For me, probably the beginning of August in 2006. I had a team playing in the West Coast Summer Series, a great 18u wood bat tournament. There were many things that made this day special, but the most important for me was that I knew this was the last game I was going to coach many of the young men who'd been playing for me, some for up to five years of summer ball with me. We went 5-1 in pool play, and were undefeated, 4-0, in the championship round. To give you an idea of our team, here was my starting lineup that day, and where they are now.
Rikki Foster, SS, UC Davis
Tim Wheeler, CF, Sacramento State
Corey Valine, 3B, San Jose State
Lars Anderson, 1B, Boston Red Sox organization (drafted by Boston two months earlier)
Tyler DeWitt, RF, Sierra College (drafted by Cincinnatti Reds two months earlier)
Jamie Niley, LF, University of the Pacific (drafted by Colorado Rockies two months earlier)
Alex Rivers, P, Santa Clara
Brent Hottman, C, Sacramento State
Marcus Kemp, 2B, Loyola Marymount (no longer playing)
We were playing Top Tier, which is a Chicago based team, and their starting pitcher was fresh and throwing low 90s gas. Rivers, who also sat low 90s, started off strong but then gave up two walks in the 2nd inning before getting out of the inning without allowing another baserunner. By the time we'd come to the 7th inning, we'd been held to only 3 hits, but.....Alex had a no-hitter going. Other than the two baserunners in the 2nd, they hadn't gotten a man on base. We go to the top of the 7th with a 3-0 lead, and Alex retires the first batter. The next hitter lines a soft line drive that gets over the shortstop and falls harmlessly in short left field. The no-hitter is gone. I was crushed, as Alex had pitched his heart out and had thrown three other 1-hitters for our team in the previous two summers, and I was really pulling for him to have his final game for my team be a no-hitter. Alex just backed off the mound, took off his cap and wiped his brow. When he climbed back on the mound, he had a smile on his face as he nodded at the fingers Hottman put down. His pitch jammed the hitter and he rolled a ground ball to 3rd, for a 5-4-3 double play and GAME OVER.
That was the best d*mn dog pile I've ever seen.
Lars signed a week later, and the rest went off to start their college baseball careers. I expect that several of the other players from that team will be drafted this June, and it'll be another great day for us all.
As my son is about to start the games in his last HS season, I am reminded of the very first play in the very first "organized" baseball game he played in.
Tee ball, coed, all the kids take the field. At that age you put them all out there. A kid at each base, a pitcher, a catcher, and seven kids in the outfield picking daisies. The positions rotated every inning. Pure torture.
My son was at the pitchers mound to start off that first game, and Tess was on first base. My kid, of course, was all excited to play ball. He had been throwing and catching and hitting with me and his friends for a long time.
First kid takes the tee, and predictably hits the ball to the pitchers mound. My son fields the ball, turns and throws it to first.
Tess wasn't even looking. The ball (at that age a padded ball) hit her squarely in the nose.
Thus ending Tess's baseball career. No lasting damage, but her emergency room doc dad was quick on the scene.
Said Dad to Son: "Nice throw!"
Tee ball, coed, all the kids take the field. At that age you put them all out there. A kid at each base, a pitcher, a catcher, and seven kids in the outfield picking daisies. The positions rotated every inning. Pure torture.
My son was at the pitchers mound to start off that first game, and Tess was on first base. My kid, of course, was all excited to play ball. He had been throwing and catching and hitting with me and his friends for a long time.
First kid takes the tee, and predictably hits the ball to the pitchers mound. My son fields the ball, turns and throws it to first.
Tess wasn't even looking. The ball (at that age a padded ball) hit her squarely in the nose.
Thus ending Tess's baseball career. No lasting damage, but her emergency room doc dad was quick on the scene.
Said Dad to Son: "Nice throw!"
quote:First kid takes the tee, and predictably hits the ball to the pitchers mound. My son fields the ball, turns and throws it to first.
Tess wasn't even looking. The ball (at that age a padded ball) hit her squarely in the nose.
One of my favorite memories is also when my son played t-ball. He was also "pitcher" and had two or three ground balls hit to him in a row, threw them over to first base where they were all missed. The next time the ball was hit to him, he rolled the ball over to first base where the put out was made. I will never forget that. (We did tell him not to do that anymore.)
