3FingeredGlove, that was a great post!
Welcome back Jerry, and Merry Christmas to all.
quote:Originally posted by 08Dad:
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
I was getting ready to type the same thing.
Thanks 08Dad.
True Story that must be told:
A couple of years ago my son and I were going to the PG National Underclass at Ft Meyers Florida. I had a player on my HS team that was very talented. But he was going through a very tough time in his life. He actually had told me that he was thinking of quitting baseball. His father was riding him very hard about his performance. And the kid was very much down in the dumps. I knew this young man needed a boost of good fortune and he needed to have some baseball fun. He needed a positive baseball experience and he needed to get away.
I called Jerry. I explained the young mans situation and I also explained to him the kid was a talented player. Jerry never hesitated and said "He has an invitation to the PG Underclass just get him here." I loaded up the truck and took this young man with me along with my son. At the event he did very well and made the top prospects game. This kids experience at this event changed his whole perspective on the game. His confidence went out the roof. He had a smile on his face each day at the event. When he got back home he was a totally different kid. He kept thanking me for taking him and all I could say was "Dont thank me thank Jerry Ford he made this happen for you."
This young man went on to have a tremendous HS career and had many opportunities at the next level. All he needed was someone to give him a chance. Someone to believe in him. And someone to care. I have never met anyone that cared anymore than Jerry Ford. Yes he runs a business. But what makes him special at what he does is he does it because he loves it. He does it because he loves helping young men.
Jerry you are a special person. I give you the ultimate compliment when I say "Jerry you are a baseball man." Thank you for all that you do!
A couple of years ago my son and I were going to the PG National Underclass at Ft Meyers Florida. I had a player on my HS team that was very talented. But he was going through a very tough time in his life. He actually had told me that he was thinking of quitting baseball. His father was riding him very hard about his performance. And the kid was very much down in the dumps. I knew this young man needed a boost of good fortune and he needed to have some baseball fun. He needed a positive baseball experience and he needed to get away.
I called Jerry. I explained the young mans situation and I also explained to him the kid was a talented player. Jerry never hesitated and said "He has an invitation to the PG Underclass just get him here." I loaded up the truck and took this young man with me along with my son. At the event he did very well and made the top prospects game. This kids experience at this event changed his whole perspective on the game. His confidence went out the roof. He had a smile on his face each day at the event. When he got back home he was a totally different kid. He kept thanking me for taking him and all I could say was "Dont thank me thank Jerry Ford he made this happen for you."
This young man went on to have a tremendous HS career and had many opportunities at the next level. All he needed was someone to give him a chance. Someone to believe in him. And someone to care. I have never met anyone that cared anymore than Jerry Ford. Yes he runs a business. But what makes him special at what he does is he does it because he loves it. He does it because he loves helping young men.
Jerry you are a special person. I give you the ultimate compliment when I say "Jerry you are a baseball man." Thank you for all that you do!
thanks for all the advice over the years!I had a blast at my lone PG event,and I thought it was the best camp Ive ever been to. Never faced,or will face,as good of competition as I did that weekend this past summer.
best wishes
best wishes
O44 said:
"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."
...and others have noted that as well...
Yes, Perfect Game is a very respected organization that does things the right way. But 90% of the reason that so many of us have "PGStaff's" posts at the top of our "must read" lists...is simply the man behind the posts. The baseball man who we would all like to stand next to at a baseball game and listen to. (I know that because I had the privilege of standing next to him at a college baseball game a few years back.) The "neighbor" who thinks nothing of spending hours of time to help a player who needs a break. The former college coach with decades of baseball experience who still has patience with the over-excited parent of a HS or even younger player. (Yes, I know that one from experience too.)
Welcome back, Jerry.
Julie
"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."
...and others have noted that as well...
Yes, Perfect Game is a very respected organization that does things the right way. But 90% of the reason that so many of us have "PGStaff's" posts at the top of our "must read" lists...is simply the man behind the posts. The baseball man who we would all like to stand next to at a baseball game and listen to. (I know that because I had the privilege of standing next to him at a college baseball game a few years back.) The "neighbor" who thinks nothing of spending hours of time to help a player who needs a break. The former college coach with decades of baseball experience who still has patience with the over-excited parent of a HS or even younger player. (Yes, I know that one from experience too.)
Welcome back, Jerry.
Julie
We are "Jerry's Kids"!
