2010 High School Reporting Thread

24&35Dad, Outstanding! A quality catcher not only makes their pitchers and defenses better, they can also make the game smoother for all when the umps are impressed with their play.

Ball repellant sounds good...know any good stores that carry it?

Today's game was better from a fielding standpoint. Solid defense by both teams, but the Varsity ended up losing 6-4. Lots of base-runners stranded by both teams as the pitchers continually worked out of jams. They are now 14-4 (5-3 Region) with 4 games left to play in the regular season. Next game is next Tuesday. Son intends to be on the bump.

Maybe I can get a can of Axe body spray and re-label it "Ball Repellant"... .

Son had an interesting week. He started the freshman game on tuesday against our in city catholic school rivals. His mechanics were deteriorating throughout the game but he battled through 5 innings and finished with 9K's, 4BB's 2 singles and one hbp. He loaded the bases in the 3rd with the HBP followed by two BB's. Catcher got crossed up on his curveball for a passed ball allowing one run to score and then compounded things by throwing away his throw at the plate. Made the game close but he got the win 6-2. Friday he played JV after working all week on his mechanics with the varsity staff. He got in the game in the 6th inning with a runner on and up 11-7 to the same rivals actually. This was his first JV action of the regular season and he was nervous. 2nd pitch flew to the backstop scoring the 8th run. He walked the batter and then settled down striking out the next batter for the second out and getting a little ground out to end the inning. He come out for the 7th and stuck out the side hitting 81 on the gun which was cool to see! (guy from one of the local baseball facilities was tracking the pitchers so I sat behind him to see ) His mechanics really improved that last inning which was a relief to see. Hopefully they remain consistent his next time out.

Since last post junior's team hasn't lost a game and had climbed back into contention for the conference title and district playoffs. After starting conference play losing three one run games to teams they should have beat they closed out this week undefeated including beating the first and second place teams by five runs each. The bats have come to life, the pitching is improved and a team that should have been strong defensively from the start is now applying the leather to the game.

Junior is unconscious. It's got to the point where we just stand on the sidelines and laugh. At the halfway point he's hitting .790 with an on base percentage of .867. This week he sprained his wrist badly, taped it up and still went 5-6 in the games after the injury including a double and a triple. It took a fastball to the inside of the knee to get him out of a game. If injuries make him play better I think I'll break a few of his ribs this weekend (only kidding).

Pitching in our conference is down this year. There aren't the usual number of D1 and D2 pitching prospects (large school classification). But he's hitting nothing but line drives and a handful of hard one and two hard hop grounders through the infield.

I mean this to be funny, not bragging. After hitting a double the other day the opposing team made a pitching change. My son is standing on second laughing with the middle infielders. After the game I asked him about it. He said the shortstop asked him if he was hitting .900 yet. My son's reply was 3-4 hurts his batting average. The three of them busted out laughing.

There's also a lesson in this for parents who think their son is getting screwed. My son started the season batting ninth. No one on the sidelines could figure it out. He should have started the season somewhere in the top three spots. After a few games he was moved to third. He never got upset about batting ninth. His attitude was he's in the lineup. Mine was the same. He kept his mouth shut, performed and got moved up.

My son has a nice story to send college coaches for is midseason update including an article that included ... How about Wissahickon junior Chase Merrill? Merrill entered the game hitting .857 ... that is not a typo - .857. The talented outfielder had two hits including a home run the three rbi's. (he's slumped since )

Add: After being hit on the knee Friday, the swelling not going down all weekend and getting xrayed Sunday, he's on crutches with a deep bone bruise and out of action until further notice.

The JV season ended in the Phoenix area on Friday. My son, Sam, has had a tough year. He has had some struggles from the beginning and was used primarily as a relief pitcher. However, he did make two starts going 6 innings in the last start. He pitched a total of 16 innings during the JV season.

In my opinion (not his), his low point was 3 weeks ago when the starter was left in the game too long. As the visiting team leading the home team in the bottom of the 7th, 2 to 1, the home team (Highland High) had one last chance to win it. Our tired starting pitcher walked the leadoff batter, hit the second batter, got an infield out, walked the third batter and walked in the tying run. The coach came out and replaced him with Sam. There is one out, bases loaded and the game is on the line. Good experience for him to be in, but a difficult one to overcome, yet the coach did believe in him by putting him in the game. Sam’s first pitch was fouled off. His second pitch was located just where he wanted it, low on the outside part of the plate to the right handed hitter. The batter reached out and poked a weak fly ball to the right side over the drawn in infield scoring the winning run. The home team and their fans went crazy with their players swarming all over the field celebrating. A nice piece of hitting indeed...

Sam took it much better than I thought he would and just said, “I tried my best...that’s baseball.” What a great kid, huh?

