I've been out of touch for a few weeks but for good reason. You see, I got remarried a few days ago to a wonderful lady who just happens to be my high school sweetheart. She's beautiful, funny, and I am very excited to begin our new life together in peace and happiness.
So I haven't had much time for baseball.
Bum, Jr. got released by his MLB team recently. Despite jumping three levels and going 7-4 overall for them as a starter, he tore his ACL last season, and they probably didn't want to take a chance at rehabbing him a second year. That's my guess, anyway. Very ironic, because he's 100% healthy now and has never had an arm problem, never even a sore arm in his young life. He's throwing harder than ever and he's added a fourth pitch, a cutter, to his arsenal.
I see my friend Backfootslider in another post talked about himself slowing down, enjoying each moment while his son is in high school baseball. His son is so talented and I know in a few years' time you'll be hearing about him on the college boards, the draft boards. BFS talked about pushing too hard on his son to succeed and it really hit home. I know I did too,
..so many years ago.
Parents, baseball is a gift to enjoy. Don't push. I remember enjoying nearly every game at the high school and travel team levels. There were so many wonderful memories.
It's not over. Bum, Jr. has signed with the Traverse City Beach Bums of the Frontier League, an independent league team. They place players every year back into affiliated ball. I suspect Bum, Jr. will tear up that league and get back into affiliated ball soon. But if not, he's had a spectacular career, one to be proud of.
Bum, Jr. is getting married this year to his high school sweetheart, too. He's pragmatic about the situation, and doesn't want to hang on past this year if another affiliated team doesn't pick him up.
We'll see what 2014 has to offer. In the meantime, I want to thank my friends here at HSBBW over the years, especially TPM, Jerry Ford, and RJM. Plus so many others that have dropped off as their sons left the game. I've been a member nearly 10 years now, and I'm hoping it'll continue another 10 years but reality says it's time to move on.
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