Mine is a personal lesson in perspective. Oldest son was 12 and had struck out 18 straight batters over a few games in Little League. Only he and I were aware of that as you would imagine. The would-be 19th was in the batters box and my guy lobs the ball to the plate. Batter swings and misses. I say to him from the dugout "throw the ball." He looks at me with that "be quiet" look. He lobs the next pitch even slower. Now I'm getting angry. I firmly tell him to throw the darn baseball. I get the same look. Next pitch even slower and the batter taps one back toward the mound. Son goes after the ball in slow motion and doesn't make throw. Batter hits first and jumps into the first base coaches arms.
So I'm about to have a stroke when I get the best baseball lesson of my life.
The batter was a wonderful young man with Down Syndrome in my son's class who courageously played Little League baseball. Great kid from a great family. I didn't know he was the batter. My son did. The first base coach was his father. He started to laugh and cry when his son got to him. It was his first hit. My son saw the boys reaction with his dad and looked over at me and smiled.
There are lots of lessons taught by baseball. Perspective is one. Compassion is another. My son had those concepts understood at 12. My best baseball memory was that day, when my son opened my eyes to the simple fact that there are sometimes things more important than a strikeout.
You have an awesome son. That is a great story.
My son's first season making the A team 10 yr old all-stars and in his first tournament, opened up with 7 consecutive hits before he made his first out.
Another was he playing in the Babe Ruth district semi-finals and went 5-5 with 9 rbi's including a grand slam and three doubles.
In high school on varsity during the county tournament, he went 4-5 including a 2-run triple 3 rbi, 3 for 4 in stolen bases and 4 runs scored in an upset win. Of course, in the newspaper is an action shot of him getting picked off at 2B The one time he got caught stealing that game.
Another was he playing in the Babe Ruth district semi-finals and went 5-5 with 9 rbi's including a grand slam and three doubles.
In high school on varsity during the county tournament, he went 4-5 including a 2-run triple 3 rbi, 3 for 4 in stolen bases and 4 runs scored in an upset win. Of course, in the newspaper is an action shot of him getting picked off at 2B The one time he got caught stealing that game.
I've got a few...
- Personally, making my Jr. High School team was really something I'll always remember... Up till that point I was kind of inexperienced, only playing 1 season of organized LL... But I got lucky and hit the only HR in Tryouts, and that, and some hustle, in all honesty got me on the team... Other personal things: Making High-School team...
- My son at age 11 has totally eclipsed my baseball "career" in his short existence... The memories that he's given me so far are incredible: Made 10u Cal Ripken "A" All-Star team as an 8-year-old, Started at SS and Led-off, Hit a HR as an 8-year-old... This past year as a 10-year-old: Hit 2 HR's in a playoff game off the league's best two 13-year-old pitchers, Made 12u "A" All-Star Team, and became their starting SS... Hit numerous HR's in 2008 but the 2 that standout are: a Walk-off 2-Run HR in USSSA, Hit a Grand-Slam in USSSA... Also, he fought back from a shoulder injury this past year as well... Last memory of 2008 - Made the 11u AAU "Juice" team (looking for hopefully even more memories this upcoming 2009 Spring season!)...
- Personally, making my Jr. High School team was really something I'll always remember... Up till that point I was kind of inexperienced, only playing 1 season of organized LL... But I got lucky and hit the only HR in Tryouts, and that, and some hustle, in all honesty got me on the team... Other personal things: Making High-School team...
- My son at age 11 has totally eclipsed my baseball "career" in his short existence... The memories that he's given me so far are incredible: Made 10u Cal Ripken "A" All-Star team as an 8-year-old, Started at SS and Led-off, Hit a HR as an 8-year-old... This past year as a 10-year-old: Hit 2 HR's in a playoff game off the league's best two 13-year-old pitchers, Made 12u "A" All-Star Team, and became their starting SS... Hit numerous HR's in 2008 but the 2 that standout are: a Walk-off 2-Run HR in USSSA, Hit a Grand-Slam in USSSA... Also, he fought back from a shoulder injury this past year as well... Last memory of 2008 - Made the 11u AAU "Juice" team (looking for hopefully even more memories this upcoming 2009 Spring season!)...
