Stem , NC population about 490. A 14 year old 8th grader LHP Matt Harrison is pitching today for Butner Stem Middle School vs Hawley Middle school. Harrison gets shelled and his team is routed 10. Harrison plays in the local rec league that consists of players from the surrounding communities of Stem , Creedmoor and Butner NC. He enters HS as a 14 year old at South Granville HS. As a freshman he is a tall lanky 6-3 170 lb player. His fastball tops out at 74 mph. After his soph season he tries out for a travel team and is cut. He continues to play rec league baseball. He has a very strong work ethic and continues to progress as a player. As a senior he is drafted in the 3rd round by the Atlanta Braves. He now is in the starting rotation for the Texas Rangers.
His dad came to the games and supported all the players. He coached in the rec league and helped all the kids to the best of his ability. He had no idea how good his son was or could be. He was shocked when he was told that NC State was offering a scholley. He was even more shocked when he was told he was going to be drafted. He sat back and let the fire burn in his son to be the best he could be. He supported him and made sure he took care of business off the field. To talk to Matt or his dad you would never know the played professional baseball. The conversations were about fishing , hunting , cars and the community.
How in the world did he ever make it?
He was not even close to being the best 10 year old player in Stem. He could hardly catch and he had a very average arm for a 10 year old. I guess it really didnt matter.
I am not an important person. I am just a guy who love the game and loves working with young players who want to be the best they can be. There are two guys playing pro ball from Stem right now. Another two playing in the ACC. It wasnt about where they played. It has nothing to do with it. Your missing the whole point OCB.
I wish you and your son the best. I hope it all works out. But wether or not it does or does not will have absolutely nothing to do with where he plays.
just read all nine pages of this and my head hurts, my eyes are bloody, and I only stopped to listen to Incense and Peppermints ... but I made it!!!!
Years of Mets games has allowed me a high tolerance for pain and a not turn away when watching trainwrecks!
Now... have I told you guys about my kid? Well he hits like a..... Just Kidding, Just Kidding!!
Years of Mets games has allowed me a high tolerance for pain and a not turn away when watching trainwrecks!
Now... have I told you guys about my kid? Well he hits like a..... Just Kidding, Just Kidding!!
Coach May at 10 yrs old you are correct. However later it will matter where he plays. As there are more opportunities in some places than others.
Please correct me if I am wrong. You mean to suggest that it doesnt matter where a kid plays to get noticed? So college coaches and pro scouts dont consider the type competition a player is facing that they might be interested in.
If a kid that plays for U of Florida hits 520 vs a kid who plays for Cleveland State who has the same batting average, which ball player you think the scouts are going to be more interested in?
I had a conversation with a high school coach the other day about how it was difficult for him to field a solid HS team because all the good talent was playing travel ball. Do you not believe that college coaches and scouts are now realizing the same thing. Recruiting is now switching from HS to travel ball so it is very important where a kid plays ball.
Do you think a kid is more likely to be seen by playing for Bill Bondsman 18u travel ball team or for Cape Cod league. I hope you get the point.
As for it not mattering at 10u again I agree but answer me this. Why are mort showcase organizations now offering rating services for 12 yr olds? There has to be a reason.
As for the two players playing in the ACC. I must disagree it has everything to do with it where they played HS ball. Both players you mentioned play at NC St and NC. Both of these schools dont have the scholarship money to offer kids from outside the state or expect another ball player from outside the state to pay out of state tuition to play ball there. So where those two young men played ball does matter.
Another conversation I will share with you I had with a MLB scout. This person works for MLB not an organization. His comments were that it was scary how mechanically sound kids at 10, 11,12 and 13 yrs old were becoming. That some kids even at 10 yrs old were more mechanically sound than a lot of HS players he has seen.
Now does this mean we have created a group of genetic freaks...NO. My opinion is that as few as 5 yrs ago kids didnt have the availability to the professional instruction that they have now. Being a HS coach I am sure you would agree its all about the muscle memory. Now if you can start a 10 yr old to develop that muscle memory now and help them truly understand the mechanics of baseball and they have the tools. How much better are they going to be when it does matter?
I would even bet you can attest to how mechanically sound your kids are now on your HS team compared to 5 years ago. Kids today are smarter, stronger and more athletic than kids say just 10 yrs ago in my opinion.
Please correct me if I am wrong. You mean to suggest that it doesnt matter where a kid plays to get noticed? So college coaches and pro scouts dont consider the type competition a player is facing that they might be interested in.
If a kid that plays for U of Florida hits 520 vs a kid who plays for Cleveland State who has the same batting average, which ball player you think the scouts are going to be more interested in?
I had a conversation with a high school coach the other day about how it was difficult for him to field a solid HS team because all the good talent was playing travel ball. Do you not believe that college coaches and scouts are now realizing the same thing. Recruiting is now switching from HS to travel ball so it is very important where a kid plays ball.
