Do you really want an answer?

I really disagree (j/k) 

 

It is something I've wondered about.  Sometimes I side against the OP and sometimes I sympathize with them.  It depends on the topic and/or perceived agenda.  Sometimes I disagree with opinions expressed in a topic but more often than not bite my tongue.  Some old timers feel the need to habitually point out flaws in people's opinions and then try and cover themselves from criticism by saying that's just my opinion 

I know this, there are certain topics that get my dander up.  You know, the kind that seem to be asking a question yet are really disguised as a way to express some wonderful attribute about their "gifted" children and by extension - their brilliant parenting.

Example: My freshmen son who has a 4.5 GPA was the starting shortstop on varsity and batted in the three-hole and was just named to the all-state team.  His teammates seem to resent him and frankly, the other parents seem to give us the cold shoulder in the stands.  Any thoughts on how to handle this problem?  A: Sure, be thankful and quit complaining...

Example 2: (while I'm at it) - My son has trouble getting motivated to play on his high school team.  No offense, but none of the players are his caliber, do not take the game seriously, and are constantly making errors while he is pitching.  Should he just give up on high school baseball and wait for his "elite" summer team to begin?

Example 3: Help!!! My son has full ride offers from Arizona State, Stanford, Florida State, North Carolina and Texas.  We are not sure how to narrow things down.  Please help.  A: Why are you positing here?

Example 4: My son has so many offers that we need some type of filing system to keep everything straight.  Any suggestions?

Etc. etc. 

Both posts reek of the truth...

lol...Had to chuckle at your examples, CD.

 

As an "oldster," what I have to guard against is reacting negatively to the new post that asks something that's been asked and answered a jillion times here over the last 10 years. After all, from a "newster's" perspective, it's a perfectly legitimate...and many times, important...inquiry.

 

While I think it's occasionally okay to nudge the OP in the direction of the "Search" button (particularly if it's a question about a specific college program), l think the better response is to (1) take a deep breath and (2) answer the question for the jillionth time.

 

People who are new to the high school game and the recruiting process need and deserve to always feel welcome here; just as we did a million years ago. Moreover, as they gain experience, their input is vitally important to the new ones who follow them.

 

However, just like we tired of parents on the sidelines who found "transparent surreptitious" ways of bringing the topic around to how great their sons are, I think it's perfectly appropriate to recognize the same inclination on here; addressing the more egregious examples when they come up.

 

(Query to Julie: How do I change my screen name to "Oldster Prepster" ...or maybe just "Oldster" for short?)  

I agree with everything everyone here has said.

Some of those newbie bragging posts are pretty obvious.  Others show their true agenda's the more and more they reply to their thread.  But Old Timers need to be careful to let the not-so-obvious ones get to that point before they jump to a conclusion and respond in a discouraging manner.

 

Coming here a few years ago, I may have came across as just here to say how great my son was but I was honestly looking for insight and answers.  We were trying to find out if it would be worth it to try to play at the D1 level.  We were basically told that he was aiming too high.  Today I am happy I didn't share the responses with him.

 

Old Timer's experiences are very important and help newbies avoid mistakes, and heartaches but please don't jump too early with your responses.  Never forget that baseball is a game of odds...if you encourage someone and they succeed against the odds, you have graced us all.

Nice post.  I agree.  I would never make a decision based off what the message board felt was the right answer.  You have to decide based off your circumstances and beliefs. 

 

justbb's post was crafty.  I think it allows members here to see parts of themselves (good and bad) without calling anyone out specifically.  

I love this topic!

 

I joined when 2013 was a freshman or sophomore, I believe. Have I gotten my nose out of joint a couple of times, sure. Did I ever engage in a p***ing contest about it? Absolutely not.

 

I'll tell you "oldsters" and the newbies alike the same thing we've heard and read thousands of times on this board. It's an invaluable resource. There are three things in particular for which I will never be able to completely express my gratitude:

 

Because of this board my son was connected to a terrific travel team in a region that doesn't have good quality high school ball. He got the exposure, honest assessment, and recommendations that he needed.

 

Because of this board I learned that a DIII opportunity (or DII, JUCO, or NAIA) is not necessarily "less than" a DI offer. Look at the big picture, look at the program, look at your kid.

 

Because of this board I learned that when I needed to cry because my sophomore got hurt three days before his first varsity game, I could do it here when I was having to be strong for him. I acknowledged that my "hardship" was nowhere near what many other parents here have endured, but I still owned it and others shared it with me - and supported me.

 

Okay, so it's four things:

 

Because of this board, I learned that lying awake at night because your player has gone 0-9 in the past three games is not insanity and providing for lifting and private lessons during the offseason really doesn't make me a stage parent. Researching baseball programs and taking him on college visits and camps before he could drive does not make me over the top. It makes me informed and him well prepared.

 

Thank you all. I have always wanted your answers, and in turn, I've tried to provide a few myself when I thought I could.

 

 

Nice thoughts 2013 Parent.

