I have to post. Son was medical redshirt last year his freshman year at a mid-level Div 1 college. He had Tj surgery October 7, 2011. He has recently pitched two innings on two different outings and getting better. First outing in two innings he gave up 3 bb, 1 hit batter, 1k, 2 hits and no runs. Second outing in two innings he gave up 2bb, no hits,no runs and 3k's. He red shirted his freshman year and it was pretty traumatic. He has a ways to go to get back his speed and control but already flashing good fast ball. I'm very proud of him. He has managed to keep his drive and maintain good grades. I know it will get harder but he is a grinder. He has proven that by keeping up his rehab, workouts and grades while being a medical redshirt. It can be very lonely being separated from your team. Being five hours from home is even harder. After all he has gone through I know he will succeed at whatever he sets his mind on. Baseball has made him tough mentally and physically. Also, I commend his coaches and trainers for supporting him through all of this. He had several choices when deciding where to go to college. The program he chose is top notch.
2011gradmom,
As you probably saw in some of the posts above, it takes awhile to recover command and control after TJ surgery, so don't be surprised if these are an issue at first. But that's great news that his velocity is doing fine. Looks like he is back on path after this setback. It's really great that he found a college and coaching staff that are supportive. Good luck and keep us up to date on his progress.
As you probably saw in some of the posts above, it takes awhile to recover command and control after TJ surgery, so don't be surprised if these are an issue at first. But that's great news that his velocity is doing fine. Looks like he is back on path after this setback. It's really great that he found a college and coaching staff that are supportive. Good luck and keep us up to date on his progress.
Thanks threebagger. I realize he has a ways to go and he knows it too. I'm just so happy for him that he is going to be able to participate this year and hopefully show coaches and teammates why he was recruited. It has been a lonely road but he has handled it very well. I will keep everyone updated. Looking forward to Spring!
Just as quickly as it began, the Fall baseball practices concluded for my son's DII team last weekend. They played a double header against a DI and walloped the DI 16-3 and 19-5 showing once again that there is a lot of overlap in the different divisions. Son concluded a great Fall with four hits, a walk, and an HR in his last AB. What surprised me about the Fall workouts is how many ML scouts were coming to their Fall Series games and the double header. They even had the players running 60's for the scouts the day of the double header. Guess it pays to be ready to be seen at anytime of year.
Congrats to your son 3. Sounds like he had a great fall. My son also goes to a DII and they had a "scout day" on Monday. They scrimmaged themselves, each pitcher threw 1 inning. I was surprised and my wife was surprised that they would be doing this in the fall as well. Son said there were 10-15 scouts there for this. I'm sure it was mostly for the older guys, but I suppose freshmen can get on the radar early. Good thing Bballson did well. Got a 6-3, infield single, foul ball popup to foul territory in shallow right and a blooper to left that the LF made a nice diving catch on to end the inning. That was his inning as a pitcher.
Good luck to you son in the spring. I know I'm really looking forward to it.
Good luck to you son in the spring. I know I'm really looking forward to it.
bballman,
You are certainly right that they can get on the radar as a freshman. I'm sure the scouts were taking notes and will keep an eye on anyone that they were interested in. They know that the freshmen will get bigger and stronger and will want to keep monitoring their progress. In my sons case it seems like the letters and emails asking for info have really started now after he has a track record after last years play. Good luck to your son and I hope he has a great season. Hopefully they may run into each other in the post season,
You are certainly right that they can get on the radar as a freshman. I'm sure the scouts were taking notes and will keep an eye on anyone that they were interested in. They know that the freshmen will get bigger and stronger and will want to keep monitoring their progress. In my sons case it seems like the letters and emails asking for info have really started now after he has a track record after last years play. Good luck to your son and I hope he has a great season. Hopefully they may run into each other in the post season,
quote:Originally posted by Three Bagger:
bballman,
Good luck to your son and I hope he has a great season. Hopefully they may run into each other in the post season,
Thanks 3 and I hope so too!! That would mean they are both in the DII World Series. That would be awesome!!
Son has had a great fall and being he is a 5th yr Senior it's most likely his last. So he's enjoying the team a bit more this fall, working hard, trying to lead the younger players by example and actions rather than just words. It's wonderful to be on this side of college and see the maturity exhibited by your own son(s) the past year or two. I think good coaches help bring this kind of leadership out of their players in due time.
