That's an awfully nice story Danny. Adam has a great attitude in general and obviously a great baseball attitude in particular.
quote:Originally posted by ClevelandDad:
That's an awfully nice story Danny. Adam has a great attitude in general and obviously a great baseball attitude in particular.
Thank you, Dan
It was a good weekend. 17's team came back to win the series after a one sided loss in game 1, a thrilling come from behind win in game 2 where they were down 10-1, and then a defensive 5-2 win in game 3. It was a good weekend to see 17 coming back at the plate a little with his bat. It was good to see his confidence grow with each inning at the plate and behind it.
But the best part of the weekend was a little interchange his mother and I happen to witness in the bullpen. A sophomore pitcher just came out of the game after going in for relief and giving up 5 runs (2 earned) in 2/3 of an inning in the midst of our 10-1 slide. We see the pitcher go into the empty bullpen and begins smacking his glove on the ground and bending over in obvious frustration. My wife commented it looked like he was getting sick as he collapsed to the ground in a sitting position.
Then we see 17 walk in to the pen and put his hand on the big guys shoulder, lean over and say a few words. Pitcher gets up and returns to the dugout. We wait until evening to talk to son and ask him if Pitcher is ok. He says yes. Like usual we have to dig a little and ask what the deal was. He said he told the guy come on, it’s alright, c-r-a-p happens, come back to the dugout. Pitcher comes back to the dugout and then we proceed to score 13 runs, holding opposing team to 1 more run to secure the victory.
Baseball Karma for 17 – he had no idea that he would be going in to pinch hit next inning and play a big part of the victory. Some of his stats were erroneously recorded during the day – (questionable passed ball in the dirt, 3rd baseman getting a putout 17 made, other player given credit for 17’s run scored in the come back inning…) All he said about those was, “We won and that is all that matters.”
Do work.
But the best part of the weekend was a little interchange his mother and I happen to witness in the bullpen. A sophomore pitcher just came out of the game after going in for relief and giving up 5 runs (2 earned) in 2/3 of an inning in the midst of our 10-1 slide. We see the pitcher go into the empty bullpen and begins smacking his glove on the ground and bending over in obvious frustration. My wife commented it looked like he was getting sick as he collapsed to the ground in a sitting position.
Then we see 17 walk in to the pen and put his hand on the big guys shoulder, lean over and say a few words. Pitcher gets up and returns to the dugout. We wait until evening to talk to son and ask him if Pitcher is ok. He says yes. Like usual we have to dig a little and ask what the deal was. He said he told the guy come on, it’s alright, c-r-a-p happens, come back to the dugout. Pitcher comes back to the dugout and then we proceed to score 13 runs, holding opposing team to 1 more run to secure the victory.
Baseball Karma for 17 – he had no idea that he would be going in to pinch hit next inning and play a big part of the victory. Some of his stats were erroneously recorded during the day – (questionable passed ball in the dirt, 3rd baseman getting a putout 17 made, other player given credit for 17’s run scored in the come back inning…) All he said about those was, “We won and that is all that matters.”
Do work.
It was an exciting game and it was GREAT to see 17 play a pivitol role! 
Sorry about that 3rd baseman getting credit for the put out...
Sorry about that 3rd baseman getting credit for the put out...
Awesome post Backstop-17. A very powerful post. Character is revealed so many times in moments like this. Your son showed it and I know how proud of him you are for displaying it. You have a son who gets it and is the definition of a great team mate and player. My hats off to your son. Just reading that tells me your son is going to be a success and it has nothing to do with stats. Congrats!
You are absolutely correct Coach May, Backstop's son is a man of integrity with a calm patient demeanor. A true "Team Player", a leader by example and a tremendous asset to our team.
I am sorry that I overlooked the focus of Backstop-17's post in my original response.
I am sorry that I overlooked the focus of Backstop-17's post in my original response.
Floridafan, apology not required - given that I posted in the College bragging thread, I got to get both my messages across. 
Coach May - coming from you that comment means a lot, all the baseball playing will fade away after its all over and I am certain it will be the relationships he remembers.
FF - tell E that 17 has plenty of POs to give away as a catcher!!
Coach May - coming from you that comment means a lot, all the baseball playing will fade away after its all over and I am certain it will be the relationships he remembers.
FF - tell E that 17 has plenty of POs to give away as a catcher!!
FF-- I thought it was good humor and I'm sure it was taken that way. I saw on schedule that you guys play Fl Southern at Hendley Field. Hopefully we're going to get over there, would love to see your guys play! Keep on posting-- it's fun to read.
Leftysideson is still on the mend for some elbow pain so didn't pitch. He's been down about his injury and not being able to contribute so even though his team was playing a very tough team, and there was a 90% chance of getting rained out, we made the four hour trek just to check up on him.
We ended up watching probably the most memorable baseball we've ever seen! UNC Asheville, ranked at mid to bottom of the Big South Conference played against Coastal Carolina who is expected to win the conference and is ranked in the top 30 in the nation. Friday's game was a disappointing 13-2 loss but not a total surprise against draftable pitching. But something happened overnight and UNCA came back ready to compete.
