Civility at HSBaseballWeb.Com

2020dad posted:

rynoattack posted:

Whether you have many sources on outside the boards is immaterial to me.  Pretty much every poster brings something to the table, and I find it sad that some think having a "safe place" is necessary.  It says a lot about the board right now. 

I agree that sometimes new posters do get hammered, and that is not a good thing.  Some of the blatant, rigid responses they receive for asking a question, drives them away, and honestly, I cannot blame them.  I do think most of us could work on our civility, and think twice when we get offended.  Even though some posters are quite rigid, they do mean well, and they do have a lot of good advice to offer.

Also, I have never been one to think that I have all the answers, and I did have a fellow poster reach out to me and lend a hand, when I was worried about Ryan's situation.  I am so grateful for his help, and even though it didn't work out, it was really cool that he contacted two D-1's and started a dialogue, visits, and even an offer. 

Someone saying that they would never look for advice on this site, because they know such and such, seems a little short sighted to me.  You just never know when someone may be able to lend a hand, offer great advice, etc.  I would urge everyone to have an open mind and not have that dismissive sort of attitude.  (As always, that is just my opinion.)

Ok we are closing the gap.  I feel real progress here.  We just need to talk about that dismissive label.  Everyone has a different comfort level with different issues.  I can talk politics all day long and not hate the other person at the end.  Its fun for me.  For others its a nightmare.  I have posted my personal information here.  I think if everyone were so transparent maybe we wouldnt have some of these issues.  But others would be very uncomfortable with that.  Some are comfortable asking veritable strangers for advice thats not me.  Just because I am much more comfortable with those that I know when it comes to something serious like that doesn't make me closed minded or dismissive!!  Just the way I deal with things.  One of my dad friends who has a son in the 2020 clsss also has a 2018 who just committed to a big ten for football.  I have talked quite a lot to him about the process and how it works.  I have talked quite a bit to one of our PM guys I feel I have come to know and trust about his football recruiting experiences.  Obviously I have talked to the high school coaches about it.  A former high school coach who is father of one of my sons travel teammates.  Now I am in a holding pattern til we see how he does as a likely varsity starter sophomore year.  If he does well and the future looks bright I will talk to more folks.  But for stuff like that I just like to talk to people I know and trust one on one.  Thats just my MO.  And I think thats what some have to get over.  Its not some sort of deep insult that some don't want advice.  Its just people doing things the way they are comfortable.  

I think I have been very transparent as to who I am as well, and honestly, that is just how I am.  As far as "not taking advice from strangers", I'm not sure that is the point.  Many years ago, I had a situation where I was working with a guy that was a complete half-wit.  I mean he was, in my estimation, an idiot.  One day however, this dim wit offered a solution to a problem, and I had an "Ah Ha" moment.  That "Ah Ha" moment was that you can learn something from EVERYONE!  It may be what not to do, but you can definitely learn something by observation, or just plain paying attention, staying engaged, etc.

Blindly taking the advice of someone you do not know, is quite different than reading their advice, their examples, their experiences, and pondering over whether there is a hidden gem that you could use now or in the future.  Shutting out sound advice just because you don't know the person, is short sighted and could prove costly.  Having a "I don't need this place" type of attitude is not good, IMHO, but to each his own.  I personally choose to read everyone's posts that I can, and make my own determination if it is valid, sound, or ultimately, useful.

I know I’m an old timer, but just to check I went to my profile and it shows I registered in Jan of 2003. So that confirmed it.

I came here as a parent of a HS player who desperately wanted to go to college to play baseball...With the help of this site and many of the posters who are still here and contributing, My son went on to have a successful 4 year NCAA career.

 I choose to remain here to assist the newer members in the way I felt I can most help....as an umpire resource... At that time it was mostly just me and my old friend Michael S Taylor here to answer most all the posts..... I am only trying to repay the debt I owe to many of the posters on the HSBBW who helped me with my son’s questions…..

I have remained as a resource for those looking for the advice or opinions of a working umpire. I never pretended to be a rules guru, but I am an active working umpire/umpire trainer/ Rules Interpreter. It was always our intention to try to respond to all questions and treat the basic or complex question the same way. Along with the other umpires who frequent this board, I never wanted anyone to feel intimidated to ask questions.....

That being said….

Yes, it would be easier if we could always get along and never disagree. ..But that just isn’t in the nature of any forum....I often recommend this site to my young officials and to parents of all ages of players........but with this advice…..

Many Sport Specific websites can be the “deep end of the pool”.........It is often not for the faint of heart.....you should read a while, test the waters, get to know the posters, then hop in. But it’s worth it. You want quality information, up to date contacts and the quality experiences of those members of the site who understand the journey and know what it’s like to be in your shoes.

I battled in the Umpire Forum with TRHit, followed TPM’s son through every step, and engaged PG, midlo, clevelanddad, the loss of my Umpire friend Michael S Taylor and so many others during my time after my son’s career ended. I do not remember a split like this ever happening. But I hope we can move past this issue.

I know the stats are probably available, but it would be interesting to know how long most members actually stay associated with the HSBBW. I believe the “members who come and go” rate must be very high. But I hope that we can move past this issue

So:

I came here as a player’s Dad needing help.....and found it... I post here as an umpire to provide help.....and hope I provide it..... I stay here for the people I've met here.....