But this post isn't really about my son. It's about one of his Senior teammates who also happens to be a pitcher. Probably one of the shorter (in stature) players on the team but is deadly consistent throwing strikes. He also happen to lead the team in wins last spring.
Last fall my son had the honor of being chosen by the coach along with a couple more pitchers and some position players to attend the annual Fall Conference All-Star showcase from one of the toughest, if not the toughest, NAIA conferences in the country in front of a 3+ dozen MLB scouts. Each pitcher gets approx 2 innings then they're done. Lot of sitting and waiting. (Most of you are nodding your head! lol). Last spring this conference had (4) pitchers among several drafted in the Top 10 rounds. Son did, eh, ok but they're only gonna keep the gun up if you're hitting that number that starts with a 9. It is what it is.
I asked my son last week had he heard anything about this year's showcase, i.e. had he been chosen again or did he know who had, dates, times, etc. etc. Early yesterday morning he texts me and says he wasn't going and that the HC had chosen 2 other pitchers plus the stated amount of position players. The Pitcher I mentioned above and another pitcher who I think has great potential to maybe play at the next level. Son says this year that each school in the conference can ONLY carry (2) pitchers this year and not anymore because it was getting out of hand by some schools to select and sometimes bring anywhere between 4-6 pitchers and as many position players.
2 hours later son texts me again and says he is NOW going to the showcase and it is this Saturday beginning at 8:30am. Im obviously excited but curious how things changed suddenly that he is now attending. He finally calls me and tells me what happened.
He is sitting in the HC's office discussing other matters when all of a sudden this short Pitcher above comes in and tells the Coach that weekends are really his only time to rest plus he also studies as much as he can along with prepares for worship service on Sunday's. Apparently this young man is a interim Pastor at a local church or an Associate Pastor. Son never knew this about him but was very glad to learn it. Anyways, this young man proceeds to tell the Coach that he really doesn't have the desire to play at the next level because he believes the ministry is his calling. Though honored to be chosen to attend the Showcase he felt that it would be best that my son go in his stead because he knew that my son has aspirations to still play Pro ball one day. And he didn't want to look back in 5yrs and regret not giving my son the chance to go and possibly rob him of the opportunity.
So as much as I'd like to sit here and utter the words that my son was selected to go attend this Showcase again this Saturday IMO this pales in comparison to the selfless and incredible act of love, kindness, and maturity his teammate possessed and was humble enough to pass this on to my son. My jaw hit the floor by this unbelievable act by this young man.
I was already a fan of this young man last spring by his pitching and tenacity to win. His parents were just awesome to be around during games. But now I can honestly say that I just became the President of this young man's fan club.
I'm still speechless.
YGD
But this post isn't really about my son. It's about one of his Senior teammates who also happens to be a pitcher. Probably one of the shorter (in stature) players on the team but is deadly consistent throwing strikes. He also happen to lead the team in wins last spring.
Last fall my son had the honor of being chosen by the coach along with a couple more pitchers and some position players to attend the annual Fall Conference All-Star showcase from one of the toughest, if not the toughest, NAIA conferences in the country in front of a 3+ dozen MLB scouts. Each pitcher gets approx 2 innings then they're done. Lot of sitting and waiting. (Most of you are nodding your head! lol). Last spring this conference had (4) pitchers among several drafted in the Top 10 rounds. Son did, eh, ok but they're only gonna keep the gun up if you're hitting that number that starts with a 9. It is what it is.
I asked my son last week had he heard anything about this year's showcase, i.e. had he been chosen again or did he know who had, dates, times, etc. etc. Early yesterday morning he texts me and says he wasn't going and that the HC had chosen 2 other pitchers plus the stated amount of position players. The Pitcher I mentioned above and another pitcher who I think has great potential to maybe play at the next level. Son says this year that each school in the conference can ONLY carry (2) pitchers this year and not anymore because it was getting out of hand by some schools to select and sometimes bring anywhere between 4-6 pitchers and as many position players.
2 hours later son texts me again and says he is NOW going to the showcase and it is this Saturday beginning at 8:30am. Im obviously excited but curious how things changed suddenly that he is now attending. He finally calls me and tells me what happened.