Tball memory,
Son a lefty playing 1st base.
No outs runners on 1st and 2nd.
Ball hit right at my son, and he catches on the fly and runs to 1st base on instinct.
Double play, now the runner on 2nd ran on the hit to 3rd.
The 3rd base coach is telling him to run back to second.
My son sees all this and starts running for 2nd.
Now its a foot race to the bag.
Son missed an unassisted triple play by an eyelash.
He would of threw it, but nobody there.
Anyway it was fun to watch.
EH
Son a lefty playing 1st base.
No outs runners on 1st and 2nd.
Ball hit right at my son, and he catches on the fly and runs to 1st base on instinct.
Double play, now the runner on 2nd ran on the hit to 3rd.
The 3rd base coach is telling him to run back to second.
My son sees all this and starts running for 2nd.
Now its a foot race to the bag.
Son missed an unassisted triple play by an eyelash.
He would of threw it, but nobody there.
Anyway it was fun to watch.
EH
My best baseball memory for myself was a chance meeting with Ferguson Jenkins and the ensuing conversation about a mutual team mate. He knew him when they both pitched for Chicago and I knew him when I tried to comeback with a semi-pro team called the Lawton Pepsis before he made it to the Cubs. It was one of the best baseball conversations I ever had.
The best memory of my boys- 1)Several of the Oklahoma State players would stop by the house to play catch with my two sons during their grade school years. The smiles were irreplaceable. The game was still fun for all of them.
2)My middle son was working a home game as batboy. He was sitting in his designated corner of the dugout by the screen and was watching everything intently. Two players were able to sneak up on him and place two cone shaped water cups filled with shaving cream on top of his batting helmet while another two were able to place nice wads of gum on the points of the cone. The crowd down the third baseline began to notice what was going on and erupted when the plate ump requested more baseballs and when coach Ward saw what was happening. That was the only time I saw the man look terrified. My boy trots out to the plate and the PU pulls his mask off and bends over laughing. Coach Ward is chewing on the overachievers and trying to find me in the stands at the same time. I thought it was funny!! My son had no clue what everyone was laughing at until he got back to the dugout and they told him to take his helmet off. He thought it was funny too!
The best memory of my boys- 1)Several of the Oklahoma State players would stop by the house to play catch with my two sons during their grade school years. The smiles were irreplaceable. The game was still fun for all of them.
2)My middle son was working a home game as batboy. He was sitting in his designated corner of the dugout by the screen and was watching everything intently. Two players were able to sneak up on him and place two cone shaped water cups filled with shaving cream on top of his batting helmet while another two were able to place nice wads of gum on the points of the cone. The crowd down the third baseline began to notice what was going on and erupted when the plate ump requested more baseballs and when coach Ward saw what was happening. That was the only time I saw the man look terrified. My boy trots out to the plate and the PU pulls his mask off and bends over laughing. Coach Ward is chewing on the overachievers and trying to find me in the stands at the same time. I thought it was funny!! My son had no clue what everyone was laughing at until he got back to the dugout and they told him to take his helmet off. He thought it was funny too!
That's a funny story CoachO, thanks for the laugh.
Mine are hopefully yet to come. Maybe tonight, if 8U son's game don't get rained out.
as a player it would have to be always turning around and seeing my dad in the stands with his scorebook. he would never miss a practice or game. that taught me alot about being a dad and he didn't have to say a word.
as a coach we took a 10 yr old team from dallas little league to the elite 8. two years later we were in liberty city, mo at the super series world series. the next year everyone went their seperate ways to play for "professional" coaches. this time next year there will be 8 or 9 of those kids playing college ball.
as a dad its taking both of my boys to yankee stadium and fenway park in june of 2007. one month before my oldest son left for basics. theres nothing like baseball memories.
as a coach we took a 10 yr old team from dallas little league to the elite 8. two years later we were in liberty city, mo at the super series world series. the next year everyone went their seperate ways to play for "professional" coaches. this time next year there will be 8 or 9 of those kids playing college ball.
as a dad its taking both of my boys to yankee stadium and fenway park in june of 2007. one month before my oldest son left for basics. theres nothing like baseball memories.
This is my very first post. A fellow coach told me about this site.