I hope you will too.

2020dad posted:

rynoattack posted:

2020dad posted:

rynoattack posted:

Whether you have many sources on outside the boards is immaterial to me.  Pretty much every poster brings something to the table, and I find it sad that some think having a "safe place" is necessary.  It says a lot about the board right now. 

I agree that sometimes new posters do get hammered, and that is not a good thing.  Some of the blatant, rigid responses they receive for asking a question, drives them away, and honestly, I cannot blame them.  I do think most of us could work on our civility, and think twice when we get offended.  Even though some posters are quite rigid, they do mean well, and they do have a lot of good advice to offer.

Also, I have never been one to think that I have all the answers, and I did have a fellow poster reach out to me and lend a hand, when I was worried about Ryan's situation.  I am so grateful for his help, and even though it didn't work out, it was really cool that he contacted two D-1's and started a dialogue, visits, and even an offer. 

Someone saying that they would never look for advice on this site, because they know such and such, seems a little short sighted to me.  You just never know when someone may be able to lend a hand, offer great advice, etc.  I would urge everyone to have an open mind and not have that dismissive sort of attitude.  (As always, that is just my opinion.)

Ok we are closing the gap.  I feel real progress here.  We just need to talk about that dismissive label.  Everyone has a different comfort level with different issues.  I can talk politics all day long and not hate the other person at the end.  Its fun for me.  For others its a nightmare.  I have posted my personal information here.  I think if everyone were so transparent maybe we wouldnt have some of these issues.  But others would be very uncomfortable with that.  Some are comfortable asking veritable strangers for advice thats not me.  Just because I am much more comfortable with those that I know when it comes to something serious like that doesn't make me closed minded or dismissive!!  Just the way I deal with things.  One of my dad friends who has a son in the 2020 clsss also has a 2018 who just committed to a big ten for football.  I have talked quite a lot to him about the process and how it works.  I have talked quite a bit to one of our PM guys I feel I have come to know and trust about his football recruiting experiences.  Obviously I have talked to the high school coaches about it.  A former high school coach who is father of one of my sons travel teammates.  Now I am in a holding pattern til we see how he does as a likely varsity starter sophomore year.  If he does well and the future looks bright I will talk to more folks.  But for stuff like that I just like to talk to people I know and trust one on one.  Thats just my MO.  And I think thats what some have to get over.  Its not some sort of deep insult that some don't want advice.  Its just people doing things the way they are comfortable.  

I think I have been very transparent as to who I am as well, and honestly, that is just how I am.  As far as "not taking advice from strangers", I'm not sure that is the point.  Many years ago, I had a situation where I was working with a guy that was a complete half-wit.  I mean he was, in my estimation, an idiot.  One day however, this dim wit offered a solution to a problem, and I had an "Ah Ha" moment.  That "Ah Ha" moment was that you can learn something from EVERYONE!  It may be what not to do, but you can definitely learn something by observation, or just plain paying attention, staying engaged, etc.

Blindly taking the advice of someone you do not know, is quite different than reading their advice, their examples, their experiences, and pondering over whether there is a hidden gem that you could use now or in the future.  Shutting out sound advice just because you don't know the person, is short sighted and could prove costly.  Having a "I don't need this place" type of attitude is not good, IMHO, but to each his own.  I personally choose to read everyone's posts that I can, and make my own determination if it is valid, sound, or ultimately, useful.

Ryno did you notice I did not call your views 'short sighted' or 'not good' or 'dismissive'?  I thought maybe we were coming to some meeting of the minds but this is exactly the issue.  In the spirit of this thread I am not going to engage this but when somebody more of less says lets find common ground they get countered with NO, you're still wrong.  So now guess what?  I am no longer listening.  I have tuned out what you have to say about this.  Do you care?  Probably not.  Do I care if you care?  Definitely not.  So here we go back in the wrong direction...  how unfortunate.

No problem at all.  When you write things like are included in this post:

Ok so let me just ask you this.  What about the countless people who DON'T go on a site like this?  Is it just an impossible journey for them without the sage advice of experienced posters?  Or do you think by some odd coincidence there are savvy people all over the country who have knowledge and can help? And without criticism on top of it!  I have very thick skin. Really don't give a rats ass what anybody here thinks of me in the long run. But that doesn't mean I find it fun to put up with the nonsense.  And believe it or not this whole baseball recruitment thing isn't exactly rocket science.  Some of us actually have IQ's higher than shoe size and can do actual research. And yes it's easy to learn from same age group parents.  It's a little trend called early recruiting.  There are people on our PM who have already committed or are offered or otherwise being heavily recruited.  So they can answer quite a lot of questions - and do. Bonus is its coemporary and germane. 

I think part of the impass we have here is some of you are in just jaw dropping disbelief that some of us aren't here for your advice.  Not that I never need advice but I have far more trusted sources than a bunch of strangers on an open chat board for that!!!  Isn't that obvious?  I am here as a hobby and to talk baseball.  That's it. No advice asked for no advice needed.  Occasionally I may have a question for someone like PG regarding their treasure trove of information.  Cause that's fascinating.  

I just have no idea why anyone at all would care about our PM other than those on it.  I have no idea how or why that could bother anyone. 

