My Dad is a man among men. You wouldn’t know it now by looking at him. He had a stroke a few years back and is now on kidney dialysis. At 74 he’s a shell of the man he used to be. He wasn’t much of a sports guy. He called baseball “the national wastetime” and used to ask, “Babe who?”
He was a leader of men in world where the most hardened of men toiled. He gained respect and admiration among his peers because of the way he used his power. It’s something he taught me through his words and by his example.
So when an issue that’s been a distraction continued unabated, I used it as opportunity to pass on to him what my father passed on to me.
“When men use their power to acquire more power they do it at the expense of the institutions and the people they serve. It’s a selfish endeavor that benefits only the person in power and it eventually degrades the institution. With that, the person loses the support of the people who gave him the power in the first place.”
“There are two ways to get respect: You can earn it, or you can buy it. When you earn it, you get the respect of good and decent people who you admire. When you buy it, you get the respect of sycophants and fools who will suck up to you as long as you keep paying.”
I’m writing this down because I forgot a lot of the things my father told me. I don’t want my son to forget. These things are important.
I have received some puzzling responses to the previous post. The "distraction that contiunes unabated" has nothing to do with the STA team. What's curious is why anyone would think it does. The situation involves a personal matter that I do not wish to elaborate on publicly. I'll do my best to keep the personal stuff out so there should be no such confusion in the future.
Anyway, Arch Bishop McCarthy dueled with # 1 ranked Nova, losing 1-0 in the bottom of the eighth. Robert Lara (LSU), the catcher that everyone hopes will "just stay behind the plate" picked up his first win of the season.
Arch Bishop McCarthy continues to impress, despite losing to Pace, STA, and Nova in the course of a week. They are right on the fringe and will give some teams a tough go of it in the playoffs.
Anyway, Arch Bishop McCarthy dueled with # 1 ranked Nova, losing 1-0 in the bottom of the eighth. Robert Lara (LSU), the catcher that everyone hopes will "just stay behind the plate" picked up his first win of the season.
Arch Bishop McCarthy continues to impress, despite losing to Pace, STA, and Nova in the course of a week. They are right on the fringe and will give some teams a tough go of it in the playoffs.
Yesterday's double header against Dillard started at 3:45, always a tough task for working parents who scurry through their day with the sole purpose of making it to the field by game time. My main objective was finding a meal that had some nutritional benefit. Wendy Hamburgers, although tasty, will kill you if consumed on a regular basis. At 45, I am now starting to think about how to get a few extra years out of this rapidly deteriorating body. So, with a rare display of willpower, I passed the Wendy's that is located just a block from STA, promising myself that I would find a good meal before the vultures started circling overhead. But what options are there? A concession stand hot dog or burger? A premature death for sure. While sitting watching STA crush Dillard, I heard a whisper that contained the words, "chicken and rice." It was the case that the team meal, which had been ordered but not consumed due to scheduling conflicts, was now on sale at the concession stand. So, for $5 I received four hearty pieces of chicken, and a hefty portion of black beans and rice. Oh yes, drink included. There are angels at STA.
I slowed down as I passed a baseball field where kids no taller than four feet wore baggy jerseys, pants, and and hats with bills that appeared to large for such tiny heads. In their positions the tiny baseball players were motionles and upright, their arms hanging limp at their sides. I wanted to stop the truck, get out, and tell the Dads how lucky they were. I wanted to tell them to just enjoy it--to just have fun. I could feel a wave of emotion flooding over me as I thought back to how it used to be. And then it hit me--it's still that way and I'm missing it just like I missed it back then. Why is it that we look back and realize how great it all was but we can't enjoy while it's happening? The reason is obvious. We're always worrying about how what is happening now will effect what will happen in the future, so you miss the moment. You know what--it's all going to be alright. It's time to have some fun.
Northeast's Cory Walker may have gone to the well one time too many. Walker, whose slider had STA hitters lunging all night, watched helplessly as Ryan Ditthardt drove a deep liner into the rightcenter gap with the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh. The long drive broke a 1-1 tie in a game marred by ejections and blown calls. If a couple of calls against Northeast go the "right way" the Hurricances would have been in a postion to knock off the Raiders.
Northeast is getting closer, which could be a good thing. There is no taking this team for granted. They have just enough to end somebody's season. Tonight they take on Nova with Robbie Conver on the mound and one wonders if the dissappointment of having glory snatched by the boys in blue will have a detrimental effect on this tough and s****** team.