Coach May, your post above speaks volumes for you as well, though I know you were not tooting your own horn. It shows what great baseball people BOTH of you are, in the life of that young man, and so many others.
The site is positively filled with good people, and these stories really bring that home.
Coach May, your post above speaks volumes for you as well, though I know you were not tooting your own horn. It shows what great baseball people BOTH of you are, in the life of that young man, and so many others.
The site is positively filled with good people, and these stories really bring that home.
You know I can't remember visiting with Jerry Our not ??
But I believe I did!!
2006 World Showcase, Jerry was wearing a BA hat.
I myself was staying away from the field as much as possible??
I did everything a Parent was not supposed to do?
I Got Water for my kid?
Well lets just say if a Recruiter or a Scout took Stock in that. ??
They did not know the Whole Story?
Son spent at least 14 Hours on a flight from Australia, ( with Bob Williams and the Goodwill Series Games. ) over Christmas.
Arrived in San Francisco, and less then 12 hours later took a Flight to Ft Myers, Florida.
And Between visiting Family in Florida on Friday and doing the World Showcase during Friday night and the weekend, I'd say my son deserved a toss of the water bottle from the Old Man??
Anyway I believe I met Jerry in the Background of the Perfect Game?
Just running his business?
Keeping everything organized.
And Providing a Venue for Player's to showcase there skills.
I mostly convered with Betty, She's the Brains of the OutFit??
Sorry Jerry?
But you know I'm Right??
Think about it Betty and Jerry Ford,,,It's Almost Presidential.
EH
But I believe I did!!
2006 World Showcase, Jerry was wearing a BA hat.
I myself was staying away from the field as much as possible??
I did everything a Parent was not supposed to do?
I Got Water for my kid?
Well lets just say if a Recruiter or a Scout took Stock in that. ??
They did not know the Whole Story?
Son spent at least 14 Hours on a flight from Australia, ( with Bob Williams and the Goodwill Series Games. ) over Christmas.
Arrived in San Francisco, and less then 12 hours later took a Flight to Ft Myers, Florida.
And Between visiting Family in Florida on Friday and doing the World Showcase during Friday night and the weekend, I'd say my son deserved a toss of the water bottle from the Old Man??
Anyway I believe I met Jerry in the Background of the Perfect Game?
Just running his business?
Keeping everything organized.
And Providing a Venue for Player's to showcase there skills.
I mostly convered with Betty, She's the Brains of the OutFit??
Sorry Jerry?
But you know I'm Right??
Think about it Betty and Jerry Ford,,,It's Almost Presidential.
EH
The circle is unbroken... what a wonderful outpouring of goodwill that has been shown by all.
Thanks to Jerry for seeing the light and to everyone else that participates on the HSBBW to make this place very special.
Merry Christmas!
Thanks to Jerry for seeing the light and to everyone else that participates on the HSBBW to make this place very special.
Merry Christmas!
Jerry,
my organization (Clippers) is where it is today because of your people. The 40+ kids playing college baseball are where they are because of what we learned from you. I'm sure we'd still be playing games here or there but you have taught us how, and where.
I THANK YOU. I also thank the others who have reached out to help us, specifically, Jason, Jim, Andy, Betty, Dan, Tyson. There are more but these folks have had a direct effect on what we do and how we do it. When your at the top it's so easy to take all the shots. PG however has never looked down at us. They have treated us like we are somebody.
Merry Christmas and Thanks from me, Joe and Michael as well as the Clippers.
Joe
my organization (Clippers) is where it is today because of your people. The 40+ kids playing college baseball are where they are because of what we learned from you. I'm sure we'd still be playing games here or there but you have taught us how, and where.
I THANK YOU. I also thank the others who have reached out to help us, specifically, Jason, Jim, Andy, Betty, Dan, Tyson. There are more but these folks have had a direct effect on what we do and how we do it. When your at the top it's so easy to take all the shots. PG however has never looked down at us. They have treated us like we are somebody.
Merry Christmas and Thanks from me, Joe and Michael as well as the Clippers.
Joe
Great to have you back Jerry! Thank you for reconsidering! 
.
And my shoes PG? My loafers? It's been a couple of days since you heisted them. I've been having to attend all of the Christmas festivities in my stocking feet.
The only place my shoeless status has not been the focus of disdainful and bewildered stares was at Benihana's. And that was only because playbaseball, with her foresight and good common sense, wouldn't let me near any of the chopsticks. I'm surprised they even let me in the joint after the incident with the rice cakes last year and the ensuing lawsuit.