I've got 3 sons who play, hence the name, and I coach hs baseball. Last Saturday we had a home double header and my 6 year old came with me. When we got there he asked what I had to do and I told him to line the field. He watched the entire game from our dugout and I'd look back at him during the game and he'd be squeezed between two players whenever a lefty came up to protect him from a foul ball.
Between games he comes to me and says "dad, can I line the field? I watched you do it".
On the way home he said "Dad, today was the greatest day of my life" and I asked why, he says "because I got to sit in the dugout with you and the Bulldogs".
That night when I'm putting him to bed he says in real quiet voice..."dad, you're my hero".
I've got 3 sons who play, hence the name, and I coach hs baseball. Last Saturday we had a home double header and my 6 year old came with me. When we got there he asked what I had to do and I told him to line the field. He watched the entire game from our dugout and I'd look back at him during the game and he'd be squeezed between two players whenever a lefty came up to protect him from a foul ball.
Between games he comes to me and says "dad, can I line the field? I watched you do it".
On the way home he said "Dad, today was the greatest day of my life" and I asked why, he says "because I got to sit in the dugout with you and the Bulldogs".
That night when I'm putting him to bed he says in real quiet voice..."dad, you're my hero".
3baseballsons, first of all welcome 
What a great story
, you are definitely doing something right. Good luck with the three sons!
Oops, and good luck to your daughter as well.
What a great story
, you are definitely doing something right. Good luck with the three sons!Oops, and good luck to your daughter as well.
great post 3B and welcome to hsbaseballweb. it doesn't get any better than your son calling you his hero.
These are some great stories. They remind me of just why baseball is so special among all of the sports. Just to add my 2 cents worth, mine is the first time son pitched at one of the big national tourneys. At the time, he had not really had any exposure, and so was an unknown at this particular event, and up to that point, had been a rec/local aau player. Takes his warm-up pitches, has a quick chat with the catcher. Gets on the mound and looks up to see like 40 radar guns pointed at him!! He looked like he was gonna make a #2 right there!! He stepped off the back, adjusted his cup (guess it was time to see what you got down there), and proceeded to throw a CG gem against one of the top teams in the country. He had just turned 16 at the time, and after the last pitch (89 on the black), his fist-pump was probably one of the most pure moments of joy either one of us will ever experience.
Wow, 3B, that's a great story. My son will probably never say that to me, but I did see him walk on air last night.
2B hit his first high school home run - a GRAND SLAM!! His next AB, line single to right. He ended up 3-for-4, 5 RBIs, and was Player of the Game in the local paper.
He is the one with his helmet on, smiling.
Seemed like he was taller this morning. Awesome.
2B hit his first high school home run - a GRAND SLAM!! His next AB, line single to right. He ended up 3-for-4, 5 RBIs, and was Player of the Game in the local paper.
He is the one with his helmet on, smiling.
Seemed like he was taller this morning. Awesome.
It doesn't get much better than that 2Bmom.
Congrats!!!
Congrats!!!
My best memory in baseball? Thats easy, last year my 9 year comes to bat in his first year of kid pitch. Its the last inning of a league game and we are down by who knows, 10 runs or something and hits a weak, bloop single over the SS. The toothless grin he showed off on first base was priceless.
3 weeks earlier in the boys first scrimmage ever against kids throwing live, his very first plate appearance, actually the very first pitch he ever saw(or didn't see) ended up knocking out 2 1/2 teeth. He went hitless his first 7 games after that, but stayed with it and that smile on first will stay with me forever.
3 weeks earlier in the boys first scrimmage ever against kids throwing live, his very first plate appearance, actually the very first pitch he ever saw(or didn't see) ended up knocking out 2 1/2 teeth. He went hitless his first 7 games after that, but stayed with it and that smile on first will stay with me forever.
I have blessed with so many great baseball memories it probably isn't fair...
I grew up in the Cincinnati area during the "Big Red Machine" era, that whole decade was a "best of" series of memoires for me.
For my oldest son... "The Pittsburgh Pirates select..."
For my youngest son (8th grader)... got a text from him yesterday saying "Dad I made the school team"
Both very different however both just as special to me. Yes I have been blessed; the baseball gods have been very good to me.