He is sitting in the HC's office discussing other matters when all of a sudden this short Pitcher above comes in and tells the Coach that weekends are really his only time to rest plus he also studies as much as he can along with prepares for worship service on Sunday's. Apparently this young man is a interim Pastor at a local church or an Associate Pastor. Son never knew this about him but was very glad to learn it. Anyways, this young man proceeds to tell the Coach that he really doesn't have the desire to play at the next level because he believes the ministry is his calling. Though honored to be chosen to attend the Showcase he felt that it would be best that my son go in his stead because he knew that my son has aspirations to still play Pro ball one day. And he didn't want to look back in 5yrs and regret not giving my son the chance to go and possibly rob him of the opportunity.
So as much as I'd like to sit here and utter the words that my son was selected to go attend this Showcase again this Saturday IMO this pales in comparison to the selfless and incredible act of love, kindness, and maturity his teammate possessed and was humble enough to pass this on to my son. My jaw hit the floor by this unbelievable act by this young man.
I was already a fan of this young man last spring by his pitching and tenacity to win. His parents were just awesome to be around during games. But now I can honestly say that I just became the President of this young man's fan club.
I'm still speechless.
YGD
Wow. Awesome story YoungGunDad. That young man did quite a nice deed. Best of luck to your son. I hope does well and takes advantage of the opportunity his teammate gave him.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. Good luck to your son.
YGD,
That is an incredible story and it's truly rare to see such a selfless, mature young man give up this type of opportunity for this type of reason. Good luck to your son and perhaps this will be the break of a lifetime!
That is an incredible story and it's truly rare to see such a selfless, mature young man give up this type of opportunity for this type of reason. Good luck to your son and perhaps this will be the break of a lifetime!
Not a dry eye in the house after reading that story YGD...
Thats great stuff!!!!
Awesome story! Praise God for an awesome young man and a great opportunity for your son!
Congratulations!
Congratulations!
YGD,
Wow! I am so glad to both hear about this amazing young man and his strong conviction and the opportunity for your son. That is the kind of teammate a parent wants for their son...a strong Christian leader. I am a fan already! Good luck to your son. I'm sure he will do well.
Wow! I am so glad to both hear about this amazing young man and his strong conviction and the opportunity for your son. That is the kind of teammate a parent wants for their son...a strong Christian leader. I am a fan already! Good luck to your son. I'm sure he will do well.
Great Story, YGD...thank you for sharing it with us!
YGD,
This story just made my night! Nice to know there is still good in the world. Wishing the best to your son for the opportunity and to his teammate for his bright future!
RR23
This story just made my night! Nice to know there is still good in the world. Wishing the best to your son for the opportunity and to his teammate for his bright future!
RR23
Great story
Wow! An absolute classic story that is even better because it is true!
Thanks for sharing. Another reason why I visit this site almost daily!
I would tell your son to "Earn This"
for any movie buffs out there.
for any movie buffs out there.
YGD: Sometimes fate intervenes. What a great, selfless story by your son's teammate.
Best of luck to your son!
Best of luck to your son!
Great story YGD. Good luck to your son and to his team in the spring.
This has been a good thread and it looks like it has run its course. Please feel free to update it but I am going to de-feature it at the top of the forum.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Have not been very active here in a while, and just saw this thread. I'm pleased and proud to be able to report that SP_son is in his 1st fall of college baseball and is working hard to earn his place. He's getting to taste a little bit of everything this Fall. U of Mary Washington had a surprise coaching resignation just days before school opened. This led to obvious confusion for the guys and delayed the start of fall ball.
Son went into fall still rehabbing a patella tendinitis problem that had put him on the shelf this summer. The trainers have been great, and they have helped him be able to put forward the best foot possible. The experience has given him the opportunity to add to his mental toughness.
A new staff is in place, and he is very impressed. They have been working hard and making lots of progress. He made the Fall roster and is working hard every day to earn his place. In the intrasquads, he comes into this final weekend having posted: 3 AP, 4 IP, 12 BF, 0 R, 1 H, 3 K, 0 BB, only 2 batters have reached base, and none have reached 2nd. So far, he feels like the Coaches like what he's doing, but he takes nothing for granted. He knows that he needs to give his best every day in the classroom, in the gym, in the dugout, and on the field, to earn his place.
Very proud of what he has accomplished to date, and how hard he is working to chase his dreams both on and off the field.
Son went into fall still rehabbing a patella tendinitis problem that had put him on the shelf this summer. The trainers have been great, and they have helped him be able to put forward the best foot possible. The experience has given him the opportunity to add to his mental toughness.
