Mrs and I have been running back and forth between High Point and Chapel Hill the last 2 days. Its been a lot of fun. Tomorrow, rubber game at Chapel Hill
My guy got the start on the hill today against our ranked hometown JUCO and went the distance, pitching all 9 innings giving up 4 hits and 12 k's. He threw 144 pitches and got the win. He also went 2 for 4 at the plate. He is off for 5 days now and told not to pick up a baseball until then.
Coach I enjoyed watching your son catch today. He really battled back there and did a fantastic job. And that Bomb he hit was a no doubter. And my brother was more impressed with the nice sac bunt he layed down. Good luck the rest of the way.
My neighbor had a nice day.
http://www.gopetrels.com/sport...eases/20100227sj3vxf
Hitting .359, with a 2.89 ERA for Oglethorpe.
http://www.gopetrels.com/sport...eases/20100227sj3vxf
Hitting .359, with a 2.89 ERA for Oglethorpe.
thx, O44..... It is just a college start.. BUT IT IS QUITE A START...
We are very happy for the boy.
PUHD, today I watched from home....AND I LOVE IT!
We are very happy for the boy.
PUHD, today I watched from home....AND I LOVE IT!
playfair, those are AWESOME numbers your son is putting up! Congrats!
Coach May
Thanks, it was fun to be there and see. My wife was up jumping and screaming. She said they all knew who his mom was. He took a nice shot in the knee on the play at the plate. He's sore today but hopefully he can play tommorrow.
Merc
Thanks, it was fun to be there and see. My wife was up jumping and screaming. She said they all knew who his mom was. He took a nice shot in the knee on the play at the plate. He's sore today but hopefully he can play tommorrow.
Merc
playfair, congrats!
Bum, Jr. rolled an ankle last year and was out and didn't pitch much but did pretty good in the Summer. Started against Texas Tech yesterday and left up 7-2 after 4 innings with 6k's but was pulled so didn't get the win. Struck out the side in the 1st.. got the cobwebs out but not bad overall. Tough gig, pitching.
Bum, Jr. rolled an ankle last year and was out and didn't pitch much but did pretty good in the Summer. Started against Texas Tech yesterday and left up 7-2 after 4 innings with 6k's but was pulled so didn't get the win. Struck out the side in the 1st.. got the cobwebs out but not bad overall. Tough gig, pitching.
Bum, I dont know how pitchers parents take it... The few times my kid has pitched I nearly broke out in shingles.
7-2... 4 innings with 6Ks is a great start. Great coach too, not going too deep into pitch count early season.
Keep me posted.
7-2... 4 innings with 6Ks is a great start. Great coach too, not going too deep into pitch count early season.
Keep me posted.
Well, baseball season finally felt "real" to us last night, as we watched the Univ of Minnesota Gophers take on Oklahoma State last night in the Dairy Queen Classic at the Metrodome in Minneapolis.
OK struck me as having muscular, strong hitters all through their lineup, and they took quite a toll on the MN pitchers, running up a 12-0 lead after 2-1/2 innings. It was looking like a lopsided game, but the Gophers relievers held OK scoreless for the next 5 innings while MN hitters narrowed the gap with 9 runs.
I was especially impressed with OK State's RF Luis Uribe, a very strong looking young man from Boston MA who went 4 for 5 including a line drive HR in the final inning.
It's so exciting to be watching live baseball again!!!
Julie
OK struck me as having muscular, strong hitters all through their lineup, and they took quite a toll on the MN pitchers, running up a 12-0 lead after 2-1/2 innings. It was looking like a lopsided game, but the Gophers relievers held OK scoreless for the next 5 innings while MN hitters narrowed the gap with 9 runs.
I was especially impressed with OK State's RF Luis Uribe, a very strong looking young man from Boston MA who went 4 for 5 including a line drive HR in the final inning.
It's so exciting to be watching live baseball again!!!
Julie
Those of us that have been around baseball a long time know there are highs and lows in this sport. I have learned to celebrate the highs and hang in there during the lows.
Son had an incredible week-end. Playing out of state his team was spanked Fri night, losing 7-0 with many errors. They came back the next 2 games to win. Son went 5-5 on Sat, then continued his streak with 2 more hits before striking out. He got a hug from his head coach after the 5 for 5 day. Said it doesn't happen too often so to enjoy it.
Son had an incredible week-end. Playing out of state his team was spanked Fri night, losing 7-0 with many errors. They came back the next 2 games to win. Son went 5-5 on Sat, then continued his streak with 2 more hits before striking out. He got a hug from his head coach after the 5 for 5 day. Said it doesn't happen too often so to enjoy it.
.
Sorry I was late on this, on the road as well...but I can personally attest...
Great kid...hard worker...real discipline and perspective....great family..great humility...great perspective...great present...great future...could not be more well eraned/deserved...the good guys, and the right values do win a few...
44
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quote:Son had an incredible week-end. Playing out of state his team was spanked Fri night, losing 7-0 with many errors. They came back the next 2 games to win. Son went 5-5 on Sat, then continued his streak with 2 more hits before striking out. He got a hug from his head coach after the 5 for 5 day. Said it doesn't happen too often so to enjoy it.
Sorry I was late on this, on the road as well...but I can personally attest...
Great kid...hard worker...real discipline and perspective....great family..great humility...great perspective...great present...great future...could not be more well eraned/deserved...the good guys, and the right values do win a few...
.
CaBB,
"Son went 5-5 on Sat,"
How cool is that?!?!? Congrats to your son, sounds like a terrific weekend!
Julie
"Son went 5-5 on Sat,"
How cool is that?!?!? Congrats to your son, sounds like a terrific weekend!
Julie
CaBB,
Congrats on your sons weekend.Awesome!!!
Congrats on your sons weekend.Awesome!!!
CaBB - What a weekend!!!