Do you think a kid is more likely to be seen by playing for Bill Bondsman 18u travel ball team or for Cape Cod league. I hope you get the point.
As for it not mattering at 10u again I agree but answer me this. Why are mort showcase organizations now offering rating services for 12 yr olds? There has to be a reason.
As for the two players playing in the ACC. I must disagree it has everything to do with it where they played HS ball. Both players you mentioned play at NC St and NC. Both of these schools dont have the scholarship money to offer kids from outside the state or expect another ball player from outside the state to pay out of state tuition to play ball there. So where those two young men played ball does matter.
Another conversation I will share with you I had with a MLB scout. This person works for MLB not an organization. His comments were that it was scary how mechanically sound kids at 10, 11,12 and 13 yrs old were becoming. That some kids even at 10 yrs old were more mechanically sound than a lot of HS players he has seen.
Now does this mean we have created a group of genetic freaks...NO. My opinion is that as few as 5 yrs ago kids didnt have the availability to the professional instruction that they have now. Being a HS coach I am sure you would agree its all about the muscle memory. Now if you can start a 10 yr old to develop that muscle memory now and help them truly understand the mechanics of baseball and they have the tools. How much better are they going to be when it does matter?
I would even bet you can attest to how mechanically sound your kids are now on your HS team compared to 5 years ago. Kids today are smarter, stronger and more athletic than kids say just 10 yrs ago in my opinion.
Once again, all I can say is ...... WOW!!!!!!
With that being said ...... for the love of all creatures great and small ...... CAN WE PLEASE HAVE THIS THREAD SHUT DOWN?!?!?!?!
With that being said ...... for the love of all creatures great and small ...... CAN WE PLEASE HAVE THIS THREAD SHUT DOWN?!?!?!?!
I really, and I mean really don't have a dog in this fight. But he waited until the 8th page before he mentioned anything about his sons ability. And that is after having taken one heck of a lot of pot shots.
He has a heck of a lot more patience than I do.
Ding ding, back to battling.
He has a heck of a lot more patience than I do.
Ding ding, back to battling.
Doughnutman:
You make some good points. A lot of the shots against OCM, deserved or not, came early and often when it would have been just as easy to ignore what he had written. It all began in the previous thread and continued here.
You make some good points. A lot of the shots against OCM, deserved or not, came early and often when it would have been just as easy to ignore what he had written. It all began in the previous thread and continued here.
quote:Originally posted by Doughnutman:
I really, and I mean really don't have a dog in this fight. But he waited until the 8th page before he mentioned anything about his sons ability. And that is after having taken one heck of a lot of pot shots.
He has a heck of a lot more patience than I do.
Ding ding, back to battling.
You have a PM..thanks
I never would have made comments about my son if they hadnt started accusing me of bragging about him prior to that 8th page. I dont need to brag about my son. He gets the opportunity to show his talents on the ball field.
I could have shared more information which would have maybe changed some minds on this board but after taking the pot shots I chose not too. The problem I see with some of the negative responders is that its either they are making assumptions, jealousy or they just enjoy stirring the fires.
I could have shared more information which would have maybe changed some minds on this board but after taking the pot shots I chose not too. The problem I see with some of the negative responders is that its either they are making assumptions, jealousy or they just enjoy stirring the fires.
I scout OCB for the Tampa Rays org. I dont know a single scout who scouts players at 10 years old. When a player is being scouted or a scout is at a game looking for players or scouting a particular player the only thing they are considering is what the player can or can not do right then and what he may be capable of doing in the future. What he could do or could not do when he was 10 11 12 12 means absolutely nothing. If you look at the rosters for both those ACC schools you will see many players from across the country. Do you actually believe UNC and NC State do not recruit on a national level? They do not have the scholley money to offer kids from outside the state of NC? Just pull up the rosters and also look at the incoming classes for both schools.
High School coaches do not compete with showcase teams for players. I do not know of a single showcase team that competes during the High School season.
The Cape Cod league is for college players. 18u Travel teams are for High School aged players looking for exposure to college coaches. In fact most travel teams are 17u many do not play as 18u because that would be the summer before entering college.
Why are more showcase organizations now offering rating services for 12 year olds? Because people will pay them for doing it and people like money.
I wish you well I have already posted way more than I should. Its not where you play its how you play. We will just have to disagree on that one. Good Luck
High School coaches do not compete with showcase teams for players. I do not know of a single showcase team that competes during the High School season.
The Cape Cod league is for college players. 18u Travel teams are for High School aged players looking for exposure to college coaches. In fact most travel teams are 17u many do not play as 18u because that would be the summer before entering college.
Why are more showcase organizations now offering rating services for 12 year olds? Because people will pay them for doing it and people like money.