Ryan Ditthardt is getting comfortable in the 3 hole as is Daly in the 5 hole. Since being flipped in the order the pair are both hitting the ball good. Ditthardt was scortched three balls in going 2-4 while Daly is now 4 for his last 8. Dennis Raben was tough in limiting Northeast to a single run. He pitched a complete game for his 6th win.
Northeast is getting closer, which could be a good thing. There is no taking this team for granted. They have just enough to end somebody's season. Tonight they take on Nova with Robbie Conver on the mound and one wonders if the dissappointment of having glory snatched by the boys in blue will have a detrimental effect on this tough and s****** team.
Ryan Ditthardt is getting comfortable in the 3 hole as is Daly in the 5 hole. Since being flipped in the order the pair are both hitting the ball good. Ditthardt was scortched three balls in going 2-4 while Daly is now 4 for his last 8. Dennis Raben was tough in limiting Northeast to a single run. He pitched a complete game for his 6th win.
As a baseball Dad, there comes a time when you realize that you have produced other offspring besides the one who wears a glove and cleats. The person most aware of this reality will often remind me, “You have two other kids!”
There is an annual ritual at STA dubbed Callini. It is a series of contests between the girls of STA, pitting the four classes against each other. The event culminates with one fabulous night at at the Office Depot Center. Last night was one of the reason that there is no other school like STA.
My freshman girl, Angela, who will assure my continuity at STA for another 3 years, has just enough of everything. She’s beautiful, athletic, intelligent, and personable. Her events were powder puff football (quarterback and wide receiver), aerobics, and relay race. Last week, in front of a huge crowd at Brian Piccollo Field, with less than 3 minutes left in the game, she snagged a 17 yard reception on 4th and 14, giving her team a first down and nailing down a 7-0 win over the seniors. Last night she helped her relay team to a second place finish. All this while Kelly, who is in second grade, watched wide eyed, dreaming about the day she would be out there on the floor representing her class at Callini.
It was all about being a girl last night. Probably 1000 of them packed the floor of the Office Depot center, dancing wildly and joyfully to blaring music while an arena full of parents and male classmates cheered them on. The night belonged to them. The freshman finished in a 3rd place tie with the sophomores in overall points. The juniors finished 2 points ahead of the seniors in a stunning upset. But it was a night when you forgot about the score in a hurry. As the event concluded 1000 or so girls were on the floor singing, “I’m proud to be an American.” Words cannot describe the feeling.
John will go off to college soon and I will be at the mercy of the 3 women in my life. Something tells me it’s only going to get better.
There is an annual ritual at STA dubbed Callini. It is a series of contests between the girls of STA, pitting the four classes against each other. The event culminates with one fabulous night at at the Office Depot Center. Last night was one of the reason that there is no other school like STA.
My freshman girl, Angela, who will assure my continuity at STA for another 3 years, has just enough of everything. She’s beautiful, athletic, intelligent, and personable. Her events were powder puff football (quarterback and wide receiver), aerobics, and relay race. Last week, in front of a huge crowd at Brian Piccollo Field, with less than 3 minutes left in the game, she snagged a 17 yard reception on 4th and 14, giving her team a first down and nailing down a 7-0 win over the seniors. Last night she helped her relay team to a second place finish. All this while Kelly, who is in second grade, watched wide eyed, dreaming about the day she would be out there on the floor representing her class at Callini.
It was all about being a girl last night. Probably 1000 of them packed the floor of the Office Depot center, dancing wildly and joyfully to blaring music while an arena full of parents and male classmates cheered them on. The night belonged to them. The freshman finished in a 3rd place tie with the sophomores in overall points. The juniors finished 2 points ahead of the seniors in a stunning upset. But it was a night when you forgot about the score in a hurry. As the event concluded 1000 or so girls were on the floor singing, “I’m proud to be an American.” Words cannot describe the feeling.
John will go off to college soon and I will be at the mercy of the 3 women in my life. Something tells me it’s only going to get better.
Deleted by FLADAD.
Rapture. Sometimes it takes but a single word to describe what you’ve seen on a baseball field. Take your pick: incredible, unbelievable, awesome, remarkable. That was the feeling when Steve Cardullo’s prodigious blast in the bottom of the seventh landed somewhere near 12th Street on the south side of STA. It was only the second hit of the game off Cypress Bay’s Mitch Houck, but it was enough to give STA a 1-0 walk off win.
Corey Weech turned in another solid performance in shutting down a potent Cypress Bay offense. Aided by several stellar defensive plays, the junior pitcher shutdown another high caliber team. Weech turned in a fine performance in besting Arch Bishop last week. Catcher P.J Fandetti made two game altering plays. In the first inning with a runner on third, a Weech wild pitch traveled to the backstop. Fandetti pounced on the ball and fired to Weech covering to nail the runner at home. Later in the game, The Lightning put runners on first and second with no outs and attempted a sac bunt. The batter missed the pitch and Fandetti fired to second, picking the runner off to record the first out of the inning. Fandetti also picked up the only other STA hit, a sharp liner through the right side.
