A Friendly Farewell to my Friends

quote:

Originally posted by MN-Mom:
TO: Jerry Ford, Perfect Game
FROM: Housekeeping Staff, HS Baseball Web

Dear Jerry,

As you may know, the membership of the HSBBWeb has carefully considered your Request for Sabbatical.

While we have dutifully reviewed and analyzed your Request and understand the circumstances leading to it, we are unable to identify any other persons who are nearly qualified to fill your position in your absence.

Because of the ongoing urgent need for assistance presented in this environment, we regretfully (HAH!) inform you that we cannot grant your Request for Sabbatical at this time. We do hope that you will have a relaxing holiday break with your family and friends, and then return as promptly as possible to resume your extremely appreciated duties here.



Very warmest regards,

Julie

In the words of my daughter, "YOU ROCK!"

.

REQUEST-

TYPE: SABBATICAL

FROM: MR. JERRY FORD

ORGANIZATION: PERFECT GAME©

REASON: POOPED OUT

STATUS: DENIED

REASON FOR STATUS: 'CUZ

AUTHORITY: Mom AND THE REST OF US

PROCEDURE: DUTIFULLY REVIEWED AND ANALYZED

MECHANISM: A BUNCH OF US BASICALLY SITTING AROUND OUR KEYBOARDS AND TRYING TO DO OUR BEST

DEVICE IMPLEMENTED: SOMETHING CALLED AN APACHE TUTOR

I got to do the logging part! ...but only after they made me take the chain off the saw.

PG,

Don't let the bad eggs push your buttons! 81 replies and 2600 views in 24 hours?!?!? If that doesn't scream "you're wanted and needed" I don't know what does. In the short time I've been on this board I have never seen you present anything but class! When you're on the top of the mountain there will always be someone trying to knock you off. The thing is, you got a bunch of soldiers willing to take a bullet for you on this site anytime.

I'll leave you with a line from A KNIGHTS TALE. "Your men love you, and if I knew nothing else about you, it would be enough for me."

And another, from THE WIZARD OF OZ. "The true measure of a man is not how much he loves, but how much he is loved by others."

Have a Merry Christmas!

Jerry, forgive me for calling you "baby."

Enjoy the version that suits your musical tastes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VlRUIHwygc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thFoVNPMXr8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL_JdOCDkQA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LHoD0CZmJE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9X6HFwXjgI

Jerry, I sent you a pm and hope you received it.
Your post about my son and PG watching him, since 13 (now 17), validated my son's hard work. At that time, he was working out 3 days a week at 6:30am., after that email he is now at 5 days a week still at 6:30am., even during the holidays.

You gave crediability to his efforts!

That is what you do on this website and through PG, you validate a parent's and player's efforts.

Jerry, you provide the "personal touch" to Perfect Game, which is something that seperates PG from other events. Will we loose that if you decide to stop or even change names? I for one think so and I am disappointed.

I want to share a comment a minister made when my son's high school coach (very successful program) was having similiar issues with detractors within the community.

*** "Coach, people will forgive you for a multitude of transgressions; however, some will never forgive you for being successful. Never let those detractors deter your efforts from what God has provided to you." ***

I do hope you will reconsider. To us, you will always be PGstaff and a friend.

Clint

PG, I must Echo others thoughts here.
Your to valuable to what happens here on the HSBBW.

What I've always told Players weather on the Field, the Mound, our at the Plate.
Never show your emotions, Don't ever let them ( Them ) Get in the way, Or show them any weakness. They will take advantage of that.
So I'm asking you, to do the same. Please.

EH

PG,

Many other HSBBWebsters have made poignant statements regarding your worth to this site, to us, and to baseball. In one respect we're being selfish: your experience and knowledge, coupled with your willingness to share such with the rest of us, leaves a vaccuum that very few, if any, can fill.

As one who has posted in your defense...I must offer my sincere apologies. I didn't post enough. I left it up to you to write post after post in your own defense, while I cruised in...infrequently. Obviously, my few posts weren't enough. I should have stood up, far more frequently, and much more eloquently, in defense of a man I have never met...yet who has earned my respect. I owed you at least that much.