I wish you well I have already posted way more than I should. Its not where you play its how you play. We will just have to disagree on that one. Good Luck
quote:Originally posted by Coach_May:
I scout OCB for the Tampa Rays org. I dont know a single scout who scouts players at 10 years old. When a player is being scouted or a scout is at a game looking for players or scouting a particular player the only thing they are considering is what the player can or can not do right then and what he may be capable of doing in the future. What he could do or could not do when he was 10 11 12 12 means absolutely nothing. If you look at the rosters for both those ACC schools you will see many players from across the country. Do you actually believe UNC and NC State do not recruit on a national level? They do not have the scholley money to offer kids from outside the state of NC? Just pull up the rosters and also look at the incoming classes for both schools.
High School coaches do not compete with showcase teams for players. I do not know of a single showcase team that competes during the High School season.
The Cape Cod league is for college players. 18u Travel teams are for High School aged players looking for exposure to college coaches. In fact most travel teams are 17u many do not play as 18u because that would be the summer before entering college.
Why are more showcase organizations now offering rating services for 12 year olds? Because people will pay them for doing it and people like money.
I wish you well I have already posted way more than I should. Its not where you play its how you play. We will just have to disagree on that one. Good Luck
Coach May I never said they scout 10 yr olds LOL. It just so happens that this scout has a 10 yr old son and he and I was talking at a tournament.
Sure all colleges try to recruit outside their state. But its a fact that schools only have so much scholarship money to offer and once those funds reach a certain level after depleting them from pulling in out of state players they tend to offer the remaining funds to in state players.
You are right Coach May it is how you play but also where you play can and does factor in to some degree.
Good stuff, Coach May, but it doesn't matter, he has formed his opinions.
OCB,
You should REALLY listen to Coach May, he knows what he is talking about. Really he does. He didn't have to tell you he socuts for a MLB organization either, but you obviously think some here don't have a clue, do you? You got someone telling you like it is man, right here!
You also should do some more homework, amd notice how many kids get drafted out of FL (not Arizona or Nevada). The exposure here is incredible, not for 10 year olds, but when it really matters later on. You know how many schools come looking for players in FL, MANY. One particular coach I know made it his business to recruit as many as he could from FL, and he was from out of state, and players attend and happy to pay out of state tuition. But that in state school that also had a program similar to bright futures, had many players on their roster from all over the country, NY, Wisconsin, PA, Washington State, NC, VA, just to name a few, you know some of those colder weather states that don't play year round baseball.
OCB,
You should REALLY listen to Coach May, he knows what he is talking about. Really he does. He didn't have to tell you he socuts for a MLB organization either, but you obviously think some here don't have a clue, do you? You got someone telling you like it is man, right here!
You also should do some more homework, amd notice how many kids get drafted out of FL (not Arizona or Nevada). The exposure here is incredible, not for 10 year olds, but when it really matters later on. You know how many schools come looking for players in FL, MANY. One particular coach I know made it his business to recruit as many as he could from FL, and he was from out of state, and players attend and happy to pay out of state tuition. But that in state school that also had a program similar to bright futures, had many players on their roster from all over the country, NY, Wisconsin, PA, Washington State, NC, VA, just to name a few, you know some of those colder weather states that don't play year round baseball.
OCB,one thing I can tell you is it is not so much "where" you play as it is what team you play for.Believe me we are from an area where travel ball has not really taken a strong hold.Not a whole lot of travel teams around here. But one of the better showcase team in the country is from this area.I talked to a dad of one of the kids on the team before they went to Jupiter and he said all his kid did was play LL,now he has a D-1 scholly in hand.So when people say what you did at 10 does not matter I think that the above statment is a good example of what they are trying to say.You are in one of the best baseball locales in the country.Too **** with U Trip,they are in it for the money .there are tons of other oppertunities in Florida and I know it for a fact.My son was on a team with 2 kids from Florida,one from Orlando and one from Miami and those kids play lots of travel without having to stay solely within USSSA. Sit back go to the cage with your son and enjoy it because as they get older the pressure starts to build. Just my 2 cents.
Again TPM and Lodi14 I appreciate the sound advice. I understand TRUST ME that 10u doesnt mean much. As for rec ball it just isnt as competitive. Have you ever sen your child throw with a kid that couldnt catch or throw. How frustrating was that to them?
As for other places to play competitive baseball here. Trust me when I say its Usssa. There are no other organizations around here. In Tampa sure there is but Orlando its just not here.
If there is a strong travel type team they are playing Usssa. They are not setup to play double headers or anything else. I honestly wish there was more here. I also understand that a lot of players coming out of Florida are highly sought after.
However there are other states as well. California, Texas, Arizona, Georgia and Florida. IMHO if you are a top standout in one of those states you are either going pro or receiving a scholarship to a top D1 school.
I am also sure that some of you who have been through this if you look back and be honest were just as bad as you are making me out to be. We all want to believe our kids are special. Whether its in sports, academics, cub scouts or whatever. If you have forgotten that then maybe it could be some of you who need to reevaluate your relationships with your kids.