A new staff is in place, and he is very impressed. They have been working hard and making lots of progress. He made the Fall roster and is working hard every day to earn his place. In the intrasquads, he comes into this final weekend having posted: 3 AP, 4 IP, 12 BF, 0 R, 1 H, 3 K, 0 BB, only 2 batters have reached base, and none have reached 2nd. So far, he feels like the Coaches like what he's doing, but he takes nothing for granted. He knows that he needs to give his best every day in the classroom, in the gym, in the dugout, and on the field, to earn his place.
Very proud of what he has accomplished to date, and how hard he is working to chase his dreams both on and off the field.
Well, final update of the fall for me. Things have drastically improved since that 1st outing I talked about in the beginning of the fall. Last 2 outings which included 2 1/3 innings against a local JUCO and a 5 inning outing against his own teammates, here is what he did. 7 1/3 innings, 10Ks, 2 BBs, 1 HBP, 4 singles, 0 runs. I'm pleased and I think Bballson is to. Hoping that the coaches are and will give him a shot at some innings in the spring. Not sure how much freshman pitchers get a shot when it comes to real games, but I'm hoping he has earned a chance to prove himself when it counts.
I've heard the coaches have one on one meetings towards the end of the semester to let the kids know where they stand and give them an idea of how they may be used in the spring. Then 1st games are February 1st and 2nd.
I've heard the coaches have one on one meetings towards the end of the semester to let the kids know where they stand and give them an idea of how they may be used in the spring. Then 1st games are February 1st and 2nd.
Congratulations to all of our young men who have earned the opportunity to continue chasing their baseball dreams at the collegiate level this fall. My best wishes to each of these dedicated young men as they train this winter and prepare to compete to represent their schools, their teammates, their coaches, their families, and themselves, this coming spring. Play hard, have fun, and savor the journey men.
Fall season is winding down for 17. One more week of practice (UTampa starts later than most fall practices.) 17 has really turned on the hitting this year - he has been going to see a special advisor (thanks to Florida Fan.) He has hit the ball with conviction, after a great summer.
They had Scout day yesterday. Quite a turnout of scouts. Got some more letters to add to his collection, hoping they pay off this time and he gets his chance!
17 ran a 7.0 60, flying for a 210 pound catcher, yee-ha! Smacked the ball to the wall several times in BP (60 degree weather, they would have all been out of the park in our normal 90 degree weather, right?) Hit a double to left field fence on a line, grounded out to second, and major league pop up to short. His double was one of 5 hits on the day, the pitchers were lighting up the guns. Funny that 17 said the pitchers were talking to him about being successful and how they hated making the hitters look bad, but what ya gonna do?
Back to the rice bucket tonight and his 33 swings with purpose he has been taking each night. Last fall college season, soaking up every stinking minute of it as I can.
They had Scout day yesterday. Quite a turnout of scouts. Got some more letters to add to his collection, hoping they pay off this time and he gets his chance!
17 ran a 7.0 60, flying for a 210 pound catcher, yee-ha! Smacked the ball to the wall several times in BP (60 degree weather, they would have all been out of the park in our normal 90 degree weather, right?) Hit a double to left field fence on a line, grounded out to second, and major league pop up to short. His double was one of 5 hits on the day, the pitchers were lighting up the guns. Funny that 17 said the pitchers were talking to him about being successful and how they hated making the hitters look bad, but what ya gonna do?
Back to the rice bucket tonight and his 33 swings with purpose he has been taking each night. Last fall college season, soaking up every stinking minute of it as I can.
After a couple of weeks of horrible weather here in the Northeast, my son's college team is concluding their "World Series" with the deciding game today at 2PM. (yesterday there was 5"of snow on the field). I am going to try to get over between work. Today is going to be about 50 degrees.
The long winter is about to begin.
The long winter is about to begin.
Sure enjoyed reading this thread this fall. Taking notes for my son's first fall of college ball in 2013! Congrats to those successfully making the transition, good luck to those completing their baseball careers or moving on up. Thanks to all for sharing the journey for those of us following behind.
Most of you obviously have this whole fall tryout thing way behind you by now, but my son had his coach's meeting today to find out if he made his team.
He did and despite some trials and tribulations has the opportunity to compete for a starting pitcher spot this winter.
I don't know what that means, but given the first game of the season is February 15th and they're basically done with baseball until January, it can't be a very long winter season.
He did and despite some trials and tribulations has the opportunity to compete for a starting pitcher spot this winter.
I don't know what that means, but given the first game of the season is February 15th and they're basically done with baseball until January, it can't be a very long winter season.