Great stories. I have loved reading every one of them.
My son was blessed to play for one of the best high school teams in the country. It was ranked as high as 5th in the nation by USA today.
At the end of May his team was 37-3 and had advanced to regional finals -- the last stepping stone to the state tourney.
In the final 3-game series, his team won the first game 9-1 and felt confident going into Game 2. In Game 2, they were ahead 4-2 in the top of the 7th with just 1 out needed to win, but their closer -- who had pitched a CG in Game 1 -- gave up 3 hits and they lost. In Game 3, they were tied at 4 in the 7th. With 2 outs and runners on first and third, their opponent hit a high fly, which the back-up outfielder missed. Game/series/season over.
Early in the season my son had struggled at the plate, so much so that his coach benched him a couple of times. But as the season wore on his bat got stronger and stronger. In the final series, he had 6 RBI and stellar defense, but the look on his face showed that he would have gladly traded his personal success for a team victory.
As he sat dejected in the dugout his normally-stoic coach sat beside him and held him for a while. Then my son got up and looked into the stands. He saw my husband, walked up to him, and collapsed not once, but twice into his arms in tears. All the pent-up emotion came pouring out, and he was pretty much inconsolable for half an hour.
A sad ending? Not really. Looking back, it was an unbelievable ride. And to see my son seek comfort in his dad's arms is a poignant memory I'll cherish forever.
My son was blessed to play for one of the best high school teams in the country. It was ranked as high as 5th in the nation by USA today.
At the end of May his team was 37-3 and had advanced to regional finals -- the last stepping stone to the state tourney.
In the final 3-game series, his team won the first game 9-1 and felt confident going into Game 2. In Game 2, they were ahead 4-2 in the top of the 7th with just 1 out needed to win, but their closer -- who had pitched a CG in Game 1 -- gave up 3 hits and they lost. In Game 3, they were tied at 4 in the 7th. With 2 outs and runners on first and third, their opponent hit a high fly, which the back-up outfielder missed. Game/series/season over.
Early in the season my son had struggled at the plate, so much so that his coach benched him a couple of times. But as the season wore on his bat got stronger and stronger. In the final series, he had 6 RBI and stellar defense, but the look on his face showed that he would have gladly traded his personal success for a team victory.
As he sat dejected in the dugout his normally-stoic coach sat beside him and held him for a while. Then my son got up and looked into the stands. He saw my husband, walked up to him, and collapsed not once, but twice into his arms in tears. All the pent-up emotion came pouring out, and he was pretty much inconsolable for half an hour.
A sad ending? Not really. Looking back, it was an unbelievable ride. And to see my son seek comfort in his dad's arms is a poignant memory I'll cherish forever.
As a freshman the boy was 5.2 117lbs. He made the J.V team and was a seldom used lhp. A bristling 72 mph fastball (on a good day) a get it over curve ball and a CU filled out the arsenal. Due to a virus that wiped out the starting pitcher that day he was afforded a start.
The consumate thumber he breezes through the first 4 innings. 3k's 9 ground ball outs. Innings 5 and 6, 3 more k's and 3 more ground ball outs. 7th inning 1st batter line shot to ss, 2nd batter strikout #7, 3rd batter, pop up to 1st base.... 79 pitches, 62 strikes, 17 balls, 7k's, no bb, no hits. Perfect Game.
The boy is mobbed on the mound. Fans on both teams are cheering the feat. Coach has his talk with the team and the kids are fired up. The coach gives him the game ball.
As the post game meeting breaks up and the kids disperse. The coach spends a few more minutes with the boy. As he walks back to the dugout to get his gear his head is hanging. We meet him at the gate I asked him what the coach had said. " He said that that was the greatest pitching performance he's every seen from a kid this age, but don't expect to many opportunities becuase he's really looking for power pitchers"
Transfered to another school for his sophmore year.