Sophomore Bobby Scott relieved when Weech tired in the sixth, and worked out of a 2 on, nobody out jam. The sophomore pitcher, in only his second career appearance picked up the win. Mitch Houck was masterful through 6 innings and started the seventh with a K of John Daly. Cardullo then hit the first pitch, a fastball, deep beyond the leftfield fence. His team mobbed him at home and the applause lasted until the team moved towards the dugout. What a day.
In response to the previous post about Robby. Robby has had some good days and some bad days. He has pitched well against us and we have beaten just about every good team we’ve played. As far as Nova is concerned, there are probably college pitchers who couldn’t shut that team down. It is one of the most potent offenses in the history of Broward baseball. I believe the team is now ranked # 1 nationally. Getting your *** whipped by Nova is pretty much common place. We play them next Thursday.
Corey Weech turned in another solid performance in shutting down a potent Cypress Bay offense. Aided by several stellar defensive plays, the junior pitcher shutdown another high caliber team. Weech turned in a fine performance in besting Arch Bishop last week. Catcher P.J Fandetti made two game altering plays. In the first inning with a runner on third, a Weech wild pitch traveled to the backstop. Fandetti pounced on the ball and fired to Weech covering to nail the runner at home. Later in the game, The Lightning put runners on first and second with no outs and attempted a sac bunt. The batter missed the pitch and Fandetti fired to second, picking the runner off to record the first out of the inning. Fandetti also picked up the only other STA hit, a sharp liner through the right side.
Sophomore Bobby Scott relieved when Weech tired in the sixth, and worked out of a 2 on, nobody out jam. The sophomore pitcher, in only his second career appearance picked up the win. Mitch Houck was masterful through 6 innings and started the seventh with a K of John Daly. Cardullo then hit the first pitch, a fastball, deep beyond the leftfield fence. His team mobbed him at home and the applause lasted until the team moved towards the dugout. What a day.
In response to the previous post about Robby. Robby has had some good days and some bad days. He has pitched well against us and we have beaten just about every good team we’ve played. As far as Nova is concerned, there are probably college pitchers who couldn’t shut that team down. It is one of the most potent offenses in the history of Broward baseball. I believe the team is now ranked # 1 nationally. Getting your *** whipped by Nova is pretty much common place. We play them next Thursday.
Baseballstud- going to give you a little leeway as I see you are a new poster.
You may be unaware of the rules of etiquette that we try to abide by here. Remember, these are kids we are talking about and we simply don't say negative things about kids.
welcome to the board, but you might want to consider deleting your post and starting over.
You may be unaware of the rules of etiquette that we try to abide by here. Remember, these are kids we are talking about and we simply don't say negative things about kids.
welcome to the board, but you might want to consider deleting your post and starting over.
I don't know how this week will shake out. It is the toughest stretch of the season and a 2-2 record for the week would be an accomplishment. Here's what it looks like: Stranahan on Tuesday, Barron Collier on Wednesday, Nova on Thursday, and Miami Columbus on Saturday--the day after the senior prom. You don't get much chance to savor victory at STA.
We all knew that Coach Lawson had a heart. We won't be going to Miami Columbus on Saturday night; the game has been canceled and will not be rescheduled. Playing a powerhouse the night after the senior prom was not such a good idea.
The schedule is playing havoc with senior stuff. The regional championship game is scheduled the same night as graduation. I have mixed emotions; I would love to see John graduate on stage, but I would also love seeing him play in Sarasota. Losing is not an option. That would be a double-downer.
It appears Corey Weech will get the start at Nova on Thursday night. Dennis Raben will pitch tommorrow at Baron Collier.
It came as somewhat of a surprise to see STA ranked 46th in the country by Baseball America. We are 1 of 7 teams from Florida. Conspicuously absent were Cypress Bay, Douglas, and Baron Collier. If Mitch Houck continues to pitch the way he did against us, Cypress Bay goes all the way. That stuff was nasty. The word is that Raben will get his last start of the season against Douglas next week. We've had a problem with Douglas this year, losing once in the pre-season and then again in a season opening tourney. It's one we want.
The schedule is playing havoc with senior stuff. The regional championship game is scheduled the same night as graduation. I have mixed emotions; I would love to see John graduate on stage, but I would also love seeing him play in Sarasota. Losing is not an option. That would be a double-downer.