Congratulations, he got that first giant step out of the way! It's great to get the opportunity to compete for a starting spot also! Our own first game is Feb. 8th and I can hardly wait.
I've been meaning to post here for quite some time, but life's general busyness kind of took over and hasn't afforded me much freedom these days.
Life has changed a lot for me in the recent past. No longer am I spending my time as a wide-eyed underclassman soaking up information on the bench. Instead, I find myself the elder statesman in the team huddles, fit with the graying hairs jokes (disclaimer: I haven't actually found any gray hairs...yet) and a battle wound wrapping around the inside of my elbow. No longer do I find myself with my hoodie on and avoiding the professor's glare as I sink into my desk in the back of a classroom filled with other teenagers. Now I'm surrounded by 20-something working professionals fit with a suit and a tie, an iPad and a whole lot of ambition.
Life as a 5th year grad student at a new school sure has presented some differences. I went from a rural Division III state school to an urban Division I private school. But, with those differences comes new experiences...all of which can be expounded upon in a positive manner.
Fall practice consisted of pretty similar routines that have been laid out already on this thread and on others...morning lift, afternoon practices. Individuals, team conditioning, etc. The athletic workload in DI is more than that of the DIII variety, but the work itself isn't a whole lot different.
Our fall season lasts six weeks, which mainly consists of practices throughout the week and intrasquad scrimmages every weekend. I've had the pleasure of watching some very talented players that I now proudly call teammates- some of whom that are legitimate professional prospects- work hard in crafting their game. I've had the pleasure of watching some masterful performances from those hard working teammates, including one memorable perfect game performance out of the LHP son of one of our very own HSBBWeb members, dad43. Of course, the shoutout was a necessity...especially because his son is currently assuming a comfortable position on the lounge chair in my living room and screaming at the video games he's playing with my roommates as I write this.
My fall experience here has been filled with the standard ups and downs that come with the game of baseball, being in a new place and recovering from an injury. I was pleased with my overall pitching performance this fall, and was especially happy with the consistency with which my elbow has rebounded from TJ surgery in competing against some of the players here.
I didn't really have too much time to do the aforementioned introspective reminiscing this fall because, after all, balancing a grad school schedule and a full practice schedule is more difficult than I previously expected. But, there was one moment that provided me with the opportunity to do so.
At the end of our fall season, we drove out to Charlottesville, Virginia to play a doubleheader against the University of Virginia. It was a scrimmage, scheduled to begin at 1 PM. I suited up, hopped on the bus and put my headphones on just like I have so many times in the past.
I sat around for a while in the visitor's dugout at Davenport Field, taking in the magnificence of the park and closely following the game in front of me. UVa marched out impressive prospect after prospect, which I expected from such an esteemed program.
I was hindered somewhat by a nagging hamstring that hadn't been cooperating with me as much as I had wished at the time, and wasn't sure if I'd be able to get into the scrimmage at all. I hadn't done too much throwing throughout the entire week- let alone pitching. I knew that if my name was called it was going to be a short outing...possibly just to face one batter.
Sure enough in the 7th inning of game two, my name was called. I entered the game from the bullpen to find myself matched up against a big lefty from UVa. I didn't listen for his name when it was announced, nor did I really care what it was. I honed into the catcher's target and proceeded with the at-bat. Four pitches later (three fastballs and a changeup), the batter had been retired via strikeout. I was lifted from the game as I semi-limped back to the dugout with my leg gradually stiffening on me with every step.
I slowed down my pace and glanced around the stadium for a moment. The crowd in attendance for an end of the fall scrimmage was much larger than any crowd I had ever thrown in front of at my previous Division III school. Fans were decked out in orange and blue gear...most of which read "Cavaliers" or "'Hoos" on it. I realized, at that very moment, how grateful I was to be able to do what I was doing.
I quickly ran through whatever mental archive I had at that very moment. The scrimmage was in the third week in October- exactly 15 months removed from my TJ surgery. A year previous, I had trouble straightening my arm after a physical therapy session. I couldn't lift my arm into throwing position, could barely grab anything that weighed more than about ten pounds. The thought of throwing a baseball- let alone PITCHING- was so far into the abyss of the future that it seemed impossible to reach.