I grew up in the Cincinnati area during the "Big Red Machine" era, that whole decade was a "best of" series of memoires for me.
For my oldest son... "The Pittsburgh Pirates select..."
For my youngest son (8th grader)... got a text from him yesterday saying "Dad I made the school team"
Both very different however both just as special to me. Yes I have been blessed; the baseball gods have been very good to me.
3baseballsons nice to have you on the site. Thats an awesome post.
There have been alot of great baseball memories over the years involving my son and other young men on different teams and at different levels, but about 3 weeks ago, I realized the memories that I cherish the most.
About 3 weeks ago, my son called and said he was on the college travel squad to Conway SC for 4 games. I couldn't miss this, so I loaded up the car and set off for the 5 hour ride to Conway. Wife was working, so I was by myself. About halfway thru the trip, I realized how many great memories I had of just the trips to baseball games. Those times my son and I just spent talking about baseball, girls, school, laughing and fighting.
Baseball brought my son and I closer, I made alot of mistakes in my life, and those trips gave me a chance to tell my son about each and every one of them and advise him how to keep himself out of those same situations. So far it seems to be paying off.
I will never forget our baseball trips!
About 3 weeks ago, my son called and said he was on the college travel squad to Conway SC for 4 games. I couldn't miss this, so I loaded up the car and set off for the 5 hour ride to Conway. Wife was working, so I was by myself. About halfway thru the trip, I realized how many great memories I had of just the trips to baseball games. Those times my son and I just spent talking about baseball, girls, school, laughing and fighting.
Baseball brought my son and I closer, I made alot of mistakes in my life, and those trips gave me a chance to tell my son about each and every one of them and advise him how to keep himself out of those same situations. So far it seems to be paying off.
I will never forget our baseball trips!
Here's another one our family will always cherish. As much time as we spend on fundamentals, mechanics, BP, games, titles, All-Stars, etc., oftentimes it's the character traits that shine the brightest and make us the proudest.
As our son completed his Little League years, he was awarded our league's highest award (voted on by the Majors managers).
The [XYZ] Memorial Award, [Our] Little League's highest award, is presented annually to the Major League Player that best personifies determination, respect, good attitude, sportsmanship, hustle and the ability to get along with others. The recipient of the 2007 [XYZ] Memorial Award was...
As our son completed his Little League years, he was awarded our league's highest award (voted on by the Majors managers).
The [XYZ] Memorial Award, [Our] Little League's highest award, is presented annually to the Major League Player that best personifies determination, respect, good attitude, sportsmanship, hustle and the ability to get along with others. The recipient of the 2007 [XYZ] Memorial Award was...
Ok, here's another one... Rocco Baldelli's rookie season. We went to Cleveland to visit my mother, so we checked to see who the Indians were playing that week and it was Tampa Bay. So we bought tickets online ahead of time.
While on vacation that week, we stopped in a local crafts shop and bought materials to make a poster to say hi to Rocco (and of course try to get an autograph). We made a poster that said "Rocco is RI's Rookie of the Year!". Well, while we're sitting in the park before the game, this sweet little old lady approached us and asked "So... do you know Rocco? I'm his grandmother." We told her we didn't, but were fans. She then said "Oh, well come down to the dugout and I'll call him out for you." So down we went (we were sitting close to their dugout anyway). She called him out, he hugged her and then she told him "These people are from RI too". So he signed a couple balls and I took a couple photos. We thanked him and wished him continued success and then returned to our seats for the game.
So the game is pretty boring for a couple pre-teens, actually still no score going into the bottom of the 9th. Well, w/ a runner on 2nd, someone hit a single up the middle to end the game w/ a walkoff. Well, Rocco was playing CF. So as he and the rest of his team trotted off the field, I told my kids to stand up w/ their poster and wave good bye to Rocco. What does he do? He nods to me and motions our way w/ the game ball still in his hand. Once he got my attention, he threw the ball right to us! Of course, it bounced off my hand and up into the row behind us. But the folks behind us were kind enough to give it to my son.
He still has that ball in a case, as well as the autographed one. But more than just getting an autograph, it was the class of such a nice young man that we'll always remember. You could tell that he appreciated the support from his fellow-Rhode Islanders and we respect him for that.