 

I know one of the 'older-than-me' old dudes pounced on me pretty good in my first months on here...way back in the olden days.   In fact, I've felt pounced on more than a few times! 

 

(Er...um...like the time I fit CD's profile of throwing out a question to get attention on an accomplishment for one of my boys...way back when.  Some of the other old dudes will know who I'm talking about when I say our dear, wonderful friend bbscout gave me a good dose of (needed) medicine!  ).

 

But I picked myself up and kept coming back cause the reward seemed so much greater than the price! 

 

I'd be willing to bet that every single 'old dude' like me...has a story like mine and yours about their early days on here....nose out of joint and all of that!  And about how they gleaned such amazing information...by coming back. 

My son walks on water. I'm worried he might get his feet wet. What do I do?

You guys are too funny.

 

JMO 

Ok, so as probably the newest responder, I'll tell you what it looks like from here.  I have been the victim of snappy responses from "old timers" and even though it wasn't sugar coated, I appreciated the responses.  I promise that most of us that truly want input/advice are smart enough to recognize it in any form.  I also know when not to take the bait and get into a shooting match.  As for how fabulous my child is, I will sit back and let his career speak for itself.  It might end in HS or after a long MLB stint, but as you have all pointed out, it will end.  I have often seen those parents that feel the need to show off their kids in a subtle (or not so subtle) way fall silent when their child proves to be less than expected.

I'm here because I appreciate insight and because I know that it would be nearly impossible to gain knowledge & wisdom fast enough to actually get through this process without the you all.

So with a 2016 and a 2018, I'll be around awhile and I am grateful for everything you all have to share.

Hey, wait... I've used JMO/IMO from time to time... am I being picked on here?

I have received great advice, and been involved in a few disagreements with some posters.  This forum has been worth every minute spent reading and responding.  I advise others to get online and read it, and most do not do so thinking it is not worth their time--then they wonder what to do next to help their son  As a result of advice here my son was put in a position to start to get good college offers.  Thank you all. 

I don't remember being bar-b-qued by the old guard, but there was one time when I thought I was going to be for an answer I gave to a new poster. Instead I was supported. It just goes to show that this place is pretty diverse and surprising. 

 

I will say that I think sometimes there are irritating posts that just beg for a smack down. (Like the perfect kids who just can't get noticed.) Usually y'all show a lot of restraint, but sometimes..... 

 

People come here to share or validate ideas both good and bad.  It comes with the territory.  It is only through a place like HSBBWeb that people can try to understand some aspects of the sport that they've never had direct involvement in, or help folks where they have experience.  There is always something to learn from newbies and oldsters, and typically many perspectives which I find fascinating.   Some folks are helpful, cranky, sarcastic, condescending, whatever...but that is what makes it great! I love it.

 

There is just something enjoyable about talking about a game we all love, or watching a game with someone who appreciates the game as much as you do.  I got together with another HSBBWeb poster the other night to watch his son pitch in a College Summer League All-Star game.  I hung on every one of his pitches like it was my son pitching.  His son did great, and I know the poster was very relieved and proud at the same time.  I was very happy for both of them.

 

So, newbies and oldsters keep it coming whether it is a good question or not-so-good  question.  That is how we learn and share ideas. 

I am kind of like fenwaysouth.  I like to hang around here because of the social aspects.  I joined because I wanted to find out where my son stood in the pecking order after he committed to college.  His goal his whole life was to play in the big leagues and I was determined to do whatever it took to help him achieve that goal.  The hsbbweb supplied the answers I was looking for as I read just about every post by bbscout and PGStaff, for example, to try and learn what it took to not only succeed in college but catch the eye of at least one pro scout.  Along the way, I've acquired many great friends all over the country including several who have already posted in this thread.  

I think a good rule of thumb is not necessarily to write for the OP, but for whoever might be reading the thread.

 

Often the motivation to post is that the OP has already heard something they didn't want to hear, and they come here seeking validation more than enlightenment.  When they get the same info again, they aren't going to like it.  But those who are reading for the first time can still benefit even if some minds are already closed.

 

This is particularly so given that these boards are more the province of parents than of players.  What most parents need to hear is, BUTT OUT, stop the helicoptering and force your son to handle his affairs, so that he is prepared for adulthood when he graduates high school and goes off to live on his own somewhere.  What most WANT to hear is that in their particular situation, there are all sorts of extenuating circumstances that justify an exception so that it's OK to helicopter.

 

It reminds me of the old Dr. Laura show, though.  The entertainment aspect of the show was in listening to whiners call up and get chewed out.  Kind of like watching a lion jump on a wounded zebra.  And yet, every day more people would call in, thoroughly convinced that THEY were the ONE PERSON whose situation would garner sympathy from Dr. Laura.  Only to find out ... nope.

Midlo Dad,

 

That is beautiful and so true IMHO! 

 

Last night my wife and I were catching up on her recent college orientation trip with our middle son.  Truthfully, I think the orientation is more for the parents than the kids. 