CaBB-Congrats on a Great Weekend for your son!
.
Oh, and add a Monday dinger to that total...for CaBB Son...
Didn't miss that one!
44
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Oh, and add a Monday dinger to that total...for CaBB Son...
Didn't miss that one!
.
quote:Originally posted by observer44:
.
Oh, and add a Monday dinger to that total...for CaBB Son...
Didn't miss that one!
.
That is great stuff
Given the 5-5 the other night and the limited number of college games this evening, I was able to figure out all on my own who we were talking about here
I mean if people are happy that Jeff Bridges finally won an Oscar, they certainly should all be happy for people named Beau!
quote:Originally posted by CaBB:
Those of us that have been around baseball a long time know there are highs and lows in this sport. I have learned to celebrate the highs and hang in there during the lows.
Son had an incredible week-end. Playing out of state his team was spanked Fri night, losing 7-0 with many errors. They came back the next 2 games to win. Son went 5-5 on Sat, then continued his streak with 2 more hits before striking out. He got a hug from his head coach after the 5 for 5 day. Said it doesn't happen too often so to enjoy it.
Thanks everyone for the kind thoughts.
CD, the younger posters don't know that Jeff Bridges has a brother Beau! That does age us.
CD, the younger posters don't know that Jeff Bridges has a brother Beau! That does age us.
Congrats, CaBB, on your son's success this weekend! How wonderful! 
I guess we must be close in age, because I certainly remember Beau! I remember drooling over him as a teenage girl when I saw him star in "The Other Side of the Mountain."
I guess we must be close in age, because I certainly remember Beau! I remember drooling over him as a teenage girl when I saw him star in "The Other Side of the Mountain."
Remember I said something about the highs and the lows.....well after such a great week-end on the road the team was hit hard by probable food poisoning. Throwing up on the plane, 4 of the boys (and the trainer) had to be hospitalized in Salt Lake City. About 15 of the players have it now. For some reason my son did not get sick. Hopefully they all recover quickly. Kind of feel sorry for the other passengers on the flight!
Infield- now that you mention it I do remember Beau Bridges in that movie. (Are we old??)
Infield- now that you mention it I do remember Beau Bridges in that movie. (Are we old??)
I remember Lloyd Bridges - Sea Hunt.
quote:Remember I said something about the highs and the lows.....well after such a great week-end on the road the team was hit hard by probable food poisoning. Throwing up on the plane, 4 of the boys (and the trainer) had to be hospitalized in Salt Lake City.
Wow that's too bad.I hope they are all ok.
CaBB - sorry to hear that! Thoughts and prayers going their way!
I loved Sea Hunt when I was a kid! Lloyd Bridges was a fine actor!
If you like the Bridges' boys, then the Fabulous Baker Boys is a must see. My favorite Jeff Bridges movie is the Last Picture Show in which he was also nominated for an Academy Award.
I loved Sea Hunt when I was a kid! Lloyd Bridges was a fine actor!
If you like the Bridges' boys, then the Fabulous Baker Boys is a must see. My favorite Jeff Bridges movie is the Last Picture Show in which he was also nominated for an Academy Award.
Lloyd Bridges birthday today! Died @ 85 many years ago. Loved that program. I think it helped me learn to love the ocean even from a young age (old surfer here).
Boys are all getting better from the food poisoning. Apparently it was a short, violent bout.
Boys are all getting better from the food poisoning. Apparently it was a short, violent bout.
quote:Boys are all getting better from the food poisoning. Apparently it was a short, violent bout.
That's good to here.Make sure where ever you ate is notified.
Hey folks, Pop up's BA is down to .111 and dropping. I wish I had better news to share.
PUHD, .111 who cares.... it is early season. the only time to worry about the batting avg is at the end of the season.
your player is evaluated each and every time he plays. i guarantee you that if your son goes 4-4 tomorrow with a hr and a double no one will discount him because he is currently batting .111
please tell your son to forget about the avg, clear his mind and battle each and every at bat ... worryfree...
pm me, i have a cd you should get for your son.
your player is evaluated each and every time he plays. i guarantee you that if your son goes 4-4 tomorrow with a hr and a double no one will discount him because he is currently batting .111
please tell your son to forget about the avg, clear his mind and battle each and every at bat ... worryfree...
pm me, i have a cd you should get for your son.
Don't fret folks, Pop up isn't worried, says his hitting coach is working on this. Tomorrow his team takes on the great Bryce Harper and his boys.
CaBB. Terrible news about the food poisoning. Nothing worse than being sick on an airplane a long way from home. Hope everyone is feeling better now.
08
08
Congrats and kudos to Floridafan's son tonite!
Big game on the mound against a Conference foe!
Polk State 14, South Florida 6 - WP-Grabe, 7 IP, 9 K;
Big game on the mound against a Conference foe!
Polk State 14, South Florida 6 - WP-Grabe, 7 IP, 9 K;
For the first time in a couple of years our son has actually got to play the game he loves. This spring so far he has put up staggering numbers in JUCO baseball hit .514 with 16 HR's and 47 RBI's through 21 games. I am very proud as a parent to see him perform at this level but more proud of the work he has had to put in Academically to get this opportunity. After transferring from a D1 school and having to sit out at another D1 due to transfer rules he became academically ineligible to play at that school. He has worked hard on grades just to get chance to further his baseball dreams and for that I am a very proud.
Those are astounding numbers! Congratulations!!!
quote:Originally posted by YoungGunDad:
Congrats and kudos to Floridafan's son tonite!
Big game on the mound against a Conference foe!
Polk State 14, South Florida 6 - WP-Grabe, 7 IP, 9 K;
I guess that pitching thing is working out okay.
Congrats on a great outing.
Good stuff Floridafan!
Thank you guys! I appreciate it!
My team has only completed 7 games so far due to some inclement weather. We have 4 games coming up this weekend and another 5 over the course of the next week so we will certainly be getting moving so far.