As for other places to play competitive baseball here. Trust me when I say its Usssa. There are no other organizations around here. In Tampa sure there is but Orlando its just not here.
If there is a strong travel type team they are playing Usssa. They are not setup to play double headers or anything else. I honestly wish there was more here. I also understand that a lot of players coming out of Florida are highly sought after.
However there are other states as well. California, Texas, Arizona, Georgia and Florida. IMHO if you are a top standout in one of those states you are either going pro or receiving a scholarship to a top D1 school.
I am also sure that some of you who have been through this if you look back and be honest were just as bad as you are making me out to be. We all want to believe our kids are special. Whether its in sports, academics, cub scouts or whatever. If you have forgotten that then maybe it could be some of you who need to reevaluate your relationships with your kids.
Have you ever sen your child throw with a kid that couldnt catch or throw. How frustrating was that to them?
Yes, frequently, however, this is part of the game you must learn to overcome (frustration) when young, If he is frustrated now, wait. You are going to find that where ever you go.
As for other places to play competitive baseball here. Trust me when I say its Usssa. There are no other organizations around here. In Tampa sure there is but Orlando its just not here.
For now it is that league, are the HS travel teams in HS assoicated with them? Maybe just for the younger age group.
If there is a strong travel type team they are playing Usssa. They are not setup to play double headers or anything else. I honestly wish there was more here. I also understand that a lot of players coming out of Florida are highly sought after.
You are just caught up in the 10 year old stuff. My son played a travel team that was one of the best in the country in HS, and Connie Mack baseball.
However there are other states as well. California, Texas, Arizona, Georgia and Florida. IMHO if you are a top standout in one of those states you are either going pro or receiving a scholarship to a top D1 school.
I don't disagree those places produce standout players, but you live in one of the places you mentioned.
I am also sure that some of you who have been through this if you look back and be honest were just as bad as you are making me out to be. We all want to believe our kids are special. Whether its in sports, academics, cub scouts or whatever. If you have forgotten that then maybe it could be some of you who need to reevaluate your relationships with your kids.
Nope never had the concerns at 10 that you have, we saved them for later when it counted and FWIW, as long as he was happy who cared. What does reevaluating my relationship with my kids have to do with this? You would be surprised how little we did, until necessary, then it was up to him to prove he deserved the college scholarship not us. But I will admit I have met some folks like you, there kids aren't even playing baseball anymore.
I should hook you up with a D1 coach that I know, he'd set you straight in a minute. But I would bet even if you did speak to him, you still would find objections to what he would say.
Yes, frequently, however, this is part of the game you must learn to overcome (frustration) when young, If he is frustrated now, wait. You are going to find that where ever you go.
As for other places to play competitive baseball here. Trust me when I say its Usssa. There are no other organizations around here. In Tampa sure there is but Orlando its just not here.
For now it is that league, are the HS travel teams in HS assoicated with them? Maybe just for the younger age group.
If there is a strong travel type team they are playing Usssa. They are not setup to play double headers or anything else. I honestly wish there was more here. I also understand that a lot of players coming out of Florida are highly sought after.
You are just caught up in the 10 year old stuff. My son played a travel team that was one of the best in the country in HS, and Connie Mack baseball.
However there are other states as well. California, Texas, Arizona, Georgia and Florida. IMHO if you are a top standout in one of those states you are either going pro or receiving a scholarship to a top D1 school.
I don't disagree those places produce standout players, but you live in one of the places you mentioned.
I am also sure that some of you who have been through this if you look back and be honest were just as bad as you are making me out to be. We all want to believe our kids are special. Whether its in sports, academics, cub scouts or whatever. If you have forgotten that then maybe it could be some of you who need to reevaluate your relationships with your kids.
Nope never had the concerns at 10 that you have, we saved them for later when it counted and FWIW, as long as he was happy who cared. What does reevaluating my relationship with my kids have to do with this? You would be surprised how little we did, until necessary, then it was up to him to prove he deserved the college scholarship not us. But I will admit I have met some folks like you, there kids aren't even playing baseball anymore.
I should hook you up with a D1 coach that I know, he'd set you straight in a minute. But I would bet even if you did speak to him, you still would find objections to what he would say.
quote:Doughnutman I am also glad you said it and I didnt but it does seem whether true or not based on some of their responses that there is some jealousy there with a few of them.
OCB,
Hopefully things work out well for you and your son. I hope you decide to stick around so we can follow his progress. You seem to be pretty thick skinned, so maybe you will stick around. You will probably find that everyone here will be pulling for your son as time goes on.
Regarding the jealousy, I will admit that I am very jealous of anyone who is retired at age 45.
quote:Originally posted by PGStaff:quote:Doughnutman I am also glad you said it and I didnt but it does seem whether true or not based on some of their responses that there is some jealousy there with a few of them.