While on vacation that week, we stopped in a local crafts shop and bought materials to make a poster to say hi to Rocco (and of course try to get an autograph). We made a poster that said "Rocco is RI's Rookie of the Year!". Well, while we're sitting in the park before the game, this sweet little old lady approached us and asked "So... do you know Rocco? I'm his grandmother." We told her we didn't, but were fans. She then said "Oh, well come down to the dugout and I'll call him out for you." So down we went (we were sitting close to their dugout anyway). She called him out, he hugged her and then she told him "These people are from RI too". So he signed a couple balls and I took a couple photos. We thanked him and wished him continued success and then returned to our seats for the game.
So the game is pretty boring for a couple pre-teens, actually still no score going into the bottom of the 9th. Well, w/ a runner on 2nd, someone hit a single up the middle to end the game w/ a walkoff. Well, Rocco was playing CF. So as he and the rest of his team trotted off the field, I told my kids to stand up w/ their poster and wave good bye to Rocco. What does he do? He nods to me and motions our way w/ the game ball still in his hand. Once he got my attention, he threw the ball right to us! Of course, it bounced off my hand and up into the row behind us. But the folks behind us were kind enough to give it to my son.
He still has that ball in a case, as well as the autographed one. But more than just getting an autograph, it was the class of such a nice young man that we'll always remember. You could tell that he appreciated the support from his fellow-Rhode Islanders and we respect him for that.
Greatest moments I hope are still to come but for now, my eigth grader was pitching high school game for southstate playoffs. He had a track injury that resulted in torn meniscus and strained muscle. He begged to throw the next upcoming game. He is on the mound in great pain during the whole game and we were worried sick. His Doctors had informed us to let him play if he could, damage was already done and could not get worse. Surgery would be scheduled. He wanted his team to win so bad he could taste it. He was getting the job done with no problem, but the pain on his face was too much. As the Coach approached the mound my son put the ball behind his back and started backing up. There was no getting him off the mound. Most coaches would have killed him. But you must understand this was as far as our baseball team had been in too many years to remember. My son wanted his team to earn the respect they deserved at his school. Yes, we did win the game. He had a large number of strike outs against a tough team. I don't remember that number, but I do remember the dedication, determination, and love for that baseball team that every pitch was thrown for. There was not a fan left sitting nor a dry eye when it was over. Determination and dedication to all will get you thru some tough moments.
Second greatest moment: My son was playing at a World Series 14u and I could not attend because of work. I listened to the game on the cell phone that my husband held. It was incredible. You could here everyone chanting the numbers after each strike out. It was second to last game in series for the majors division. He finished with 18 stike outs. We were at the house jumping up and down after each trip from the mound just like the fans that were 8 hours away from us at the game. I am so grateful for that cell phone or it would have been a moment missed! This was a great moment because you had to really listen and invision what was happening.
Third greatest moment: Yet to come....I hope it matches the first and it is played from the heart to benefit the team as a whole, or just someone special that deserves it. Greatest moments are driven by the intentions and character of the individual behind them as a selfless act.
Second greatest moment: My son was playing at a World Series 14u and I could not attend because of work. I listened to the game on the cell phone that my husband held. It was incredible. You could here everyone chanting the numbers after each strike out. It was second to last game in series for the majors division. He finished with 18 stike outs. We were at the house jumping up and down after each trip from the mound just like the fans that were 8 hours away from us at the game. I am so grateful for that cell phone or it would have been a moment missed! This was a great moment because you had to really listen and invision what was happening.
Third greatest moment: Yet to come....I hope it matches the first and it is played from the heart to benefit the team as a whole, or just someone special that deserves it. Greatest moments are driven by the intentions and character of the individual behind them as a selfless act.
Having a catch in the back yard with my boys.
That says it all right there.
quote:Originally posted by deldad:
Having a catch in the back yard with my boys.
Best. Post. Ever.
quote:quote:
Originally posted by deldad:
Having a catch in the back yard with my boys.
redbird5:
Best. Post. Ever.
Yes, it is.
Julie
While I can think of alot of memories on the field...I think the two best moments..are really the same.
My Dad was a baseball guy like I am, and like my sn is. My first REAL memory is my Dad coming home, still with his shirt and tie on. He wads up a sock like a baseball. He squats down like a catcher in the hallway, and I pitch to him. I'll never forget that...