 

One of the orientation speakers (Dr in Psychology) told all the parents that NOW was the time to LET GO, as their young adults will be making their own decisions about friends, classes, activities, etc in the coming weeks.  So the next morning, my son's best friend's mother calls him at 6:45am (in his dorm room) after they had been at an all-night orientation party the previous night to remind him he needs to be at a certain orientation activity at 7:30am.  The son asks the calling mother...."didn't you hear anything the orientation speaker told you?".  She replied...."I did but it doesn't start until this afternoon when I leave (campus) for home."

What's wrong with someone bragging, trying to confirm their own ideas or anything of the sort? Isn't that what this place is for????? Just because someone is able to sit on their laptop day after day, year after year doesn't make them an expert (old timers). I mean.....if their word was that gospel, then they would be getting paid by someone for it. They wouldn't be here wasting their time yapping all their wisdom for no fee. Just maybe they're HERE because no one in the real world appreciates their views, which in turn is another reason to be here along with bragging and such. Its all perspective.
I posted a question the other day and realized quickly that I couldn't convey my message without writing a novel. I also realized that many of the responses were not coming from "smalltime", USA.

 

I came onto this website as a 15 year old high school freshman. I had a big curveball, a bigger temper and an even bigger ego. One of my first posts involved me basically lashing out towards a regional event held by Perfect Game. I was distraught at the time due to the fact that the tournament was rained out and felt as though my team and I didn't get the appropriate exposure we deserved. I was rude, condescending and downright mean.

 

I was CRUCIFIED for it. I was called every name in the book- and deservedly so. Upon calming down and rereading what I had written, I came to the realization that it'd be pretty stupid of me to be on the negative side of anyone within the baseball world at all, especially as the result of a few blabbing paragraphs I made on an online message board. I apologized for my sentiments several times during that thread. Some of the "old guard" accepted it as a young kid being dumb, others may have taken it to heart and been bothered by the brashness. PGStaff chimed in on the thread as well and although he claims to not remember the interaction- I remember it vividly. The man who was at the helm of the organization I took time to publicly bash accepted my apology and told me I was mature for it. There was something different about this place.

 

I stuck around for a while, soaking up information and reading along with threads. I'd post here and there- mostly nonsensical banter and commonplace back and forths. I developed a few friendly relationships with some posters and a few not-so-friendly ones as well. As time went on, the HSBBWeb became more than just a community in which to express myself. It became a huge resource for me moving forward as I begin my trek into the world of college recruiting.

 

As the clock turned and my experience here went from high school player to college player, my perspective began changing as well. Often times I found myself reading much of the same material over and over again, resonating very well with the individuals who posted the question(s).

 

I gradually found myself switching sides- from information seeker to information giver. I'd become an "old timer"...I had been through the process that many were going through, and I could help. I continued on this path for a while in a manner that I thought was ideal. It was an opportunity to give back to the community that had helped me so much.

 

When I felt a pop in my elbow during my junior year of college, there were many shoulders to lean on here on the HSBBWeb. I shared my experience- from the operating table to my first bullpen back after surgery- here. And everyone was supportive.

 

Are some posts self-centered and seeking affirmation? Sure. We all do that, don't we? I hate being wrong. Can't stand it. Ask my girlfriend, she'll tell you the same thing. That doesn't make you a bad person.

 

I've been a culprit of a cranky response here and there during my time on these message boards. Sometimes an OP will tick me off a little bit and I may be a little blunt and upfront about things. I realize it before I write it, while I'm writing it, and after I write it. We're all human.

 

In the end, this website has provided me with more than I could've ever asked for. I'm no longer a high school athlete or a college athlete. I have no dog in the fight, no ulterior motive. I've realized that this truly is a wonderful and unique place and I love being a (very small) part of it. I read here every single day of my life and learn something just about every time I do so. And when the rare opportunity comes where I actually can provide some insight- I look forward to being able to help out someone who's position I was in, once upon a time.

 

Drew, I can't speak for other people, but that's why I'm here. I am very fortunate to actually get paid by an organization in the "real world" for sharing some of the knowledge I've accumulated over time. But without the HSBBWeb, that knowledge wouldn't be so vast. I thoroughly enjoy sitting here on my laptop and "yapping away" like some kind of "expert" every once in a while because a while back, other people did the same exact thing for me.

You deserve MUCH more credit here than that, my friend!

 

What a great, great post...and what a tremendous contribution you've made here over the years!

 

In no small part due to this website, I have a son who's living his dream, day-in-and-day-out, working in the game he loves. That's all the "payment" I could ever want.

 

Those of us who have walked the path have picked up some things along the way. It's never seemed like a waste of time to try to give back some small portion of what my son and I received when he was of the age to benefit from it.

My point was it's an open forum and who cares if someone is bragging.
Also, for the most part, I don't see Ray Tanner, Rick Savage or anyone that would say something that has the resume to back it up. A lot of knowledgeable folks, but just because you consider yourself an old timer does not give you any more authority on the subject than me. Maybe you are Ray Tanner.......IDK, but my name is Drew. It's all perspective.
Like I said before, you can't ask a question and get well thought feed back unless u write a novel explaining every detail.

