Feeling Anxious

baseballmom - I think many of us moms relate to what you're feeling. I found the recruiting time a stressful time. For me, that was because I allowed myself to fret for really no reason. I tend to do that too much.... worry that is!

I think if you have faith, knowledge that your son is doing everything he should be.... grades, talking with schools, etc., things will work out fabulously.

I'm a person that likes to have my path charted and know what's happening next week, next month, next year and when I don't know those answers or feel a bit out of control of those answers, I can feel a bit crazy. Always good to sit back, take inventory, take a deep breath, and realize how lucky we are today. Tomorrow almost always works itself out.... whether we expend the energy worrying or allow ourselves to be a bit more relaxed about the journey. It's kinda up to us.

Ive been consumed by baseball since my son was 10 yrs old (that was 10 yrs ago) and I don't see it ending any time soon
But looking back I wasted a great deal of energy stressing. about baseball and getting to the next level.
Lafmom is right relax and enjoy the ride, and the non baseball things...

bb246,

That's why we say, affectionately..."enjoy the ride"...it is a Roller Coaster...of emotions, angst, certainty, doubt, confusion, celebration...It can be a "grind", so take time to put it down occassionally.

Best advise...pray...keep it all in perspective...then go fishing for a day!! or throw a frisbee with your son & the dog!! Pack a picnic & head to the lake, just do something relaxing!
I took my son to a playground & jumped in a swing...we just goofed off & acted like little kids a couple of times.

Thank you, Thank you! Ladies just what I needed to hear! I have been praying more which keeps me feeling calmer. I think I need to enjoy the ride more and stop fretting over every little word that comes out of a Coaches mouth...lol.

Thanks again.

You say that your son just started pitching a year ago and he is already being recruited? That sounds pretty impressive, although I guess it might also give some coaches pause, if he doesn't have that much of a track record in that position.

Best of luck to you. I worried a lot about son getting into the college of his dreams, and less about whether or where he might play baseball, but I do remember some anxiety, especially when I knew that admissions decisions were in the mail and they'd be showing up in the mailbox. (thick envelope? thin envelope?) You have lots of company here!

baseballmom, know that you are not alone. It is absolutely amazing how we can allow our emotions to be affected by the little things. Yesterday morning, son and I had a great meeting with a recruiting coordinator during an unofficial visit to the college. I was flying high the rest of the day. Today, hubby took son out to practice and son came back in a bad mood. Husband says son is a little rusty in his fielding -- and he has a showcase in 6 days! Yikes! It's amazing how deflated I felt after that -- and worried and anxious and nervous and doubtful. I had to remind myself tonight that God is always up to something good. We can cast all our anxiety on Him and trust that He is holding our sons in the palm of His hands. Now....if I can just remind myself of that truth on a daily basis!

I'm over the recruiting hump!!! On the Giant roller coaster now that he's in college!
Things one has to worry about now are drinking, partying, keeping the grades up, making it onto the roster, etc...
But I must say, so far, so good!

Here's my reason for celebration:

http://tulanegreenwave.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/101806aaa.html

http://tulanegreenwave.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/102906aaa.html

quote:

I'm over the recruiting hump!!! On the Giant roller coaster now that he's in college!
Things one has to worry about now are drinking, partying, keeping the grades up, making it onto the roster, etc...
But I must say, so far, so good!

LOL Baseballmom.....as far as I'm concerned...there is NO getting over the hump! We just move on to the next set of worries and concerns. I think if will always be like that. It has only taken me 46 years but...I have now learned to not let the worry consume me. You just have to have faith that whatever happens...happens for a reason, you learn from it, and you move on!

Hi Ladies! I guess I need to learn to roll with the coaster...lol. All of you are so right in what you have said. It really does not end because as a mother you always worry about something. I have a 10 yr old daughter, so the next couple of year should be a hoot with her! LOL

I have another question maybe you can answer (because I feel kind of safe in here) When you visit a DII and you throw for a coach, could they offer you something right there or do you generally have to wait for a phone call afterwards?

Oh! and congrats to Baseballmom's son! Glad you are over the hump and your son is on a great team.

quote:

When you visit a DII and you throw for a coach, could they offer you something right there or do you generally have to wait for a phone call afterwards?

Mom - This varies from coach to coach/program to program. Some may still be waiting on his transcript or other communications, some may be waiting on a #1 to give them an answer or your son may be their #1 or a player that they know they want there and they're prepared to make the offer that day. I think we rarely knew when making a visit if an offer would come then or not... sometimes it did and sometimes it didn't. Just prepare your son for all scenarios, so that he and you are on the same page as to how to proceed if an offer is received.