Sounds a little dismissive, but hey, what do I know.  My friends call me the VI (Village Idiot)...

BOF posted:

Dateline: November 25, 2020 - Chicago (now that we are so successful we got the hell out of Iowa like everyone else)

 

Hey!! There's a few of us left!

2020dad posted:

rynoattack posted:

2020dad posted:

rynoattack posted:

Whether you have many sources on outside the boards is immaterial to me.  Pretty much every poster brings something to the table, and I find it sad that some think having a "safe place" is necessary.  It says a lot about the board right now. 

I agree that sometimes new posters do get hammered, and that is not a good thing.  Some of the blatant, rigid responses they receive for asking a question, drives them away, and honestly, I cannot blame them.  I do think most of us could work on our civility, and think twice when we get offended.  Even though some posters are quite rigid, they do mean well, and they do have a lot of good advice to offer.

Also, I have never been one to think that I have all the answers, and I did have a fellow poster reach out to me and lend a hand, when I was worried about Ryan's situation.  I am so grateful for his help, and even though it didn't work out, it was really cool that he contacted two D-1's and started a dialogue, visits, and even an offer. 

Someone saying that they would never look for advice on this site, because they know such and such, seems a little short sighted to me.  You just never know when someone may be able to lend a hand, offer great advice, etc.  I would urge everyone to have an open mind and not have that dismissive sort of attitude.  (As always, that is just my opinion.)

Ok we are closing the gap.  I feel real progress here.  We just need to talk about that dismissive label.  Everyone has a different comfort level with different issues.  I can talk politics all day long and not hate the other person at the end.  Its fun for me.  For others its a nightmare.  I have posted my personal information here.  I think if everyone were so transparent maybe we wouldnt have some of these issues.  But others would be very uncomfortable with that.  Some are comfortable asking veritable strangers for advice thats not me.  Just because I am much more comfortable with those that I know when it comes to something serious like that doesn't make me closed minded or dismissive!!  Just the way I deal with things.  One of my dad friends who has a son in the 2020 clsss also has a 2018 who just committed to a big ten for football.  I have talked quite a lot to him about the process and how it works.  I have talked quite a bit to one of our PM guys I feel I have come to know and trust about his football recruiting experiences.  Obviously I have talked to the high school coaches about it.  A former high school coach who is father of one of my sons travel teammates.  Now I am in a holding pattern til we see how he does as a likely varsity starter sophomore year.  If he does well and the future looks bright I will talk to more folks.  But for stuff like that I just like to talk to people I know and trust one on one.  Thats just my MO.  And I think thats what some have to get over.  Its not some sort of deep insult that some don't want advice.  Its just people doing things the way they are comfortable.  

I think I have been very transparent as to who I am as well, and honestly, that is just how I am.  As far as "not taking advice from strangers", I'm not sure that is the point.  Many years ago, I had a situation where I was working with a guy that was a complete half-wit.  I mean he was, in my estimation, an idiot.  One day however, this dim wit offered a solution to a problem, and I had an "Ah Ha" moment.  That "Ah Ha" moment was that you can learn something from EVERYONE!  It may be what not to do, but you can definitely learn something by observation, or just plain paying attention, staying engaged, etc.

Blindly taking the advice of someone you do not know, is quite different than reading their advice, their examples, their experiences, and pondering over whether there is a hidden gem that you could use now or in the future.  Shutting out sound advice just because you don't know the person, is short sighted and could prove costly.  Having a "I don't need this place" type of attitude is not good, IMHO, but to each his own.  I personally choose to read everyone's posts that I can, and make my own determination if it is valid, sound, or ultimately, useful.

Ryno did you notice I did not call your views 'short sighted' or 'not good' or 'dismissive'?  I thought maybe we were coming to some meeting of the minds but this is exactly the issue.  In the spirit of this thread I am not going to engage this but when somebody more of less says lets find common ground they get countered with NO, you're still wrong.  So now guess what?  I am no longer listening.  I have tuned out what you have to say about this.  Do you care?  Probably not.  Do I care if you care?  Definitely not.  So here we go back in the wrong direction...  how unfortunate.

You KNOW I love you Mike......BUT.....that's called a discussion.  You say x, he says y, you say NOOO X, he says NOOOOO Y...etc.....hopefully in the end we can land on Z but it usually does take a bit of back and forth, people changing the way they are saying things to perhaps make their point more clear to the other person, before people can meet in the middle. IF people can meet in the middle.  If they can't agree on why then there is the whole "agree to disagree statement" and they are suppose to part each firmly believing they are right, but at least other people got to read both sides which is where I think Ryno was going with that.

Nice try Swamp. You're intentions were good. Better luck next time.

 My life has been dominated by baseball.  Exciting at times and boring at times. I actually enjoy reading about different things.  We are all here because of baseball, but we all are interested and enjoy other things.

So HSHULER,  If there were a message board for scouts and college coaches there might be nearly as much discussion about restaurants, food, family and other sports, than there is baseball talk.

Anyway, based on your list... I would definitely be interested and read responses to the following topics.  Maybe many wouldn't be interested and that is OK because no one is forcing them to read anything.