This brings us to yesterday, the last game of the season...

Our JV team beat Highland High 12 to 7. Yes, the team that beat us in the bottom of the 7th three weeks prior. During the game, Sam warmed up three separate times in the bullpen...only he did not pitch...like he has done many other times this season...only not to pitch....

During the last end of the game team meeting, the coach presented Sam with the game ball for the season. He then began to talk about Sam, yes, my son who has had his struggles this year...He told the boys that Sam was always ready to play and never complained...was always ready when called upon and then would give his best, never giving up. He would be the first to the field and the last to leave. He would cheer on his teammates without regard to what his role would be during any given game. He told the boys that Sam’s actions showed that he wanted to be there and that some of them should try to be like this. He said that moving up to varsity, college and beyond takes dedication and that Sam worked as if he wanted to accomplish this goal and if they too wanted to accomplish this goal they should follow his lead. He called Sam a leader...

As I waited for Sam to finish working the bullpen mounds to a pristine appearance, like he has after every home game and practice, he was again going to be true to himself and was going to be the last guy leaving the field... As I waited, one of players approached me and told me about the game ball and the coach’s speech to the team. My mouth dropped open and I stood there in disbelief...I was stunned! I knew how hard Sam had worked to make the team and what it meant to him to be on it, but I honestly did not realize that the coach would have noticed...I am glad to say, I was wrong...he did notice and gave Sam the gift of recognition that he certainly deserved, but did not expect. I don’t think anyone else expected it either...especially him.

Later that evening, we had an end of the year party at the local eatery where Sam got all his teammates to sign his new treasured ball. Watching him talking and joking with his teammates I suddenly realized that a year of struggles (again, my opinion) was in fact, the best year of baseball he has ever had! I do not believe you will ever find a prouder baseball parent anywhere in the world today that I am right now of that boy!

With the dink hit your son discovered luck sometimes overcomes skill. But he made the right pitch. Your son also got on the radar screen. If the talent is there next year they're already watching. As the saying goes, "You never know when they're watching." Congratulations.

Coach Waltrip,

That is a wonderful story! I will share with RR23Jr and he will surely appreciate the hardwork. Like I stated in earlier posts, RR23Jr was also relief pitcher last year and he like Sam just have to be ready no matter what. Congratulations to you & Sam on a great ending of this season. We might play together in the Summer League/Tournaments and talk about it more.

RR23

Thanks Rod for the kind words...

It's funny how things work sometimes, what I had thought was just a so-so year for Sam, in the end, turned out to be a very special experience that he can build upon with a renewed interest and understanding that his efforts will not go un-noticed.

Both Sam and I are really looking forward to the summer team. It looks like they are going to have a lot of teams with tons of great baseball...can't wait...

Nice season coach,
Dman JR has 2 games left on JV. Had a pretty good season so far. 500+ ave, 4 HR and the V coach still thinks he is just a pitcher.

Oh well.

Coach Waltrip - great story, I will share with my boys.

34's JV team had their best win of the season, a come from behind 9-7 win at our cross county rival. Down 6 to 1 going into the top of the 7, they rallyed for 8 runs in the top of the 7th and hung on to win, with the tying runs on base in the bottom of the 7th. Everyone contributed in the win, the rally was started by a pinch hit triple by one of our sophmores who has been struggling. He ended up with two hits in that inning.

34 was 1 for 3 with an RBI, a walk, and scored the tying run on a blown (he broke too early) squeeze play. The third baseman was not holding him on but "snuck" behind him as he broke for home. 34 managed to get under the tag as the 3b threw home. We had an interesting "chat" on the ride home about that! He threw out another base stealer, he is at 50% cs for the year.

Interesting contrast between the chatter on the field and in the stands. This field only has one bleacher so the home and away parents were sitting together. Never heard more admiration in the stands during the game. Mentioned it to 34 and he shook his head. The oppo bench was riding him hard the entire game for framing the ball. Perhaps it was the 11 strikeouts our starter had. Was pleased that 34 never showed that the taunts bothered him.

JV coach did a great job and told the boys it was his most exciting win to coach. Team is now 7-3.

Good luck to all of the players out there.

Coach Waltrip - that is a heartwarming story about Sam

quote:

Originally posted by Doughnutman:
Nice season coach,
Dman JR has 2 games left on JV. Had a pretty good season so far. 500+ ave, 4 HR and the V coach still thinks he is just a pitcher.

Oh well.

Things can change Dman...with a bat like his I don't know how he can't get him into the lineup every game...maybe the coach will see the light. But, I must say with a FB at, what did you say before, 80 or 85mph? 'Just a pitcher' for a kid his age takes on a new meaning...

quote:

Originally posted by ClevelandDad:
Coach Waltrip - that is a heartwarming story about Sam

Thanks CD...