I live in a parallel universe, except my son has always been a pitcher. He does what he can to be a better player and I market him to the best of my ability. I know God has a plan for him - it may be something we have not even considered. I just hope we are open to whatever it is, and recognize it when it comes along. When this year is over, I just want to be able to say I did all I could to help him get to the next level. For a player who is not a top prospect it is a solid part time job. I love it!

Redhead-
Thanks for reminding me that it is all in God's hands. I have tried to do what I can to help my son, but only God knows how this will play out.

baseballmom - I think that sometimes I tend to get overwhelmed when I read the posts about all of the verbals that have already taken place, or some kids having many choices and not knowing who to say yes to. I think - if only my son were in their shoes.... Needless to say, he s not a top prospect either, but he has gotten offers from some D3 colleges, and he gets noticed every time he pitches in a game. However, his heart is set on D1 right now, so I will keep supporting his endeavors. Even if there are no D1 offers later down the road, at least I will know that we (yes - it is a mom and son effort) tried.

I think that is the key - to not give up and keep pushing forward. God knows where the fit is. (The only thing is - I wish He would tell me!!!!)

You will discover that even after your son has settled in with his college team and has seemingly found his "niche" you will experience the roller coaster ride that is inevitable.

Moms of pitchers also have to endure an additional malady that we hsbbweb pitcher's moms have affectionately named "PMS" which stands for Pitcher's Mom Syndrome.

The symptoms of PMS include fingernail biting, heart palpitations, frequent trips to the ladies room, a feeling of being alone even though you are sitting in a crowd of people, an occasional strong urge to "run away", an occasional even stronger urge to strangle the homeplate umpire who is obviously squeezing the strikezone against your precious baby, and the urge to strangle the coach because he has either left your baby in too long or taken him out too soon.

If you have experienced 3 or more of the above symptoms when your son is pitching then you are definitely suffering from PMS. If the symptoms persist or if you experience additional symptoms you might want to seek medical attention.

Best wishes to everyone for a great upcoming season. I especially want to enjoy this one since it will most likely be my son's last college season before he heads on to the next level. It's been a roller coaster of a ride but I am so thankful that I have been able to experience college baseball even with all of its ups and downs. Even the PMS has been well worth it!


Ann

OUBsbmom!!!

Someone has lied to me!!!
I have ALL the symtoms you list!! Plus, the flush & mood swings, & uncontrollable cold sweats, HOT sweats, & dripping sweats!
I was told it was menopause!!!

I feel better now!!

baseballmom,

Oh yeah, there is that "other" PMS of which you speak.....I just wish that one would go far, far away from me as well!!


Ann

Me Too!!! I have both kinds of PMS! The hot flashes and the worrying about college!!

Thanks Ladies for some good advice and some good laughs! (Which I need about now!)

OUBsbmom- I love your post. I also suffer from the same PMS.

lovethatbaseball- I understand how you feel. My son did not find his fit until June of senior year. It was at a Division 1 in the Northeast.

Thanks for all the laughs ladies.

quote:

The symptoms of PMS include fingernail biting, heart palpitations, frequent trips to the ladies room, a feeling of being alone even though you are sitting in a crowd of people, an occasional strong urge to "run away", an occasional even stronger urge to strangle the homeplate umpire who is obviously squeezing the strikezone against your precious baby, and the urge to strangle the coach because he has either left your baby in too long or taken him out too soon.

I finally realize I am not a freak, I just have PMS. Son is only a sophomore in high school but I have been having these PMS symptons for years and I have a long road ahead of me. The frequent trips to the ladies room is my specialty. Does anyone ever sit alone at ballgames when your son is pitching? I have tried this but for some reason people flock around me. By the end of his freshman season I would wait until everyone sat and then find a far away spot. I am usually very sociable, but not when my baby is pitching. He should be the #1 or #2 pitcher this year; I think I need to rent my own private port-a-potty.

Hey, pitcher moms -- you're not the only ones suffering! I know when my son was having to adjust to a new position (due to a teammate's injury), I cringed when he made a number of uncharacteristic errors. For a while, my stomach knotted up when I drove into the parking lot at the baseball field. I didn't even want to look at the faces of some of the "type A" parents who took losses very personally. (One set of parents refused to talk with us after our son hit the game-tying run, but then let one go between his legs during extra innings.) It is definitely a roller coaster ride.

