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.