Although it was cold, and it rained all over NC, it didn't hit the UNCA diamond. In Saturday's game we got to see the bulldogs keep level heads and fight back with just good plain baseball all the way through the bottom of the 9th at a tie with two outs and bases loaded. A freshman was up to bat and got walked to bring in the winning run for a 3-2 win. UNCA ended Coastal's 36 game in-conference winning streak with that game! Very exciting for the bulldogs! But that was nothing compared to Sunday.
Again we expected to get rained out and when the diamond stayed dry some of the parents were almost hoping for rain and could be heard to say it would be a bit hairy with Coastal's certain revenge mode. They came out after the bulldogs hard and fast. But like true bulldogs, UNCA fought steadily. They'd get a run and somehow we'd get a run. You know one of those games where no side conversations were going on as the inning was just too good to miss? And it kept happening inning after inning. The fans were going crazy just elated and proud that we were competing against Coastal and now into extra innings. At this point, even if we lost we would have still been cheering and giving standing ovations as they played with such heart and skill. In the bottom of the 12th inning with bases loaded and two outs, the same freshman that drew a walk the day before for a win, was up to bat. He had two strikes on him and with probably the biggest win or loss in his career hanging over his head, he still commanded his space over the plate. He knew all he needed was a base hit to bring in the guy on 3rd for the win. It was a nice and easy swing for a single over the 2nd baseman's reach. I have never seen a crowd cheer like that! There were actual tears in parent's eyes. What guts these guys showed.
A huge series win and it was done with the whole team. These coaches, true to their word let their boys compete for playing time. Not to take away from the upperclassmen that did an outstanding job on the field and on the mound during the weekend, but unusually, there were several freshman out there as well including 9 innings of pitching. The upperclassmen kept the tempo of the games and were true leaders and the underclassmen followed and competed. Truly one of the most memorable games I have ever attended. I know Leftysideson was disappointed he didn't get to pitch in such a great game but he couldn't have been happier for his team nor as satisfied with his college choice.
We ended up watching probably the most memorable baseball we've ever seen! UNC Asheville, ranked at mid to bottom of the Big South Conference played against Coastal Carolina who is expected to win the conference and is ranked in the top 30 in the nation. Friday's game was a disappointing 13-2 loss but not a total surprise against draftable pitching. But something happened overnight and UNCA came back ready to compete.
Although it was cold, and it rained all over NC, it didn't hit the UNCA diamond. In Saturday's game we got to see the bulldogs keep level heads and fight back with just good plain baseball all the way through the bottom of the 9th at a tie with two outs and bases loaded. A freshman was up to bat and got walked to bring in the winning run for a 3-2 win. UNCA ended Coastal's 36 game in-conference winning streak with that game! Very exciting for the bulldogs! But that was nothing compared to Sunday.
Again we expected to get rained out and when the diamond stayed dry some of the parents were almost hoping for rain and could be heard to say it would be a bit hairy with Coastal's certain revenge mode. They came out after the bulldogs hard and fast. But like true bulldogs, UNCA fought steadily. They'd get a run and somehow we'd get a run. You know one of those games where no side conversations were going on as the inning was just too good to miss? And it kept happening inning after inning. The fans were going crazy just elated and proud that we were competing against Coastal and now into extra innings. At this point, even if we lost we would have still been cheering and giving standing ovations as they played with such heart and skill. In the bottom of the 12th inning with bases loaded and two outs, the same freshman that drew a walk the day before for a win, was up to bat. He had two strikes on him and with probably the biggest win or loss in his career hanging over his head, he still commanded his space over the plate. He knew all he needed was a base hit to bring in the guy on 3rd for the win. It was a nice and easy swing for a single over the 2nd baseman's reach. I have never seen a crowd cheer like that! There were actual tears in parent's eyes. What guts these guys showed.
A huge series win and it was done with the whole team. These coaches, true to their word let their boys compete for playing time. Not to take away from the upperclassmen that did an outstanding job on the field and on the mound during the weekend, but unusually, there were several freshman out there as well including 9 innings of pitching. The upperclassmen kept the tempo of the games and were true leaders and the underclassmen followed and competed. Truly one of the most memorable games I have ever attended. I know Leftysideson was disappointed he didn't get to pitch in such a great game but he couldn't have been happier for his team nor as satisfied with his college choice.
Today's game canceled (rain). Snow predicted for tomorrow. 
The winter that won't go away.
The winter that won't go away.
AntzDad - I feel your pain. Two weeks ago was the first time my son's team could practice outside. The snow in the northeast has been ridiculous this year.
My son played their first home game in the low 40s yesterday, after 15 games on the road including Spring Break. He pitched two innings, no hits, no runs, no walks, 1 strikeout. He is settling in it seems, and getting past that freshmen "deer in the headlights" feeling. Definite progress.