In a couple of my responses, I was quick to note that I had no "dog in this hunt." I meant it as a way of showing I had no reason to be biased. But that wasn't true. I DO have a "dog" in this hunt...you. Your posts, your information, your generosity...your willingness to spend hours posting relevant information, advice, and encouragement, with no desire for $$$ shows your true measure.

And that's why your loss, even if only for a short time, is a serious one. Thus, my apology. I stood back and let you fight it out with a few naysayers. Sure, I put a couple of posts out there. But, like powertoallfields put it, I should have been more willing to "take a bullet for you."

Now, to be unselfish: take the time you need. Heal...recharge...re-arm .

Thank you, PG. May you and your family have a wonderful Holiday Season.

Sincerely,

Joe V.

Jerry;

This is Bob Williams from our Goodwill Series XXV
in Perth, Western Australia.

Today is my 1st rest day after 12 games of baseball
in four days and 19 hours of flying.

After 17 years with Area Code Baseball, I truly understand your decision. I will never regret my decision to sell Area Code Baseball.

The last two nights here in Perth, I had the opportunity to have dinner with our Coach Charles Aliano [Chicago Cubs scout]and Pat Kelley former NY Yankees infielder and International scout for the Mariners. Both have married Australian ladies.

I only wish I could record the conversations at our dinner. "The inside game" and "Why players succeed".

I know you miss this "fun" part of baseball and the teaching of the game to the young players.

Take care of yourself. Remember the positive things.

Bob Williams

MN-Mom's post was great. gotwood's post made me smile.

The reason Jerry will be missed has nothing to do with Perfect Game. It has everything to do with a great baseball man who is also a great writer. His post that started this thread is a testimonial to that.

I had never heard of Carl Crawford or his story until Jerry told it here on the hsbbweb. A poor kid whose skills stood out and someone who I think touched Jerry in some way. I think he felt a personal connection to the players he scouted.

Never heard of Scott Kazmir until Jerry talked about him here. His highlight video in high school was perhaps one of the greatest ever captured on film.

The best story I have ever heard him tell was about his youngest son Ben. Seems Jerry did not think that highly of his youngest as a ballplayer. Turns out, his youngest was the most persistent and ended up on the biggest stage pitching in the big leagues. Even Jerry is wrong about talent sometimes This is the best part about him - he is honest to a fault. A guy that can admit he was wrong about his own son is telling you a lot about himself. A follow-on to this fine story was the horrifying story where Jerry and his wife watched Ben open the season for his mlb team (brewers?). I don't think it went all that well for the young man and I remember Jerry writing about it from a concerned parents point of view.

There is no way we can replace these experiences.

For REAL! I already replied once to this, but CD's post brought up a memory of how Jerry helped my son and surely never knew it. About five years ago, my son walked like 10 guys in three innings before the coach took him out. My son was utterly dejected, and I was completely out of ideas for helping him find control (he'd always thrown hard). We talked on the way home about maybe finding another position for him to play and just forget about pitching.

I posted something about this event, probably the same day.......one of the posts where your heart is just twisting in your chest because it's your kid, he loves the game, but he was seriously struggling at the position he loved best.

The best reply of all came from.......you guessed it....Jerry. He was willing to share a story about his son (can't recall which one), but who still holds the record for most players walked in a PCL game (I think it was PCL, forgive me if I'm mistaken on that). He added more to the story and by the time I was done, my heart had lifted, my hopes had lifted, and I went and talked to my son again.......I told him the story Jerry had shared with me.....and my son smiled and we decided right then and there to simply get back to work, get past it, and get better. And he did.

Without that posted reply, would we have recovered? I don't know -- certainly not to the extent that we did. Would my son be pitching for a great college program at a great school? I doubt it. My son would probably be at a different school, would probably not be playing ball, and would probably have ended his high school career as an outfielder or something.

So - Jerry - I mentioned in my first post the movie 'It's A Wonderful Life'.......you just don't know how many lives you have touched and how so many things would be different for so many people had you not been so freely giving of yourself on this site and in your day-to-day PG life.