OCB,
Hopefully things work out well for you and your son. I hope you decide to stick around so we can follow his progress. You seem to be pretty thick skinned, so maybe you will stick around. You will probably find that everyone here will be pulling for your son as time goes on.
Regarding the jealousy, I will admit that I am very jealous of anyone who is retired at age 45.
LOL PGStaff. Its not all its cracked up to be. I get bored. You can only play so much golf and go to Disney so many times LOL.
Also thank you I would like to stick around this site. I am sure that there is a lot I can learn from it.
TPM you hit the nail right on the head. Maybe thats all thats around for for youth players. Well right now my son is a youth player. Also you said AS Long As He IS Happy. Well my son is the happiest when he is playing baseball and even happier when he is being challenged in baseball.
Baseball to my son is about competing, being around friends and learning the situational part of the game. To him its about turning that double play and pumping his fist, its about stealing off that catcher that everyone says you cant, its about hitting that pitcher that blowing gas by everyone. he enjoys being challenged by all the things baseball has to offer.
He is just a competitive kid. Its not just baseball. Its video games, board games we even have family hold em poker tournaments and he hates to lose LOL. Some kids are just wired that way. However before some of you comment you know that type players LOL. He is also one of the most humble kids you will ever meet.
So to all who read this I AM NOT YOUR ENEMY, Just because we disagree doesnt mean I want to degrade you, insult you or not have a discussion with you. All I ask is treat others with the respect that you yourself would ask of others to give you.
OCB has your son been banned from playing USSSA baseball?
If not what's the problem. Get on a team that fits his talent and go play. The TD can't control his hitting and fielding, and he can't take the fun out of the game for him. You might be making a mountain out of a mole hill with this guy.
Also find a LL to play for. There is no bigger thrill for a 12 yo kid than playing on TV in Williamsport. There must be other good players his age in your area.
If not what's the problem. Get on a team that fits his talent and go play. The TD can't control his hitting and fielding, and he can't take the fun out of the game for him. You might be making a mountain out of a mole hill with this guy.
Also find a LL to play for. There is no bigger thrill for a 12 yo kid than playing on TV in Williamsport. There must be other good players his age in your area.
PT Barnum can answer this one for you. There's a sucker born every minute. College coaches and pro scouts don't care about twelve year olds. They may make of mental note of hearing about a Prince Fielder, a Delmon Young or a Bryce Harper. But they don't interrupt their job to see them. Nothing can be done until they near college or draft eligibility.quote:Why are mort showcase organizations now offering rating services for 12 yr olds? There has to be a reason.
You need to stay on this site, post less and read more. You need an education.quote:Both of these schools dont have the scholarship money to offer kids from outside the state or expect another ball player from outside the state to pay out of state tuition to play ball there. So where those two young men played ball does matter.
I don't think you have exclusive rights on having a competitive kid. I am sure most parents here have had one of those, and it doesn't have to be in baseball.
JMO, and we obviuosly have different opinions on raising kids, but I don't find some of what you say amusing. Fist pumping at 10, isn't showing humility. Boy, I feel mine was deprived, I think we were still playing UNO at 10, luckily he knew nothing about playing poker at that age or we would be in trouble. Really competitive kid, he also hated to lose, but I feel there are lots of lessons in losing, more so than winning. Baseball is a game of failure, it takes failures to make one a better player. The obstacles you face in life the tougher you become. It's ok to lose as long as you learn lessons from it. I remember once son's college coach telling me he worries more about the ones who have never hit a bump in the road than those that face obstacles each step of the way. I agree with him.
Let me tell you something, when the MLB area scout came for a visit, at 17, he told us that he had been watching son since he entered upon the HS scene. So IMO, that's when it all begins to happen, not one game before. Coach May is correct why these evaluation services have begun at such an early age is because there is a philosophy created by those who charge dollars that this is important for one's future,and if they find someone willing to pay for it, BINGO. It's a business and everyone is in business to make money, you should know that.
I was just wondering, why are we so in a hurry for our kids to grow up? Why do we not allow them to enjoy the simple life, things get too complicated later on, I don't want to hear how what you do at 10 is soooo important for your future potential.
JMO, and we obviuosly have different opinions on raising kids, but I don't find some of what you say amusing. Fist pumping at 10, isn't showing humility. Boy, I feel mine was deprived, I think we were still playing UNO at 10, luckily he knew nothing about playing poker at that age or we would be in trouble. Really competitive kid, he also hated to lose, but I feel there are lots of lessons in losing, more so than winning. Baseball is a game of failure, it takes failures to make one a better player. The obstacles you face in life the tougher you become. It's ok to lose as long as you learn lessons from it. I remember once son's college coach telling me he worries more about the ones who have never hit a bump in the road than those that face obstacles each step of the way. I agree with him.