Best Mother's Day gift ever (I would think most everyone would be interested)

Recipes for biscuits and gravy (picture included) and other fat generating foods  (Not big on Biscuits and Gravy, but other fat generating food would get me)

Hawaiian tradition (I love Hawaii)

My four year-old and her vivid imagination which includes her "friend" John, who lives in China (most here are parents or grand parents, I once posted a video of my two year old grand daughter hitting a golf ball. There were some people that looked at it)

Over the years this site has had so many topics unrelated to baseball. Some of the more serious posters complain when that happens.  However many others really enjoyed those threads, including myself.  I mean it still is 95% baseball.

If you're trying to recall the fellow who could throw a grenade into a "rotational/linear" debate, I think the screen name you're trying to recall is BLUEDOG.  And wow, as I call up that name from the recesses of my brain, it dredges up a lot of memories!

I can't recall who gets credit for the quote -- might be one from Oscar Wilde? -- but it goes, "A gentleman never gives offense unintentionally."  The point being that the essence of manners is taking a moment to think not only about what you mean to say or do, but also about how it might be received by the listener/reader.

On the other hand, the internet era seems to have spawned a generation of people who are always on edge, just looking for something to get offended about and then fly into a rage.  It's gotten to be a joke for me to open up msn.com daily and read their sensationalist headline du jour about how someone did something seemingly innocent and some sort of web board or Twitter flame war broke out.  (It's a tough era for celebrities; one day they are internet sensations, the next day someone makes them out to be pariahs.) 

Which is to say, I think we may be suffering here from something that is happening across the nation, not at all unique to our forums.

But perhaps we could endeavor to lead the way in setting examples of how NOT to do all those things.

2020dad posted:

rynoattack posted:

2020dad posted:

rynoattack posted:

2020dad posted:

rynoattack posted:

Whether you have many sources on outside the boards is immaterial to me.  Pretty much every poster brings something to the table, and I find it sad that some think having a "safe place" is necessary.  It says a lot about the board right now. 

I agree that sometimes new posters do get hammered, and that is not a good thing.  Some of the blatant, rigid responses they receive for asking a question, drives them away, and honestly, I cannot blame them.  I do think most of us could work on our civility, and think twice when we get offended.  Even though some posters are quite rigid, they do mean well, and they do have a lot of good advice to offer.

Also, I have never been one to think that I have all the answers, and I did have a fellow poster reach out to me and lend a hand, when I was worried about Ryan's situation.  I am so grateful for his help, and even though it didn't work out, it was really cool that he contacted two D-1's and started a dialogue, visits, and even an offer. 

Someone saying that they would never look for advice on this site, because they know such and such, seems a little short sighted to me.  You just never know when someone may be able to lend a hand, offer great advice, etc.  I would urge everyone to have an open mind and not have that dismissive sort of attitude.  (As always, that is just my opinion.)

Ok we are closing the gap.  I feel real progress here.  We just need to talk about that dismissive label.  Everyone has a different comfort level with different issues.  I can talk politics all day long and not hate the other person at the end.  Its fun for me.  For others its a nightmare.  I have posted my personal information here.  I think if everyone were so transparent maybe we wouldnt have some of these issues.  But others would be very uncomfortable with that.  Some are comfortable asking veritable strangers for advice thats not me.  Just because I am much more comfortable with those that I know when it comes to something serious like that doesn't make me closed minded or dismissive!!  Just the way I deal with things.  One of my dad friends who has a son in the 2020 clsss also has a 2018 who just committed to a big ten for football.  I have talked quite a lot to him about the process and how it works.  I have talked quite a bit to one of our PM guys I feel I have come to know and trust about his football recruiting experiences.  Obviously I have talked to the high school coaches about it.  A former high school coach who is father of one of my sons travel teammates.  Now I am in a holding pattern til we see how he does as a likely varsity starter sophomore year.  If he does well and the future looks bright I will talk to more folks.  But for stuff like that I just like to talk to people I know and trust one on one.  Thats just my MO.  And I think thats what some have to get over.  Its not some sort of deep insult that some don't want advice.  Its just people doing things the way they are comfortable.  

I think I have been very transparent as to who I am as well, and honestly, that is just how I am.  As far as "not taking advice from strangers", I'm not sure that is the point.  Many years ago, I had a situation where I was working with a guy that was a complete half-wit.  I mean he was, in my estimation, an idiot.  One day however, this dim wit offered a solution to a problem, and I had an "Ah Ha" moment.  That "Ah Ha" moment was that you can learn something from EVERYONE!  It may be what not to do, but you can definitely learn something by observation, or just plain paying attention, staying engaged, etc.

Blindly taking the advice of someone you do not know, is quite different than reading their advice, their examples, their experiences, and pondering over whether there is a hidden gem that you could use now or in the future.  Shutting out sound advice just because you don't know the person, is short sighted and could prove costly.  Having a "I don't need this place" type of attitude is not good, IMHO, but to each his own.  I personally choose to read everyone's posts that I can, and make my own determination if it is valid, sound, or ultimately, useful.

Ryno did you notice I did not call your views 'short sighted' or 'not good' or 'dismissive'?  I thought maybe we were coming to some meeting of the minds but this is exactly the issue.  In the spirit of this thread I am not going to engage this but when somebody more of less says lets find common ground they get countered with NO, you're still wrong.  So now guess what?  I am no longer listening.  I have tuned out what you have to say about this.  Do you care?  Probably not.  Do I care if you care?  Definitely not.  So here we go back in the wrong direction...  how unfortunate.