Thank you. We owe you so much, and we've never even met.

Merry Christmas, Jerry Ford. And to your family and staff as well.

Krak and Family

Krak, the movie It's a Wonderful Life is fantastic in so many ways. It is a story of redemption. Superb character development. Why doing a small thing, like being a banker in a small town can bring you riches only a rich man can't understand.

Baseball is the same way. PG has changed our small town of HSBBW. There are many others, too, like Fungo, CPLZ, GotWood, Midlo Dad, Observer 44, TR Hit, Mn-Mom, TPM, Coach2709, so many others.. we're all interconnected. I could sit here on my keyboard and tell myself it doesn't matter, it's just some virtual world but I know better. These are real people with real lives and it is not a virtual world it is just a venue, a media, where real people connect.

It is our town. And it does matter. In our town, real people get hurt. George Bailey got hurt. PG got hurt, too.

I remember the one very kind post about my son PG made after the world showcase. It was unbelievably positive and motivated my son tremendously to follow it up with a great season. Now, why does PG do these things? I know he says it is his job but trust me it is more than that. I've met the man. He just wants these kids to be successful.

So this is why, PG, we are not so willing to let you go. Because you are a real person with real world experiences and we are, too. You live in our town. We know you by first name. We like talking to you and even if you weren't the owner of Perfect Game it would change nothing. You're not Mr. Potter, the man with all the money and no friends, you are George Bailey, the richest man in the world. We know you want to "see the world" but our little town remains.

It is your town, Jerry. It's too late for you to deny it. You were born and raised here. Sure, there are some goofy-looking accusers hanging around waiting to nail you and falsely accuse you but guess what? We all pitched in and bailed you out!

And every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

usually you'd have to go to a funeral to hear this many nice things said about somebody. i'm glad that's not our situation.........but it kind of feels like it. not a dry eye in the house.

great post bum, great post.

Bum -- Brilliant, as always.

PG -- I sent you my thoughts previously. As one of the new guys in the community, I join the chorus asking you to hurry back. Sadly, we live in a culture where good people often offer big targets for others to shoot at. Too often the voices of a small number of critics chime louder than the larger mass of supporters and fans. Clearly, you are deeply appreciated.

.
Bum...

Simply a great post...

You've outlined for us a Holiday tale of humanity and charity and brotherhood and community. A story of friendship and redemption and self sacrifice all wrapped up in a bright red Christmas bow...Well done.

...and the beauty is that your tale is all real.

Jerry is not a saint, but you are so right that without knowing it he certainly has made a positive imprint on a whole heck of a lot of people here and beyond and that is something worth celebrating, admiring, appreciating...and worth fighting to keep.

44
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Dear Mr. Ford,
This is shortstopmom's son.

I just wanted to tell you how much you have helped me. I am one of those stories that no one publically hears about. I am one of those college baseball players that can vouch its not about the money with you and your staff.

I know you help alot of adults too but its guys like me, baseball players who werent even on the map, until you offered to help.
You took your time to help me out NOT for money but because you saw a guy like me who needed some " tweeking " and because you cared. It was the biggest help I had ever gotten.

I'll never forget that day we worked in the cage. I took what you taught me and used it. It worked and I gained confidence. I am one of those stories that no one publically hears about. I am one of those ball players that can honestly say without Mr. Ford's help I may not have gained the skills that I needed to get to the next level. You always said it was up to me to work hard and to use what I had learned but without you and your staff I wouldnt have had the knowledge.

Mr. Ford I will always be greatful to you
for taking your personal time to help me improve my game.

For those that do not know, I am currently attending college on a full baseball scholarship.

Thank you Jerry Ford and PG !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

.

"And every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings."

"What's that you say Bum? I can barely hear you. Angels?"

"It's true."

"That may be Bum, but they're thick as fire flies in here."

Put'em where?

In the outfield"?



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"Done!"

quote:

Originally posted by observer44:
.
Bum...

Simply a great post...