The consumate thumber he breezes through the first 4 innings. 3k's 9 ground ball outs. Innings 5 and 6, 3 more k's and 3 more ground ball outs. 7th inning 1st batter line shot to ss, 2nd batter strikout #7, 3rd batter, pop up to 1st base.... 79 pitches, 62 strikes, 17 balls, 7k's, no bb, no hits. Perfect Game.
The boy is mobbed on the mound. Fans on both teams are cheering the feat. Coach has his talk with the team and the kids are fired up. The coach gives him the game ball.
As the post game meeting breaks up and the kids disperse. The coach spends a few more minutes with the boy. As he walks back to the dugout to get his gear his head is hanging. We meet him at the gate I asked him what the coach had said. " He said that that was the greatest pitching performance he's every seen from a kid this age, but don't expect to many opportunities becuase he's really looking for power pitchers"
Transfered to another school for his sophmore year.
dswann, that sounds like your best AND worst baseball memory -- all on the same day! 
That's an awful thing for the coach to say that day. Here's some perspective for him to relate too:quote:He said that that was the greatest pitching performance he's every seen from a kid this age, but don't expect to many opportunities becuase he's really looking for power pitchers"
A friend's son is with the MLB team to play in the final exhibition games in their home stadium before being sent to AAA. It will be his fourth season since first being called up to AAA in another organization. The MLB GM tells him to keep plugging and he has a good chance to be called up.
The kid gets to AAA. He's not in the lineup. The manager tells him, "I don't care what the GM might have told you. I play the guys I want to help me win and keep my job. He hits .350 with power and never cracks the every day lineup, loses his stroke and finishes the year at .300 in about 250 AB's.
Favorite memory so far would have to be son's freshman year at junior college. When my favorite song came on the speakers, he turned from the dugout, found my eyes and smiled the brightest smile of smiles as we enjoyed a few seconds of a song. Really has nothing to do with baseball or me for that matter, but it was a moment when he took the time to think of someone else and knows that baseball is just one part of his life. Heart-warming to know that after all the years of placing so much focus on him, he maintains his humilty.
As my mother-in-law used to tell me, "an ounce of joy will go a long way with your children" and boy was she on the money.
As my mother-in-law used to tell me, "an ounce of joy will go a long way with your children" and boy was she on the money.
These are great stories that have been shared.
Baseball played such a large part of our lives, that I honestly can't isolate one memory as the best. The moments that the game gave me between my son and I would have to stand out I suppose. That would include everything from the car rides to tournaments, college recruiting visits, car rides home discussing practices (which I always watched), watching him all winter putting together line ups when a kid right into college.... It gave me a connection to my son as well as a passion that I will enjoy the rest of my life. Baseball is good.
Baseball played such a large part of our lives, that I honestly can't isolate one memory as the best. The moments that the game gave me between my son and I would have to stand out I suppose. That would include everything from the car rides to tournaments, college recruiting visits, car rides home discussing practices (which I always watched), watching him all winter putting together line ups when a kid right into college.... It gave me a connection to my son as well as a passion that I will enjoy the rest of my life. Baseball is good.
I get well eyed every time I think of this. My daughter told me every time she got on a plane or a bus for a college road trip, she thought of our drives to travel tournaments. It's where we did the talking a lot of dads and daughters never get to do.quote:That would include everything from the car rides to tournaments
Gosh. I honestly don't know if I can legibly write a word after reading these incredible stories with my eyes puffed up from near-tears in them. I truly appreciate everyone of your stories. They are heartfelt and I needed to read these today badly.
Coach May....all I can say is wow...that HAD to be a spectacle to behold! Unbelievable.
LPHMom...that story will stay with your son for the rest of his life. What a trooper for going out and trying to play experiencing that kind of pain.
My Top 3:
As a player...when I made the LL team the first time I tried out. It came down to me and one other. When the coach handed the uniform to me he might as well have handed me a treasure of gold! I rushed home to put it on and parade up and down the neighborhood street (dirtroad) until I was sure everyone saw it on me! laughs
As a Dad...2 come to mind.