Who would have ever thought the mere mention of Snap, Crackle, and Pop as a half dozen or so rice cakes sail away and take a wok would be considered offensive? Certainly not me, Captain Frisbee©! And by the way...those knives...they're as sharp as they look!
So my search continues for my shoes...I had to go undercover so as to not raise any suspicion from the shopkeepers here in what appears to be balmy downtown Cedar Rapids.
This is the eighteenth one I've searched so far PG...am I getting warm?
Welcome back and Merry Christmas to you!
And my shoes PG? My loafers? It's been a couple of days since you heisted them. I've been having to attend all of the Christmas festivities in my stocking feet.
The only place my shoeless status has not been the focus of disdainful and bewildered stares was at Benihana's. And that was only because playbaseball, with her foresight and good common sense, wouldn't let me near any of the chopsticks. I'm surprised they even let me in the joint after the incident with the rice cakes last year and the ensuing lawsuit.
Who would have ever thought the mere mention of Snap, Crackle, and Pop as a half dozen or so rice cakes sail away and take a wok would be considered offensive? Certainly not me, Captain Frisbee©! And by the way...those knives...they're as sharp as they look!
So my search continues for my shoes...I had to go undercover so as to not raise any suspicion from the shopkeepers here in what appears to be balmy downtown Cedar Rapids.
This is the eighteenth one I've searched so far PG...am I getting warm?
Welcome back and Merry Christmas to you!
You know, some of the best things come from ugly situations. Without that nasty poster you would not know how the overwhelming majority of us feel about your presence here.
I am thankful for the nasty poster, and I am glad you reconsidered.
My "great PG story" is a Mr. Arp story but quality people always surround themselves with other quality people!
I am thankful for the nasty poster, and I am glad you reconsidered.
My "great PG story" is a Mr. Arp story but quality people always surround themselves with other quality people!
Hell Jerry most people have to die to have so many people say so many nice things about them! Jerry there will always be people that are jealous of you and what you guys do. There will always be people that have an axe to grind for whatever reason. But now you see that we are indeed a family. And family sticks up for family and supports each other. We may fight and we may disagree at times. Thats part of every family. But we are here for the same reasons and we never want to lose one of our own. I am glad you are back and I hope to read many more posts from you in the future.
This thread has been quite enjoyable to read. The stories are wonderful. Would be neat if PG could add to any of them from a different point of view.
I too have found this thread very enjoyable to read. No doubt all members of the HSBBW have been educated as to where Mr. Ford comes from and by the same token I'm sure Mr. Ford also has a renewed appreciation of where parents and coaches come from. You might say this has been a learning experience and no doubt a win-win situation for all. Welcome back Mr. Ford! I would also like to welcome back Coach "tired of it" as a contributor to this site. His opinions are needed and appreciated too. Differences of opinions generate discussions and discussions produce knowledge. Thank goodness we have differing views and opinions about youth baseball. That's what makes the HSBBW special!
Fungo
Fungo
I just got on HSBBW for the first time in two days. Now, all is well with the universe. I must say I never knew or took the time to find out exactly who PGStaff was before. I assumed he wanted a certain degree of anonymity. He always gave great advise and had a wisdom that is hard to come by. I'll look forward to future postings.
Welcome back, Jerry!
Welcome back, Jerry!
quote:Would be neat if PG could add to any of them from a different point of view.
OK ClevelandDad,
Most of the times I’ve been involved in helping others, it ends up being myself who gets the most out of it. Usually these things have been instigated by others. I don’t have time to cover all this at one time, but here are a couple examples from the previous posts. Maybe I'll add more later if anyone's interested.
Coach May told the story about the player who was ready to quit. All I did was help Coach May… It was his mission to help the young man. Without Coach I would never have known who the kid was. Should add that this was not the first young player Coach May talked about. He goes out of his way to help any kid he can. You can’t tell some one who cares as much as he does… No!
AcademyDad, mentioned his son. If memory serves me, I think it was actually observer44 who first brought that situation up to me. All I did was contact the Scouting Directors who are on our PG Scouting Committee (That’s most of them) and told them the situation. We also had David Rawnsley write an article about the subject. I had never seen Karl play, so all I could do is ask Scouting Directors to check into his situation. It worked out pretty good, but only because of what Karl Bolt did on the field and specifically in the batters box. My small part meant nothing without Karl’s ability.