No problem at all.  When you write things like are included in this post:

Ok so let me just ask you this.  What about the countless people who DON'T go on a site like this?  Is it just an impossible journey for them without the sage advice of experienced posters?  Or do you think by some odd coincidence there are savvy people all over the country who have knowledge and can help? And without criticism on top of it!  I have very thick skin. Really don't give a rats ass what anybody here thinks of me in the long run. But that doesn't mean I find it fun to put up with the nonsense.  And believe it or not this whole baseball recruitment thing isn't exactly rocket science.  Some of us actually have IQ's higher than shoe size and can do actual research. And yes it's easy to learn from same age group parents.  It's a little trend called early recruiting.  There are people on our PM who have already committed or are offered or otherwise being heavily recruited.  So they can answer quite a lot of questions - and do. Bonus is its coemporary and germane. 

I think part of the impass we have here is some of you are in just jaw dropping disbelief that some of us aren't here for your advice.  Not that I never need advice but I have far more trusted sources than a bunch of strangers on an open chat board for that!!!  Isn't that obvious?  I am here as a hobby and to talk baseball.  That's it. No advice asked for no advice needed.  Occasionally I may have a question for someone like PG regarding their treasure trove of information.  Cause that's fascinating.  

I just have no idea why anyone at all would care about our PM other than those on it.  I have no idea how or why that could bother anyone. 

Sounds a little dismissive, but hey, what do I know.  My friends call me the VI (Village Idiot)...

its a simple - or apparently not so simple - matter of chronology.  Yes this was a contentious situation.  Then I thought we were all trying to come to a meeting of the minds.  See thats the way these things work - there is a disagreement, it can become heated, then hopefully cooler heads prevail and you start looking for common ground and a solution...  or you can slip back to the heated stage.  I guess thats where you want to go with this?  I am on record that i dont have much of a flight response.  But I really do try to find common ground.  So while our entire PM group was being besieged I was supposed to politely take it???  I never claimed to be a sheep!  But I really did just try with you to come to some agreement.  And we on the PM are even considering some movement.  But this is exactly the crap that makes people weary.  Why do they want to open up to somebody who doesnt want to negotiate any peaceful resolution but instead wants to go back to the heated part of the thread and start the anger all over again?  So go ahead pull up more old posts, do some more name calling and generally show yourself for who you are.  Do as you like but I am out of this with you and adding you to my blocked list.  Not because I somehow am shivering in fear of you but because life is too short.  Its not that i can't take the negative its that I have no time for it!!!  Peace out.

I was never negative, and I never resorted to name calling.  I personally don't block anyone, but if you feel the need, so be it.  I honestly feel sorry for you that you are getting so upset over a civil discussion.  Take care...

My favorite candybar is a Zero bar. 

BTW:  heated conflicts like we see and experience on sites like this one is due to the nature of the animal(s).    I've  participated on  various internet forums since AOL started (around 1990).   It didn't matter what the subject matter was for a discussion, there always comes about some heated responses some time or another.  Most often they happen due to misunderstandings and/or pre-conceived notions about what's being said.  It's not easy to fully communicate well or express just what you're trying to say.  A great deal of human communication is visual, and internet forums such as this just doesn't provide that (though emoji's do help some).  You've got to have a thick skin and expect that some people will simply read what you say in a way that's completely different from what you might have expected.  Having had my share of heated discussions, I learned early on not to take any of it personal no matter how bad it might be since those on the other end just don't know me very well.  Even so, it can get out of control and that's why it's good to have level headed monitors to mediate and protect the interest of the forums.  The monitors we have had and current ones have been do a great job here in helping these forum be helpful to new comers who may not have a lot of experience in internet forums let alone the subject matter around baseball issues.  As mentioned before, there great people participating here who have a lot of experience and the sharing of it is often very valuable to those who are seeking to learn more.  

The HSBASEBALL community is great! 

Funny thing.

When I started this thread, I originally posted it as a closed topic. No discussion. 

"No," I told myself, "Precluding discussion would not show our members the respect you are asking them to show each other."

So I left it open.

Let's settle this once and for all ...

ShoveIt4Ks,

That is the most stupid post I have seen in a long time.  First of all this is a serious baseball site and you are trying to ruin things for everyone here.  Posting trash like that deserves some harsh punishment.  Get with the program or take that BS to Private Messaging.  Do you think you can post that crap just because you have a kid that has done well?  You should be very embarrassed!

Also just to be clear... it's a fact that ZERO candy bars stink. What a stupid name for a candy bar.  And aren't they white?  Are you a racist?

BTW, my favorite is BABY RUTH!  Now that is a true candy bar!

Shoveit4Ks posted:

My favorite candybar is a Zero bar. 

 

Isn't your son a pitcher? You're prejudiced! 

As a kid I was very disappointed that Reggie bars weren't very good.  I was a huge Reggie Jackson fan, well, for a year when he was with the Orioles.   But when you are a kid a year can be a long long time.

PGStaff posted:

ShoveIt4Ks,

That is the most stupid post I have seen in a long time.  First of all this is a serious baseball site and you are trying to ruin things for everyone here.  Posting trash like that deserves some harsh punishment.  Get with the program or take that BS to Private Messaging.  Do you think you can post that crap just because you have a kid that has done well?  You should be very embarrassed!