It appears Corey Weech will get the start at Nova on Thursday night. Dennis Raben will pitch tommorrow at Baron Collier.
It came as somewhat of a surprise to see STA ranked 46th in the country by Baseball America. We are 1 of 7 teams from Florida. Conspicuously absent were Cypress Bay, Douglas, and Baron Collier. If Mitch Houck continues to pitch the way he did against us, Cypress Bay goes all the way. That stuff was nasty. The word is that Raben will get his last start of the season against Douglas next week. We've had a problem with Douglas this year, losing once in the pre-season and then again in a season opening tourney. It's one we want.
As I write this post, STA is leading Baron Collier 2-1 in the 5th. I'm getting cell updates and the word is the STA looks a little sloppy. Must be thinking about Nova. Last night we crushed Stranahan 16-0 in 5 innings. Everyone got some swings in. The Broward baseball world will have their collective eyes on the STA vs. Nova bash. The game should attract a large crowd and a contingent of local media. This is what it's all about.
STA knocked off Barron Collier at their place 4-2. It's becoming clearer that it's us and Nova. Barron Collier is certainly capable of taking down Nova in a regional semi-final, but it will take a gargantuan effort.
It's rare that John's legs could ever be the difference in a game, but yesterday was the rare exception. With the game tied 1-1 in the sixth, John grounded to second with the bases loaded and 1 out. Diving into first, he beat the relay, allowing the go-ahead run to score. Matt Milner followed with a 2 RBI single to right. Dennis Raben nailed down his 7th win of the season.
See you at STA tonight against Nova.
It's rare that John's legs could ever be the difference in a game, but yesterday was the rare exception. With the game tied 1-1 in the sixth, John grounded to second with the bases loaded and 1 out. Diving into first, he beat the relay, allowing the go-ahead run to score. Matt Milner followed with a 2 RBI single to right. Dennis Raben nailed down his 7th win of the season.
See you at STA tonight against Nova.
bigjd,
Congrats on the nice win. I think you are misinformed on the playoff scenario. STA will have to play Baron Collier in the semi's to get to Nova in the finals of regionals.
Congrats on the nice win. I think you are misinformed on the playoff scenario. STA will have to play Baron Collier in the semi's to get to Nova in the finals of regionals.
Nova is now 20-1. STA walloped a season high 5 homeruns, 2 by Mike Marseco, to post an 8-6 win over the nation's # 1 ranked team. Nova ace Pablo Lopez, suffering his first loss this year, seemed befuddled as he watched ball after ball leave the yard. The estimated crowd of over 1500 cheered wildly as STA took a 8-2 lead over the vaunted Nova squad. Corey Weech pitched masterfully in setting down Nova's high-powered offense. He remained in the game until two outs in the 7th. After Nova smacked back-to-back homers to close the gap to 8-6, sophomore phenom Robby Scott relieved and K'd Robert Lara to end the game. It's been just about a year since Nova eliminated STA from the state title hunt; this felt really good. But what unerved me was a blantantly freshman chant of "overated, overated, overated." We will see Nova again. I'm not sure what the Titans left on the bus this time, but they certainly will bring it out the next time. This season has more drama ahead, and the road won't be easy. But I will say this: STA has a great baseball team. We have beaten everyone that counts. Baseball America got a whiff of us; now we are pretty well jammed up their nostrils. There were at least 25 MLB scouts on hand to watch this contest and coach Jim Morris from UM was on hand with an assistant. In a word--electric.
Mike Marseco was paid the ultimate compliment by Coach Lawson with a quote in the Sun Sentinel: "He's the best I've ever coached." I sat with an unusually talkative MLB scout who said, "he's the best shortstop in Florida." There is no argument anymore. He's simply the best.
All the talk continues to swirl around Mike Marseco. Scouts and colleges continue to call on the Marsecos only to find out that he will be at Samford in Alabama for the next four years. Marseco has been at just about every college camp run in the state of Florida, including UM for 4 years. Right under their noses. Right in front of their eyes. Yes, the most gifted shortstop in the state of Florida and they're just realizing it now--a week from graduation. As one scout said,"I just don't have the balls to write him up. For Christ's sake, he's not even 5-8, and he can't way 160 soaking wet." The scout watched Marseco drive two balls deep beyond the outfield fences. On the second drive he pumped his fist in the air and then started writing in his notebook. They will all be at Samford where Marseco will play everyday of his college career. He won't get missed. To those who have sent e-mails about other shortstops--sorry. When you compare Mike to other high school shortstops it's an insult. Think Ozzie Smith and work your way down. Ozzie once put an add in a local paper advertising his shortstop services when it looked like his career may go south. The diminutive hall of fame shortstop was eventually traded by San Diego for Gary Templeton and became the human highlight film in St. Louis. Will Mike get drafted above all those other guys? Absolutely not. Size, size, size. Which brings me to another idea. There really should be an All Small Team competing at a high level. That would be interesting.