Fast forward to my son being born. He was 3 years old if that...we'd been watching baseball on TV and he picks up the wiffle ball he always had in his hands, and makes a big "wind up" and throws the ball to me. I squat in the hallway and he "pitches" to me like for a long time.
I told my Dad about it in a phone call awhile later...the line got really quiet. I asked "Dad you still there?" He proceeded to tell me that I was not even 3 years old when I was "pitching" to him in the hallway with a sock.
As for the best memory "on the field"....well there are two that really stick out as far as my son goes..
He was 9 years old..he has a late Birthday so he's usually the youngest on the team. He was on fire at the plate. Bottom of the last inning. Two outs. We're down by 1 run. Runners on 1st and 2nd. They walk the hitter in front of my son to load the bases for the force out. Works the count to 2-2. Takes the next pitch and hits a hard line drive, right at the 3rd baseman..who catches it more like football than a baseball. Game Over. On the ride home I tell him nice game, and nice hard hit. Mom says "Don't worry you'll knock 'em in next time."
The kid looks at her and says "Mom, it's okay. I hit it hard. That's all that matters. Right Dad?"
And the other one that sticks out is in LL All Stars. You have to know that our league had never won a District Title at the 11u or the 12u level. We blew through 11U Districts undefeated, to arrive in the Championship game against the league (we'd already beat them once) that ALWAYS wins District. They were so sure going into the tournament, they had already reserved their hotel rooms at States (and no I'm not joking). The way the rotation worked, my son got the start on the mound. His best friend bobbled a ball on first which cost us a run in the top of the 1st. Very unlike this kid, but it happens to everyone. He was VERY upset about it.
I'm walking out to 3rd base as we're getting ready to hit. I hear my son's friend tell him "Sorry" for the bobbled ball. I hear my son say, don't worry, we'll get it back.
Two quick outs later, my son comes up bottom of the first. Hits the first pitch over the scoreboard in LC field. As he rounds the bases, and gets to homeplate, he finds his buddy and says "See I told ya we'd get it back. Let's go..."
The kid who booted that ball? I put him in just to pitch an inning or two to close it down, as we were up by several runs. 6 INNINGS later (well within his pitch count) we finally pull the win out in the bottom of the 12th inning to win Districts.
My Dad was a baseball guy like I am, and like my sn is. My first REAL memory is my Dad coming home, still with his shirt and tie on. He wads up a sock like a baseball. He squats down like a catcher in the hallway, and I pitch to him. I'll never forget that...
Fast forward to my son being born. He was 3 years old if that...we'd been watching baseball on TV and he picks up the wiffle ball he always had in his hands, and makes a big "wind up" and throws the ball to me. I squat in the hallway and he "pitches" to me like for a long time.
I told my Dad about it in a phone call awhile later...the line got really quiet. I asked "Dad you still there?" He proceeded to tell me that I was not even 3 years old when I was "pitching" to him in the hallway with a sock.
As for the best memory "on the field"....well there are two that really stick out as far as my son goes..
He was 9 years old..he has a late Birthday so he's usually the youngest on the team. He was on fire at the plate. Bottom of the last inning. Two outs. We're down by 1 run. Runners on 1st and 2nd. They walk the hitter in front of my son to load the bases for the force out. Works the count to 2-2. Takes the next pitch and hits a hard line drive, right at the 3rd baseman..who catches it more like football than a baseball. Game Over. On the ride home I tell him nice game, and nice hard hit. Mom says "Don't worry you'll knock 'em in next time."
The kid looks at her and says "Mom, it's okay. I hit it hard. That's all that matters. Right Dad?"
And the other one that sticks out is in LL All Stars. You have to know that our league had never won a District Title at the 11u or the 12u level. We blew through 11U Districts undefeated, to arrive in the Championship game against the league (we'd already beat them once) that ALWAYS wins District. They were so sure going into the tournament, they had already reserved their hotel rooms at States (and no I'm not joking). The way the rotation worked, my son got the start on the mound. His best friend bobbled a ball on first which cost us a run in the top of the 1st. Very unlike this kid, but it happens to everyone. He was VERY upset about it.