...I'm still in a state of shock...

quote:

But, I must say with a FB at, what did you say before, 80 or 85mph? 'Just a pitcher' for a kid his age takes on a new meaning...

He pitched at Horizon and Desert Mountain the last two weeks. They had guns at the game, I don't know which type, he was cruising at 85-86. He has actually slowed down his delivery and is throwing harder. I thought he was much slower at Horizon. Horizon had him at 86. He threw a line drive from the 385 sign in right center to the catcher without a step or a bounce last week. He is getting scary.

Coach Waltrip, tremendous post. And, yes, you should be a very proud baseball parent.

Today's game: low 70's and wind gusts that had to be 25-30 mph minimum.

Both pitchers were dialed in...at least as well as the wind allowed. Son went 7, giving up 1 run in a 4-1 victory. His senior catcher hit a solo-shot in the top of the 7th for that extra insurance run, and the defense played great. Lots of mini-circles in the infield and outfield on all pop-ups.

According to the coaches, they have clinched a spot in the state tournament...regardless of the outcome in their next 3 games. Rematch against today's team is supposed to be on Thursday, but the weather-"fiends" are calling for rain and snow for the rest of the week .

Good luck to all as they finish up their seasons!

Coach W: that is a hall of fame story (to match your Hall of Fame son)... Congrats and best wishes to you. I hope to meet you one day.

Rematch today. A few flurries, but nothing serious. Varsity squad lost 13-3 in 5 innings. They are now 15-5 (6-4 Region) with 2 more games to go. They'll finish up next Tuesday and Wednesday, and should go on to the State Tourney the following week.

quote:

Originally posted by trojan-skipper:
Coach W: that is a hall of fame story (to match your Hall of Fame son)... Congrats and best wishes to you. I hope to meet you one day.

Thanks T-S for your comments...maybe one day...

Tonight might be our last game of the season. The boys are in a 3 way tie for third and are facing a team undefeated in District. At one point during our last game, we had 5 freshman on the field (one on the bump), so we are a young team and realize our inexperience at the Varisty level. However, in baseball you never know what can happen! Coach gave a good "David and Goliath" speech and they are going into the game believing they can win it. We'll see.....

Here is an update on Patriot Son’s freshman year so far. Team is 15-2 overall. Quite a talented group. Many could play up on JV or Varsity. We only have 13 on our roster with no cuts. Eight of our players were together for many years of travel ball.

Yesterday Son had his best outing of the year. Two hit CG shut out with 14 k’s and no walks. Faced 22 batters in 7 innings (picked off one of the runners at 1st.) For the season he has 60 k’s in 24 innings. The thing I’m most pleased with from yesterday’s game was no walks, wild pitches or HBP. Except for 4 curve balls, everything was fastball / change. We have 7 games left in our season and maybe up for playoffs.

Our big summer trip will be to AZ for the 16u championships. I know many on this site will also be there. I will certainly like to hear from everyone who is going to be there and the teams their sons play for, but we will save that for another thread.

Prime's Senior Regular Season drew to a close tonight as GHSA (Georgia High School) regular season play concluded.

It seems we were just chomping at the bit for it to begin and when it did the time just flew by!

I feel remorse for Senior boys who will play no more! Fortunately we won Region and will be seeded #1 in our 32 Team State Championship. We begin next Friday with the first of five best of three series that conclude the last weekend in May. Wish us luck. We won State last year and PrimeJr. would love to repeat!

East Cobb Summer team play begins in a few weeks and goes thru June and then off to College in August to begin the next and probably final Baseball chapter.

Hope everyone enjoyed their year as much as we did and good luck to all in Post Season if and when you get there.

lol

I haven't posted on this thread yet, but had to share this...

My father has spent several years as my mother's primary care-giver as she's wheel-chair bound. While he loves sports and wants to be at all of his grandson's games, he's only gotten to see each of my sons play once in about the last 7 years...He wouldn't change a thing as he's quite dedicated to my Mom, but I know how much he wanted to see the boys play...

He passed away unexpectedly this past Tuesday. My oldest had a game that night, so we decided that we would tell him after the game. He had a great game defensively and went 2-3 with a double and a triple. After the game we told him...

My son always tapes his left wrist and writes one or more things on the tape before the game...Tonight's game he went 2-4 with a triple and some solid defensive plays...As he was going up to bat the last time, I noticed that he'd written GP on his wrist...we asked him afterwards and he said it was to remind him that GrandPa was watching...

Those self-centered teenagers surprise you once in awhile! I couldn't have been prouder and I'm sure his GrandPa feels the same way - regardless of what he did on the field!

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I'm sorry to hear that you lost your father TurnTwoNet.