Let me tell you something, when the MLB area scout came for a visit, at 17, he told us that he had been watching son since he entered upon the HS scene. So IMO, that's when it all begins to happen, not one game before. Coach May is correct why these evaluation services have begun at such an early age is because there is a philosophy created by those who charge dollars that this is important for one's future,and if they find someone willing to pay for it, BINGO. It's a business and everyone is in business to make money, you should know that.
I was just wondering, why are we so in a hurry for our kids to grow up? Why do we not allow them to enjoy the simple life, things get too complicated later on, I don't want to hear how what you do at 10 is soooo important for your future potential.
But it doesn't guarantee they will be able to execute on the 60/90 field. It doesn't mean they will physically develop enough to outperform others at 16-18 years old.quote:That some kids even at 10 yrs old were more mechanically sound than a lot of HS players he has seen.
When I say preteen baseball doesn't matter people misunderstand what I mean. What I mean is it doesn't guarantee future success on a full size field. What kids should get in the preteen years is a solid foundation of fundamentals and a passion for playing the game and enjoy the game. When parents turn preteen ball into development and training over fun they suck the fun out of it.
My sixteen year old son trains his tail off due to his baseball goals. But the number one reason he still plays the game is because it's fun. When I've pushed him about training he's commented, "You're *$ucking the fun out of the game."
Here's the number one piece of advice I'll provide. Your son has to want the game. You can't want it for him and push him.
In the big picture I think this is a great thread for some preteen dads to learn about the game. There are many dads like OCB. I've seen in it softball and baseball.quote:Originally posted by getagoodpitchtohit:
Once again, all I can say is ...... WOW!!!!!!
With that being said ...... for the love of all creatures great and small ...... CAN WE PLEASE HAVE THIS THREAD SHUT DOWN?!?!?!?!
My son learned one of the most valuable lessons playing 9/10 rec ball. He learned patience. He learned he can't become rattled because another player couldn't field behind him on the mound or compete the catch on his play in the field. He learned he can only control his part of the game, don't lose composure and stay focused. It's carried forward. I've seen pitchers come unglued when it happens to them for the first time at higher levels. And trust me, even showcase teams sometimes have innings from he11. MLB teams have them.quote:As for rec ball it just isnt as competitive. Have you ever sen your child throw with a kid that couldnt catch or throw. How frustrating was that to them?
OCB
Here is a suggestion for you since to are retired and claim to have no financial worries----start your own travel team--hire some solid coaches to handle the on field activity and have a go at it
Here is a suggestion for you since to are retired and claim to have no financial worries----start your own travel team--hire some solid coaches to handle the on field activity and have a go at it
I recollect a handful of parents like yourself. My kids are special because they are my kids and I love them. Sports or anything else has nothing to do with it. I've never been concerned with anything more than the effort and commitment. Maximum effort will get them "their" maximum result. Commitment means they won't become quitters.quote:I am also sure that some of you who have been through this if you look back and be honest were just as bad as you are making me out to be. We all want to believe our kids are special. Whether its in sports, academics, cub scouts or whatever. If you have forgotten that then maybe it could be some of you who need to reevaluate your relationships with your kids.
Brilliant!quote:Originally posted by TRhit:
OCB
Here is a suggestion for you since to are retired and claim to have no financial worries----start your own travel team--hire some solid coaches to handle the on field activity and have a go at it
TRhit
Been following this thread with great interest. I am not going to debate the views already expressed here.
We ahve a saying at my work...Feedback is a gift...what you choose to do with the gift is your choice.
OCB has received a lot of feedback...what is chooses to do with it if his choice.
With that said I think your feedback might be the best gift yet....
This idea will give the poster the ability to create the exact situtation he is looking for his son. He can find a coach that share his POV, he can find players that share his son's passsion and talent etc.....
Heck he will not even have to move..he can recruit from all over the country.
Been following this thread with great interest. I am not going to debate the views already expressed here.
We ahve a saying at my work...Feedback is a gift...what you choose to do with the gift is your choice.
OCB has received a lot of feedback...what is chooses to do with it if his choice.
With that said I think your feedback might be the best gift yet....
This idea will give the poster the ability to create the exact situtation he is looking for his son. He can find a coach that share his POV, he can find players that share his son's passsion and talent etc.....
Heck he will not even have to move..he can recruit from all over the country.
You know, our kids grew up to be OK (so far). Two of them played professional baseball, one even was “lucky” enough to get a chance to play in the Major Leagues with three different teams. Our other son is a retired officer in the Navy, I’m especially proud of him. Our daughter is a successful business owner. She couldn’t have kids so she adopted a couple who had been abused. It’s been difficult… I’m very proud of her!
Not once did I feel that I knew what was the best way to guide them. I have no stories of what we did that was so absolutely correct. I’ve seen others who might have been much wiser parents who have had kids that were less successful and more successful. I’ve seen parents who I thought did everything wrong, end up with very nice, successful kids. To this day, I don't know for sure what the best way is to do things. For sure, what worked for our kids, might not work at all for someone else’s kids. I’m not even sure what we did to have things end up the way they have… So far!