Lovethatbbaseball,
Don't get overwhelmed by what is posted on this board... When I was at your point in "the journey" I too thought every one was a early sign or high draft pick, and it caused me to worry. BUT, those types of players really are rare, Don't stress, there are many things deciding what players are signed and when.

(One set of parents refused to talk with us after our son hit the game-tying run, but then let one go between his legs during extra innings.)

Isn’t it odd how some parents/fans remember the errors and strikeouts, but seem to forget the hits and the incredible defensive plays? You will have those on every team, learn to ignore the looks, walk with your head high, smile a lot, and pray for them because they need it.

I know what you are talking about! I walk away sometimes because my stomach is in such knots. When my son pitches I can even talk to anyone because I am so jumpy. And I definitely make some bathroom trips! I am glad to know that I am not alone!

quote:

Originally posted by louisiana09:

quote:

The symptoms of PMS include fingernail biting, heart palpitations, frequent trips to the ladies room, a feeling of being alone even though you are sitting in a crowd of people, an occasional strong urge to "run away", an occasional even stronger urge to strangle the homeplate umpire who is obviously squeezing the strikezone against your precious baby, and the urge to strangle the coach because he has either left your baby in too long or taken him out too soon.

I finally realize I am not a freak, I just have PMS. Son is only a sophomore in high school but I have been having these PMS symptons for years and I have a long road ahead of me. The frequent trips to the ladies room is my specialty. Does anyone ever sit alone at ballgames when your son is pitching? I have tried this but for some reason people flock around me. By the end of his freshman season I would wait until everyone sat and then find a far away spot. I am usually very sociable, but not when my baby is pitching. He should be the #1 or #2 pitcher this year; I think I need to rent my own private port-a-potty.

As far as getting up to leave when son comes into pitch, you will find this very common among moms and dads!
We had a mom on the team last year who would sit with her head in her lap, fingers in ears and crossed for good luck. We had a wife of one of the players who went ballistic when Ump made bad calls, and his mom was no where to be found when he was pitching.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

When my son is pitching, I always sit in the outfield down the first base line. If anyone tries to come sit by me I let them know that I am there for a reason and I tend to be in a zone and not listen so don't expect answers. I have plenty of room to pace. My son knows where I am and has been questioned about it and says he totally understands. I carry a bottle of tums with me which last year I shared with my son on big game days. It also helps to keep a scorebook I have found. Makes you focus on something. Nine times out of ten we never looked at it again. It gets worse for me though. Our games are broadcast on the radio. We tape the games and after cleared by my husband, I will listen to them. Almost all games I listen to. If he starts of well, I will migrate back to the stands late in the game.

I have friends who can't watch their sons pitch. They go to the restroom, work in the concession stand, whatever else to avoid watching. Not me - I won't miss any of it. I now have enough confidence in him that I can watch without throwing up. Everyone has an off day sometimes - that is just part if the game, and I can deal with it. When I am old, I want to remember watching him - not working in the concession stand!

TPM,
By any chance was the pitcher your talking about dafted this yr? If so his wife is keeping the minor league umps honest too

For several years, I used the camera as my decoy...no one wants to disturb "the photographer"...they want you to take that once in a lifetime action shot of their son sliding in to home in a cloud of red dust...or "the incredible stretch at first to get the last out of a one run game with bases loaded", or that high leg windup, or throwing the mask, showing such grit in making that foul tip catch!
I could disguise my pacing with..." Excuse me, I have to go get that shot!"
Then, too, occassionally I'd sit directly behind home plate, on the ground, up by the fence, camera in (shaking) hand. (No one would sit in the dirt with me!! thankfully!

Man, these are some great memories!

quote:

Originally posted by njbb:
TPM,
By any chance was the pitcher your talking about dafted this yr? If so his wife is keeping the minor league umps honest too

Ok, you got it! Can't miss her I suppose.
All I can say is oye!

At least you know the stories I tell are TRUE!

Hey - this is my first post

may I say how much I have enjoyed lurking on this forum!? this thread particulary.

Son pitches, but prefers 3rd. So when he is on the mound, he is not nervous and does not understand why I am. He is 13. I pace, eat rolaids, and beat a path to the rest room too. It is getting a better - we are on a team that is much more supportive of all the players than past teams. (and it is a successful team with positive attitudes all the way around. funny that? )

We have always been very low key about son's potential. People just don't understand. We have had very positive feedback from several coaches (local D1 school) and will be going to a camp this winter. We are encouraged. (remain guarded though or maybe protective is right word?)

decided to start here because I get PMS. only I've called it Pitcher's Mom Stomach!

ps - I can't type or spell.