When younggun was 12yrs old and it was his second season playing, he got to play on a local fall ball team. He was told that since they had plenty of pitching that he might be used as a backup catcher. (it still cracks me up when I saw the expression on his face - A Catcher dad?! lol.) But he said ok as long as he could play ball. Well, things happened and the pitcher that was suppose to pitch got sick and another was out of town, etc. so they asked younggun if he'd like to pitch this game. Heck yes was his response! (over the summer he and I had worked out in the driveway on his pitching mechanics via dick mills pitching series so as to learn how to pitch correctly, etc.) 6 innings of pitching, 16 K's, 2 ground outs, no walks, not hits. A perfect game! I didn't even know what that was until someone told me after the game...lol.
3 years later he is playing in a league that the HS coach had put together for kids that were interested in trying out/playing for the JV. There were about 6 total teams with only 11-12 players each. Boys from the high school came out that might like to play, along with those who could. There was one boy who came that like the other on here had mentioned, had a deformity that made it impossible for him to throw, catch, etc. The other coach always tried to get him in at least 1 AB each game. When they faced us our young pitcher only knew 1 thing and that was to get every batter out. My son was playing 3B this game. I noticed younggun going to the mound when this young player stepped up to bat. A mound visit then jogged back to 3B. I noticed our pitcher lobbing it in and the boy swings and just happens to hit it down 3B line. Younggun makes a dive and "accidentally" goes over the ball, grabs it, and throws a low ball to 1B. The kid was hobbling as fast as he possibly could down the line. Safe! He stood on 1B and jumped up and down! The fans went crazy. I looked over at his mom and she was crying. The dad had a smile on his face that I'll never forget.
Coach May....all I can say is wow...that HAD to be a spectacle to behold! Unbelievable.
LPHMom...that story will stay with your son for the rest of his life. What a trooper for going out and trying to play experiencing that kind of pain.
My Top 3:
As a player...when I made the LL team the first time I tried out. It came down to me and one other. When the coach handed the uniform to me he might as well have handed me a treasure of gold! I rushed home to put it on and parade up and down the neighborhood street (dirtroad) until I was sure everyone saw it on me! laughs
As a Dad...2 come to mind.
When younggun was 12yrs old and it was his second season playing, he got to play on a local fall ball team. He was told that since they had plenty of pitching that he might be used as a backup catcher. (it still cracks me up when I saw the expression on his face - A Catcher dad?! lol.) But he said ok as long as he could play ball. Well, things happened and the pitcher that was suppose to pitch got sick and another was out of town, etc. so they asked younggun if he'd like to pitch this game. Heck yes was his response! (over the summer he and I had worked out in the driveway on his pitching mechanics via dick mills pitching series so as to learn how to pitch correctly, etc.) 6 innings of pitching, 16 K's, 2 ground outs, no walks, not hits. A perfect game! I didn't even know what that was until someone told me after the game...lol.
3 years later he is playing in a league that the HS coach had put together for kids that were interested in trying out/playing for the JV. There were about 6 total teams with only 11-12 players each. Boys from the high school came out that might like to play, along with those who could. There was one boy who came that like the other on here had mentioned, had a deformity that made it impossible for him to throw, catch, etc. The other coach always tried to get him in at least 1 AB each game. When they faced us our young pitcher only knew 1 thing and that was to get every batter out. My son was playing 3B this game. I noticed younggun going to the mound when this young player stepped up to bat. A mound visit then jogged back to 3B. I noticed our pitcher lobbing it in and the boy swings and just happens to hit it down 3B line. Younggun makes a dive and "accidentally" goes over the ball, grabs it, and throws a low ball to 1B. The kid was hobbling as fast as he possibly could down the line. Safe! He stood on 1B and jumped up and down! The fans went crazy. I looked over at his mom and she was crying. The dad had a smile on his face that I'll never forget.