Also just to be clear... it's a fact that ZERO candy bars stink. What a stupid name for a candy bar.  And aren't they white?  Are you a racist?

BTW, my favorite is BABY RUTH!  Now that is a true candy bar!

Well I guess, technically, the Baby Ruth choice allows you to stay within the allowable guidelines of baseball related discussion topic but I think it is clear that you are both making strong political statements with your choices and I don't believe that is appropriate here.

And BTW, the only real debate in the category is Heath vs. Butterfinger.  If we open it up to consideration for frozen options, Snickers enters the conversation.

The "frozen" Snicker's is sort of like the 100 mph fastball.  Yea, it's great, but you have to be careful to avoid injury.  Do you actually try that first bite right out of the freezer, or do you let it sit out for 5 minutes or so.  I think there should be some guidelines for appropriate "thaw" depending an the ambient room temperature.  As always, mechanics plays a major role in avoiding the dreaded "chip".

3and2Fastball posted:

As a kid I was very disappointed that Reggie bars weren't very good.  I was a huge Reggie Jackson fan, well, for a year when he was with the Orioles.   But when you are a kid a year can be a long long time.

Reggie Jackson, Dave Winfield, and Don Mattingly have only ever played for the Yankees. Any other uniform they may or may not have worn is an alternate fact.

Forget candy bars.

Thank you, Dennis Hopper.

On a related note, was having a short car ride with my younger son and stopped off at the Dairy Queen last night.  I was explaining to him the Heath Blizzard.  He got the basic chocolate shake, but all was good.

smokeminside posted:

Forget candy bars.

Thank you, Dennis Hopper.

Go with the 16oz tallboy and sprinkle a little salt on the top of the can

I hate Milky Ways!!! But they have some good commercials.  Especially the one where the tattoo artist puts NO REGERTS (rather than regrets) on the biker guy... He looks at it and says REGERTS and she explains... Sorry, I was eating a Milky Way.

2017LHPscrewball posted:

On a related note, was having a short car ride with my younger son and stopped off at the Dairy Queen last night.  I was explaining to him the Heath Blizzard.  He got the basic chocolate shake, but all was good.

When I was in HS, I dated a girl that worked at a DQ.  Freezer was always stocked.  Best. Girlfriend. Ever.

cabbagedad posted:

2017LHPscrewball posted:

On a related note, was having a short car ride with my younger son and stopped off at the Dairy Queen last night.  I was explaining to him the Heath Blizzard.  He got the basic chocolate shake, but all was good.

When I was in HS, I dated a girl that worked at a DQ.  Freezer was always stocked.  Best. Girlfriend. Ever.

I'm hoping I'm supposed to read that literally.

PGStaff posted:

ShoveIt4Ks,

That is the most stupid post I have seen in a long time.  First of all this is a serious baseball site and you are trying to ruin things for everyone here.  Posting trash like that deserves some harsh punishment.  Get with the program or take that BS to Private Messaging.  Do you think you can post that crap just because you have a kid that has done well?  You should be very embarrassed!

Also just to be clear... it's a fact that ZERO candy bars stink. What a stupid name for a candy bar.  And aren't they white?  Are you a racist?

BTW, my favorite is BABY RUTH!  Now that is a true candy bar!

Reggie bar man.  Reggie bar!!!!!

PGStaff posted:

 My life has been dominated by baseball.  Exciting at times and boring at times. I actually enjoy reading about different things.  We are all here because of baseball, but we all are interested and enjoy other things.

So HSHULER,  If there were a message board for scouts and college coaches there might be nearly as much discussion about restaurants, food, family and other sports, than there is baseball talk.

Anyway, based on your list... I would definitely be interested and read responses to the following topics.  Maybe many wouldn't be interested and that is OK because no one is forcing them to read anything.

Best Mother's Day gift ever (I would think most everyone would be interested)

Recipes for biscuits and gravy (picture included) and other fat generating foods  (Not big on Biscuits and Gravy, but other fat generating food would get me)

Hawaiian tradition (I love Hawaii)

My four year-old and her vivid imagination which includes her "friend" John, who lives in China (most here are parents or grand parents, I once posted a video of my two year old grand daughter hitting a golf ball. There were some people that looked at it)

Over the years this site has had so many topics unrelated to baseball. Some of the more serious posters complain when that happens.  However many others really enjoyed those threads, including myself.  I mean it still is 95% baseball.

I still remember vividly that conversation about fried balony sandwiches.

Truth is we had lots of great discussions and hilarious ones too.  

Bullwinkle and his annual dice baseball. There is nothing that could top that.

We followed everyones players, from the old timers to the newbies. Nothing better than reading about others players committing or getting drafted. And then those folks of these players helping others whose sons got through the journey.

I miss TR and I miss BBscout, I miss Fungo, who posts on FB. I even miss Bear! These were smart guys and they put up with no BS from anyone who came here complaining about some unfair thing that happened to their player. I miss others who have passed on too. Nice part about this site that I have a lot of friends who I met here. Lifer friends. They dont come here anymore for the obvious.

Lots of friendships made through the common thread of baseball.