We are currently 7 and 0, and have outscored our opponents 65-27 over our first 7 games. Our team batting average is .363, team ERA is 3.20 (versus .210/8.84 for opponents). Our ace was the only pitcher to have 2 starts thus far, and is 2-0 with a 0.69 ERA, 13 IP, 26 K/2 BB/6 hits.
I have thrown 5 1/3 IP and have given up 1 ER, 5 H, 2 BB and 5 K.
We are very excited for this coming weekend as team and hopefully we can keep up the solid play.
Anyone else with any other updates?
We are currently 7 and 0, and have outscored our opponents 65-27 over our first 7 games. Our team batting average is .363, team ERA is 3.20 (versus .210/8.84 for opponents). Our ace was the only pitcher to have 2 starts thus far, and is 2-0 with a 0.69 ERA, 13 IP, 26 K/2 BB/6 hits.
I have thrown 5 1/3 IP and have given up 1 ER, 5 H, 2 BB and 5 K.
We are very excited for this coming weekend as team and hopefully we can keep up the solid play.
Anyone else with any other updates?
.
2/4, with a walk, and 4 RBI's is a very good day...
...but when one of those hit is a first inning Granny?
...Priceless!
Congrats CaBB...and son...
44
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2/4, with a walk, and 4 RBI's is a very good day...
...but when one of those hit is a first inning Granny?
...Priceless!
Congrats CaBB...and son...
.
Very Nice '44!
Love to see those Grannys!
We have not seen one of those this year but my guy has settled in to be at around .425 for the past 10 games or so. He has 9 2B, 5 3B, and 5 HR so far. Hopefully he can build from here. Hard to believe that there are only 17 games left to our regular season...
Love to see those Grannys!
We have not seen one of those this year but my guy has settled in to be at around .425 for the past 10 games or so. He has 9 2B, 5 3B, and 5 HR so far. Hopefully he can build from here. Hard to believe that there are only 17 games left to our regular season...
quote:Originally posted by floridafan:
Very Nice '44!
Love to see those Grannys!
We have not seen one of those this year but my guy has settled in to be at around .425 for the past 10 games or so. He has 9 2B, 5 3B, and 5 HR so far. Hopefully he can build from here. Hard to believe that there are only 17 games left to our regular season...
Ummm....You can add 2 more HR to Floridafan's sons total for the year. He hit 2 more today as they demolished another conference foe - 17-2. Surely Top schools or the MLB scouts have to be watering at the mouth over this kid!
Looks like Younggunson gets his first start of the season this Saturday against Chattanooga State. He's missed the first 4 starts of the season nursing some shoulder soreness. I could hear a little giddy-up in his voice today....finally!
Thank you YoungGunDad! 
Boy, you are quick, I don't know how you heard so soon, we barely left the field!
It was a fun day, his mom even got to see the game.
Great to hear YoungGunSon will be on the hill next week. Best of luck and can't wait to hear your report!
Boy, you are quick, I don't know how you heard so soon, we barely left the field!
It was a fun day, his mom even got to see the game.
Great to hear YoungGunSon will be on the hill next week. Best of luck and can't wait to hear your report!
Son had a great week and weekend. Pitched 3 games in relief for a total of 9 innings giving up 2 hits, 0 runs, with 11 strikeouts and no walks. I know it will probably be tough for him to repeat such a performance but it nice to be able to string together a few good games.
Best part after all of those games was that he was named the Atlantic Sun Pitcher of the Week!!
http://www.atlanticsun.org/baseball/news/106/4289/
Best part after all of those games was that he was named the Atlantic Sun Pitcher of the Week!!
http://www.atlanticsun.org/baseball/news/106/4289/
Super kudo to to CPLZ son Kirk who threw a complete game for Army as they beat Cornell 4-2. Besides being one of our "boys" General Porter had 11K and 0BB 1ER in the 9 inning CG.
Awesome Outing! Congratulations!
I am happy to report that our Tigers Won their First Series against Rice this weekend!
Plus Tigers earned recognition as both Conference USA Hitter of the Week and Pitcher of the Week 3/22 and Pitcher of the Week 3/29.
Good things are happening here!!
Plus Tigers earned recognition as both Conference USA Hitter of the Week and Pitcher of the Week 3/22 and Pitcher of the Week 3/29.
Good things are happening here!!
quote:Originally posted by Still Learning:
I am happy to report that our Tigers Won their First Series against Rice this weekend!
Plus Tigers earned recognition as both Conference USA Hitter of the Week and Pitcher of the Week 3/22 and Pitcher of the Week 3/29.
Good things are happening here!!
Still Learning that is awesome! I have followed Jonathan all these years and he is having the time of his life! Good things happen to good people!
Thanks ClevelandDad. I enjoy following Tyler and many other HSBW folks too I especially appreciated the article regarding his work ethic!
I especially appreciated the article regarding his work ethic! 
17's team is doing extremely well. They are ranked 4th DII. Record is 32-5, 13-0 in conference play and have won 20 in a row.
17 took a foul tip shot off the face mask 2 weeks ago, after an earlier bell ringer 2 weeks before that. He was diagnosed with a minor concussion the second time as he got a little nauseous after running the bases the inning after the foul tip. He has been rehabbing and will be cleared Monday to return to full play. The trainers took him through stages on his way back, hitting one day, throwing next, catching bullpens next, and full practice. Each stage they monitor how he is feeling the day after.
He is also switching catching helmets. He was using a 4 yr old Allstar hockey mask he had used all through high school. Now he is going to use the college provided skull cap and mask combination, and is required to wear a mouthguard while catching. His high school district required mouthguards all 4 years of his varsity play and he never complained once about being hit in the mask. And yes he caught 3-4 90 plus pitchers all through highschool.