Really, because I would LOVE a real paycheck from baseball besides the mediocre checks I've received coaching high school and Juco.

In my time in professional baseball, I've learned that the payment being received often goes far beyond the actual numbers on the paycheck.

Heck yeah. Great hotels, beautiful women, working with people that have seen everything, great seats etc.....
No brainer.

Not exactly what I was referring to...

This is entertaining!  

Exactly my point. If you do not write a novel, your thoughts can be perceived in many ways.
Its great u enjoy more than ur paycheck. Otherwise...... what a crappy life it would be. I think that's everyone's philosophy in life. Nobody wants a job they hate. Right?

My thoughts on the above comments by Drew..... 

 

Great post JH.

 

Prepster, just love that new avatar!

TPM.......what so great about it? Was it spiritually lifting for you?
Please detail out what was GREAT about his post?
Read down thru.......I thru myself out there and now all you see is the "mob mentality". Exactly what I expected. This great and is so common on forums with members that feel like they're entitled. See how easy it was to get off of the OP.

I was a long time reader before I ever posted for fear of the lashing, harsh comments, etc.  To avoid putting my son's "novel" on the board, I PM'd (private message; private dialog) an old-timer to get an answer to a question I had in the pre-high school forum.  Seeking out the advice from some of the old-timers can be so valuable! 

(Love the avatar, Prepster!)

 

This was a really good topic.

I do not feel like I am entitled, but I do get the impression that you do.

You may coach the game, but IMO you have no clue about what it is really all about.

 

In all fairness, most of us here know who each other are, you don't know us and we don't know you, so yes you have come to a place where there are strong bonds and ties.  This isn't your ordinary message board.

 

What we always taught son when he was very young, the game is so much bigger than one person can comprehend and he has learned that, and he gives back as much as he can, and so do I without every asking anything here in return as do all of us.

 

I take offense to the comments made about what you perceive as the reason why men play a boys game.  Those who abuse this job are exception.  Everyone my son is or has been involved with is deeply involved with everything that is good about the game, good hard working guys, family men, religious, caring. 

 

You have no clue.

I'm certainly getting the impression that Drew is all about...well...Drew.  

 

According to Drew, HS head coach (who got the job over him) is an idiot.  All the parents and AD love him and want him to coach to cover for the idiot.  He's the savior. But still, he didn't get the job and the "idiot" won't listen to him.  (Anyone wonder why at this point?  ).  

 

He gave up coaching his LL son to save everyone.  But then again...I think the real motivation was to coach his HS son to begin with.  We now learn that he would have to write a novel for any of us to understand.  He's underpaid despite his hours on the JC and HS diamonds.

 

Now its all about the 'old timers' ruining his party on this thread...which was not about Drew.  But still...why not make it about Drew...he begs?  

 

Drew needs attention...that is clear.  Its all about Drew...for Drew of course.

 

I've seen several hundred "Drews" before...so now...can we move on from Drew?  Please?!  

Drew - it's ironic you bring up Ray Tanner.  The guy is the epitome of class and humility and his teams play hard without any fluff.  He would never brag or try to puff things up like you seem to be advocating.  You seem to be the opposite of that - all hat and no cowboy is my impression.

 

You don't need to write a novel to communicate Drew.  You just need to learn how to write.  Amazing how simple the solution is sometimes.

 

Sticks and stoners boys. Did I question someones knowledge? No.
Ray Tanner is great. And ya.....I'm not in his class.
I donated my pay back to high school boosters. Soooo. Honestly.....there was no juco pay.
The coach for my sons team is an idiot. Talking about taking away from coaching my younger son....seriously.....ya went there? I said if I quit the high school team I would get the chance to coach him. I can be his savior.
Great coaches are at all levels but if ur at the proffesional level then UV seen a lot more than most. That's easy to respect.

All hat and no cowboy....great stuff!

So by simply saying that one has had experience in professional baseball, that validates their opinions because they've been exposed to the best? I've met a good amount of people involved in professional baseball that wouldn't/don't make good coaches. Many very openly admit that to be true.

 

Painting a broad brush isn't a means to an end in an open forum. Specificity, humility and honesty goes a long way. I learned that the hard way, trust me.

To quote a sagacious, unpaid, oldster contributor:

 

This is entertaining! 

 

 

If you'll pardon me now, I'll go continue working on that novel. 

 

 

(Thanks, TPM and keewart! I like it, too!)

 

 

I've come to look at the Old Timers like a great grandparent(even though some are younger than me!).  Lots of wisdom acquired through years of experiences.  Still, the world is changing and so we listen closely and then sift through it all and then try to keep only what is still relevant.  It's true, it's difficult to know what to keep and what to ignore, but it's worth the work because the relevant stuff is still too valuable to miss.  Old Timers know this too.  Which is why they still take a few minutes out of their day to pay back the world.

 

Old Timers can get cranky and impatient just like old people.  IMO, they have earned the right to be cranky.  You can take it personal or you can find it endearing.  Kinda like how I deal with my Dad. 