Last night was senior prom. Practice is at 2PM Saturday. Good luck Coach Lawson.
the team showed up with enthusiasum, which really suprised Coach Lawson and Coach Hill - we even hit and one of the players was late due to a family commitment and stayed after and did his work because he wanted to be on the same page as the rest of us. We actually enjoed it! How many other teams would have shown up the day after prom...100% showed up!!! PRIDE ON A PRIDE ON A STA PRIDE>
WATERS, Hackett, and Hill were there when I was! Lawson graduated a few years before, they coached him too!!! They are all on the same page. Do you think jd they will be around for another 10 years when my son will be entering sta? I hope so. What a great crew, consistency. That is true at every sport at sta.
its true that st.thomas is playing remarkable baseball. but they might be looking too far, if you remember, sta only beat northeast 3-1 and 2-1 in the last innings. if they arent careful, they might be playing Nova in the first round of regionals. that would be interesting.
Let me make this clear: The players and coaches, as well as the STA parents have the utmost respect for Coach McQuaid and his players. During the offseason the two teams work out together at the Nova complex. Many of the players are friends and wish the best for each other. Last year we beat Nova 2-1 and then lost in the regional championship game. We made some mistakes that we will not repeat this time around. We will see them again at some point whether or not we get past Northeast to win the district; we take no one for granted--ever. It's part of the wiring at St. Thomas. Winning is a result of pursuing excellence. That's what we do. Excellence in execution, excellence in fitness, excellence in state of mind. It makes average players better, and good players great. To be part of this program as a player or parent, is not only a blessing, but an opportunity to learn a valuable life lesson--hard work pays. Sometimes when your on the outside looking in you may think "they recruit, that's why they're good. They're a bunch of rich kids with their own batting cages in their back yards." If you're a player, don't make that mistake. Ask an STA player what they did at Saturday's practice, and then ask any other player any where in the county what they did at their Saturday practice (if they even had one) and you'll understand the difference. Or, ask Dennis Raben. Ask him why he's at STA. Don't just assume that Coach Lawson called him, offered him free tuition and a prime parking spot in the garage. That's the easy answer--the answer of a loser. Dennis Raben is at STA because he's a winner--in his heart and in his mind. He once told me that he made his decision to come to STA when he was at last year's regional championship game against Nova. We lost that game 7-4 at home. Our home facility is sub-par, doesn't have adequate restrooms, and the dugouts are way to small. The school is located in the rough Northwest section of Fort Lauderdale. Compared to Nova's facility, it's a dump. So why did he choose STA? The same reason I did at my first orientation before my son's freshman year--the place is heeped in tradition, prestige, spirit and whole lot of stuff you just can't touch, you can only feel it in your heart. Once a Raider, always a Raider. STA Pride. Yes raiderrick, you've got it.
hey bigjd lets hold on there a minute.... the rumor flying around and has actually been verified by somebody close to the STA program is that "Raben" approached "Nova" initally about attending but ended up at STA.... just the facts
My son doesn't attend STA but he's played ball on teams with dennis, PJ, and Ryan D.(and playing this summer with Ryan). He also knows many of the other players. They're a great bunch a boys and we couldn't be happier for them. Good luck and continued success!
north east is a tough team and the raider family has all the respect in the world for the hurricanes and what coach Mac is doing with those guys...there are a good ballclub with a lot of weapons to look out for...nobody is looking past anyone...the 2003 raiders taught us that!
quote:Originally posted by hambone12:
hey bigjd lets hold on there a minute.... the rumor flying around and has actually been verified by somebody close to the STA program is that "Raben" approached "Nova" initally about attending but ended up at STA.... just the facts
What difference does that make, hes at sta? Im sure he contacted a couple of schools, who would want to be stuck at a program a bad as hills. No im not an STA butt licker, my son goes to another HS in west broward, and he has friends on the JV and Fresh team. STA has overachieved this year and i think has a better shot to beat nova in the finals. Your coach was smarter this year and did not pitch the ace in a meaningless game like he did last year.
