First Game of College

HB-
I would say that typically zero freshmen play in their first college game, and many (my own included) don't play at all their first year in a good D1 program. It is the exceptional frosh that makes an impact on a successful D1 team.
You are correct in thinking it's a big deal that your son is slotted as the closer. Be proud and enjoy it. But closers earn their job when the game's on the line, and he may sit out many more innings just waiting for the situation to arise. What he does with that opportunity is what makes the waiting so exciting. Let us know what happens.

It is also the 1st time I have ever heard a coach give over 2 weeks notice that a pitcher will be pitching. Most are lucky to get 1 day notice.

Spizzlepop: Thanks for your words of wisdom. I will try to enjoy and be thankful for ANY TIME he gets in the game this year. I guess, since we are accustomed to seeing him not only in one position, but two, CLOSING seems - less involved. Ya know?

ps - Love your Hurdle quote. Ain't it the truth!

BobbleheadDoll: Uncertain why that is, but... it is! Wow. And yet another thing to be thankful for? They had a scrimmage last week, and he came in - threw 30 pitches. Hitting 92, Struck out 4.

hitbombs - You asked a question that quickly reminded me of my son's experience and I think it will help to shed some light on what you may experience.

In our son's very first game, we were as happy as could be as parents. We knew he'd be in the bullpen and so had some time to soak it in. Dream school, got there early to watch infield and watch him drag and rake , pre-game intros where I took tons of pictures...generally we were on Cloud-9.

Then the game began. Our starter got in a heap of trouble right away walking the bases loaded with no outs. I glance at the dugout and the head coach walks up to my son and says something to him.

Full SPRINT! Down to the bullpen along with a catcher. Coach takes a slow stroll to the mound. By now, son is heating up fast. Coach looks down to the bullpen for a signal. Nothing.

My heart is pounding 10 feet outside my chest. I cannot believe it! How could this happen so FAST! And why in the world would he give a freshman that situation?!?!?!?!

But the starter was going to pitch to the next batter. 1-0, then 2-0. I'm about to pass out!

Strike-1! I let out a huge shout, "YEAH! Thats a baby, you can do it!" to the starting pitcher.

Strike-2! "WOO! HOO!"

Ground-ball double-play! SHEAR ECSTASY on my part!

Another out and the starter was out of it. My son sat down in the bullpen. And after about 4 innings he returned to the dugout.

I NEVER rooted so hard for it NOT to happen! Not then anyways.

Our son pitched the next day and did great. I learned after the game that he was totally ready and happy to go in that 1st inning and disappointed when it didn't happen. And I was ready for it all, I thought, but the initial shock on Day-1, 1st inning with no outs was a bit tough on me.

Have fun with this...I am sure your son will be just fine...a lot "finer" than you will be.

Great story, JBB!

quote:

Originally posted by Rob Kremer:
Great story, JBB!

I agree and I CAN relate.

Hitbombs,
Your son may be preparing for a role, but it doesn't mean that is where he will end up. Most depends on what's going on at the time. As a reliever/closer/starter my son NEVER knew what the heck was going on until his junior year. Also, he found each year that facing your teammates in practice is a whole lot different than another team in a REAL game.

Enjoy!

Yes some pitchers need the drama. My son pitches better when he is facing a tough team.
Your son with 92 mph will get lots of opportunity to fail compared to guys with a lot less velocity.
Most good pitchers love going in in tight situations.

Many here know the story but I'll re-tell it anyways because it seems to fit here...

Friday - March 17th, 2006 (and every St. Patty's Day thereafter for that matter) will always be special in our family. While I was out celebrating St. Patty's Day with friends and clients, my son unexpectedly was getting his first at bat of his college career with two outs in the bottom of the ninth of a 4-4 game at home. I later asked him if he thought he might get pinch hit for in that situation, and he honestly said the thought had crossed his mind - but he would've hated it

He got the game winning base hit that night and I am absolutely convinced it changed his college career. When I got home that evening, the first thing I did was check the hsbbweb and someone posted in the Ohio forum about what had happened before I even knew it. Talk about being pleasently surprised

College baseball has been the best of times but make no mistake, adversity is something that will find you and players need to learn how to overcome it.

quote:

I NEVER rooted so hard for it NOT to happen!

Now THAT I can relate to JBB!

Freshman year, my son started the season in RIGHT FIELD!!!! Never played that position before winter practices (we're up north...all practices indoors...didn't see a live fly ball until that first game outdoors!). By the way..he's a CATCHER! I remember listening to the web broadcast, NEVER thinking I'd hear his name in the starting lineup, much less in right field. Every time I would "hear" the crack of the bat I would pray "please don't let that ball be going to right field!"

By the way....he only lasted 3 games in right field! I think the coach thought the same thing I did everytime HE heard the crack of the bat too!

I came to realize that it is the exceptional freshman who has the maturity, mental fortitude and skill to succeed in the starting line up. It DOES happen sometimes tho! Here's hoping your son is one of those freshmen .

My son did not see the field for the first 10-games. He got a start in the 11 game of the year went 2-3 which gave him a start in the second half of a double header. He hit his first collegiate homerun in the game. This started a 9-game hitting streak and the beginning of his collegiate career.

