You've seen the movie before. Where there are 2 trains on course for a head-on collision and all you can do is sit back and watch it in slow motion. From all the different camera angles and yet, it's still destined to happen.
Such is knowing and watching your son play this amazing and wonderful game of baseball. Each year from Little League into youth ball, high school and if fortunate enough, college. And then after college should his talents and gifts be so extraordinary that he's blessed with Pro ball afterwards as well. Like the train wreck above there are numerous times along the way that just when you are embracing for this explosion of a collision somehow, someway a magical switch is thrown and *poof*, one train is diverted onto another track instantly and a new course or journey is begun.
Many of your sons just like mine has been lucky or blessed along the way to enjoy this fortunate turn of events where their game is prolonged for a period of time. You THINK that "No" was as sure as the sky is blue but, there they are. Back on the field with a team loving what they have always done it seems. Play ball.
There are on this site at any given time (most likely) possibly 1-2% 5-Tool Blue chippers that have incredible destinies awaiting them in baseball. Their concerns and stresses on where to play ball are nonexistent. Everyone else is on this awesome site to learn ways to get ahead and find the various ways for self-improvement. Our kids are those who have to buckle down maybe just a tad bit harder in certain areas to find that hidden nut that affords them a CHANCE to play beyond middle school, high school, and even college. This was my son every step of the way. When he was 11yrs old I often wondered how he could run with such a large piano on his back!
Fast forward to today. After 3yrs of Pro ball the game of baseball who we know has never been no respecter of persons finally whispered in my son's ear and told him to hang up his cleats for good as the game is over for him. It really is funny when your first instinct is to want to turn left or right and just SEE is there another door or hatch we've not known about to possibly venture through. But when baseball says No, they're all securely buttoned down with heavy duty unlockable locks. Here's the funny thing about this epiphany however. While he has been waiting for this much dreaded chat he began to feel it deep inside for himself. In high school and college it's obviously a much closer and real dream to play and "get paid" and they can taste it. But for some that flame begins to fade when they begin to see that mountain has grown insurmountable. I suppose he was waiting on this chat long before it ever made its way to me that this was ending soon.
This may sound a tad selfish on my part but I am beginning to wonder what am I going to do now myself! lol. All my baseball "Favorites" that are a majority of what I peruse each evening! I don't want to be put out to pasture! We all know what happens when you're thrown out there. lol
Parents of players from 5yrs old up to College, no doubt you've read the advice and wisdom 1,000 times on this site about enjoying this journey one day at a time with your son(s). Right now for most of you the end is not even on your radar. As it shouldn't be. But it's coming nevertheless and hopefully just maybe a nugget like this one every once in a while to remind you to stop and truly smell the roses will jog you enough to do so. I honestly don't have enough money to pay for the memories and good times I've shared with my son all these years in this game. Perhaps this son saved my son's life in some sort of way that I will never know about. It was his closest friend and confidant at times that I'm thankful for today. Help your son(s) truly, truly enjoy today and the moment of being able to participate in the game of baseball. Is baseball life? No, lol. But boy, it sure taught some of the most incredible and valuable lessons that he will use for the rest of his life. The relationships forged will always be there - forever. People I had never even meet in person but only on this site opened up doors for him and gave him chances that today made him into the player he became. There are many new faces on here that I haven't had the opportunity to meet but for all the Old Timers on here my heart and soul wants to say "Thank you" from the bottom of my heart for all the wisdom, advice, warm and kind words, encouragement, guidance and multiple opportunities you showed me and my son all these years. I'm not an emotional guy mind you (us former Marines can't! It's forbidden!) but if Im being honest I am getting pretty choked up writing this which Ive kept inside. I feel like I am burying an old friend because THAT is what this game did for us and the word "love" was always ever present just like that towards someone fond.
Like a few of my friends on this site whose son's also recently retired from the game over the past 2-3 years Josh is now giving Pitching instruction here in north Georgia. Just yesterday it seems he was getting these! Now the future chapters in this game will begin to make itself known over time. Instructing, coaching, etc. It will be fun I'm sure being able to watch him transition into this new phase of life.
I am rambling now as I am trying to find a way to close this post but I am failing miserably. It's been a really hard day.
YGD