You've outlined for us a Holiday tale of humanity and charity and brotherhood and community. A story of friendship and redemption and self sacrifice all wrapped up in a bright red Christmas bow...Well done.

...and the beauty is that your tale is all real.

Jerry is not a saint, but you are so right that without knowing it he certainly has made a positive imprint on a whole heck of a lot of people here and beyond and that is something worth celebrating, admiring, appreciating...and worth fighting to keep.

44
.

I agree. There was a stroke of genius to Bum's post because the analogy to It's a Wonderful Life was exactly the right setting and mood to describe all that Jerry has done with his life.

I am pretty sure many of these stories like shortstopmom's son's story - that was beautifully written above btw and from the heart will move Jerry to tears. I predict he'll be back.

Dear Jerry,
Because I respect you enormously I wont question your decision to leave the HSBBW, but I would be fibbin' if I did not want to add to the other sentiments, that I hope you reconsider.

If we had not seen your banner above and had not read your posts we never would have even known what a " showcase " was.
There are many baseball players who live in rural communities, tiny towns, who are searching for help and are looking for a path to get to the next level. These boys have real dreams and big hopes and many dont know where to begin. Cant think of a better place for them to start than to start with your family.
I will be honest, it can be intimidating. For those of us not as savy as most baseball mecca people, the PG website is very highspeed and without knowing, sometimes looks like a lot to jump into.
After reading your posts here Jerry, your very honest and informative posts, it gave my son the confidence to step out of his little pond and out into the big ocean. He wasnt sure he was good enough, but your posts seemed to ensure that any player, big or small deserved a shot.

You have my utmost gratitude for all that you do.
Merry Christmas to your entire family!

P.S.
Please come back!

For the most part, the crowd who answered Jerry's post are not any problem, but great supporters and baseball people.
I have learned much and read some fine posts from PG.
I for one fully understand not wanting to come here or anywhere to respond to strangers comments.
Most people who come online to gripe, would probably never do so to someone's face.
This is the negative side of these sites. There are many positives, like just meeting some of the great personalities that come here and contribute.
I will miss reading Jerry's story's and learning from his experiences.
I wish him the best and Wish you all a Merry Christmas.

Jerry,

I am sorry it was something like you deciding to leave that made me come out of the shadows. I wanted you to know that I completely understand your decision. I myself have been involved in baseball as a player/coach/scout for going on 45 years. I love the game that has been so good to me and my family, but more importantly I love the kids and young men that get it strapped-on everyday to play the game we love. BUT, I too am approaching a point where in the not to distant future I may just have to walk away from the game.

I am growing tired, not because I am older than dirt you see, but more because I am tired of dealing with people who know nothing about me, but yet try and dismantle what you are doing, your motives, your credibility, your integrity and your passion for the game. It gets old when you have been around a long time and to be honest my tolerance for such nonsense is not what it used to be. I also understand that the folks inside the baseball community that know what I am about and what I do and truly know me, are not the ones with the problem. So people ask the question; "why does it even matter Mike, we know where your heart is?"

Well, guess what it does not matter in the least what uninformed, misguided, I want what you have people think.......BUT, I am just growing tired of it after all of these years.....

Jerry I truly wish you the best, you are to me one of the finest "baseball" guys I have had the pleasure of knowing.

Hope to see you at the yard one of these days....Mike

Top Ranked PG Toddler Catcher Benny Factor offically requests your return

OK ENOUGH ALREADY! STOP IT! I GIVE UP!
I am shocked by the response here. All you people taking the time to post so many nice things… Even more have taken the time to email and PM. I really can’t believe it. Most of the emails being from people who were nice and supportive and a few with tough messages from friends who care, saying things like this…

quote:

Now you've committed the ultimate toe stepping, you've told us you're taking your bat and ball and going home.

quote:

I know you've done a lot for this message board, the people here, the game of baseball. You are in a unique position, with both your expertise and your company to continue to bring change and help like no other person. Imagine being the smartest person in the world, and instead of trying to cure cancer, you do crossword puzzles. It wouldn't be fair or the right thing to do.