Sorry, but when I read about someone doing things a certain way that seems a bit too self absorbing. And then the argument seems to become… You are a fool… because here is what we did or how we do it! I just don’t get it!
I take it for granted that most everyone loves their kids and wants the best for them. Yet I’m pretty sure everyone goes about things differently. Obviously people will disagree with what is the right approach, I find it hard to believe there is a perfect approach to being a parent. Some of the best, most honest, hard working, intelligent people I’ve ever known have ended up with what some would consider rotten children.
Regarding baseball success… There are Major League players, who are good citizens, who didn’t have any baseball guidance or baseball interest from their parents. There are others, who grew up being force fed the game by their parents. I don’t think there is any formula that will guarantee success or failure. The one thing that stands out to me the most is that most parents love their kids and care a lot.
Though I’m sure it is unintentional, sometimes it seems like too much of what we did comes across as being the Gospel. Though experience is important, everyone is different. It doesn’t sound like OCB is doing anything that will turn his son into a rotten person or an outlaw. This is just baseball, I doubt it will ruin his kid. Maybe others think it will, but it is still his boy and he wants what’s best for him.
I think all of us who have ended up with decent children, should be very thankful and consider ourselves extremely lucky. I know I do!
Anyway, I don’t agree with some of the things OCB talks about, but also hope I’m not alone in thinking that anyone, especially someone we don’t even know, deserves to be treated with a little more respect than what has been shown here. That said, it’s been a very interesting topic.
Sorry, if anyone is offended.
Not once did I feel that I knew what was the best way to guide them. I have no stories of what we did that was so absolutely correct. I’ve seen others who might have been much wiser parents who have had kids that were less successful and more successful. I’ve seen parents who I thought did everything wrong, end up with very nice, successful kids. To this day, I don't know for sure what the best way is to do things. For sure, what worked for our kids, might not work at all for someone else’s kids. I’m not even sure what we did to have things end up the way they have… So far!
Sorry, but when I read about someone doing things a certain way that seems a bit too self absorbing. And then the argument seems to become… You are a fool… because here is what we did or how we do it! I just don’t get it!
I take it for granted that most everyone loves their kids and wants the best for them. Yet I’m pretty sure everyone goes about things differently. Obviously people will disagree with what is the right approach, I find it hard to believe there is a perfect approach to being a parent. Some of the best, most honest, hard working, intelligent people I’ve ever known have ended up with what some would consider rotten children.
Regarding baseball success… There are Major League players, who are good citizens, who didn’t have any baseball guidance or baseball interest from their parents. There are others, who grew up being force fed the game by their parents. I don’t think there is any formula that will guarantee success or failure. The one thing that stands out to me the most is that most parents love their kids and care a lot.
Though I’m sure it is unintentional, sometimes it seems like too much of what we did comes across as being the Gospel. Though experience is important, everyone is different. It doesn’t sound like OCB is doing anything that will turn his son into a rotten person or an outlaw. This is just baseball, I doubt it will ruin his kid. Maybe others think it will, but it is still his boy and he wants what’s best for him.
I think all of us who have ended up with decent children, should be very thankful and consider ourselves extremely lucky. I know I do!
Anyway, I don’t agree with some of the things OCB talks about, but also hope I’m not alone in thinking that anyone, especially someone we don’t even know, deserves to be treated with a little more respect than what has been shown here. That said, it’s been a very interesting topic.
Sorry, if anyone is offended.
Thats a very good post and you are absolutely right. I wish you the very best OCB and your son as well. I hope this all works out for your son and you can find a situation that you guys are happy with. There is on one way , period.
I have tried to give you some things to think about and some advice I think is solid. But in the end its your decision to make and do what you feel is best for your son and family.
Good luck and keep us posted on your son as he progresses in the game.
I have tried to give you some things to think about and some advice I think is solid. But in the end its your decision to make and do what you feel is best for your son and family.
Good luck and keep us posted on your son as he progresses in the game.
quote:Originally posted by PGStaff:
You know, our kids grew up to be OK (so far). Two of them played professional baseball, one even was “lucky” enough to get a chance to play in the Major Leagues with three different teams. Our other son is a retired officer in the Navy, I’m especially proud of him. Our daughter is a successful business owner. She couldn’t have kids so she adopted a couple who had been abused. It’s been difficult… I’m very proud of her!
Not once did I feel that I knew what was the best way to guide them. I have no stories of what we did that was so absolutely correct. I’ve seen others who might have been much wiser parents who have had kids that were less successful and more successful. I’ve seen parents who I thought did everything wrong, end up with very nice, successful kids. To this day, I don't know for sure what the best way is to do things. For sure, what worked for our kids, might not work at all for someone else’s kids. I’m not even sure what we did to have things end up the way they have… So far!