I'm walking out to 3rd base as we're getting ready to hit. I hear my son's friend tell him "Sorry" for the bobbled ball. I hear my son say, don't worry, we'll get it back.
Two quick outs later, my son comes up bottom of the first. Hits the first pitch over the scoreboard in LC field. As he rounds the bases, and gets to homeplate, he finds his buddy and says "See I told ya we'd get it back. Let's go..."
The kid who booted that ball? I put him in just to pitch an inning or two to close it down, as we were up by several runs. 6 INNINGS later (well within his pitch count) we finally pull the win out in the bottom of the 12th inning to win Districts.
Like the last poster I can think of many memories of my son playing baseball. I just think it's great any time he puts on a uniform. I do have one memory that stands out among all the others and I guess is my favorite. He's playing center field after days of rain. The infield is dry but the outfield, unknown to his dad and I, is wet. A ball is hit to right center. Both parents are holding their breath wondering if he will get to it. He is running with intense concentration and a bead on the ball and steps right into a huge puddle. His feet fly up in the air and water spews in a cloud around him as he falls into the puddle and becomes soaking wet. Needless to say he didn't make the catch, but he made what has become a moment that I cherish for some strange reason and that I always say will be my best memory of him playing the game.
Last night had a home game and same 6 year old son is there with me. We line up for the National Anthem down the third base line and he comes running to stand next to me. He grabs my hand and without a second thought, takes off his little hat and covers his heart, just like the rest of the players......and dad.
quote:Originally posted by 3baseballsons:
Last night had a home game and same 6 year old son is there with me. We line up for the National Anthem down the third base line and he comes running to stand next to me. He grabs my hand and without a second thought, takes off his little hat and covers his heart, just like the rest of the players......and dad.
cherish that one forever.....outstanding...
quote:Originally posted by deldad:
Having a catch in the back yard with my boys.
and it is my fervent prayer that that memory will be a great comfort to you in the future....
My little 9 yr old nephew has been the bat boy for my sons HS team most of the year now. Last Saturday i took a home doubleheader off and went to see his first travelgame. He steps into the batters box, works the count to 2 and 2, turns to the ump and requests timeout (just like he's been seeing his cousin do), and promptly laces a single past the earhole of the pitcher for an rbi single.
Next time at bat he does the same thing and drives another single rbi up the middle. I'm sitting behind the plate absolutely stunned at what I'm seeing. After the game I ask the little guy; why? He replies (straight-faced and matter of factly) that Joey (My kid) told him in the dugout to take control of the at bat and not let the pitcher get a rhythm or quick-pitch him.
Now my son has rewarded me with boatloads of memories over the years and I'm sure many more as he transitions into college, but that statement from a 9 yr old really made my day.
Next time at bat he does the same thing and drives another single rbi up the middle. I'm sitting behind the plate absolutely stunned at what I'm seeing. After the game I ask the little guy; why? He replies (straight-faced and matter of factly) that Joey (My kid) told him in the dugout to take control of the at bat and not let the pitcher get a rhythm or quick-pitch him.
Now my son has rewarded me with boatloads of memories over the years and I'm sure many more as he transitions into college, but that statement from a 9 yr old really made my day.
Well my favorite baseball memory of playing happened just a few weeks ago I have been a horrible hitter up until this year since I learned a rotational swing. I had never hit a homerun n my life, we played a double header, the first game I had 2 double to the fence and a fly out to the track, the next game I did the same but I got a 4th at bat in the 7th inning and first pitch crack! I hit my first home run of my life to give us an 11-9 lead. Unfortunately our team couldn't hold on as our pitcher walked two batters who pulled off the double steal and then our 2B made an error in the bottom of the inning but all in all it was the best experience I've ever had in baseball.
mine is either betweeen a minors game, or pre-minors game
in the pre-minors game, if u got 4 balls the coach came to pitch and he got 3 pitchs even if there all balls.
well i was on my final pitch and he completly messed up and literally threw the ball over my head
about 99% luck i swung at the pitch and hit it, (my bat was about completely parrellel to the ground) i ended up hitting the ball, but it was groundout to third. But eveeryone was amazed i hit the ball (even me)
in the pre-minors game, if u got 4 balls the coach came to pitch and he got 3 pitchs even if there all balls.