 

I really like what Midlo Dad said about posting replies to all readers not just to the OP.  Because there are far more lurkers reading and learning than there are posters.  We hear from many who feel their lives have changed because of what they've learned on this site.  But there are many lives touched of which we'll never know.  Post to both the poster and the lurker and you've truly done a service to this site.

 

Having recently gone over 500 posts, I definitely don't qualify as an old-timer, but I've been around long enough to have learned a thing or two:

• On the couple of occasions I've gotten my nose out of joint, it's because I typed before I thought.
• Those who have been there really can offer wisdom.
• Reading between the lines on new posters is learned skill.
• My son has and will continue to benefit from this site in ways he cannot imagine.
• Contributing $$ to this site is just the right thing to do.
• Guys like Drew either like to stir the pot, or are clueless. I suspect the former.
• I miss TRHit.

what a wonderful illustrative thread

 

 

 

I am a stirrer. Look how fast people changed tunes. Half my posts really didn't make sense and it made some of you mad. Y'all ganged up on drew.

There are different type of people who post here. Those that give advice, those looking for advice, and those that like to stir the pot.

The last mentioned only remain here for a week or two, maybe if lucky a month.

 

JP, 500 posts that was quick! 

 

 

Not all topics here are baseball related.  That is what is so unique to this site. Years ago we used to have all sorts of topics going, my fav was where can one find the best unique fast food, I think PG (Jerry Ford of perfect game) got that one on a fried baloney sandwich from Paduca, KY (if memory serves me correctly). 

 

And I do believe that there are D1 coaches that come here to read and to post.  So understand that we may never know who is giving advice. My suggestion to newcomers is to read as much as you can here everyday, and use what advice is posted to make a plan for yourself or your player, to remain in the game as long as you can, but not sure you understand that.

 

The topic was written by a long time respected poster who did so for a reason.  You haven't been around long enough to understand that either.

 

Drew, keep in mind that posting on this site as well as hundreds of other sites is a privilege, not a right.

 

I used that little red flag to notify moderators with a comment of your intent to disrupt.

 

I suggest that you familiarize yourself with the board rules and keep in mind that you have come to our house, not the other way around.

 

The good part about this is that you have done a great job of illustrating what the OP was trying to convey.

 

 

 

 

Thank you TPM!

 

I didn't know how to say it, but that's exactly what I was thinking 

Privilege? No.....it's my right according to the constitution. I haven't belittled anyone. You can red flag all day long brother. I always tell my 8 yr old not to be a tattle tale. I said i was a stirrer in sarcasm. Ur too easy. What does that accomplish? I change my user I.d. and come back. The opening thread said "do you really want the answer or blah blah blah" You don't think that is a blast to newbies? Was to me. Ur cage is easily rattled, but yet you prop the door open and give me the green flag. Off to the ball park.

Drew kind of reminds me of "proudheismine"....remember that stirrer? Won't be around for long.

Ur too easy....Ur cage is easily rattled

Pot...kettle...black.

"do you really want the answer or blah blah blah" You don't think that is a blast to newbies?

...Uh...not too smart either.  Wow.  Shaking my head.  

 

Drew - I've seen at least a hundred just like you here over the past few years.  You can settle down and try and contribute...or you can leave.  Pretty forgiving community here if you give the former a shot.  Your choice.

 

I don't think anyone has a problem with someone bringing different opinions into a discussion.  That is one of the benefits of the board.  Many of us have been here a long time and so, have been there and done that.  While Drew may disagree with our "resume" and validity of our experiences, for the most part most members have the ability to glean some useful information from our ramblings.  Personally, it has been neat seeing members like JH grow up and become contributing members along their journey. 

 

As a parent, it was neat sharing my child's journey and having members comment.  I only have two years left of that journey and so, time is running out for me.  Oh, taking a page from CD's post, so my child is the best that has ever played at her school.  She is the best hitter.  She is the best fielder.  She is the best pitcher.  What I really want to know is do you think she needs braces? 

 

Drew, you commented that you stir.  I don't know if that was sarcasm or not.  What I do know is that this is not a flame site.  I would hope that you are not here to do that but rather be a contributing member taking both good and bad from this site. 

 

Take care!

Who remembers "the Eye" from Marion California?    

I know some folks recall the several aliases, but the theme was always the same.

 

Forget the pot, he was a cauldron stirrer! 

 

Yep, entertaining!

 

 

 

 

 

 

. 

 

I do!  I do!  

Drew, 

 

I just sent you a "Dialog."  To read it, click the gray "Dialogs" box in the upper right corner of your screen.  

I am one of the lurkers that doens't post much, but has learned a ton. I have been fortunate to get PMs from very generous "old timers" who have share their experiences and helped answer my questions. Yes, I have used the search button to research topics, but sometimes want clarification or more information about our particular situation. I have a 2015 who is right in the thick of things, and this site has been a great resource. I check in every few days to read what is going on and to learn more about what comes next. Thanks to all who contribute on this great site, I hope it is here for years to come for all the parents like me who love to hear from those who have been there, done that.