I saw Raben pitch against Cypress Bay this year and he is an absolute beast, he will beat Nova if they play each other in the finals. Why do some people have to be negative and slam a guy or team when they are doing well? Jealousy! Good luck to all the broward teams in the district playoffs except the one we play
Gee might it have been a different outcome last year if they hadn't played in the sandbox at STA.. If STA had ponied up the money to rent FT Lauderdale stadium as had been mentioned things may have turned out differently. Another point if bonehead coach walks mcfadden with a base open but opts to pitch to him and we all know what happened next but please enough about lawson. Funny cause immediatley after game athletic director comes over and apologizes to starting pitcher for having to have played the game there.......
Ponied Up? From what I know from years ago is that Coach Mcquaid (notice the proper respect) is very particular about playing away...anywhere.(with all the $ in his coffers he could meet STA halfway - why wasn't that discussed?). His place or no place at all.Both coaches made an agreement last year to play each other once each year(2004-2005)home at nova(2004)...home at sta(2005). As far as the sandbox reference goes that is just sour grapes after losing, it is never mentioned when nova wins! The titans played in the same sandbox.
it was a great game by two good teams and if everything goes their(nova/sta) way there is a chance they could meet up again.
The location of the regional final game had nothing to do with the loss or the win! Nova whipped sta fair and square. They were the better team . STA had there chances to overcome and they came up short...give coach McQuaid, his staff and his players all the credit...after all they are the 5A STATE CHAMPIONS.
it was a great game by two good teams and if everything goes their(nova/sta) way there is a chance they could meet up again.
The location of the regional final game had nothing to do with the loss or the win! Nova whipped sta fair and square. They were the better team . STA had there chances to overcome and they came up short...give coach McQuaid, his staff and his players all the credit...after all they are the 5A STATE CHAMPIONS.
I love this time of the year. But please, Coach Lawson is no bonehead. He's one of the hardest working men I know and has taught my son things that have nothing to do with baseball. The stat he is most proud of, "The amount of players with a 3.8 GPA".
Tonight is senior night; parents of seniors on the field at 5:45 before the start of the Cardinal Gibbons game. It's a real loose week. We have 20 wins under the belt and it's time to get some kids a little playing time. Lawson is good in that repect. Their are a lot of kids who don't get much time during the season and this is their time to shine. Don't underestimate them. Most of them would be starters at a lot of schools, but not one of them would give up STA for a starting spot at a lesser school.
It was a night when the score didn't matter. What mattered was watching Mark McMillan's mom except her her red rose and walk on the field with her son and her husband during the pre-game ceremony where senior parents and players gather around home plate for pictures and a round of applause. It was first game that Mrs. McMillan was able to attend in more than a year. After a tough battle with cancer, Mrs. McMillan's smile was enough to capture the night and warm the hearts of everyone. Mark was 1 for 3 on the night.
The totally senior lineup put up a good fight but fell a run short, losing to Cardinal Gibbons 6-5. The pollsters and the naysayers will have their say but no one seemed to care as we gathered for cake at the conscession stand after the game. We took some more pictures, had some laughs and talked about how the time has passed and what it would be like to finish on top.
Thursday against Douglas should feature more of the same. Everyone getting to play and spending some light moments together before the big push next week. Douglas will come out with their A lineup, and revel in their victory over the vaunted STA team, but the victory will be hollow. STA will be the real winners.
The totally senior lineup put up a good fight but fell a run short, losing to Cardinal Gibbons 6-5. The pollsters and the naysayers will have their say but no one seemed to care as we gathered for cake at the conscession stand after the game. We took some more pictures, had some laughs and talked about how the time has passed and what it would be like to finish on top.
Thursday against Douglas should feature more of the same. Everyone getting to play and spending some light moments together before the big push next week. Douglas will come out with their A lineup, and revel in their victory over the vaunted STA team, but the victory will be hollow. STA will be the real winners.
The final game of the season against Douglas/Parland was canceled. I believe it would have been the Eagles third game this week so coach Florio decided it was best to call it quits and get ready to make a run at the state title. I'm not dissappointed. The family will have dinner together tonight, no rush hour driving, the pool has been cleaned. Life without baseball. It's something I'll have to get used to. John has decided not to pursue baseball beyond high school. The reasons are many, but first and foremost is this: if he can't play at the highest level, he's not interested in making the kind of committment that college baseball requires. It's the same reason he wanted to go to STA; because it was the best program in town with the best chance of winning it all. He has done that and a second ring is 6 wins away. His dream was to play big-time college baseball with the opportunity to go to the college World Series. That's not going to happen. In his own words: "It's time to move on."
He went 3 for 3 in his last game on the St. Thomas field. Word is that we will play all our home playoff games at Fort Lauderdale Stadium where we won't be beat by pop fly homers. To me personally, it doesn't matter if we go all the way. My son took me there already; a real championship. It was awesome. What I want more than anything is to experience every emotion that the next couple of weeks will bring. Whether it's utter joy, or great dissappointment, it's all good. Because these are the times we will never forget.
