Asked my son's youth coach for a reference — here's what he said. The names have been changed to protect the "innocent"--although sadly, I have to admit that every incident in here is true, just exaggerated for humor! And he did send a second version that actually said nice things. Eventually.
To Whom It May Concern:
This communication is on behalf of Jim Jim Bob, student and marginal athlete, in the South of Nowhere Community Schools. I have been stuck coaching the past 7 years.
In my opinion JIm Jim Bob possesses a skill set that would make him an attractive prospect at the college and university where baseball is played at a low level. The most obvious attribute JIm Jim Bob brings to the table is his ability to run out to right field to retrieve a batted ball, unfortunately JIm Jim Bob is supposed to be playing 3rd base. JIm Jim Bob is currently a sophomore, and comparatively speaking I have seen few sophomores, or upper classmen with as little physical coordination as JIm Jim Bob. JIm Jim Bob can trip and fall while entering and exiting a batting cage with the best of them!
Intangibles that JIm Jim Bob offers to his organization; passion for life as well as the game of baseball. A perfect example of this was when we were playing the Riders a few years back. JIm Jim Bob had 4 errors in one inning, however being the resilient young man he is, he battled through the errors only to come up to bat in our half of the inning to hit in the game winning run. Unfortunately, he was called out for too much celebration and we had to continue playing! Thanks to good coaching we were able to win this game!! JIm Jim Bob also has issues with intestinal gas. Coaches had to draw straws on who would transport JIm Jim Bob to and from games due to his hideous farts!
I have coached baseball at the college, high school and youth level for 30+ years. I have coached numerous young men who have gone on to play collegiately, professionally and even one major leaguer. I would suggest that JIm Jim Bob could be a valuable bat boy for squad and possibly some women’s intramural softball program(no disrespect to the gals). Coaches, despite his indigestion issues JIm Jim Bob is a great kid, but quite frankly he is a very limited baseball player. Believe me, I have tried for 7 years to make him better, he just sucks!
Jeffrey McBob
"World's best baseball coach"