I belong to a couple of other (nonbaseball) forums and at each one, we've had stirrers.  There are good stirrers and bad stirrers.  The good ones stir the pot, get us thinking in a different way and help us become a better site and better people.  The OP wasn't just highlighting issues with newbies.  For me it gave us an opportunity to assess the methods of the Old timers too.

 

The bad stirrers show their true needs pretty quickly and it's up to us to call them out on it and then turn our backs to their posts from there on out. Just like we did on the playground many many years ago. 

 

What a bore...stirring just to stir.  Life is too short to waste energy that could be used to make a difference out there.  

The OP wasn't just highlighting issues with newbies.  For me it gave us an opportunity to assess the methods of the Old timers too.

Exactly!  Especially when I gave examples of my own slips, trips and falls.

 

Guess that flew by someone else.

I'd elaborate upon all of this if I weren't too busy writing my novel.

 

A poster/parent with a kid who made it through the recruiting experience to play college ball isn't a know it all. They are a person with experience to share.

When my daughter went through softball recruiting we went on blind faith and the advice of two people. It was so much
easier with my son after finding this site. It was also great to have a knowledgeable support group when my son had a major injury.

I believe there are as many stories as there are posters who have been through the recruiting experience. The key for newer members is figuring out what path your son is on and whose experience fits.

Drew,

I'm not going to go the direction you are taking this but I will say if you get past your current rant and hang around, you will likely find yourself pleasantly surprised at the quality, experience and qualifications of many of the regular posters here.

 

And while we're sharing HSBBW family ties...

Our resident international guy, Bob Williams recently connected the dots for an Australian team (ages 16-24) to tour through our area near the Central Cal coast.  The players stayed with some of our HS team parents and coaches including our own home. We coordinated games with ours and neighboring HS summer teams.  Things went "swimmingly" well and we ended the last evening with a pool party with about 50 folks all havin' a blast.  Host families and players were all begging the group to stay an extra few days instead of heading to their next destination.

A great experience that touched dozens of folks that live half way around the world from each other only happened because of HSBBW. 

 

BTW/JMO/IMO, my kid was certainly the best looking of the bunch.

Since resumes are important to Drew, I'll pass along one of a number of distinctions of Bob Williams':  He is the founder of the Area Code Games.

Make sure that you mention that our players went to Omaha the same year and Robert single handedly took the Tigers apart.

Prepster, I spent most of one game sitting next to Mike Kunigonis in Georgia last week. I asked him about Robert and all he could talk about was how fortunate VaTech was to get him. I also talked to Randy Hood and he had nothing but great things to say about Robert. In fact, I've never run across anyone who knows Robert that doesn't speak highly of him. He was a great pitcher, but there are a lot of great pitchers who will never command that same kind of respect.

 

Probably doesn't pertain to this topic.  Then again, maybe it does!

Now if Resumes are important then I stayed in a Holiday Inn Express last night. 

Gosh, PGStaff! Thanks very much for relating that and passing along the kind words!

 

What you were reporting was but one side of a "Mutual Admiration Society," as Robert has the same very high regard for the coaches you mention...and he certainly would want me to say so.

 

Also, If he were responding, himself, tonight, I think one of the things he might say is that he is simply trying to live up to some very high standards and examples that he's had the pleasure and benefit of experiencing at the hands of some very fine coaches all along the way. Like many players, he's been blessed to have had the mentors he's had. He speaks about it all the time in his more reflective moments.

 

You know, the game (not unlike this website) is as good as the effort all of its participants put into it. With everyone's best efforts, it can be something very special. Anything short of it threatens to make it something much less so.

 

...and, finally, to my very good friend, TPM: As kind as your recollection of that game might be, I would simply add that there was a very fine pitching effort that day from Clemson's Stephen Faris, as well. It was quite a duel; the sort that either team could have won and about which both teams should have been proud.

Yes it was a duel, both pitchers made the hitters look foolish!

 

I just wanted to make sure you got us in your novel.

One thing I haven't seen addressed that REALLY bothers me is when the Original Poster doesn't get the validation sought, and then goes back and edits out the content of the Original Post - leaving a thread full of feedback on, well, nothing...

 

I might make the suggestion that the first reply to an inquiry, especially "that" sort of inquiry, include a quote of the original post - just to sort of ensure the thread stays readable.

I have found this forum useful. I don't think I've slammed anyone. I've been slammed saying that I think I'm a savior and such. No big deal, I can handle it......I'm a coach. 

I'm no savior, but I do offer instruction to a lot of kids at NO charge in my small town of 10,000. 

I just like to debate. My initial point was to point out why would people post questions that they didn't want the answer to......isn't that kind of the definition of insane. 

If you all knew me, you'd like me. Trust me.....I do.

 

Alright Drew.  This site doesn't hold grudges.  Lets see if we can help you to find it to be useful.  Welcome back.

Well...as I've sat and talked with the papa on more than one occasion...I'm gonna believe that this fruit didn't fall far from the tree!