We didnt bitch about HS or college coaches, because we understood that not all is perfect. And our kids did too. Players need to learn adversity. That goes for anything in life. That isnt always the norm these days. Not all of our kids made it to D1, or got drafted, that was ok it didnt matter.  Raising good kids is important, not ballplayers.

What mattered was trying to navigate through the recruiting journey.  Learning from one another.

Seems to me thats not what this site represents anymore.

Not sure why those involved dont go and start their own site. I know I am not the only one. 

JMO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqenGpjmSTs

Just another way to spell "regret."

I still remember vividly that conversation about fried balony sandwiches.

I'd like to read that conversion.  We ate tons of fried balony sandwiches.  Even tried frying it up ourselves on this little Mattel hot plate (used to melt little plastic pellets into these little insect looking molds - neat toy) while the girls baked up a few cakes on their Betty Crocker 100 watt lightbulb ovens.

Maybe there is simply some ebb and flow and some conversations get monopolized.  Maybe the internet, and this site, is more accessible and there are simply more folks that stop by and make some off the cuff remarks (really - why come here if not to seek advice or give advice).  I suspect the majority of folks, members and lurkers, are seeking advice and therefore the site remains valuable.  Please look past/ignore those that bother you and everyone please continue to provide information and valuable opinions.

2017LHPscrewball posted:

I still remember vividly that conversation about fried balony sandwiches.

I'd like to read that conversion.  We ate tons of fried balony sandwiches.  Even tried frying it up ourselves on this little Mattel hot plate (used to melt little plastic pellets into these little insect looking molds - neat toy) while the girls baked up a few cakes on their Betty Crocker 100 watt lightbulb ovens.

Maybe there is simply some ebb and flow and some conversations get monopolized.  Maybe the internet, and this site, is more accessible and there are simply more folks that stop by and make some off the cuff remarks (really - why come here if not to seek advice or give advice).  I suspect the majority of folks, members and lurkers, are seeking advice and therefore the site remains valuable.  Please look past/ignore those that bother you and everyone please continue to provide information and valuable opinions.

 

I tried to do a search. Something came up by Chef Mike but not the original discussion.

It was about best food on the road. Webster's used to come on and start all type of discussions.  It wasn't all about baseball. And the age and the year of our kids MADE NO difference.

Best discussion I remember was about our roots, our parents, in laws and grandparents. 

Through it all, the love for the game of baseball is what was the common theme.  I don't get those vibes here.

Edit: the best fried balcony sandwich I ever had was in a gas station found in Paducah, KY.

You can take Uber from WV to that Kentucky gas station to get you one a dem fried balony sammiches...

https://youtu.be/ahKhULmSWIo

I took some time the other day to go back and read some of my early posts/responses/PM's. Crazy how my thoughts and beliefs have changed, for the better through researching this site on a daily basis. I'm careful with people that I can tell are in that early stage of these processes. I think we all need to be nice and think we all need to have tougher skin. I love baseball in a crazy way, like many others here. I also hate many things I see being tolerated with parents and kids. When I get bothered by it, I come to this site to be surrounded by other baseball like minded people. I truly appreciate the effort put into everyone bring here and a dream vacation for me would be spending time with Coach May. Never met him and live states away from him, but feel like I know him from his posts. Like many, I'm better at knowing baseball from everyone's perspective here. Thank You. 

smokeminside posted:

Forget candy bars.

Thank you, Dennis Hopper.

Before I came here, I was so ignorant that I thought PBR Showcases were sponsored by Pabst.  Well, sort of...

I wish I'd thought of that!  Asking something like: "Do you folks think it's okay for a beer company to sponsor a high school showcase event?  Shouldn't there be rules against that kind of thing?"

I've gotten older.  All I can drink now are good Bourbons.  This one was aged on a research ship that went around the world sloshing back in forth in its oak fired cask soaking up the smokiness and salt air for four years.  Then they bottled it just for me.  Or at least it tastes like it.

If I was ever mean or snarky to anyone on the board, it was because I ran out of below.

Look at the pretty bottle!

Go44dad posted:

I've gotten older.  All I can drink now are good Bourbons.  This one was aged on a research ship that went around the world sloshing back in forth in its oak fired cask soaking up the smokiness and salt air for four years.  Then they bottled it just for me.  Or at least it tastes like it.

If I was ever mean or snarky to anyone on the board, it was because I ran out of below.

Look at the pretty bottle!

I recently bought a fifth of Johnnie Walker Blue. I haven't cracked it yet. I'm afraid I'll like it too much and want to keep buying it. 

RJM posted:

Go44dad posted:

I've gotten older.  All I can drink now are good Bourbons.  This one was aged on a research ship that went around the world sloshing back in forth in its oak fired cask soaking up the smokiness and salt air for four years.  Then they bottled it just for me.  Or at least it tastes like it.

If I was ever mean or snarky to anyone on the board, it was because I ran out of below.

Look at the pretty bottle!

I recently bought a fifth of Johnnie Walker Blue. I haven't cracked it yet. I'm afraid I'll like it too much and want to keep buying it. 

You should open it when no one else is around, then you can decide to share or keep to yourself.

TANNDONN thank you that is very nice of you to say something like that.

