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Three years ago my son was in the fall of his soph year when the rabbit died. For awhile we had no idea if college was going to be even feasible, much less baseball.

With the help of a few good coaches who were very understanding my son was able to continue college - and college baseball.

Over 748 at bats later he takes his last college swing at the NAIA college world series. Then at the end of last summer he even got a chance to play for an independent league professional team.

He told us this weekend that he is not going to try out for the professional team next month. He said it was a great time - but also a huge commitment that took him away from something more important - his twins.

I know baseball is not over for him - he will play till he's old and gray. He also has a lefty and righty who think having a bunch of college players pitch to you at the age of two is routine.

No doubt the experience he is getting as a student coach at the college this year will come in handy when they start LL in a few years (oh no, another of those dreaded "parent" coaches.).

There are plenty of hurdles each of our sons face. But the rewards for climbing them are awesome. It has been one heck of a ride for us.

Can't wait to see where the youngest (now a freshman in hs) takes us next.
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AParent ...

Best wishes to your son in his future without pro ball ... It sounds as tho he had a great ride and enjoyed it while he was able but definitely has a handle on what priorities are important in this life. What a thrill to have the chance to parent such bundles of love and joy as twins ... I wish only the best for all of them.

FB.Mom
AParent,

Thanks so much for sharing the news with us. What a wonderful baseball career your son has had, capped by a trip to the NAIA World Series and then a season of pro ball! And I can just imagine the fun he is going to have passing his baseball knowledge and love of the game on to the twins when they start LL in a few years!

Very best wishes to Robin and the twins!

Julie
Last edited by MN-Mom
AParent

I'm not a parent myself, only an uncle, but my view is that the road hasn't ended but you have all exited the highway and are now driving on the side roads, taking in the scenery. And it sounds like you may have another highway entrance ramp not to far ahead. Savor the miles past and keep the car in tune for what my be many miles ahead.

Your comment about being two and playing catch with the college players brings back some memories for me. About twenty years ago, my brother sold his house in suburban Chicago, left his high school teaching position and moved with his wife and 2 year old son to Starkville, Mississippi to begin his college coaching career as a grad assistant at MSU. As a tot, my nephew got to play catch with Will Clark, Raphael Palmerio, Bobby Thigpen, Jeff Brantley and the rest of their MSU teammates. This spring he is bringing to a close to his college pitching career while beginning work on a Masters degree. How time flies.

Kevin

Oh, and it only took a couple of years for Jake to lose the Mississippi twang he developed in the two years he spent down south.
AParent - maybe the title could change, but your story is a good one. Seems we have seen a few of these this winter. All the best to your son and your family. Imagine that baseball will be in your future for many years to come. Curious, do you think you might be a little more melancholy right now if you did not also have another baseball son coming up through the ranks?
ClevelandDad

quote:
Curious, do you think you might be a little more melancholy right now if you did not also have another baseball son coming up through the ranks?


Good question. Kind of hard to say though. Until this past year we didn't think we had another one interested in baseball.

This one always loved football. To him baseball was really nothing more than a "social event". He played just because his friends did.

But going out to Idaho to watch the World Series really impressed him. Since then he has worked harder than ever. Really working out, and swinging the bat. Will be interesting to see how it pays off for him.
AParent,
Many, many times when I speak to other members of this community I refer to you and Orlando as being the most knolwedgeable and astute members. This is not only related to baseball but in the "game of life". You have raised a remarkable youngman....one who is willing to accept his responsilities and who is displaying the unselfish act of putting his children first before his own wants and desires....something I do not see exhibited alot these days by the younger generation....but, I also feel, that the young lady here needs kudos as well...what she must have given up as well to raise twins....baseball is a game... something most of us forget...fun to watch, fun to play, fun to be the parent of a player...but, we must always remember, it is a game and family and responsibilities always comes first....best of luck to him
Last edited by catchermom03
catchermom03

Thank you for the kind words, but I am certainly not deserving of them.

I do agree with you - the mother deserves her kudos as well. One of my most poignant baseball memories is actually of her.

One day she came to the game to pick the boys up after we'd had them all weekend. The boys didn't know she's coming and turned to see her walking towards them. Four little feet start running as fast as they can go crying out "mommy" with the most enthusiasm you've ever heard.

Not a sole within hearing distance was watching the game - they all turned to watch - with the biggest smiles on their faces. I can tell you this - it warmed a lot of hearts, and not just the moms either. Baseball folks know how to enjoy a great play.
Last edited by AParent

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