At first I was PO’d and replied something about… the only thing that matters to me is my reputation. Then I got this email back from that person.

quote:

Jerry,
That's where I believe your perspective is skewed...I don't think your reputation has ever been in jeapordy. The bigger PG becomes, the more people will question all aspects of what's going on, simply because there will be more people aware and watching every day.

Having thought I was always a good listener and knowing this person cares, this caused me to think… read between the lines, maybe!

First of all, sometimes people just change what they do, even when it comes to their habits. HSBBW had become a habit for me and many others here. (not a bad habit, at all) I was involved because I enjoyed it, not to advertise or make money. I knew it was creating some business for PG, but people will have to believe the time consumed could have been used for other very worthwhile things and I never came here to market anything.

Everyone here should be able to understand that this site is very addictive (in a good way). So sometimes people just change what they do, their habits. I didn’t think taking my bat and ball and going home was an appropriate analogy. When I quit smoking many years ago, those cigarettes never said... You are just taking your bat and ball and going home. I know… that is a terrible analogy.

Also, I thought the analogy about being the smartest person, curing cancer, and doing crossword puzzles, was being unfair and didn’t make much sense. I’m not very smart about anything. I just have lots of experience when it comes to certain things. I can give information, but not good at giving someone advice when experience has taught me that sometimes that the most well meant advice you might give someone could turn out to be the worst possible advice for that individual. So after thinking about all this, realizing the good intent involved, I decided that, that email didn’t bother me too much.

However after replying, mentioning the reputation thing, the second email from this poster really did get me to thinking.

quote:

Jerry,
That's where I believe your perspective is skewed...I don't think your reputation has ever been in jeapordy. The bigger PG becomes, the more people will question all aspects of what's going on, simply because there will be more people aware and watching every day.

It is true that I am obsessed with this reputation thing. Not reputation regarding other things, just baseball. This is what creates the need for honesty, loyalty and all that good stuff. Anytime I feel my reputation is being put to a test, I get very upset. That is because of going to great lengths in order to protect it. Have often told people we are not perfect, I tell all our people… You will make lots of mistakes… Just NEVER make a mistake on purpose!!!

Anyway, this second email really got me to thinking. It’s always seemed impossible for me to separate Perfect Game Inc. (the business) from Jerry Ford (the person). For the longest time I never thought about the fact that PG had become much larger than I. In fact, it has become a monster of sorts that no one man can "totally" control or be responsible for everything that takes place. When we started it was different, I felt like I had to be in control of every little thing. Now days, I just feel like a part of PG, rather than being PG. Guess I forget that at times.

That email made me realize. That there is Perfect Game and then there is me. It is difficult to separate that most of the time, but I don’t want to go to the grave and only be remembered as the guy who started Perfect Game. Perfect Game does not have to dictate who I am. I'm much older than Perfect Game. Maybe I do take things too personally?

I’d like to thank that person for that very important reminder.

One of the best things that happened, was I got a very nice PM from “tired of this”. He is not only a great baseball coach, he is a great person who just cares a lot. I already knew that because of what "justbaseball" emailed me. Once I realized his post was his true feelings and not just another agenda of some type, there was no problem at all. We need people like this highly regarded coach posting his thoughts on here.

This thread has been very embarrassing. I apologize for starting all this. I can’t believe the response. I tried to answer all the emails and PMs but I’m not sure if I got them all. The support makes me feel great, have to admit that. I’ve read each and every one and can’t thank you all enough. I’m sure that many others who haven’t logged on for awhile would also say some nice things, but this is getting a bit old. I didn’t expect this. I almost wish someone would say something bad now! Just kidding!

OK, maybe we can move on to more important topics, rather than talking about some old **** that got his feelings hurt. Next time I feel like leaving, think it will happen without any big announcement… Like many others who have sailed into the sunset without any fanfare!

You have all got to me in a big way. I can’t leave yet. Somewhere in between what many have said here and the things said on some of the posts that are not so flattering… Is the truth! There is nothing special about me that isn’t equally special about all you people.

D (Shortstopmom’s son)… You didn’t have to do that, but thanks! It means a lot. I’m so glad I got a chance to know you. Please don’t ever stop getting better. No baseball player ever reaches his “full” potential, some just come a lot closer than others.

