my sons college coach knows who the parents are of most of his team...and he has a relationship with none of them that I am aware of.
MidAtlanticDad posted:old_school posted:MidAtlanticDad posted:ILVBB posted:
That description of your son's high school is 100% the same as my son's, right down to the religious affiliation.
My wife and I were out to dinner last summer and I spied my 2015 son's high school coach at a table with his family as we were being seated. I made a side trip for a drive-by hello and handshake. When I got to the table my wife asked why I wasn't behind her. I told her that I had to say hello to Coach on the way. She immediately picked up on my grin and asked, "He had no idea who you were, did he?" Nope, I said with pride. Son was a 3 year varsity starter.
I don't know that I consider this to be a good thing, I mean maybe I am a small town guy but I can't imagine being the coach of HS program and not knowing the face of a 3 year starter parent. Full disclosure our HS has 600 grads per grade so it isn't a small school. I understand the separation of player/coach, I am not buddies with our HS coach at all but my son was a 3 year starter and the coach knew who I was during his freshman year before he played varsity.
I mean there off season works outs, fund raisers, booster clubs, team banquets...I just think there is room between being over bearing and involved. Hell my sons college coach knows who the parents are of most of his team...and he has a relationship with none of them that I am aware of.
Yes, I understand this might not make sense for everyone, but it does for me. My son's HC has won 10 state championships. Some kids choose the school at least in part to play baseball. Every year the coach has a bunch of parents who aren't happy with their kid getting cut, playing time, position, spot in the order, etc, etc. He had people trying to talk to him after games, hanging next to the dugout during games, making comments from the stands, sending emails, sending their kid to his office to talk... you name it. I thought the program made it crystal clear that none of this behavior was appropriate, but people did it anyway.After 20 years of this, Coach was not looking to make friends with any new parents. (He wasn't a friendly guy to begin with.) The only time I ever saw the guy was at a pre-season parents meeting, an annual banquet/fundraiser and at baseball games. He obviously didn't want to be at the first two. Other than a handshake on Senior Day, I pretty much left him alone. My contribution to his sanity.FWIW, he does know my wife. She helped organize some team activities that required his ok. (The fact that she's an attractive woman may have also figured into it.)
LOL I have no doubt an active mom who is easy on the eyes will be remembered...the man is human after all!!
Fair enough, I actually know they exact type of guy you are referring to. A fine coach no doubt but it seems like rotten way to go through life IMO but I get it now.
