Life in the minors

Sage advice from TPM.

 

It will become clear to him in due time what price he needs to pay to keep advancing in baseball. He may decide to pay it, and he may not. But pushing him at this point probably decreases the likelihood that he eventually decides the price is worth it.

Thanks for the feedback, seems to be the consensus that he must make the decision on his workouts, I've heard this before. I was told at this age (14) something will click and he'll start to get it so relax. I'll try, will be tough...

Who told you at age14/15 even at 16 that things will click for him to get serious?

All a parent can do is provide opportunity, they either have the drive or they don't

BigDream,

 

Welcome to the site.  I agree with above advice. You cant force it. There are kids who can get by on natural abilities only for so long. Eventually they have to want it enough themselves to get after it.

  Your talking to parents on here who have players some who have reached the MLB.Some minor leagues, many high profile colleges.

 These people have lived it, breathed it, the game of baseball becomes more exclusive at each level.

  I haven't seen good results from dads, or moms over the years who have pushed their sons.More times than not I have seen detrimental results even scarring the relationship.

 We never had to push with baseball, our son had to work hard to compete.

 

You will know soon enough if  he has the desire and love of the game to push to new heights.It is a lot of work, a lot of sacrifices.

 

Build a relationship with your son of mutual respect and love. When baseball is over and it will end for 99.9 percent you don't want a fractured relationship at the end of it.

 

I cherish our son. He is a beautiful young man. Baseball is over for him. The adjustment seemed like it was meant to be.

 

I am very glad we never let baseball dictate our love for one another. Make sure your son knows no matter what he chooses you will be there and support him. Love him unconditionally no matter what happens on the field.

 

So true. You can't push a rope.

Good reply Fan, so true. I still say in order to make to the bigs, at age 14 they are already driven, have goals set. They don't spend much time hanging out or doing video brain wasters, or girlfriends. I have read books about pro players and they are not your average live for today teenagers.

 

I will say this until my last breath, our son had the talent and ability, he chose early on to get by on that,, by college it wasn't enough to get looked at. Baseball (MLB) is like a fraternity, bloodlines are considered first, they look at parents, were they athletes  in college.

 

And it takes only one person in the know to say "he isn't projectable, or doesn't accept instruction"..

I know this is old ... but one of the best threads I have read on this site ...actually misted me up a bit ...  As a parent of a young player ... everyone's advice is so amazing, honest and heartfelt on this site ... I look forward to being a part of this community for a long time!

 

Thank You All!

 

Matt

I saw this thread bumped, so figured it's as good a time as any for an update on my son. A week age Saturday he had a violent collision in the outfield with the centerfielder. The CF was knocked out cold, his head collided with my son's left shoulder, separating the AC joint. 

 

The CF had a bad concussion, and is expected to return in another week or so. My son's  season is over. He can still barely move the arm. 

 

What it means for his future is TBD. It's disappointing for him, because after a very slow first 15 games in May, he had very good June and July, and was starting to play catcher again as well, which was his best route to affiliated ball. (He plays in the independent Frontier League.)

 

It was a scary time for his mom and I listening the the game broadcast as he and the CF were down, taken off the field in a stretcher.

 

Life in the minors can change in a heartbeat.

RK...so sorry to hear about this.  Sending a pm.

Rob, we're praying for a return to good health for your son.

 

Rob, wow, that story hits home.  In addition to the prayers, best HSBBW karma, and anything else that may bring your son a quick recovery and good fortune going forward.

Rob,

 

Sorry to hear about the injury.

 

Hopefully he will make a full recovery and have a big year.  I believe he deserves a shot and hope that happens, but if it doesn't happen his accomplishments are something to be very proud of.

Rob,

My son also plays in the Frontier League and I read about the collision.  I so hate that it was a season ending injury for your son. I hope that he has a full speedy recovery and can get back to where he was at this point.  Good thoughts and blessings his way!

Thanks, all.

 

Southernmom - which team does your son play for?

 

Rob,

He plays for Traverse City Beach Bums.  Will Rankin.  I looked to see if he faced your son and he came in the game right after your son was at bat.  Your son's stats are crazy good!!!!

Nice era Will Rankin!  Bums son on that team.

TPM, I hate to say how bad I am at remembering who's son is who, but what is Bum's son's name?

Rusty

TPM thanks!  Small world, especially when it comes to baseball.

Rob, so sorry to hear about Jeff.  Hoping for a quick recovery and that he can get back on the field soon!  

I missed this somehow. Sorry to hear about the injury. Hoping he can recover and return to the game. I cant imagine what it was like listening to it on the radio. Praying for a healthy recovery.