He went 3 for 3 in his last game on the St. Thomas field. Word is that we will play all our home playoff games at Fort Lauderdale Stadium where we won't be beat by pop fly homers. To me personally, it doesn't matter if we go all the way. My son took me there already; a real championship. It was awesome. What I want more than anything is to experience every emotion that the next couple of weeks will bring. Whether it's utter joy, or great dissappointment, it's all good. Because these are the times we will never forget.
Wow i cant believe its over already. My son had a good freshman year of high school baseball. He started for the varsity after the preseason and hasnt looked back. We have waited so long for this moment and just like that, its over. He has played well beyond my expectations this year hitting .390 with a few doubles a homerun and no strikeouts in over 70 abs.
Im sorry to hear your son will not be playing ball past HS, im sure with his education from sta he can do whatever he wants. Good luck in the playoffs your diary was fun to read.
Im sorry to hear your son will not be playing ball past HS, im sure with his education from sta he can do whatever he wants. Good luck in the playoffs your diary was fun to read.
I agree with 05dad, I hope john reconsiders for there are so many places to play in these united states...let's face it you can only play ball for so long, so play while you can. I've seen jd play...a fine, fine ballplayer any program would be proud to have!
First of all I have enjoyed this diary and have told John Daly that personally.
Having had a chance to chat with John Sr. several times I truly believe he wants whats best for his son - not whats best for Daddy. I know he'd be thrilled if John Jr. decided he wanted to play in college.
But sometimes kids don't have the same desires that their parents do for the game of baseball. In some cases the parents want the player to make it more than they do and force the issue time and time again. That is not what John Sr. is doing.
I respect John Sr. because he is backing up his sons well-thought out decision. Instead of nagging him and bribing him to play somewhere in college he is supporting his sons wishes and dreams. I can tell you that this was not a spur of the moment or last second decision by John Jr.
John Jr. wants to get a degree from the University of Florida. What's wrong with that? He wants to focus on his academics. What's wrong with that? As a matter of fact I have a great deal of respect for John Jr. who made, what I'm sure, is a tough decision to stop playing baseball and move on with his life.
I've seen John play and he certainly has talent. But is he a major Division I guy? Probably not. Can he play college baseball somewhere? Definately. But he wants to control his future - not baseball. For that I tip my hat to him for making such a decision at a young age.
There was a local player who I thought had a chance to be a great player, but he was a football star too. I offered him a spot on our summer roster, but he turned it down because he wanted to go to several football camps and combines. He was very mature in the way he handled the situation and did eventually play for us in the fall on Sundays - doing fairly well. I respect this young man because he had a dream and did all he could to make it in football. Injuries have sidelined him a bit, but I bet he'll be playing football somewhere.
Listen to your kids and they will lead the parents in the right direction. Don't force them to play or not to play a sport because you want them to. It would have been easy for John Sr. to pout and try and force his son into something he didn't want to do. But instead he is just supporting his son through his high school career. Kudos.
Having had a chance to chat with John Sr. several times I truly believe he wants whats best for his son - not whats best for Daddy. I know he'd be thrilled if John Jr. decided he wanted to play in college.
But sometimes kids don't have the same desires that their parents do for the game of baseball. In some cases the parents want the player to make it more than they do and force the issue time and time again. That is not what John Sr. is doing.
I respect John Sr. because he is backing up his sons well-thought out decision. Instead of nagging him and bribing him to play somewhere in college he is supporting his sons wishes and dreams. I can tell you that this was not a spur of the moment or last second decision by John Jr.
John Jr. wants to get a degree from the University of Florida. What's wrong with that? He wants to focus on his academics. What's wrong with that? As a matter of fact I have a great deal of respect for John Jr. who made, what I'm sure, is a tough decision to stop playing baseball and move on with his life.
I've seen John play and he certainly has talent. But is he a major Division I guy? Probably not. Can he play college baseball somewhere? Definately. But he wants to control his future - not baseball. For that I tip my hat to him for making such a decision at a young age.
There was a local player who I thought had a chance to be a great player, but he was a football star too. I offered him a spot on our summer roster, but he turned it down because he wanted to go to several football camps and combines. He was very mature in the way he handled the situation and did eventually play for us in the fall on Sundays - doing fairly well. I respect this young man because he had a dream and did all he could to make it in football. Injuries have sidelined him a bit, but I bet he'll be playing football somewhere.