Last summer, 24 was playing on a Junior Legion Team. First week of the season, 24 is an unknown commodity to the coaches, a skinny left handed pitcher. Extra innings, tie game, playing the team that would win the league. Our pitcher who started the bottom of the 8th inning loses it in a hurry and loads the bases with two outs and gets pulled. In comes 24, who bounces half his warm up pitches. By the way, he sometimes has control problems. I can barely look. First pitch, hard fastball on the inside corner for Strike one. Next pitch, hard fastball in on the hands, batter pops it up foul. Inning over. Team pops out of the dugout to Welcome him off the mound. By the time he gets back to the bench, he has a new nick name-"Iceman". After that outing he comes a regular starter for the team.
By the way, the team he pitched against invited 24 to play with them in the national tourney at the end of the year.
By the way, the team he pitched against invited 24 to play with them in the national tourney at the end of the year.
I have enjoyed the stories.
For me too many memories.
1.when he was eight and he was drafted up to the minors,from farm, and the look on his face when we drove up the driveway and his dad was standing waiting to tell him.
2.Copperstown
3. all our baseball trips
4.travel ball and the great dinners and time spent with parents and teamamtes
5.when he signed his D1 scholarship(didnt go) but still great memory
6.his first homerun off a player now at Fresno state in the seventh inning to win the game
6.walk off homerun by his teammate to win the first in the history of his HS section championship(I will never forget the looks on those boys faces as long as I live
7.I am awaiting many more as his first college game is Tuesday we will see how it all unfolds
For me too many memories.
1.when he was eight and he was drafted up to the minors,from farm, and the look on his face when we drove up the driveway and his dad was standing waiting to tell him.
2.Copperstown
3. all our baseball trips
4.travel ball and the great dinners and time spent with parents and teamamtes
5.when he signed his D1 scholarship(didnt go) but still great memory
6.his first homerun off a player now at Fresno state in the seventh inning to win the game
6.walk off homerun by his teammate to win the first in the history of his HS section championship(I will never forget the looks on those boys faces as long as I live
7.I am awaiting many more as his first college game is Tuesday we will see how it all unfolds
Back when my son was 11 and we were playing in the Sectional Championship game, he was the starting pitcher. He pitched all the remaining innings allotted to him and did a great job striking out many batters and just doing a great job. He hit very well and when finished off in his defensive position very well also. He just had a great game, with the team winning 3-1.
The neat thing was that at the conclusion of the game, his coach gave him the game ball, the opposing coach gave him a game ball, and the scorekeeper/announcer gave him a game ball, calling him "Charlie Hustle".
We did not advance beyond the next game but it was a great time.
That was pretty neat, I framed pictures of him pitching and hitting that day along with the 3 game balls.
Hitting his first home run as a 8 year old Rookie was very cool also...
1st College scrimmage this Thursday, I can hardly wait. Son starts at shortstop!
The neat thing was that at the conclusion of the game, his coach gave him the game ball, the opposing coach gave him a game ball, and the scorekeeper/announcer gave him a game ball, calling him "Charlie Hustle".
We did not advance beyond the next game but it was a great time.
That was pretty neat, I framed pictures of him pitching and hitting that day along with the 3 game balls.
Hitting his first home run as a 8 year old Rookie was very cool also...
1st College scrimmage this Thursday, I can hardly wait. Son starts at shortstop!
One more funny story.
Son is 8 years old and in a coach pitch tournament. Game goes into extra innings. The game was exciting as only an 8 yo game can be for a first time BB dad. The balance of world power was at stake!!
Two men (mini men)on and junior up to bat and I'm sitting on the top row of a 4 row portable bleachers.
Son hits a ball over the centerfielders head and I jump up to cheer and, that's right, I fall backwards out of the bleachers on my head. I do a Get Smart jump up and look around quickly and notice that only two little girls had seen me fall. They look like they think I'm nuts. I quickly run around the bleachers to see the winning run score.
Afterwords my buddies ask me what the hell happened, where did I go. I tell them and we all laugh our a s ses off. And will still do.