You've raised good sons...you had a good role model. May he rest in peace and enjoy the view of his grandsons playing ball.

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That indeed is a very nice story Coach Waltrip.




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Turn Two Net - Sorry about your loss. You should be proud of your son.

34's JV season is moving rapidly to close. Team is now 9-3, performing better than expected. Coach has done a nice job of establishing his position players, leading to consistent play in the infield and outfield. Is now going with the same 9/10 players for most games-5 freshman/5 sophs.

34 is hitting .500, went 1 for 3 with 3 RBI's in the team's 10-5 win on Thursday. Started as the DH after catching the last 3 games. 34 came out of the dugout in the top of the third with the gear on...no one knew why our other catcher was pulled. We were trailing at the time to a weaker team, but found out later our other catcher missed a bunt sign in the bottom of the second and was pulled from the game. Ended up scoring 7 runs in the 4th to pull away.

Was not a great game for 34 behind the plate, although he did throw out another runner trying to steal. Had a couple of PB's on balls in the dirt and he failed to take charge on a foul pop up that ended up falling between him and our pitcher. Did not cause any damage as no runs scored in the inning, but clearly a play he needs to make. He knows that.

Only two more games left, the JV season here in our part of Maryland is over on 5/8. So far its been a blast.

Good luck to all the players out there...finish strong.

Turn Two Net:
Sorry about your loss. Those kids can really can surprise you sometimes. Sounds like a great son.

Coach Waltrip:

Did not see your story until today. Remarkable and well-presented. Thanks for sharing. Congratulations, as well, for your son. He has a coach and teammates to remember, which is tough to beat. I hope he as a great summer.

TurnTwoNet:

I'm sorry to hear about your father. You have raised a very good son. I'm sure his grandfather is proud and appreciative.

District Champs. First round of regionals on Tuesday.

Way to go! I love these extended seasons! Hope your arm feels great!

Turn Two Net,

I'm sorry for your loss...with a wonderful son like yours it makes the pain a little more bearable...

GW and Jemaz,

Thanks for your comments guys...I'm still the proudest baseball dad in the world! LOL!!!!

Steve

http://www.gainesville.com/art...efland-to-win-title-

Just had to share these handsome smiles with you all.

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Considering everything that is happening around the world these days it sure is nice to see some smiles. Thanks!




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Very cool 2Bmom...sounds like it was one great year!

Very nice 2bMom..Congratulations and good luck!

2BMom,
Congrats to your son and his HS team on a great year!

Congratulations, 2bMom!

I've never posted in this thread before. I have a sophomore son who tried out for Varsity this year and did very well at tryouts. The coach liked him alot and said he did very well, but wanted him to stay on JV to get playing time in.
Well he got his JV playing time and now he's been called up to Varsity, and he's doing well so far. Of course the playing time won't be the same, but he is extremely happy to be up on Varsity. He will have had half a season of V playing under his belt when he starts next season as a Junior.

Last week we sent in the deposit for Sandlot Son's first semester of college. He turned down the opportunity to play at a couple of very small schools that had not much to offer other than baseball. Instead he will attend a school that has an excellent program in his intended major and begin to explore all that the university has to offer him.

Baseball has been his whole world. It is what has made him the man he is today and he will continue to be a huge fan of the game. But he didn't get an offer from any school that met his needs outside of baseball and so he had to make a choice. I will miss being in the stands, but I couldn't be prouder.

Sandlotmom,

Thanks for sharing this. It puts everything into perspective. Good Luck to your son and if he still have the drive from within, he can probably try out in the fall as a walk-on. Any which way, I am sure the decision was made after weighing out all options and that is the best decision at this time for your family and your son.

RR23

quote:

Originally posted by Patriot:
Here is an update on Patriot Son’s freshman year so far. Team is 15-2 overall. Quite a talented group. Many could play up on JV or Varsity. We only have 13 on our roster with no cuts. Eight of our players were together for many years of travel ball.

Yesterday Son had his best outing of the year. Two hit CG shut out with 14 k’s and no walks. Faced 22 batters in 7 innings (picked off one of the runners at 1st.) For the season he has 60 k’s in 24 innings. The thing I’m most pleased with from yesterday’s game was no walks, wild pitches or HBP. Except for 4 curve balls, everything was fastball / change. We have 7 games left in our season and maybe up for playoffs.

Our big summer trip will be to AZ for the 16u championships. I know many on this site will also be there. I will certainly like to hear from everyone who is going to be there and the teams their sons play for, but we will save that for another thread.

Patriot - I can't imagine Patriot Son pitching at the freshman level, 60k's in 24 innings is not surprising. He is a good one!

We will see you in AZ. Looking forward to seeing you guys!