I could go on forever, I can’t thank you people enough. What else can I say. I’ve been very humbled by all of this.

I’m out of here… Not for good this time. Sorry to start all of this. And please!!! Don’t think that you ever need to stick up for me or PG every time a negative post appears. That would just get boring. A little action and controversy is what keeps everyone interested. I used to love to read the threads where everyone started arguing and fighting. Found out that they're more fun to watch from the outside than being involved.

IMPORTANT: If you can, please strongly consider sending the HSBBW a donation to help Julie continue this great site that has helped thousands and will likely help thousands more in the future.

Here’s the link… http://www.hsbaseballweb.com/donate.htm

Merry Christmas to all

Knew youd be back once you calmed a bit.

quote:

It’s always seemed impossible for me to separate Perfect Game Inc. (the business) from Jerry Ford (the person)

I am sure this is difficult to do, Jerry, but I for one have always considered your presence here to be Jerry Ford and not Perfect Game.

I am a big fan of both, and I think the integrity of Jerry Ford has a lot do do with the sterling reputation of Perfect Game.

I am glad you won't be gone forever. This site would be a much diminished place without you.

It is Christmas Eve, and I am now going to click through to donate to my favorite baseball addiction.

I encourage everyone else to do the same - thanks again, Jerry.

Wow- them angels work fast!

while you were here, I was Pming you!

Sorry!- but one last embarassing PM awaits you!

Welcome back!!

Merry XMAS!!!- OLD **** !

Yeeeeeee Hawwwww!

Jerry,

Again, Thank You for all of what you have done and will be doing for the whole baseball community!

We are blessed by your return!

Merry Christmas and have a great New Years!

quote:

D (Shortstopmom’s son)… You didn’t have to do that, but thanks! It means a lot. I’m so glad I got a chance to know you. Please don’t ever stop getting better. No baseball player ever reaches his “full” potential, some just come a lot closer than others.

I was pretty sure when Jerry saw that message that the tide would change for the hsbbweb.

If there was an emoticon for patting oneself on the back - I would use it now for my prediction that he would indeed come back

Merry Christmas!

Yeah, one more holiday crisis averted.

Welcome back Jerry

Now, if I can just convince my son not to hang up his cleats.

.
Jerry..

Right on it. While you will always be connected to PG...Look back through the posts....whole lot of consistency there...it was JERRY that we missed. It as the special human things that you did, and said and posted above and beyond "the business" that people felt set you apart. A post, an offer of help, a chance meeting, a stint in the batting cage, a connection you made for a player - one that could not have been made in any other way...I could go on. The list is seemingly endless.

Bum had it SO right...The irony is that once again, in an "It's a wonderful life" way...without even knowing what you were doing, you have made a difference by elicting the very, very best of the HSBBW humanity at the Holidays in this thread. You have allowed us to show the best of the HSBBW,(and ourselves) what we can be and what we are in our very best moments.

So/too often threads and posts get too "me and mine" oriented....inadvertently you have brough us happliy back to "we" and our shared humanity, and dare I say it, love...at the perfect time, Chiristmas.

A happy ending for Xmas. Brought us "home for the holidays". That was no mean feat.

44
.

Now that is Change we all can belive in....

Yay!

Jerry, from the bottom of my heart, THANKS! Now we have to work on a Perfect Game for my girl to get noticed. If you already have one, pm me. Jerry, I think it speaks well of you that when you were upset that so many people responded. BTW, for most of us, it's always been about the person. The organization is just a nice addition!

Merry Christmas!

I've been gone for a few days and was just reading through catching up on HSBBW - and this thread certainly has filled the last hour...

At first my reaction was (to quote a young boy from many years ago ) "say it ain't so Joe".

Then I simply grew sad - thinking of how much I would miss the wit and wisdom of Jerry Ford. HSBBW is in many ways a group of friends for me - and when one of those friends drops out of the circle, we are all the poorer for it.