And that's basically how it all started for me.
Son is 8 years old and in a coach pitch tournament. Game goes into extra innings. The game was exciting as only an 8 yo game can be for a first time BB dad. The balance of world power was at stake!!
Two men (mini men)on and junior up to bat and I'm sitting on the top row of a 4 row portable bleachers.
Son hits a ball over the centerfielders head and I jump up to cheer and, that's right, I fall backwards out of the bleachers on my head. I do a Get Smart jump up and look around quickly and notice that only two little girls had seen me fall. They look like they think I'm nuts. I quickly run around the bleachers to see the winning run score.
Afterwords my buddies ask me what the hell happened, where did I go. I tell them and we all laugh our a s ses off. And will still do.
And that's basically how it all started for me.
I finally got to sit down and read through these stories. Thank you all for sharing!
Every story brings back memories for me as well.
Some things I haven't taken the time to reflect on in many years. All of the road trips and greasy spoons, hotels and motels, the highs and the lows. Truly each memory is a treasure and all of them still bring a smile to my face.
You know, there is one thing that keeps coming back to me though. An event that is timeless and beautiful in it's simplicity. I can close my eyes and replay it in my head like a wonderful slide show. From the first days of T-Ball through Little League. All during Travel Ball and High School. At the end of the day, after everything was said and done, my favorite thing was when my little buddy would walk up and say "Dad, how'd I do?"
We are blessed to be parents, especially parents that have the privilege of being involved with our kids and their pursuit of the greatest game on earth. Soak it in and enjoy the ride!
Every story brings back memories for me as well.
Some things I haven't taken the time to reflect on in many years. All of the road trips and greasy spoons, hotels and motels, the highs and the lows. Truly each memory is a treasure and all of them still bring a smile to my face.
You know, there is one thing that keeps coming back to me though. An event that is timeless and beautiful in it's simplicity. I can close my eyes and replay it in my head like a wonderful slide show. From the first days of T-Ball through Little League. All during Travel Ball and High School. At the end of the day, after everything was said and done, my favorite thing was when my little buddy would walk up and say "Dad, how'd I do?"
We are blessed to be parents, especially parents that have the privilege of being involved with our kids and their pursuit of the greatest game on earth. Soak it in and enjoy the ride!
This is such a great thread, I laughed and cried my way through it. Thanks for starting it off, dswann!
fillsfan, I'm laughing out loud while typing, that was a very funny story.
OK2Go, great post... "my little buddy would walk up and say "Dad, how'd I do?" We are blessed to be parents..."
Julie
fillsfan, I'm laughing out loud while typing, that was a very funny story.
OK2Go, great post... "my little buddy would walk up and say "Dad, how'd I do?" We are blessed to be parents..."
Julie
quote:We are blessed to be parents..."
And it is a great thread. Its getting closer everyone. Tuesday for my son. May God bless all the players and the families, keep them all free from injuries, allow parents from long ways aways to make it to some of their kids games, I have my list next to me with all the websters whos kids I know and where they attend school and I will be watching them througout the season.I hope its a fun, great season.
I am on the road for work and have missed most of my
sons games for the last year.I was home for a weekend last April and my 11 y/o hit his 1st and 2nd homers ever with me in the stands.Then on closing day with his team down 11-8 he hit a grand slam in the 6th.
My then 7 y/o played fallball in 07 and was the only
7 y/o on his team and had a bullit hit to him at third and he caught the ball and had the awareness
to step on third for a DP.He acted like no big deal
and his mom needed smelling salts for fear it would have taken his head off.
sons games for the last year.I was home for a weekend last April and my 11 y/o hit his 1st and 2nd homers ever with me in the stands.Then on closing day with his team down 11-8 he hit a grand slam in the 6th.
My then 7 y/o played fallball in 07 and was the only
7 y/o on his team and had a bullit hit to him at third and he caught the ball and had the awareness
to step on third for a DP.He acted like no big deal
and his mom needed smelling salts for fear it would have taken his head off.