Sorry, but when I read about someone doing things a certain way that seems a bit too self absorbing. And then the argument seems to become… You are a fool… because here is what we did or how we do it! I just don’t get it!
I take it for granted that most everyone loves their kids and wants the best for them. Yet I’m pretty sure everyone goes about things differently. Obviously people will disagree with what is the right approach, I find it hard to believe there is a perfect approach to being a parent. Some of the best, most honest, hard working, intelligent people I’ve ever known have ended up with what some would consider rotten children.
Regarding baseball success… There are Major League players, who are good citizens, who didn’t have any baseball guidance or baseball interest from their parents. There are others, who grew up being force fed the game by their parents. I don’t think there is any formula that will guarantee success or failure. The one thing that stands out to me the most is that most parents love their kids and care a lot.
Though I’m sure it is unintentional, sometimes it seems like too much of what we did comes across as being the Gospel. Though experience is important, everyone is different. It doesn’t sound like OCB is doing anything that will turn his son into a rotten person or an outlaw. This is just baseball, I doubt it will ruin his kid. Maybe others think it will, but it is still his boy and he wants what’s best for him.
I think all of us who have ended up with decent children, should be very thankful and consider ourselves extremely lucky. I know I do!
Anyway, I don’t agree with some of the things OCB talks about, but also hope I’m not alone in thinking that anyone, especially someone we don’t even know, deserves to be treated with a little more respect than what has been shown here. That said, it’s been a very interesting topic.
Sorry, if anyone is offended.
ALL I CAN SAY PGstaff is DAMMMMMMM!!!!!!. Forget I am the thread starter that has to be one of the best responses to a post I have ever read. That commentary is right on but afraid it will fall on some deaf ears.
quote:Originally posted by PGStaff:
What he said...
So much truth in that post.
quote:Originally posted by Coach_May:
Thats a very good post and you are absolutely right. I wish you the very best OCB and your son as well. I hope this all works out for your son and you can find a situation that you guys are happy with. There is on one way , period.
I have tried to give you some things to think about and some advice I think is solid. But in the end its your decision to make and do what you feel is best for your son and family.
Good luck and keep us posted on your son as he progresses in the game.
Coach May thank you and some of the advice given has produced some conversation with my family. I do believe that if others were as intelligent with their responses as you have just been, we would not be where we are in these threads right now with the negative connotations they have taken.
I want to thank PGstaff again because I dont think it could be explained any better than what he has posted. It brings to mind two proverbs
If you have some respect for people as they are, you can be more effective in helping them to become better than they are. AND
Men are respectable only as they respect.
Kumba ya my lord kumba ya LOl come on every one lets all gather round.
quote:Originally posted by OCB:
How many 10 yr olds you know that workout on a 60/90 field from SS that can make the throw from the deep hole on a line to 1st.
OK forget the hitting an 80 mph pitch. This statement completely lost me. From just some basic rough calculations in order to throw a ball on a line, which to me means a straight shot with little to no arch, from deep in the hole at short on a 60/90 field to first base. The ball would have to be traveling at a speed in the mid to upper 80's.
Surely you can see the difficulty in believing that.
quote:Originally posted by coach scotty:quote:Originally posted by OCB:
How many 10 yr olds you know that workout on a 60/90 field from SS that can make the throw from the deep hole on a line to 1st.
OK forget the hitting an 80 mph pitch. This statement completely lost me. From just some basic rough calculations in order to throw a ball on a line, which to me means a straight shot with little to no arch, from deep in the hole at short on a 60/90 field to first base. The ball would have to be traveling at a speed in the mid to upper 80's.
Surely you can see the difficulty in believing that.
I can tell you that wouldnt be correct cause I know he doesnt throw in the 80s LOL. To throw the ball 300 ft it requires arm strength to throw about 90 mph. Dont just take my word for it since no one else does LOL, look it up online.
quote:Originally posted by OCB:quote:Originally posted by coach scotty:quote:Originally posted by OCB:
How many 10 yr olds you know that workout on a 60/90 field from SS that can make the throw from the deep hole on a line to 1st.
OK forget the hitting an 80 mph pitch. This statement completely lost me. From just some basic rough calculations in order to throw a ball on a line, which to me means a straight shot with little to no arch, from deep in the hole at short on a 60/90 field to first base. The ball would have to be traveling at a speed in the mid to upper 80's.
Surely you can see the difficulty in believing that.
I can tell you that wouldnt be correct cause I know he doesnt throw in the 80s LOL. To throw the ball 300 ft it requires arm strength to throw about 90 mph. Dont just take my word for it since no one else does LOL, look it up online.
Yes but with an arch. On a straight line a 90 mph ball would not travel 200 ft. I am not doubting your son can make the throw. I have seen kids his age throw that far. I just think we may have gotten a little over zealous with the on a line part.
RJM -