 

We all know from his playing days at UNC that Robert is a mega-competitor.  A fierce, fearless and focused young man.

 

Great stuff.  No surprise.  Great dad...gotta be a great son. 

Thank you.

I did have to laugh about the stuff about "Old Timers".  I remember the first time that tag was placed next to my name.  Many have noted how addictive this site can be, particularly when your son is going through the pipeline and you really do feel overwhelmed with the need to get on top of all the information.  I can't tell you how many times I posted to ask a question when I truly needed to hear the answer, as a means of getting informed.  I'll always welcome that no matter how many times people ask.  Just, if you don't hear what you wanted, don't kill the messenger!

 

I've slowed down my frequency a lot in the last couple of years.  On this site, being an "Old Timer" doesn't mean anything other than that you've posted a lot!  There's no subjective grading process by anyone, so in the end whatever I or anyone else say, you have to weigh it for yourself to see what you can take from it.  You're always free to disagree of course.

 

One thing you learn is that there are going to be some topics, or certain posters, that whenever you see them you just need to leave that thread.  Someone mentioned TRHit as someone who seems to have left the forums; TR could definitely ruffle feathers, but always with a purpose and usually with a nugget of wisdom.  But the guy I'll never forget is BlueDog, whose posts on rotational vs. linear hitting were as cryptic and unintelligible as they were numerous, and usually peppered with insults to all others in the discussion.  There was another fellow (whom I won't name) whose posts on here were often so rife with misspellings, so lacking in sentence structure, but so full of bile, that many wondered aloud whether he tended to log on after having had a few too many!  I've also seen people who seem to enjoy needling others, and occasionally they find someone with a thin skin, then set to pushing their buttons at every opportunity just as a means of entertaining themselves.  Those folks seem to have drifted away.  I don't mourn their losses, and I hope no one here wants to apply to be their replacements.

More than anyone...I miss Fungo.  (Although I do talk with him via another method).

 

His posts and demeanor were amazing.  Everyone on this site, new and old, benefited from his wisdom.

I also miss Gotwood4sale.  His comical relief, mostly thru pics, offered needed balance to so many threads.

I am not sure what the original impetus was to start this thread, so I might be off base on your original intent. However the general theme can be looked at from many different perspectives.

 

I'll start out by saying this site is very helpful to most people, mainly because there are so many knowledgeable and kind people here. I say kind in that they are willing to give their honest opinions/advice typically with the intent of helping the posters who come to the site looking to help their kids. However, just like in every other walk of life, there are those who view things from a negative perspective, assume the worst of others, etc.

 

So when a new poster arrives looking for advice and extols the virtues of their son, a few here automatically assume they are here for the wrong reasons and descend upon them like vultures. In other cases lets take a poster who gets different advice from certain "old timers" that can be gruff. You know the type, the ones that look to use the stick before the carrot. Sure "tough love" might be needed now and then, but that is for seasoned posters, not newbies. We need to start out on the right foot with them, not pounce on them.

 

Some new posters are clueless, while others might have more knowledge that some of the "old timers" trying to help them. What I mean by that is that the parent might be a baseball guy(i.e. played, coached, etc.) but is lacking knowledge in a particular area(recruiting, NCAA rules, etc.). They do not come here expecting to be talked to in a condescending way, nor have their motivation questioned by those who may have never thrown a baseball in a real game their entire lives. Then when the newbie rebuffs the negative attitude of certain "old timers", their apologists want to come to their defense.

That is where your quoted comment does not hold water because some do hold grudges. They can actually become stalkers going from post to post to keep stirring up their previous issues with those who did not knuckle under to them. So when we see certain "old timers" who we know fit the aforementioned gruff curmudgeon profile, we cringe because we know how they come across to others, especially the newbies.

 

Fortunately the overwhelming majority of "old timers" are the good guys, and help to put our communities best foot forward. They not only have the knowledge, but also have a kind/generous/empathetic nature which lends itself to newbies being made to feel at home. As in most cases in life, the good outweighs the bad, and our forum is no different. However the regulars must be willing to speak up when necessary to keep the curmudgeons in line when they are caustic enough to put newbies off.

 

We must all think back to when we were new here, and try to empathize with what the typical motivation was to seek out a forum like this. If the person came here for the "wrong reason", so what, they will learn to get along, or eventually move along. We do not need certain "old timers" to question their motivations and leave the newbie with a negative impression. Instead lets have the ambassadors of our forum have the first crack at them. We will then have people who will want to stay and hopefully be able to give something back to other newbies down the road.

 

`

 

Kind of funny to me Vector that you time-and-time again take swings at a group of "old timer" posters that you believe belong to some special club...yet want to pretend you're playing "nice" all of the time.    This is why you find yourself on the short end of some some posts..."time-and-time" again.  You can blame it on cliques all you want, but you need to look in the mirror just once.

 

Another pot...calling a kettle black as far as I'm concerned.

 

This comment...