Then I got mad - that I hadn't done enough to stick up for Jerry and his fine organization. When my son went through the process, the perfect game showcases and WWBA events represented some of the most fun he ever had on a baseball field - and some of the most fun I have ever had watching baseball.

Furthermore, I have had a few personal dealings with Jerry - and found him to be one of the most honorable businessmen I have ever come into contact with.

So now I flip to the last page, heart in my stomach - but in many ways admiring the outpouring of support and love - and get an early Christmas present.

Thank you Jerry for reconsidering and deciding to stick around. HSBBW will remain a far richer place with you in it.

08

So my thanks to whomever had the wisdom, the clarity of thought, the felicity of expression, and the credibility to be able to engage in a fruitful dialog with Jerry. There's a very short list of posters here who could fit that bill.

But my thanks don't relate to Jerry deciding to come back--in my mind that was a foregone conclusion because I'm pretty sure that Jerry sees real value in this site, and knows well that he adds a lot to it. I believe he's the kind of person who when faced with the opportunity to help, and and the strong capability to do so, will put himself right in the middle of it.

Instead my thanks is for eliciting this comment from Jerry: "Now days, I just feel like a part of PG, rather than being PG. Guess I forget that at times."

In my lifetime (just as long as Jerry's), I've ridden along with several people who had a good idea, started an activity, grew it into a small organization, and then a business, and so on. Everyone of them has lost sleep, stewed for hours, or kicked the dog over some comment about their organization's motives, philosophy, or practices, which doesn't square up with their own personal reasons for being in the business, or their own motives. Even an adverse comment on their industry as a whole--particularly if they are the leader--can be upsetting. There is nothing unusual about Jerry taking comments to heart.

Everyone of those people eventually had an epiphany, and realized that their personal identity was separate from that of the organization they created.

......And everyone of them relapsed--repeatedly. They "forget that at times."

That's not a bad thing, and in reality, if the creator of a successful entity didn't care so doggone much, the creation wouldn't have got off the ground.

So I expect that, sometime down the road, we'll once again read posts by Jerry defending himself and PG. I hope that doesn't happen, but it probably will.

And if it does, I hope that people here will react to the inciting post or poster by discussing the merits of the argument. In my mind there should be a big difference between: (1) the tacit understanding here that we don't post negative items about kids, especially if a reader here might be affected and (2) our posting behavior about the leading and founding organization of a baseball service industry.

PG, its rivals, and that industry in general are fit and deserving subjects for discussion, while negative posts about kids are rarely productive. Of course, in a sense, PG is Jerry's kid, but the board will lose a lot of value if we extend the same sort of courtesy to Jerry about PG that we would to any poster about their flesh and blood kid.

I'll put this another way: This thread shows that Jerry personally has helped a lot of people, and Jerry's creation has helped a lot of people. This is truly admirable, and I'm glad this thread has demonstrated how much he has done. But it shouldn't immunize PG from critical comment. It shouldn't, for example, cause us to shy away from consideration that showcasing has shifted some of the expense of evaluation away from the colleges and pro teams and onto the participants. I personally think that this downside is outweighed by a number of upsides, but surely the matter bears discussion.

And if you disagree, and think that we need to shield PG (not Jerry himself) from negative comments, I urge you to read the latter part of Jerry's post again. He said something similar.

Jerry, great news! Now we can get back to some great baseball talk. Merry Christmas, and do enjoy your time in Florida. Maybe one of those drinks with a little umbrella in it is fitting.

Welcome back Jerry!

Great news, Jerry, and thanks.

I'm disappointed that Jerry didn't mention how much my new "Perfect Game Rocks!" signature line contributed to him coming back. I'm sure its impact was immeasurable.

That being said (tongue in cheek), I've long felt that those who are the best in their field often have a target on their back. The target is put there by competitors and by those who can't do what you do...or aren't willing to put in the effort to be that good.

Jerry and PG are the best at what they do. And I promise I'll still think that even if you rate my son a 3.5 one of these days!

quote:

Originally posted by PGStaff:
Everyone here should be able to understand that this site is very addictive

You could have worse addictions...alcohol, crack, socker...