Shortstopmom’s son attended a couple events we held. He was a good player and more importantly it was easy to see that he loved the game and had some real special qualities and I kind of liked him. Oddly enough I didn’t know he was ssmom’s kid at that time. I just thought he was doing a couple things that he could improve on and told him if he could get to Cedar Rapids I’d be willing to work with him. I think we worked a couple hours, maybe three, without me going anywhere out of the way to work with him. He had to drive at least 10 hours and stay in a hotel to do it. Talk about desire! No I didn’t do it for money, but it wasn’t exactly free when you consider all his time and the travel expense. He and his mom are the special ones.
Today we got a text message from Jason Heyward (1st rd pick) thanking us for all the help we gave him and wishing Merry Christmas. For those of you who might know or have seen Jason… You probably can figure out how hard it was for us to help him! HaHaHa!
I supposed someone helped Lebron James too (probably not Gary… private joke that some might remember), but it’s not like he needed a whole lot of help.
Some people are just thankful and appreciate even the small things more than others. You can’t help but pull for those types. Same thing can be said for jerseydad’s son, midlodad’s son, TPM’s son, deldad’s son, academydad’s son, justbaseball’s son, and all the others who have special talent, and/or are special people. I have never helped any body as much as they have helped me do the things I enjoy the most. I mean that!
I could go on and on telling stories. We do what we do and enjoy doing it, but there’s always someone… A dad or mom, a coach, a friend, or someone else who deserves all the credit. I believe there are many of those helping type people who contribute right here on this site. We’ve all tried to help others, and that’s the most rewarding thing there is. It’s not about profit or money, the real riches are all about the memories. If the economy puts an end to PG, so be it… I’m already a very wealthy man in the most important way of all. In fact, super wife and I are driving to Florida as I write this and knowing we will create some new good memories before we return. It’s a blast! Sometimes!
Thanks and Merry Christmas
I ejoyed the article on Sam. My youngest son who pitches is in the same boat. He is in his junior year in HS. His coach refuses to pitch him except in mop up duty or if he needs to get out of a jam. He has told me that my son is just lucky. I asked the coach is not the idea of pitching to get guys out? His coach believes you need velocity to pitch even if you can not get the ball across the plate.
I have told my son to keep at it and at least his summer and fall coaches have allowed him to pitch against older and better teams.
I was curious to find out what happened to Sam and how his college career has been?
I have told my son to keep at it and at least his summer and fall coaches have allowed him to pitch against older and better teams.
I was curious to find out what happened to Sam and how his college career has been?
Sam went Div I to the U of Hawaii. The story Spizzle talks about is true, but once again Sam’s travel club coach was very involved in helping. Sam’s dad simply asked some questions very politely. That caused us to do the research. The people responsible for whatever success Sam enjoys in baseball are in this order… 1 – Sam… 2 – Sam’s dad (spizzle)… 3 – Sam’s coach
PG Staff, welcome back and hope to see in Ft Myers.
Wow. Today must be Christmas. I got a present I didn't even realise I lost till just now. Welcome back PG Staff. I've been off line for a week or so and had no Idea what had transpired till I saw this 7 page post started by Jerry. Great to see you had a change of heart. "Play Ball"
Dallas...Bobby Ewing...a shower....okay it was a bad dream.
Welcome Back Mr. Ford, and Merry Christmas!
H-1
Welcome Back Mr. Ford, and Merry Christmas!
H-1
Jerry,
I would like you to reconsider as well. I don't view you as a business owner because your posts have NOTHING to do with promoting your business. You are a "baseball guy" and the HSBBWEB needs great baseball guys.
I would like you to reconsider as well. I don't view you as a business owner because your posts have NOTHING to do with promoting your business. You are a "baseball guy" and the HSBBWEB needs great baseball guys.
Very cool.
jerry,
Just checking end after a wonderful Christmas. i am happy to see your change of heart. Merry Christmas
Just checking end after a wonderful Christmas. i am happy to see your change of heart. Merry Christmas
All I can say is "WOW".
Been off the site for awhile and thought I'd check to see if there was anything new going on.
I start out being saddened by the loss of Jerry and am thinking of what my reply will be then a few pages later he's back. Yeah!!
Most have said how I feel much better than I ever could.