That very moment that evening in Charlottesville, Virginia it hit me. I was pitching in one of the most beautiful baseball stadiums in the country against one of the nation's best teams. I worked for over a year to recuperate my arm back into respectable shape to compete once again at the level I knew I was capable of. I had done what I wanted to do. I smiled and made my way through the tunnel and into the visitor's locker room underneath the stands at the stadium, where I gathered myself for a moment. I didn't want 15 months of emotions to be so evident to my teammates.
The work is certainly not done yet, as the start of our spring season is less than 3 months away. But in terms of strictly analyzing personal accomplishment...not many experiences on the baseball field have topped the happiness I felt in that moment in Charlottesville last month. Regardless of the outcome, its been a long ride, and its been worth it.
Life has changed a lot for me in the recent past. No longer am I spending my time as a wide-eyed underclassman soaking up information on the bench. Instead, I find myself the elder statesman in the team huddles, fit with the graying hairs jokes (disclaimer: I haven't actually found any gray hairs...yet) and a battle wound wrapping around the inside of my elbow. No longer do I find myself with my hoodie on and avoiding the professor's glare as I sink into my desk in the back of a classroom filled with other teenagers. Now I'm surrounded by 20-something working professionals fit with a suit and a tie, an iPad and a whole lot of ambition.
Life as a 5th year grad student at a new school sure has presented some differences. I went from a rural Division III state school to an urban Division I private school. But, with those differences comes new experiences...all of which can be expounded upon in a positive manner.
Fall practice consisted of pretty similar routines that have been laid out already on this thread and on others...morning lift, afternoon practices. Individuals, team conditioning, etc. The athletic workload in DI is more than that of the DIII variety, but the work itself isn't a whole lot different.
Our fall season lasts six weeks, which mainly consists of practices throughout the week and intrasquad scrimmages every weekend. I've had the pleasure of watching some very talented players that I now proudly call teammates- some of whom that are legitimate professional prospects- work hard in crafting their game. I've had the pleasure of watching some masterful performances from those hard working teammates, including one memorable perfect game performance out of the LHP son of one of our very own HSBBWeb members, dad43. Of course, the shoutout was a necessity...especially because his son is currently assuming a comfortable position on the lounge chair in my living room and screaming at the video games he's playing with my roommates as I write this.
My fall experience here has been filled with the standard ups and downs that come with the game of baseball, being in a new place and recovering from an injury. I was pleased with my overall pitching performance this fall, and was especially happy with the consistency with which my elbow has rebounded from TJ surgery in competing against some of the players here.
I didn't really have too much time to do the aforementioned introspective reminiscing this fall because, after all, balancing a grad school schedule and a full practice schedule is more difficult than I previously expected. But, there was one moment that provided me with the opportunity to do so.
At the end of our fall season, we drove out to Charlottesville, Virginia to play a doubleheader against the University of Virginia. It was a scrimmage, scheduled to begin at 1 PM. I suited up, hopped on the bus and put my headphones on just like I have so many times in the past.
I sat around for a while in the visitor's dugout at Davenport Field, taking in the magnificence of the park and closely following the game in front of me. UVa marched out impressive prospect after prospect, which I expected from such an esteemed program.
I was hindered somewhat by a nagging hamstring that hadn't been cooperating with me as much as I had wished at the time, and wasn't sure if I'd be able to get into the scrimmage at all. I hadn't done too much throwing throughout the entire week- let alone pitching. I knew that if my name was called it was going to be a short outing...possibly just to face one batter.
Sure enough in the 7th inning of game two, my name was called. I entered the game from the bullpen to find myself matched up against a big lefty from UVa. I didn't listen for his name when it was announced, nor did I really care what it was. I honed into the catcher's target and proceeded with the at-bat. Four pitches later (three fastballs and a changeup), the batter had been retired via strikeout. I was lifted from the game as I semi-limped back to the dugout with my leg gradually stiffening on me with every step.
I slowed down my pace and glanced around the stadium for a moment. The crowd in attendance for an end of the fall scrimmage was much larger than any crowd I had ever thrown in front of at my previous Division III school. Fans were decked out in orange and blue gear...most of which read "Cavaliers" or "'Hoos" on it. I realized, at that very moment, how grateful I was to be able to do what I was doing.
I quickly ran through whatever mental archive I had at that very moment. The scrimmage was in the third week in October- exactly 15 months removed from my TJ surgery. A year previous, I had trouble straightening my arm after a physical therapy session. I couldn't lift my arm into throwing position, could barely grab anything that weighed more than about ten pounds. The thought of throwing a baseball- let alone PITCHING- was so far into the abyss of the future that it seemed impossible to reach.