Listen to your kids and they will lead the parents in the right direction. Don't force them to play or not to play a sport because you want them to. It would have been easy for John Sr. to pout and try and force his son into something he didn't want to do. But instead he is just supporting his son through his high school career. Kudos.
A friend called last week and said, "What do you think of the University of New Mexico? It's a D1 program with a great coach playing in a good conference. And here's the kicker, our triple A facility is right near the campus so John can do some part time work there."
I said, "I'd love to go, but let me run it by John." John and I spent about an hour talking about the possibilities when John said, "Dad, I'm going to Gainesville." It was the following morning that I made what was one of the most difficult phone calls of my life. I told my friend that I appreciated his efforts but that any further effort on his part would be wasting his time. I told him that John's decision was very difficult for me to handle but I would have to respect it to the fullest. He said he understood and told me that I was doing the right thing.
John can play, but it will only be on his terms. If it's not his way, it's no way. You see, he hasn't lost his confidence, in fact he's brimming with it. But the thing about baseball is this: there are too many variables that you don't have any control over. I could run through the laundry list but anyone around the game knows what they are. He knows what he's walking away from but he doesn't look in his rear view mirror. That's his make up. It's a great trait; I wish I had it. In fact, he's told me to stop keeping stats because all that matters is the next at-bat. Yes, it's killing me. But hey, I'm a parent to the core, just trying to do the best I can with the sense I've got. It's a tough job. But when I look at him and feel proud, I think--I must have done something right.
I've talked to Coach Pincus at lenghth about this subject and his post tells me that he not only is he a good listener, but can gain a clear understanding of a situation. You have a gift Coach Pincus.
I said, "I'd love to go, but let me run it by John." John and I spent about an hour talking about the possibilities when John said, "Dad, I'm going to Gainesville." It was the following morning that I made what was one of the most difficult phone calls of my life. I told my friend that I appreciated his efforts but that any further effort on his part would be wasting his time. I told him that John's decision was very difficult for me to handle but I would have to respect it to the fullest. He said he understood and told me that I was doing the right thing.
John can play, but it will only be on his terms. If it's not his way, it's no way. You see, he hasn't lost his confidence, in fact he's brimming with it. But the thing about baseball is this: there are too many variables that you don't have any control over. I could run through the laundry list but anyone around the game knows what they are. He knows what he's walking away from but he doesn't look in his rear view mirror. That's his make up. It's a great trait; I wish I had it. In fact, he's told me to stop keeping stats because all that matters is the next at-bat. Yes, it's killing me. But hey, I'm a parent to the core, just trying to do the best I can with the sense I've got. It's a tough job. But when I look at him and feel proud, I think--I must have done something right.
I've talked to Coach Pincus at lenghth about this subject and his post tells me that he not only is he a good listener, but can gain a clear understanding of a situation. You have a gift Coach Pincus.
Coach Lawson gave the boys the weekend off. It was a great reward for a great season. The seniors are at grad night in Disney, no doubt having the time of their life. Monday it will be all business. John's swinging the bat great. He's ready.
They better all be ready...skill,execution and of course...LUCK will be the menu to success in the next hopefully 6 games...good luck TO ALL THE BROWARD TEAMS BRING BACK THE TITLE...go raiders!!!
The rain is playing havoc with our playoff schedule. Hopefully today's 3:45 start against Dillard will be a go. Dennis Raben will start to keep the rotation in proper order. I'm certain the A team will get the job done early.
Chaminade Madonna's 9 inning, 1-0 shocker over Pace is a glaring reminder of how quick a season can come to an end. The highly touted Pace squad is done--in one game.
Meanwhile, the STA squad has taken cover at a new indoor baseball complex in Coconut Creek, taking BP and keeping loose. Back to back games against Dillard, and most likely Northeast. I'm certain Northeast will save lefty Robbie Conver for a Friday night start against our lefty dominated lineup. It won't be easy.
Chaminade Madonna's 9 inning, 1-0 shocker over Pace is a glaring reminder of how quick a season can come to an end. The highly touted Pace squad is done--in one game.
Meanwhile, the STA squad has taken cover at a new indoor baseball complex in Coconut Creek, taking BP and keeping loose. Back to back games against Dillard, and most likely Northeast. I'm certain Northeast will save lefty Robbie Conver for a Friday night start against our lefty dominated lineup. It won't be easy.
Mother Nature wins again. So here we go--a Friday day/night doubleheader. Dillard at 10 in the morning and the winner of Stranahan Northeast at 7 pm. So we pray to Santa Barbara (saint in charge of weather) with the hope that the sun will take the day tomorrow. No school for the baseball team; a bonus for sure.