Watching a baseball game with video & stats over the Internet is extremely difficult when your son is playing. It is going to take significant adjustment on my part. But, it does have its advantages with an adult beverage made just the way I like it. ;-)
My son played their first home game in the low 40s yesterday, after 15 games on the road including Spring Break. He pitched two innings, no hits, no runs, no walks, 1 strikeout. He is settling in it seems, and getting past that freshmen "deer in the headlights" feeling. Definite progress.
Watching a baseball game with video & stats over the Internet is extremely difficult when your son is playing. It is going to take significant adjustment on my part. But, it does have its advantages with an adult beverage made just the way I like it. ;-)
Leftysidearm mom: You made me feel like i was at those games!! awesome! keep enjoying
Agree Trojan-Skipper, Great post by Leftysidearm mom!
(which is my least favorite type of pitcher when my son is up at the plate)
(which is my least favorite type of pitcher when my son is up at the plate)
quote:Originally posted by fenwaysouth:
AntzDad - I feel your pain. Two weeks ago was the first time my son's team could practice outside. The snow in the northeast has been ridiculous this year.
Snowed out today and tomorrow. Play Sunday.
It's definitely a brave new world for freshmen. My son is learning that the pitchers are pretty darn smart. If you hit a certain pitch well, you'll never see it again.
Wow! Where is that field?!
It was about 86 with not a cloud in the sky today here,
Sorry guys...
It was about 86 with not a cloud in the sky today here,
Sorry guys...
Ok, I know that this is weird, but miracles do happen....
My son Nick, the one with all of the knee surgeries, really-really-really wanted to go on his team's last road trip of the year --to Florida, he loves Florida---but the coach said no. Nick told him that he could pitch (although he hadn't pitched since 2006--he had Tommy John surgery in '07). By the way, the doctor from up here told him "no side to side" motion.
The coach had him throw a bullpen on Wednesday--the team left for the trip on Thursday.
After a few pitches, the coach asked him the last time he pitched? The last time he threw a curve ball? He went on the trip.
Not only did he go on the trip, but he came in the game in the 8th inning.....pitched the one inning-- his first game since May of 2009 and three surgeries later....He faced 4 batters: one fly out, one walk, one ground out and one strike out looking! You have no idea how proud I am.
I was at my daughters' softball double-header, the woodman was sort-of at home, listening to the game on the computer with the phone up to the speakers so I could hear it.....the fun part was his strike-out---the number 3 hitter whose on-base percentage is .603 and batting average .366..... and the announcer said, "What a curve ball for strike three! All the batter could do was walk back to the dug-out, shaking his head". They played a really good team. They lost both games, the first by a respectable score, the second, not so much...it was ugly.
Nick may never get another inning in another game. This may have been it. But he never expected to put on a uniform, never mind to play again. He had so much fun.
This was one of the best gifts he's ever received.
Thank you so much for letting me (I hope you don't think brag) share this amazing news. I am so happy for him and so proud that he found a way to play again before it truly is over.
My son Nick, the one with all of the knee surgeries, really-really-really wanted to go on his team's last road trip of the year --to Florida, he loves Florida---but the coach said no. Nick told him that he could pitch (although he hadn't pitched since 2006--he had Tommy John surgery in '07). By the way, the doctor from up here told him "no side to side" motion.
The coach had him throw a bullpen on Wednesday--the team left for the trip on Thursday.
After a few pitches, the coach asked him the last time he pitched? The last time he threw a curve ball? He went on the trip.
Not only did he go on the trip, but he came in the game in the 8th inning.....pitched the one inning-- his first game since May of 2009 and three surgeries later....He faced 4 batters: one fly out, one walk, one ground out and one strike out looking! You have no idea how proud I am.
I was at my daughters' softball double-header, the woodman was sort-of at home, listening to the game on the computer with the phone up to the speakers so I could hear it.....the fun part was his strike-out---the number 3 hitter whose on-base percentage is .603 and batting average .366..... and the announcer said, "What a curve ball for strike three! All the batter could do was walk back to the dug-out, shaking his head". They played a really good team. They lost both games, the first by a respectable score, the second, not so much...it was ugly.
Nick may never get another inning in another game. This may have been it. But he never expected to put on a uniform, never mind to play again. He had so much fun.
This was one of the best gifts he's ever received.
Thank you so much for letting me (I hope you don't think brag) share this amazing news. I am so happy for him and so proud that he found a way to play again before it truly is over.
play ball
good things happen to good people. very exciting for nick i'm sure. just goes to show us, keep your head up and move forward. never give up.
thanks for the story, made me smile.
good things happen to good people. very exciting for nick i'm sure. just goes to show us, keep your head up and move forward. never give up.
thanks for the story, made me smile.
.
Me too.
.
- "thanks for the story, made me smile."
Me too.
.
quote:You have no idea how proud I am.
I have a hunch because I had to wipe the tears from my eyes after reading this wonderful story.
Stories like this increase my faith
Hey Play Baseball! Wonderful news and great weather to pitch in. I hope he gets many more opportunities.
And yes...miracles do happen!
And yes...miracles do happen!