They do not come here expecting to be talked to in a condescending way, nor have their motivation questioned by those who may have never thrown a baseball in a real game their entire lives.

...is a "swing" at a subset of posters (quite likely...women) on here and I suspect one in particular.  You've swung that bat before too...many, many times.  Its old...and frankly, "small" of you after the umpteenth time.  MANY mothers are the main reason their sons are such good baseball players and so successful.  I know my wife is #1 on that front in our house.

 

We've heard your point...over and over...did you read all of the posts on this thread to get some of the other points?  About picking yourself up and getting back at it...told by several on this thread alone.  You need to stop trying to get a PM-posse to raid a "clique" you perceive...but really does not exist as far as I know.

 

Its old Vector.  Time to move on and contribute in your own style without all of the attempted insults yourself.

 

Well there you go, the past rearing it's ugly head.

 

I did not start this topic/thread, you did.

 

I did not make this personal between us, you did.

 

I did not call out someone specific, but you practically did.

 

I am not going to take the bait about the assumption my comment was about "women" (i.e. mothers). Just because one caustic poster MAY be of that gender, does not mean they all are being referred to. Some baseball moms know more than many dads do.

 

Quite frankly, I do not even think you and I had a major issue with each other, rather I might have thought you were someone else when we first sparred.

 

My issue is with the only person I have ever blocked on this site, and maybe one or two others who are either their apologist, or are generally caustic in their approach to others. I think one mentioned by ID has left.

 

As to it being old, I find it funny how a thread was started by a newbie a few months back, and the typical caustic "old timer" I have blocked jumped the newbie. I didn't even realize what had happened until several people finally had enough and spoke up against them, and used their words in a quote. It had been a long time coming.

This of course was something I knew from people sending me PM's saying they were fed up with this particular poster, but did not want to incur the wrath of their clique. Or is it cliche?

 

Of course some (in the imaginary clique) jumped me in the past for having dared to not agree with some advice that was decidedly not as beneficial as the one proffering it thought it was.

People who know me in person, (some here on this forum) know I am generally a positive person. However you have to ask yourself why I have taken umbrage with a select few. Maybe, unbeknownst to you, I was one of the newbies who came here and had a negative encounter with the small clique.

Fortunately the vast majority of people were, nice, helpful, and that, combined with the block button, helped keep me here.

 

Anyway, as stated before, I believe the overwhelming majority of "old Timers" are great, along with the people here for just a few years. I really don't have an issue with you that I can specifically remember, nor are you one of the posters who fall into the curmudgeon category.

From what I can recollect, your advice is sound, and your manner is generally positive. I have no grudge with you, regardless of how you may feel about me.

Yet I will occasionally speak up without fear of the clique, whether some like it or not. Hopefully the public lashing the poster took the last time before the thread was removed, was enough for them to reset their attitude. I don't know because unless someone quotes them in a post, I no longer have the misfortune of reading what they post.

 

Regardless my point remains that we need to give newbies the benefit of the doubt several times over, and not allow the few caustic posters to taint an otherwise great place.

 

`

Well there you go, the past rearing it's ugly head.

Seems to me you did precisely that with your previous post.  Including your apparent vendetta with one particular poster...which you continue to mention in this post and nearly every post you make lately.

 

cabbagedad - Me too!  I can't help to wonder what image he would post in this thread..? 

 

I'm attempting to contact Gotwood4sale through telekensis to the Windy City.  Got it, and posting.

 

 

 

I tried to tell Gotwood4sale that his participation here was deeply appreciated.  His views and wit is hard to replace.  I too miss his participation.  Hey Woodrow, how about logging in once in a while and saying hey?

Woody got tired of this site and was more into politics. By the time
he was done.here most of his posts were political. I have an emaill address and a snail mail address. Ill try reaching him.

This is entertaining!

 

Very "Woody-esque!"

 

Woody, if you're reading this, we do miss you and yours!

 

 

I have not left, even though I post quite a bit less.  While Vector might view some of my posts or comments to be "generally apologist or generally caustic," that has not been my experience with so many others on this site for the past 11-12 years. While direct comments or disagreeing comments on a board could be described by someone as "generally apologist" or "generally caustic" when they have an agenda(subtle one such as the aspersion in this thread), that implies a knowledge by that "someone" of the "intent" with which the post/comments were/are made. As Midlo noted earlier, often times posting on this site is done for a broader range of audience than just the OP and their precise situation. Having  a son play D3, get drafted, be pretty successful in Milb and move on to a D3 and now  a DI assistant, there are times the breadth of a pretty unique experience brings a different perspectives. 

Yup, Play Baseball is also missed.  I might be seeing her and Woodrow this coming year since out daughters might play against each other.  That will be fun.

Absolutely.

I would like to know what experience V has to offer having gone through the HS, the college experience because I have never seen anything (besides repeating the same as above thing over and over) of significance, but then again, never having played a game (as much has he knows about) what would I know.

 

Give up Vector, it's become very unbecoming.

 

 I hope that all is well with Michael and Annette.

 

I miss gotwood's pics too!