I am really pleased with the caution the training staff has taken on his return. Baseball is a marathon and not a sprint and rushing back with a concussion makes no sense at this stage as a freshman. Too much baseball left in the future.
I have enjoyed reading all your updates and continue to enjoy the message board.
17 took a foul tip shot off the face mask 2 weeks ago, after an earlier bell ringer 2 weeks before that. He was diagnosed with a minor concussion the second time as he got a little nauseous after running the bases the inning after the foul tip. He has been rehabbing and will be cleared Monday to return to full play. The trainers took him through stages on his way back, hitting one day, throwing next, catching bullpens next, and full practice. Each stage they monitor how he is feeling the day after.
He is also switching catching helmets. He was using a 4 yr old Allstar hockey mask he had used all through high school. Now he is going to use the college provided skull cap and mask combination, and is required to wear a mouthguard while catching. His high school district required mouthguards all 4 years of his varsity play and he never complained once about being hit in the mask. And yes he caught 3-4 90 plus pitchers all through highschool.
I am really pleased with the caution the training staff has taken on his return. Baseball is a marathon and not a sprint and rushing back with a concussion makes no sense at this stage as a freshman. Too much baseball left in the future.
I have enjoyed reading all your updates and continue to enjoy the message board.
Hey Backstop,
Sounds like your son is at U. Tampa. Glad to hear that your son is going to be fine. That is tough to take a shot like that. It is amazing the guts that it takes to be a catcher. Looks like Tampa is having an awesome season!
My guy pitched 6 innings today giving up 1 unearned run and hitting a grand slam. He even got the win!
Great day in sunny Florida!
Sounds like your son is at U. Tampa. Glad to hear that your son is going to be fine. That is tough to take a shot like that. It is amazing the guts that it takes to be a catcher. Looks like Tampa is having an awesome season!
My guy pitched 6 innings today giving up 1 unearned run and hitting a grand slam. He even got the win!
Great day in sunny Florida!
Congrats to a HUGE day for Floridafan's son! Wow! Talk about having a day....
After over a month of physical therapy and finally getting back on the bump youngson got to toe the rubber in relief in the 2nd game of a DH. Came in with bases loaded in the 3rd for the starter. Struck out 2, had 1 hit. He said his arm/shoulder had never felt stronger which was what I wanted to hear.
For some reason the coach only let him pitch 1 inning. I'm sure he had his reasons, afterall, he is the coach. Youngson was just happy to get back in the action even though they got swept.
After over a month of physical therapy and finally getting back on the bump youngson got to toe the rubber in relief in the 2nd game of a DH. Came in with bases loaded in the 3rd for the starter. Struck out 2, had 1 hit. He said his arm/shoulder had never felt stronger which was what I wanted to hear.
For some reason the coach only let him pitch 1 inning. I'm sure he had his reasons, afterall, he is the coach. Youngson was just happy to get back in the action even though they got swept.
Awesome to hear YoungGunSon finally got into a game! And...great news that his arm felt strong and good to go!
Looking for more good news next week!
Looking for more good news next week!
Congrats to both YGD and Floridafan. Great news regarding both of your sons!!
.
Right on cue...
Infield O8 JR gets a start and makes the most of it...
3 AB
2 Runs
2 Hits (1 HR)
5 RBI's
3 sacrifice Fly's
Talk about productive, Individually and as a team guy!
44
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Right on cue...
Infield O8 JR gets a start and makes the most of it...
3 AB
2 Runs
2 Hits (1 HR)
5 RBI's
3 sacrifice Fly's
Talk about productive, Individually and as a team guy!
.
Always good to hear "our kids" are doing well. Congrats Infield 08! Great job and keep it up.
Wow Floridafan! That's Awesome! Congrats YGD what a relief it is to see him return to the mound, 08jr great outing, and all the rest of the HSBW folks .
Like CaBB said "Always good to hear "our kids" are doing well."
Tigers won their second consecutive Conference USA series, on the road this weekend. First time winning a conference series on the road since 2007 and first time winning two in a row since 2007. Also tied some team records for home runs and consective hits in a game. Things are continuing to look up!
Like CaBB said "Always good to hear "our kids" are doing well."
Tigers won their second consecutive Conference USA series, on the road this weekend. First time winning a conference series on the road since 2007 and first time winning two in a row since 2007. Also tied some team records for home runs and consective hits in a game. Things are continuing to look up!
My guy had a pretty decent weekend; 6-10, with 2HR's a 2b and 8 rbi's.
However, I am looking forward to his next game. His next hit will be his 200th collegiate hit; which I think is really something to be proud of.
However, I am looking forward to his next game. His next hit will be his 200th collegiate hit; which I think is really something to be proud of.
Awesome outing!
quote:Originally posted by ILVBB:
My guy had a pretty decent weekend; 6-10, with 2HR's a 2b and 8 rbi's.
However, I am looking forward to his next game. His next hit will be his 200th collegiate hit; which I think is really something to be proud of.
I'd say he had a Pretty Decent weekend! And indeed, 200 hits is something to be very proud of...Congratulations!
Congrats to all these hardworking players. Shows what hard work and dedication can do(with lots of parental support).
quote:Originally posted by bsbl247:quote:Originally posted by ILVBB:
My guy had a pretty decent weekend; 6-10, with 2HR's a 2b and 8 rbi's.
However, I am looking forward to his next game. His next hit will be his 200th collegiate hit; which I think is really something to be proud of.
I'd say he had a Pretty Decent weekend! And indeed, 200 hits is something to be very proud of...Congratulations!
200 Hits is a lot to be proud of - may it be a rocket in his next AB!!!
ILVBB,
Congratulations to Evan.
He is having a monster season. The offensive numbers he is putting up are amazing.
His consistency from game to game and AB to AB, to me, is equally impressive.
He obviously is a leader on his very young team, and not just with his bat!