That very moment that evening in Charlottesville, Virginia it hit me. I was pitching in one of the most beautiful baseball stadiums in the country against one of the nation's best teams. I worked for over a year to recuperate my arm back into respectable shape to compete once again at the level I knew I was capable of. I had done what I wanted to do. I smiled and made my way through the tunnel and into the visitor's locker room underneath the stands at the stadium, where I gathered myself for a moment. I didn't want 15 months of emotions to be so evident to my teammates.
The work is certainly not done yet, as the start of our spring season is less than 3 months away. But in terms of strictly analyzing personal accomplishment...not many experiences on the baseball field have topped the happiness I felt in that moment in Charlottesville last month. Regardless of the outcome, its been a long ride, and its been worth it.
Beautiful post JH.Such a great writer.I am very happy for you to be back on the field.Injuries are tough and when you come back I think most appreciate the game a little more than before.
I'm happy for you, JH. Perserverence defines character.
Nice post Josh, a very enjoyable read. Best of luck to you going into the spring young man. I will be following your progress throughout the season, stay healthy & enjoy yourself!
Congrats to the rest of you that have young men that completed their Fall Season, especially those that just went through their first, MMoff...good news...and birdman14, it's been in the upper 70's to mid 80's at my house the last couple weeks, supposedly we're going to be down to 70 tomorrow?
In all seriousness, I'm looking forward to following many of the young HSBaseball-son's/players this upcoming season.
Congrats to the rest of you that have young men that completed their Fall Season, especially those that just went through their first, MMoff...good news...and birdman14, it's been in the upper 70's to mid 80's at my house the last couple weeks, supposedly we're going to be down to 70 tomorrow?
In all seriousness, I'm looking forward to following many of the young HSBaseball-son's/players this upcoming season.
Great story, Josh! That's such a great feeling to be back out there...I can feel the vibe and to have some success after the hard road back. Glad for you, keep working hard and hope the old hamstring gets better soon. Keep enjoying every minute!
quote:Originally posted by J H:
I've been meaning to post here for quite some time, but life's general busyness kind of took over and hasn't afforded me much freedom these days.
Life has changed a lot for me in the recent past. No longer am I spending my time as a wide-eyed underclassman soaking up information on the bench. Instead, I find myself the elder statesman in the team huddles, fit with the graying hairs jokes (disclaimer: I haven't actually found any gray hairs...yet) and a battle wound wrapping around the inside of my elbow. No longer do I find myself with my hoodie on and avoiding the professor's glare as I sink into my desk in the back of a classroom filled with other teenagers. Now I'm surrounded by 20-something working professionals fit with a suit and a tie, an iPad and a whole lot of ambition...
J H with all due respect your future might not be in baseball, although I hope it is. If not, you are a great poet and writer. Your perspective is also that of a coach many years beyond your years.
My humble suggestion as a young engineer who was an up and comer in my day, enjoy the up and coming as it is the best time of your life. Sit back, decide which angle of life you wish to attack, bounce that off your attributes and decide where you can best suceed.
There are too many of your generation asking "what can my country do for me?" and not enough asking "what can I do for my country?"
Your position in the later gives us old folks hope.
quote:J H with all due respect your future might not be in baseball, although I hope it is. If not, you are a great poet and writer. Your perspective is also that of a coach many years beyond your years.
My humble suggestion as a young engineer who was an up and comer in my day, enjoy the up and coming as it is the best time of your life. Sit back, decide which angle of life you wish to attack, bounce that off your attributes and decide where you can best suceed.
There are too many of your generation asking "what can my country do for me?" and not enough asking "what can I do for my country?"
Your position in the later gives us old folks hope.
Thanks for the compliment, JMoff, and a big congrats to your son for making it through the process thus far. Please keep us updated as to his continued progression into the future.
As for my employment after school, there are a few options brewing. It looks promising at the moment, hopefully it turns out to be that way.
Nice post as always, Josh. You do have the writer's gift.
Enjoy the upcoming weeks --- Georgetown during the holidays is so beautiful.(And the parties aren't too bad from what I hear!)
Good luck with career plans .... all of us expect great things from you!
Enjoy the upcoming weeks --- Georgetown during the holidays is so beautiful.(And the parties aren't too bad from what I hear!)
Good luck with career plans .... all of us expect great things from you!