PS III's playing career recently ended after four good years at the University of Missouri. Throughout his senior year, he was the active leader in Big 12 appearances, finishing 2 outings shy of the all-time top 10. He finished 4th in school history in appearances with 103. All in all, he had a nice career at Mizzou. They were not a great team but they played in three Big 12 Tournament Championship games in 4 years, gaining a ring this year by upsetting OU. (In 2011, they lost on a walk-off HR to Texas A&M.) With this year's victory, the Tigers returned to the NCAA Regional Tournament, accomplishing that feat in two of his 4 seasons in Columbia. They lost in the Arizona regional....darn Wildcats stood in the way of their National Championship!
He was not considered a major league prospect but during his senior season -- particularly late in the year -- he established himself as a player with pro potential. As you might expect, we approached the draft with much excitement and anticipation.........but.......baseball is a funny game sometimes.
PS III had decided that he did not want to pursue a pro baseball career. A few weeks before the draft, he reluctantly told his mom and I that he wasn't sure that he wanted to continue. Me...being a baseball dad...like many of you...didn't want to believe it....but after the draft came and went, I learned that he had made it known to his coaches and others that he was ready to pursue a "different baseball life". We love our sons and support their life decisions....but this one was hard on dad.
For almost 20 years, we shared a baseball dream....and watched most of it come true. No baseball now? as the pro teams knock on the door??? Come on....can't be! But the life of a college pitcher can be a tough one, physically....with little true rest for weary arms. He finished a nice career with no major injuries and will become a coach at Mizzou as they enter the SEC. I have strange feelings....it's odd to me....I feel "cheated" in a way (there's a confession, eh?)....but I know God has a greater plan. Life go on. I will continue to watch his friends and teammates in rookie ball....with their ups and downs...wondering how he'd do.I will continue to support my son in his next phase of life. My hope is that he moves on with no regret. All this to say to you all....life has a way of throwing you curve balls....or in this case a pretty decent change up (with a new chair). Enjoy your times with your baseball sons....knowing that the end is near.
Thanks to a lot of you who followed his career with me....dropping us nice notes or comments here or on FB....I remain very proud of all of my sons....and thankful for the opportunities that came our way in baseball. Don't worry, I won't hang around, whispering that MY son could have been doing this or that....he made a choice....and he will become a great coach.
As for your sons....I wish them the best as they chase (your collective) dreams, baseball or otherwise.
-PD