My son never attended a PG event but a parent whom I was emailing had a son that played on several PG teams and was connected. My son was going into his senior year and he told me that PG had him rated as the 4th best player in CO. It was after the AZ Fall Classic so I imagine that is where he was seen and evaluated. Further proof that one doesn't have to attend a PG event to be noticed and yet rated.
Like others, (not sure if he remembers) but I'd PM'd Jerry with advice when Josh was coming up for
the draft and what to expect. Jerry gave great advice from his years of experience and I am forever grateful.
Again, my respect for Jerry has nothing to do with him being PG and everything to do with his love of the game and desire to help players.
Thanks and welcome back.
Frank
Been off the site for awhile and thought I'd check to see if there was anything new going on.
I start out being saddened by the loss of Jerry and am thinking of what my reply will be then a few pages later he's back. Yeah!!
Most have said how I feel much better than I ever could.
My son never attended a PG event but a parent whom I was emailing had a son that played on several PG teams and was connected. My son was going into his senior year and he told me that PG had him rated as the 4th best player in CO. It was after the AZ Fall Classic so I imagine that is where he was seen and evaluated. Further proof that one doesn't have to attend a PG event to be noticed and yet rated.
Like others, (not sure if he remembers) but I'd PM'd Jerry with advice when Josh was coming up for
the draft and what to expect. Jerry gave great advice from his years of experience and I am forever grateful.
Again, my respect for Jerry has nothing to do with him being PG and everything to do with his love of the game and desire to help players.
Thanks and welcome back.
Frank
Jerry, I haven't posted in a long time again. I do check up now and then and just read this thread. I can't add anything more eloquent than any of the great folks who have already supported you other than to say that I appreciated the help you offered my son a couple years back. The offer of help had absolutely nothing to do with baseball and that's why this thread has turned into a Capra classic. Happy Holidays to all.
Reminds me of a great song by the great composer and performer Dan Hicks ... "How can I miss you when you won't go away?" Always the humor
Reminds me of a great song by the great composer and performer Dan Hicks ... "How can I miss you when you won't go away?" Always the humor
147 replies and 5,820 views. Jerry, you are the richest man in the world. 
Dear Mr. Ford,
Wow. I just got back on the site after the holidays and what a quick read this string was....
Happy to see you reconsidered. This avoids me pointing out to you (in public) the plain truth that you are wrong!
You really can't say farewell to your friends. Friends are always there for you when you need them. And it was obvious you needed to hear from us these past few days.
I posted a note about Perfect Game being a perfect place to practice for life--and that all the boys that chose to experience PG events are really 10's.
And I wrote it to gently express my feelings while watching all these young men compete during a showcase.
This site is also happens to be part of life, too. May I suggest that an "Internet Blog" is a way little people can feel larger than they really are...and a string of posts like you got is a way the Internet stays connected to the real world.
Friends listen to your hurt when other don't.
Leaders must have conviction about their view of the future. By definition; if you are leading you cannot look to your left or your right for approval. Because, if you can see others on your path then you are merely just part of the pack. That is why your vision and leadership lead us all to a place called Perfect Game.
So Jerry, do you now understand how many of us approve and have gained by your leadership in creating the enterprise you call Perfect Game?
We all know PG and you as important part of our sons' life as he grows into a man.
GO JERRY, GO!
Wow. I just got back on the site after the holidays and what a quick read this string was....
Happy to see you reconsidered. This avoids me pointing out to you (in public) the plain truth that you are wrong!
You really can't say farewell to your friends. Friends are always there for you when you need them. And it was obvious you needed to hear from us these past few days.
I posted a note about Perfect Game being a perfect place to practice for life--and that all the boys that chose to experience PG events are really 10's.
And I wrote it to gently express my feelings while watching all these young men compete during a showcase.
This site is also happens to be part of life, too. May I suggest that an "Internet Blog" is a way little people can feel larger than they really are...and a string of posts like you got is a way the Internet stays connected to the real world.
Friends listen to your hurt when other don't.
Leaders must have conviction about their view of the future. By definition; if you are leading you cannot look to your left or your right for approval. Because, if you can see others on your path then you are merely just part of the pack. That is why your vision and leadership lead us all to a place called Perfect Game.
So Jerry, do you now understand how many of us approve and have gained by your leadership in creating the enterprise you call Perfect Game?
We all know PG and you as important part of our sons' life as he grows into a man.
GO JERRY, GO!