well i was on my final pitch and he completly messed up and literally threw the ball over my head
about 99% luck i swung at the pitch and hit it, (my bat was about completely parrellel to the ground) i ended up hitting the ball, but it was groundout to third. But eveeryone was amazed i hit the ball (even me)
My best baseball memory was playing with my best friend, Matthew. He died about a month ago and I miss him a ton. That is the best memory I have, baseball or not.
here are a few:
- watching my son in 11U all stars hit his frst and second home runs ever over the fence on his birthday
- at 12U in a regular season game wathing him hit a HR from both sides of the plate in the same game
- seeing my first major league baseball game ever where Bob Gibson got his 3000th strikout against the Big Red Machine and Ceasar Geronimo.
- listening to my dad relate stories about Dizzy Dean and the Gas House gang from the days of his medical residencey in St Louis in the 1930's... including watching Satchel Page outduel Dean in an exhibition game.
- watching my son in 11U all stars hit his frst and second home runs ever over the fence on his birthday
- at 12U in a regular season game wathing him hit a HR from both sides of the plate in the same game
- seeing my first major league baseball game ever where Bob Gibson got his 3000th strikout against the Big Red Machine and Ceasar Geronimo.
- listening to my dad relate stories about Dizzy Dean and the Gas House gang from the days of his medical residencey in St Louis in the 1930's... including watching Satchel Page outduel Dean in an exhibition game.
My two most recent memorys will never be forgoten. And they happend my senior year of Acme ball.
1) First game ever pitched in hs which happened tonight. Complete game 2 batters walked, 0 er 1 hit
2) Hitting my first hs homer (Last week)
These are two memorys that i will never forget, and will be with me the rest of my life.
1) First game ever pitched in hs which happened tonight. Complete game 2 batters walked, 0 er 1 hit
2) Hitting my first hs homer (Last week)
These are two memorys that i will never forget, and will be with me the rest of my life.
My favorite memory is from a few years ago:
Son is 15 & a soph. He and 2 other sophs are called up to varsity for the 2nd game of the season. One of the sophomores gets the start that night and goes 3 strong innings, but starts to struggle in the 4th. My son is called in to pitch with the bases loaded, 1 out and a 1 run lead. First batter he faces grounds the ball to third, which goes right through the 3rd baseman's legs and scores the tying run. Son strikes out the next batter, and gets the next batter to ground out to second. As he is walking off the field, the CF (a senior) catches up with him and tells him, "you are no longer a sophomore, you are now a varsity pitcher". Our team scores 6 in the bottom of the 4th to retake the lead. Son finishes the game, giving up no hits. After the game, coach tells him to turn in his JV uniform, he's staying on varsity.
Son is 15 & a soph. He and 2 other sophs are called up to varsity for the 2nd game of the season. One of the sophomores gets the start that night and goes 3 strong innings, but starts to struggle in the 4th. My son is called in to pitch with the bases loaded, 1 out and a 1 run lead. First batter he faces grounds the ball to third, which goes right through the 3rd baseman's legs and scores the tying run. Son strikes out the next batter, and gets the next batter to ground out to second. As he is walking off the field, the CF (a senior) catches up with him and tells him, "you are no longer a sophomore, you are now a varsity pitcher". Our team scores 6 in the bottom of the 4th to retake the lead. Son finishes the game, giving up no hits. After the game, coach tells him to turn in his JV uniform, he's staying on varsity.
Great story gave me chills!quote:Originally posted by OH BBMom:
My favorite memory is from a few years ago:
Son is 15 & a soph. He and 2 other sophs are called up to varsity for the 2nd game of the season. One of the sophomores gets the start that night and goes 3 strong innings, but starts to struggle in the 4th. My son is called in to pitch with the bases loaded, 1 out and a 1 run lead. First batter he faces grounds the ball to third, which goes right through the 3rd baseman's legs and scores the tying run. Son strikes out the next batter, and gets the next batter to ground out to second. As he is walking off the field, the CF (a senior) catches up with him and tells him, "you are no longer a sophomore, you are now a varsity pitcher". Our team scores 6 in the bottom of the 4th to retake the lead. Son finishes the game, giving up no hits. After the game, coach tells him to turn in his JV uniform, he's staying on varsity.