I know a lot of us are hoping he can put that team on his shoulders and have them playing when the Regionals are announced in May!
Congratulations to Evan.
He is having a monster season. The offensive numbers he is putting up are amazing.
His consistency from game to game and AB to AB, to me, is equally impressive.
He obviously is a leader on his very young team, and not just with his bat!
I know a lot of us are hoping he can put that team on his shoulders and have them playing when the Regionals are announced in May!
ILVBB, congrats to your son!! I know you are savoring every moment!!
He got his 200th hit tonight; things keep going well. He homered (a grand slam) for the third game in a row; going 3-5 with 6 rbi's tonight.
I think he will remember this evening for some time to come.
I think he will remember this evening for some time to come.
WOW!!!! That's incredible! What a way to hit 200!!
quote:Originally posted by ILVBB:
He got his 200th hit tonight; things keep going well. He homered (a grand slam) for the third game in a row; going 3-5 with 6 rbi's tonight.
I think he will remember this evening for some time to come.
Incredible! He will remember this evening for some time, and I'm sure you will too! Congrats!!!
What a great way to remember your 200 hit! Congrats to Evan and family- a great accomplishment. Way to help the team get to the post season.
What a night - and what a season!!!
Congrats Evan - and keep it up Go Tigers!!!!
Congrats Evan - and keep it up
Go Tigers!!!!
IVBB - That is an awesome season and week! Congratulations to Evan on his 200th collegiate hit, in style!
Update.
Some may remember a post I put up six months or so ago. Quick history summary: Sean had some good appearances in the '08 post season CWS run, particularly his relief outing vs ASU, but was pitching through severe bicep tendonitis that entire season. He returned in the fall of the '09 season, his junior year, after taking the summer off to let the tendonitis abate and made significant changes to his mechanics. He was healthy with no more pain. He entered the '09 season as the #2 starter, full of hope for a great Junior season, and thinking of a bright future. But the new mechanics made off-speed control problematic and took a lot of movement off his pitches. That also made him rely on his fastball too much and put him behind in the count too often. Bad combination at the D1 level where he can't overpower hitters just with 90-93 stuff and you need more than a good fastball. After four starts he was moved to the bullpen with only spot appearances later in the season. In the 2nd half of the season he worked hard on significant changes again to his mechanics to get back to a more natural arm action, one that used a lot more core torso and hip torque. That helped his arm find a repeatable, natural slot, plus returned the movement to his pitches. He didn't have a chance to use these changes in '09 as he didn't pitch in the late or post-season.
The mental challenges he had to surmount, releasing of evaporated dreams, trying to figure this out while struggling to perform, focusing on new goals, were just as large as the physical ones. He then went off to summer ball in Chicago for the Crystal Lake Cardinals on a personal mission to hone those changes and prove he could command all his pitches.
So, by the numbers ...
His results in the '09 season when his mechanics were a mess:
24.1 IP, 47 H, 34 R, 30 ER, 22 BB, 20 Ks, .402 OppAvg, 11.10 ERA, ... total Opponent OBP was .548
His results in Chicago
42 IP, 32 H, 10 R, 8 ER, 8 BB, 42 Ks, .213 OppAvg, 1.33 ERA ... Total Opponent OBP was .254 and more importantly a 2.2 strike/ball ratio
Results to date in the '10 Season at Fresno (all in relief)
28.2 IP, 22 H, 11 R, 10 ER, 8 BB, 21 K, .216 OppAvg, 3.14 ERA ... Total Opponent OBP is .283 (best of the staff)
He returned this year with no expectations other than to work hard, support the team any way Coach Batesole determined, and to prove he was worthy of wearing the FS uniform. In his own words, anything beyond that “was in God’s hands”. He returned to Fresno for his Senior year with a personal goal: simply prove to himself that he was capable of pitching to the best hitters at the D1 level regardless of whether that was one inning, twenty, or fifty, and contribute to the team regardless of what role he might be assigned. He accepted that last year’s failure meant there were a lot of guys in front of him that would get the ball first. He knew his status as a Senior meant he had to deliver results today, consistently very good results, as it was no longer about developing potential for the future.
The only thing he placed his trust in was that if he worked hard, put the team first, and performed consistently well, that he could get a fair chance to put those 24 innings from ‘09 firmly in the past and contribute in some material way to the team’s success today. He believed in himself when no one else did. He anchored himself on his faith and spirituality. He released all his fears, freed himself from any thoughts about the past or future, and embraced adversity as an opportunity for personal growth.
I will state publicly and unabashedly that I'm immensely proud of his strength of character, courage, spirituality, and the deep personal commitment he exhibited in embracing and surmounting that challenge. It had to come from within him, no where else. There's lots of other things he could have done besides face this head on and take full ownership of it. To me at least, it’s a demonstration of character that will transcend the role of baseball in his life. I’m constantly amazed at the inner peace he’s achieved in such a high pressure situation, where inner serenity is often the hardest thing to attain yet frequently the key precursor of success. That maturity is really helping him now on the mound as he just walks out there and focuses on his approach to each batter, each pitch, completely unburdened of mental distractions. One more inning on the mound can’t affect that accomplishment or how he’ll carry that lesson on through his life. He doesn't think about what's next, or if he'll have an opportunity to keep playing baseball after this season is concluded. Sure, that's his dream and something he's worked hard towards for many years, but also "in God's hands" in his view. He remains focused on the team first and on deliverying results today, not on tomorrow. Maybe someone will see something they like in the BigFella and take a chance with him. Maybe not. But at a minimum surmounting this challenge is an life accomplishment and a pride he can carry forward even if he never plays another inning. He'll be reminded of this accomplishment every time he looks down at that CWS ring.
I believe regardless of what the final stats say in the books, he'll know he represented the core values of wearing that FS jersey well.
