Wow...what a dramatic subject line...I've debated for several weeks about whether I was going to post anything at all, but figured every dad deserves their farewell post...kind of long...
For the TL
R crowd: A year after shoulder surgery, son gets released going into his senior season of college ball. It's over...time to graduate!!!
Reading through the thread where they were talking about starting a thread to focus on their 2020s, 2021s etc., got me to really thinking what a long, strange trip it's been...but a great one!
Endless tournaments
Cooperstown DP
National Showcase
EastCoast Pro
He experienced it all...coming out of high school made the decision to go on to dream school and play major D1 college baseball and forego the draft which probably would have landed him somewhere in the 2nd-5th rounds. Scouts said, "see you in three years!" OK....
Fastforward to Sophmore year, topping out at 98 on the gun...things looking positive as we head to summer ball...midway through summer ball, he comes down with full blown mono.
He's completely shut down for two months...can't even run...nothing!
On the DAY the trainers released him back to the team, now in the midst of fall practice, pitching coach has him throw a bullpen...take note, he has not thrown, lifted, run, stretched...ANYTHING since July and it's now the first of October. He texts me that night...Dad, something's wrong with my arm...
So, now we start PT...This goes on til January. Finally, they schedule surgery on his shoulder for first week of Jan. He misses Junior season, lots of rehab/pt, gets medical redshirt...
By first of summer, still tremendous pain in throwing. No summer ball. Decides to just shut it down completely and doesn't pick up a ball all summer...nothing else was working.
Now, let's throw into the mix, a complete coaching staff change.
Start of fall practice, he's able to do all of the physical training, competing, at everything BUT pitching from the mound over the top (kind of bad if you're a pitcher)...even tried throwing sidearm...which he could do without much pain, but about 82 mph, which was basically batting practice.
Week before the season starts...coach calls him in and says, "it's over". Just like that...
Once everybody had their little pity party, we've all really come to a great realization of what a great relief is really was. Son, is now having the time of his life in his last couple of months of college. Taking his final three classes and will graduate with a business degree (anybody hiring?) in May.
My take away? Take the money and run (just kidding...a little)...seriously, enjoy it now and everyday til they are told, "it's over." Every day, EVERY player will be told it's over. Things may not turn out like you planned. Reflect on the experience and move forward. And don't take it personal, it's just baseball.
