Does anyone share my feelings?

There are certainly a lot of rubbish teams around, travel ball has become diluted with the deluded....parents who start their own team because Junior wasn't getting enough PT. That's why you have to do some research to make sure that your son is on the best quality team his talents will allow him to play. And the word 'play' is important. Many coaches will tell you what you want to hear (or, conversely, parents will hear what they want to hear), so it's a good idea to talk to as many parents on the team as you can, and/or have your son talk to the players.

This 'hearing' will also be important when you/your son talk to recruiters. The standard line is 'you will be given an opportunity to compete for your position', and that is true. (What should they say? "The position is yours no matter how much better another player turns out to be", or "You're third on the depth chart, bring a cushion into the dugout"?) Again: research the colleges that show interest: check their rosters for other catchers, check theeri stats for players playing by talent and not seniority.

And all this need for questions answered and research done is exactly why Bob put this haven together.

Area Code can be juniors as well, and with the difference in school calendars, they can't fit them all. Wood Bat is also during the school year, and choices have to be made based on your family's priorities.

Have you checked out the Timeline on this site? The message boards are great, but there's gold in the articles as well -- pull over the green screen to the left and read away!

Thanks Orlando

Been looking around most of the day, while at work. But have to go for today, be back tomorrow. Have a good night, thanks for the great info.

LoveBball

I wanted to re-visit the original thread for a moment.
My son is one of those quiet, laid-back guys but that works against him as much as the perfectionism works against others. His HS is football dominant so they want the arrogant, in-your-face guys.

The one example that stands out the most occurred after he pitched a perfect game through 6 1/3 that was wrecked by an infield error. He had 19 strike-outs in the seven-inning game and an assist on one of the other outs made. After the game, the only thing a coach told him was that he needed to change his batting stance.

Based on these and other experiences, he turned to music and wrote this song (wish I had a way to post a .wav or .midi so you could hear the melody.....)


They talk to you like they really know
Tell you you're not good enough
And that's just the way it goes
You know deep down that they're making a mistake
And you just don't know exactly how much you can take

(Chorus)
It's my life, it's my choice
I'm the only one who can control my destiny
My pride and my voice
And I'll only do what I think's best for me

There's always something wrong with
everything you do
It doesn't matter what it is, the problem is with you
And every step you take, they try to hold you back
Instead of seeing what you got, they focus on your lack

It's my life, it's my choice
I'm the only one who can control my destiny
My pride and my voice
And I'll only do what I think's best for me

So walk around those people standin' in your way
Keep on headin' toward your goals every
single day
Don't let what others say affect the things
you do
The words that shape your life should only come from you

It's my life, it's my choice
I'm the only one who can control my destiny
My pride and my voice
And I'll only do what I think's best for me
My life it's my choice
I'm the only one who can control my destiny
My pride and my voice
and I'll only do what I think's best for me
(fade out)

bluesky? so how old is your son now? is he pursuing music or ball? ....

absolutely loved the lyrics...I felt as if your son could have been mine...as mine is still in high school and playing his senior year...the words I just read in your post sums up his experience...we too are 'football' dominant...

thank you for sharing...

Pam

Thanks Tex2004

I will tell him you enjoyed it.

My son is a junior in HS and still dealing with the highs and lows of HS baseball.

As far as his pursuits, he still does it all - baseball, music, choir, theatre, and.....gasp....dance (he's especially good at tap :>
It doesn't go over well in the athletic dept. but he loves it all (although baseball is his number one love)

He lost his normal start Tuesday this week because he went on the choir trip (he's in "varsity show choir" so it is required) and missed Monday practice but he threw 5 shut-out innings last night. Coach put in another guy to start the sixth and we lost.
He came home and played his guitar

somehow I can see him playing his guitar...with the many gifts he has...windows will open and he will find his path...

highs and lows...pretty much how life is...doesn't make it easier...but aspiring to channel those lows into positive results seems to inspire your son's writing...

glad for his great pitching too....

Pam

Blue Sky,
You should be very proud of your son and IF he decides to continue playing in college, the coaches will like the dance. It has been proven that dancing improves your foot speed and coordination.
Think of the great dancers and what good athletes they need to be to do what they do. Dancing and sports go hand in hand.
He is so well rounded, he will have many choices and that can never be a bad thing!
And it is always nice to have someone to sing in the car with!