Some may remember a post I put up six months or so ago. Quick history summary: Sean had some good appearances in the '08 post season CWS run, particularly his relief outing vs ASU, but was pitching through severe bicep tendonitis that entire season. He returned in the fall of the '09 season, his junior year, after taking the summer off to let the tendonitis abate and made significant changes to his mechanics. He was healthy with no more pain. He entered the '09 season as the #2 starter, full of hope for a great Junior season, and thinking of a bright future. But the new mechanics made off-speed control problematic and took a lot of movement off his pitches. That also made him rely on his fastball too much and put him behind in the count too often. Bad combination at the D1 level where he can't overpower hitters just with 90-93 stuff and you need more than a good fastball. After four starts he was moved to the bullpen with only spot appearances later in the season. In the 2nd half of the season he worked hard on significant changes again to his mechanics to get back to a more natural arm action, one that used a lot more core torso and hip torque. That helped his arm find a repeatable, natural slot, plus returned the movement to his pitches. He didn't have a chance to use these changes in '09 as he didn't pitch in the late or post-season.
The mental challenges he had to surmount, releasing of evaporated dreams, trying to figure this out while struggling to perform, focusing on new goals, were just as large as the physical ones. He then went off to summer ball in Chicago for the Crystal Lake Cardinals on a personal mission to hone those changes and prove he could command all his pitches.
So, by the numbers ...
His results in the '09 season when his mechanics were a mess:
24.1 IP, 47 H, 34 R, 30 ER, 22 BB, 20 Ks, .402 OppAvg, 11.10 ERA, ... total Opponent OBP was .548
His results in Chicago
42 IP, 32 H, 10 R, 8 ER, 8 BB, 42 Ks, .213 OppAvg, 1.33 ERA ... Total Opponent OBP was .254 and more importantly a 2.2 strike/ball ratio
Results to date in the '10 Season at Fresno (all in relief)
28.2 IP, 22 H, 11 R, 10 ER, 8 BB, 21 K, .216 OppAvg, 3.14 ERA ... Total Opponent OBP is .283 (best of the staff)
He returned this year with no expectations other than to work hard, support the team any way Coach Batesole determined, and to prove he was worthy of wearing the FS uniform. In his own words, anything beyond that “was in God’s hands”. He returned to Fresno for his Senior year with a personal goal: simply prove to himself that he was capable of pitching to the best hitters at the D1 level regardless of whether that was one inning, twenty, or fifty, and contribute to the team regardless of what role he might be assigned. He accepted that last year’s failure meant there were a lot of guys in front of him that would get the ball first. He knew his status as a Senior meant he had to deliver results today, consistently very good results, as it was no longer about developing potential for the future.
The only thing he placed his trust in was that if he worked hard, put the team first, and performed consistently well, that he could get a fair chance to put those 24 innings from ‘09 firmly in the past and contribute in some material way to the team’s success today. He believed in himself when no one else did. He anchored himself on his faith and spirituality. He released all his fears, freed himself from any thoughts about the past or future, and embraced adversity as an opportunity for personal growth.
I will state publicly and unabashedly that I'm immensely proud of his strength of character, courage, spirituality, and the deep personal commitment he exhibited in embracing and surmounting that challenge. It had to come from within him, no where else. There's lots of other things he could have done besides face this head on and take full ownership of it. To me at least, it’s a demonstration of character that will transcend the role of baseball in his life. I’m constantly amazed at the inner peace he’s achieved in such a high pressure situation, where inner serenity is often the hardest thing to attain yet frequently the key precursor of success. That maturity is really helping him now on the mound as he just walks out there and focuses on his approach to each batter, each pitch, completely unburdened of mental distractions. One more inning on the mound can’t affect that accomplishment or how he’ll carry that lesson on through his life. He doesn't think about what's next, or if he'll have an opportunity to keep playing baseball after this season is concluded. Sure, that's his dream and something he's worked hard towards for many years, but also "in God's hands" in his view. He remains focused on the team first and on deliverying results today, not on tomorrow. Maybe someone will see something they like in the BigFella and take a chance with him. Maybe not. But at a minimum surmounting this challenge is an life accomplishment and a pride he can carry forward even if he never plays another inning. He'll be reminded of this accomplishment every time he looks down at that CWS ring.
I believe regardless of what the final stats say in the books, he'll know he represented the core values of wearing that FS jersey well.
quote:Originally posted by ILVBB:
He got his 200th hit tonight; things keep going well. He homered (a grand slam) for the third game in a row; going 3-5 with 6 rbi's tonight.
I think he will remember this evening for some time to come.
Congrats! No Doubt he will remember his 200th and so will everyone else!
pbonesteele, thanks for the wonderful update! It's awesome that your son has made such great strides this past year. I know you are proud of his maturity and character. Congratulations!
Thank you for sharing such a personal story with all of us. Your son is such a wise person, obviously having come by this wisdom from his parents, and going through adversity.
At the end of the day what more can you ask for? He has a strong sense of self, a deep faith, and confidence that all will turn out well. I keep saying this journey is NOT about the W-L record. It's about the journey itself and what our kids learn from it and what they make of it. As parents we are fortunate to be along for the ride and learn from them. They do make us better people.
Again, thanks for sharing. He's got lots of fans here.
At the end of the day what more can you ask for? He has a strong sense of self, a deep faith, and confidence that all will turn out well. I keep saying this journey is NOT about the W-L record. It's about the journey itself and what our kids learn from it and what they make of it. As parents we are fortunate to be along for the ride and learn from them. They do make us better people.
Again, thanks for sharing. He's got lots of fans here.
This for Coach Merc and his son Mike, senior catcher at University of Maine---Young Mike was just named America East Player of the week---Congratulations
quote:Originally posted by TRhit:
This for Coach Merc and his son Mike, senior catcher at University of Maine---Young Mike was just named America East Player of the week---Congratulations
TR - I am sure you won't mind me correcting you on this one. Mike is doing well at High Point while Joe is the catcher up at Maine.