Hi Anne, welcome to HSBBW! I would suggest you "lurk" around all the forums... a lot of great support as well as much for us to learn. Great site!

Feeling Anxious is such a nice way to put it. Weird when my son pitches against weaker competition I am truly quesy through the whole game. When he pitches the big game I sit and watch and forget my nerves. He always looks composed on the mound. I laugh when other moms tell me how calm I always look. IF they could only see the inside.

LHPitcher

Thanks for the tip, I think I will keep a scorebook this year, and also continue sitting away from everyone else. I see Tums and Rolaids are a big hit with a lot of Moms. I go nowhere without them, especially a ballgame. I love this thread, I now feel normal.

quote:

Originally posted by lafmom:
Hi Anne, welcome to HSBBW! I would suggest you "lurk" around all the forums... a lot of great support as well as much for us to learn. Great site!

Thanks!

There is a ton of information on here. It's very early days for us , but hubby and I have combed all over. Very eye opening too.

thanks again.

I've been "lurking" here too - thanks for all the great sharing! My son is an '08 SS, and we're just starting to get into all the recruiting stuff. His attitude is what I'm having the hardest time with - he has no clue as to what is involved. I'm willing to do the work, but would like some direction from him as to where he would like to go to college - he just shrugs and tells me not to worry about it. So I've been gathering information and trying to present it to him. Hopefully, he will begin to get interested. Right now, I can't even convince him that we should visit a few campuses just to take a look. He's a good ball player and a good student, and this has been part of his dream since he was 3.
So - I am anxious, because I'm really unsure of how to traverse these waters with him.

Hi Ladies,
I haven't been around much lately, but am slowly catching up...this thread has me laughing out loud. As the proud and anxious mom of a pitcher I am famous for hiding behind trees, light posts, even larger people when son is pitching a big game! I always hear people say "Mike must be pitching cause his Ann is behind the tree!" Honestly I don't know how these kids handle the pressure, but they do and they get the job done.

Good news from fall ball....after son's freshman college fall season coach says he has a good shot at being a starter this spring Considering he is still recovering from a torn hamstring this is music to his and our ears

Thanks for the support and the laughs ladies!
Ann

Lenexamom,
Do not feel that you are alone, most of our sons really live for the moment and hard for them to really sit down and think about their future.
Mine wasn't really interested at all until his junior fall after he attended Jupiter. I imagine seeing all those scouts and college coaches and pitching well, set off something. But he really wasn't into the whole thing seriously until senior summer after July 1. He had his sights on going to one school in particular but when reality took over he began to take a real interest in who was really interested in him.

If he is not interested make a plan, come up with some suggestions and see how he reacts. Showcases, camps, summer team travel. Let him know that his baseball performance alone in HS will not get him a scholarhsip to play somewhere.

Or just send him a link to the HSBBW!

Lenexamom!!
Hiiii,..you have neighbor,..ME!
My son is an 08 shortstop too and we probably live about 45 minutes away from each other!
I'd be glad to fill you in on any and all we have been doing to get this recruiting thing going too. Our boys may even know of each other!
Heads up: KU is having all kinds of winter camps December thru February. I've heard that is a great place to start and Coach Price really does have all the key info for our area.
PM me any time and maybe we can chit chat about baseball in our area!
Glad to see ya posting!!!!,..especially when its a neighbor!

My husband cannot sit near one another at games. If he makes any sort of constructive comment about son's pitching, I take it as negative. If I make any sort of constructive comment about son's pitching, he takes it as giving up on son's potential. We basically beat ourselves up emotionally during the whole game. I try to laugh and joke with the other moms. Husband tries to be casual and chatty with the dads. We seem to pull it off. Nobody suspects that we dread/rejoice each game.
When son has a bad game, it kills us. When he has a good game, it's like he's never had a bad game in his life. I feel like a completel freak when it comes to baseball. At work, ya know, I'm responsible, level headed and practical. Put my kid on the field and me in the stands and I am useless. I am so glad I am not alone in this.

Newcomer - I know the guys are not supposed to post in here but that was hilarious and I believed every word of it

Your candor is refreshing and all the best to your son I just hope you and your husband can survive all the fun you are having