Everyone has their own personal experience of the HSBBW. For me it was invaluable going through the process with my younger son. The people that were going through the process, had kids in college playing and especially the ones that had gone through it all were just awesome. And of course PG is just a great baseball guy. Being a Coach located 30 mins from Duke Univ, 40 mins from Chapel Hill and about the same distance from NCSU I had built many relationships over the years. Louisburg College is right down the road from me and I had close ties to that program as well. I had been fortunate to work these colleges camps over the years and got to know the staffs very well. I also was coaching one of the elite Showcase programs in the nation and was scouting for Tampa. So I had a great deal of connections and had no problem assisting my players as well as others over the years. From JUCO D3 D2 and D1. But this situation was tough. You have a son who plays for you. When college coaches ask you about your players I am one of those guys who values my credibility. I never wanted to hurt a kid by losing that credibility. If I said a kid could play I wanted it to mean just that. So I felt very uncomfortable when it came to my own son. I felt it was best for others to give their assessment and not me.

There was one particular school that saw my son playing up at 15 on an 18u showcase team in Florida. I was friends with the coach of this program and they needed an extra catcher to take to tourney with them. One of their guys got hurt and another backed out late. "He can bull pen for us, get an inning here and there and DH some. I let him go. He did very well when he played and a Assistant Coach from Clemson was impressed and let the coach know he was interested. A poster on this site had a son who was playing at Clemson. I can't tell you how much there are no words but she was invaluable during the time. My son didn't end up at Clemson but I will just say thank you!

From Observer44, Itsinthegame, Fungo, TRHit, TigerPawMom "TPM", Cleveland Dad, OnePlayersPop, on an on it goes. You know who you are. These people were an invaluable resource before of course. But to be honest WAY more after my son entered college baseball. I won't go into all the details but I can tell you the value of this board many times has nothing to do with the actual playing of the game or how to get that opportunity. Cleveland Dad our conversations and your support will never be forgotten. You know. I know. We know. The support my son got from members of this board I became friends with was worth its weight in gold. His toughness, grit, determination, allowed him to achieve his goals. Your friendship, support, knowledge, well that's enough. Just to add my son was playing at Maryland and a poster and his son spend several minutes after a game talking to him. The kid got a signed ball and the Poster gave him "real love" it meant the world to him. When in Oklahoma at a regional the same thing happened. People who I had never met who reached out to my son. That has played out over and over, over the years.

The value of this board is the People. Their experience they are honestly willing to share. There desire to help others get there, stay there and those left behind. Heck getting there is a cakewalk compared to staying there. Starting is much easier than finishing. There are too many people on this site to thank. Why do I stick around? My son coaches in college. He is living his dream. He gets up everyday and gets to go to a baseball field and gets paid to do it. I should just move on. But something pulls me back. IF. IF I can help one parent. IF. IF I can help one player. If I can do one thing, say one thing, post one thing that helps ONE person it's all worth it. Someone took the time to say what I needed to hear. Well I owe a little pay back.

It's not about me. Heck that's a lonely life. An empty life. It's about others. Giving is a blessing. So if I come across sometimes as being harsh or insensitive. If I offend you in some manner. Understand my desire is to save you from the mistakes I made and others have made. My desire is not to hurt or offend you. My desire is that you learn from others mistakes and not your own. Look if you see no value in something don't value it. But just remember that thing that holds no value today could be worth everything tomorrow. So don't close your mind keep it open. Listen and store it away.

We all want the same thing. We just go about it differently at times. Some are here to learn. Some are here to help others learn. Some are here for both. But we are all here "I hope" to help those we love and care about. And if your just here for your son, for yourself that's fine that is your right. I also know in a few short years if that's why you were here you will be a distant memory. And that's ok too. So people buck up and keep up the good fight. Someone out there needs your experience. They need your honesty. They need your knowledge. And somewhere out there is a ball player that just needs a word of encouragement. We ALL have something of value to give. Give. It's the best thing you can ever do for yourself.

Thank you Kenny May for expressing the purpose and meaning of the HSBBW. I heart you.

Southern's season ends this weekend, looks like a regional is going to happen. Good luck to Belmont Abbey! 

PGStaff posted:

 My life has been dominated by baseball.  Exciting at times and boring at times. I actually enjoy reading about different things.  We are all here because of baseball, but we all are interested and enjoy other things.

So HSHULER,  If there were a message board for scouts and college coaches there might be nearly as much discussion about restaurants, food, family and other sports, than there is baseball talk.

Anyway, based on your list... I would definitely be interested and read responses to the following topics.  Maybe many wouldn't be interested and that is OK because no one is forcing them to read anything.

Best Mother's Day gift ever (I would think most everyone would be interested)

Recipes for biscuits and gravy (picture included) and other fat generating foods  (Not big on Biscuits and Gravy, but other fat generating food would get me)

Hawaiian tradition (I love Hawaii)

My four year-old and her vivid imagination which includes her "friend" John, who lives in China (most here are parents or grand parents, I once posted a video of my two year old grand daughter hitting a golf ball. There were some people that looked at it)

Over the years this site has had so many topics unrelated to baseball. Some of the more serious posters complain when that happens.  However many others really enjoyed those threads, including myself.  I mean it still is 95% baseball.

Personally, I haven't seen much of that so thanks for enlightening me but I've only been a member for a year or so.

I look forward to more baseball and non-baseball conversations going forward.