Congrats to Joe, Mike, Coach Merc and family!
CD
Thanx
Thats what I get for talking on the phone while I was typing
Thanx
Thats what I get for talking on the phone while I was typing
Pop up, I have to agree. In my opinion, the difference in high school and college baseball is for the lack of a better term, little leaguish.
It is understandable why it is so difficult for a freshman to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level. If you do, you are something special.
It is understandable why it is so difficult for a freshman to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level. If you do, you are something special.
Danny, that is very true. It's telling the number boys who drop out of baseball starting at the 13 year level, HS, and then college. I know of some talented HS players on D1 programs that are getting very little playing time as freshman.
The season ended too soon tonight...Hard to believe that it is over. Lost in 12 innings last night with my guy at the plate, bases loaded down 2 runs and he hits a shot that everyone in the stands was sure was gone. Unfortunately for us the ball was about 3 feet from going over and was harmlessly caught and we were done...
We fully expected to win that game and be in the playoffs, we had beat the team 3 out of the 4 times we had faced them. Still a little shocked.
Son will finish out his school and then head up to Fayetteville in a couple weeks to begin the next season, then onto University of Tampa in the Fall.
Best of luck to all the rest of you out there, enjoy every game. The season usually comes to an end before you are ready!
We fully expected to win that game and be in the playoffs, we had beat the team 3 out of the 4 times we had faced them. Still a little shocked.
Son will finish out his school and then head up to Fayetteville in a couple weeks to begin the next season, then onto University of Tampa in the Fall.
Best of luck to all the rest of you out there, enjoy every game. The season usually comes to an end before you are ready!
I am guessing that floridafan's son is a first team juco All-American this year. He is headed to one of the top programs in the nation at any level in Tampa and has a very bright future. Three feet short this time up would have been 30 feet over the fence his next time up.
The game of inches.
Congrats to Floridafans son.
Congrats to Floridafans son.
FloridaFan, congrats on your son's great JUCO career and best wishes to him as he heads to Tampa in the fall!
4/22 - Zach Edgington, a sophmore LHP for Santa Barbara City College who has signed with UCSB, struck out 21 batters in a 4-2 complete game victory over Ventura College.
I know that some folks do not talk about their son's accomplishments. And I know that I am a proud dad that has been guilty of this. I wish I had the ability to show more restraint, and demonstrate greater evidence of humility...
But, I think ClevelandDad created this thread for this reason so I am going to take advantage of it.
Just found out that my son made All Conference 1st Team, and All Conference Player of The Year.
I just had to share that!
Thank you!
But, I think ClevelandDad created this thread for this reason so I am going to take advantage of it.
Just found out that my son made All Conference 1st Team, and All Conference Player of The Year.
I just had to share that!
Thank you!
floridafan,
Very funny, but so true...Congratulations to your son, not a bad season!
Very funny, but so true...Congratulations to your son, not a bad season!
quote:Originally posted by floridafan:
I know that some folks do not talk about their son's accomplishments. And I know that I am a proud dad that has been guilty of this. I wish I had the ability to show more restraint, and demonstrate greater evidence of humility...
But, I think ClevelandDad created this thread for this reason so I am going to take advantage of it.
Just found out that my son made All Conference 1st Team, and All Conference Player of The Year.
I just had to share that!
Thank you!
Floridafan is not doing his son justice here. I appreciate his humility but let me put it into perspective what his son accomplished this spring in one of the most (if not the most) competitive JUCO conferences in America. Along with the above awards, here are his stats:
(Reminder that he went into this spring as a JUCO Sophomore as a position player mostly)
Pitching: Ranked 13th in the conference with an astounding ERA of 3.00.
Pitching: Ranked 15th in the conference in K per IP with a 1.19 (42IP/50K)
Individual Hitting: Ranked 3rd in the conference with a .458BA
Homeruns: Ranked 21st in the conference with 9
RBIs: Ranked 2nd in the conference with 69 (2 behind the leader)
On Base %: Ranked 9th in the conference with a .502%
The kid is without a doubt a bonafide player and IMO has a great future in baseball awaiting him.
YGD
Congrats Florida, very impressive stats he put up. Are you expecting him being drafted?
If you don't mind can you tell us where he played this year and where he's going next year.
If you don't mind can you tell us where he played this year and where he's going next year.
Hey fillsfan,
My guy played at Polk State his sophomore year at a JUCO transferring from Daytona State (Mid-State Conference) in his freshman year. He has played 2nd, Short, 3rd, and Pitched.
Polk played in the Suncoast Conference (Florida) along with St. Petersburg and Manatee (now State College of Florida) which are perennial powerhouses. Eric transferred to Polk to be closer to his hitting instructor, and to a school that would let him swing the bat the way he wanted to.
He has signed a LOI with the University of Tampa and will be playing summer ball in Fayetteville with the Swampdogs. We have no idea about the draft, although I know that there are a few teams that have expressed interest. Just trying to enjoy each day as it comes.
Thank you all for your kind words, I feel as though we are part of a baseball family, and as such am excited to share stuff with you. Cyberspace or not, you guys (and gals) are my friends.
I know that there are a lot of other players represented by families here that are having or have had, at least as good a season as my guy.
Congratulations to all of our players as they continue to follow their dream!
My guy played at Polk State his sophomore year at a JUCO transferring from Daytona State (Mid-State Conference) in his freshman year. He has played 2nd, Short, 3rd, and Pitched.
Polk played in the Suncoast Conference (Florida) along with St. Petersburg and Manatee (now State College of Florida) which are perennial powerhouses. Eric transferred to Polk to be closer to his hitting instructor, and to a school that would let him swing the bat the way he wanted to.
He has signed a LOI with the University of Tampa and will be playing summer ball in Fayetteville with the Swampdogs. We have no idea about the draft, although I know that there are a few teams that have expressed interest. Just trying to enjoy each day as it comes.
Thank you all for your kind words, I feel as though we are part of a baseball family, and as such am excited to share stuff with you. Cyberspace or not, you guys (and gals) are my friends.
I know that there are a lot of other players represented by families here that are having or have had, at least as good a season as my guy.
Congratulations to all of our players as they continue to follow their dream!
quote:Just found out that my son made All Conference 1st Team, and All Conference Player of The Year.
floridafan; Congrats to you and the boy! You CAN be proud and have earned the right to brag here!
I for one, enjoy reading of the successes of all our players. Best of luck at Tampa, a boy on my sons H.S. Team is going there.
Mr. Floridafan,
Congratulations to you, your son and the whole family. Something was definitely right raising him. We wish him well in his future endeavours.
We still have a long ways to go and can only dream for now.
RR23
Congratulations to you, your son and the whole family. Something was definitely right raising him. We wish him well in his future endeavours.
We still have a long ways to go and can only dream for now.
RR23
Fresno City moves on to the Super Regional in San Mateo next weekend. GO RAMS!
mikamom,
Awesome. Last year you were so close.
Awesome. Last year you were so close.
Congratulations to your son and his team, Mikamom!
Hope they keep on playing until they are the last ones standing!
Hope they keep on playing until they are the last ones standing!
It is hard to sum up in a short synopsis.
Freshman year was everything I was warned it would be. Going from playing every inning of every game in high school to pitching very few innings and starting 5 games and coming in as a defensive replacement late in some games took some adjustment.
Exit interview after year it is suggested he work on 1st base over summer, position is open, but don't forget to throw once in awhile.
Come Spring, he is the starting pitcher in two games in Florida, and when they come north he is a weekend starter. As the season progresses he pitches some games well enough to win, some games which with a few breaks he could win, and some games he's just bad. Last weekend of the season, he still does not have a win, but the team has won many of the games he has started. That Saturday, coach has a very short leash, he's pulled early but the team comes back to win. On the phone Sunday he tells me the coach has scheduled a game with a regionally ranked team in hopes of grabbing an at large bid. Son is not tremendously excited, he not satisfied with his body of work for the year, feels like it would have been nice to get that first win under his belt and he does not anticipate getting called on in this new game.
Game day, we take a big lead, but our number one can't hold it. Number two does not last an inning and the coach goes to a senior to try to put the fire out. NO luck, calls on LDE to come in with bases loaded one out. 3-1 ground out puts us down by two. He strikes out the last batter that inning. We score 4 in bottom of 7th he pitches shutout ball and we win and he gets his first college victory.
On the phone he says, "funny how things have a way of working out..."
Freshman year was everything I was warned it would be. Going from playing every inning of every game in high school to pitching very few innings and starting 5 games and coming in as a defensive replacement late in some games took some adjustment.
Exit interview after year it is suggested he work on 1st base over summer, position is open, but don't forget to throw once in awhile.
Come Spring, he is the starting pitcher in two games in Florida, and when they come north he is a weekend starter. As the season progresses he pitches some games well enough to win, some games which with a few breaks he could win, and some games he's just bad. Last weekend of the season, he still does not have a win, but the team has won many of the games he has started. That Saturday, coach has a very short leash, he's pulled early but the team comes back to win. On the phone Sunday he tells me the coach has scheduled a game with a regionally ranked team in hopes of grabbing an at large bid. Son is not tremendously excited, he not satisfied with his body of work for the year, feels like it would have been nice to get that first win under his belt and he does not anticipate getting called on in this new game.
Game day, we take a big lead, but our number one can't hold it. Number two does not last an inning and the coach goes to a senior to try to put the fire out. NO luck, calls on LDE to come in with bases loaded one out. 3-1 ground out puts us down by two. He strikes out the last batter that inning. We score 4 in bottom of 7th he pitches shutout ball and we win and he gets his first college victory.
On the phone he says, "funny how things have a way of working out..."
fan of game and florida fan: Yes! excited! We play Sac City on Friday at 3 in San Mateo then on from there through the weekend. San Jose is also in the bracket. Should be a good weekend for baseball - no rain in sight - mid 70's. Thanks for the support!
FloridaFan, congratulations ! Quite a season.
Sac City will give you a battle.They are pretty good this year.Good luck.
Fresno City College Rams ended their season today. Sad to see - many of these young men have played together since 7th grade. A great bunch, proud of all of them. So close.
The Midland College Chaparrals (37-18-1)finished the 2010 regular season as the #3 team in the WJCAC, earning the #2 seed at the Texas D1 NJCAA Region 5 Tournament. The tournament is being played at LaGrave Field, home of the Ft. Worth Cats.
The eight team tournament features the top four teams from the Western Junior College Athletic Conference (WJCAC) and the top four teams from the North Texas Junior College Athletic Conference (NTJCAC, including the 2009 NJCAA National Champions - #1 seed Howard College (44-8).
On Sunday, in GM1, Midland defeated Grayson County 3-2 with a walk-off homerun from (So)Marshall Williams.
GM2, Midland v. Temple is scheduled for 5PM CST and it is being webcast at: Midland Vs. Temple
GED10DaD
The eight team tournament features the top four teams from the Western Junior College Athletic Conference (WJCAC) and the top four teams from the North Texas Junior College Athletic Conference (NTJCAC, including the 2009 NJCAA National Champions - #1 seed Howard College (44-8).
On Sunday, in GM1, Midland defeated Grayson County 3-2 with a walk-off homerun from (So)Marshall Williams.
GM2, Midland v. Temple is scheduled for 5PM CST and it is being webcast at: Midland Vs. Temple
GED10DaD
Congrats GunEmDown 10! And congratulations to all the teams heading into playoffs in the next few weeks!