There is a very important message here. Parents that are worth their salt have been preparing their kids to be physically and mentally prepared to do a job (in this case baseball). Once they leave home, they are on their own, our job is over. While it doesn't always happen as we would have scripted, it is a story of growth, hard work, success and failure which is what we all generally yearn for.

Hitbombs - Relax, you have done your job, he will do fine and you will be proud!

This is an interesting topic. My son closed the 3rd game of the opening weekend series against the then #1 ranked Florida State in Florida. He had never been to Florida and had never seen a crowd that size ever. He had 2 Ks and a gorund out. To me that was exciting.
I wonder what other experiences were ?

These are great stories. Any freshman that starts in D1 is fortunate and most likely considered to be an impact player down the road. Coaches really like experience so even if you are the better athlete chances are you willl have to earn your stripes in a few situations before you get to be a regular in the lineup.

We made a last minute decision to attend my sons first weekend series at VMI two years ago. It was cold and we had an evening flight back out of Richmond on Sunday that it appeared we might miss if the Sunday game went too long. Well of course we were just about to leave figuring this wouldn't be the weekend we would get to see the first at bat when sure enough he is told to start loosening up. Two outs in the bottom of the ninth trailing 8-7 man on first he is called on to pinch hit. After fouling off a couple pitches he flew out to right field to end the game. Although I wish this story had a better ending I sure am glad I was there to see his first college at bat, oh yeah and we made the flight with almost 10 minutes to spare.

My son calls the night before to tell us he is on the mound for the first app. and start of his college career and I'm up all night.His mom and I are there next day and the first batter flies out , the next singles and the next hits a ball 450 ft dead center for the two run dinger.The head coach strolls out and my wife mutters "oh no he's going to take his uniform!".Anyway the kid settles down (4.0ip,5h,2er,3k)and the team wins 3-2 but that 1st inning **** near took me out.

Great story. We have all seen those innings.

As a mom who has never missed a game ANYWHERE.....I decided to make the 2 hour trip for freshman sons first college game of the season. He was not scheduled to pitch at all this weekend, but thought I should make the first game....did I say it was 39 degrees. Saturday is a double header.....which after freezing the night before I decided not to go to(you know he's not pitching and all).

Get a message that night 93 mph....2k's....no balls...no baserunners (he got to close and pitch 1 inning). I'm kicking myself for not being there.....I know there will be lots other...but there's only 1 first.

Southern Belle,

I can relate. I was lucky that my son played at a JUCO here where we live last year, so that first game that I thought I wouldn't get to attend did not happen his Freshman year.

Summer league took him up to Washington state and I made it up there for a sweet five day visit, and felt it would prepare me for the inevitable.

This year, he moved down the road to a D1, but still in our state. About 5 hours away, I will go to as many games as I can, but already know that since they're opening the season in Georgia, I won't be at that one.

Been scouring the internet for broadcasts...

ktcosmos

Southern Belle,

We can relate - our freshman son's first college game is today and we will not be there - it's absolutely killing us! He will be in the bullpen(definitely where we think he should be and also thankful for that) so who knows when or if he will pitch this weekend. We do have trips planned this spring but it so different not being there for every single game.

Great job for your son in his first outing! Maybe it saved you some grey hairs not sweating out that first inning - amazing he could pitch so well without you there mentally helping him along.

I love reading the stories on everyone's first outings.

This thread has been excellent. For parents who are posting about their son's first games - last weekend, this weekend, or next etc., please post a link into the game or website. I can assure you at least one cold northerner will tune in

I'm not getting all puffed up here, but since my son is playing already and your's probably isn't yet, here's some news to share. It was just an alumni game, but they were Spizzle's first collegiate strikes thrown in anger. He had a lot of fun.

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article...06&template=UHsports

Spizzle- This calls for a wave!



No fair though, we still have to wait 2 weeks.
Although son did get 5-2/3 innings in two days ago, (still intrasquad)he was happy with his outing.
Sam's a cutie. Good luck this season!

Spizzlepop - love it!

ClevelandDad - I can't find a way to see it after having searched, but my son's first game is: Feb. 26, 5:00 Arizona (son is a Wildcat) vs. Georgia IN Georgia.

Anyone know how I might tune into that online?

Oops. Make that Feb. 22, my bad.

Kt-
Go here:
http://www.arizonaathletics.com/Multimedia/Default.aspx?id=1346
Click on MultiMedia and then Live Stats.
On game day, Gametracker, or whatever they use, will not start up until the game officially begins. Make sure to disable your pop-up blocker.
It usually shows up on the schedule with a little video camera indicating live stats.
As far as tv coverage or watching games on the internet, there is probably a fee involoved.

iheartbb,

Thanks! I wasn't sure how that worked. I will be using it. I appreciate it.

Sizzlepop.. wow, GREAT JOB!!! Man, I love to see successful lefties! (Being a dad of one.) Keep in touch and let me know how his season goes.

Although DII, instead of DI, my freshman son made his college (Upper Iowa) debut over the weekend. He made relief appearances in two of the teams four games, allowing 1 hit and no runs, did walk a couple, over 2.1 innings. The team didn't win any of the games, but it was nice to see him living the dream, and to do well.

quote:

Although DII, instead of DI, my freshman son made his college (Upper Iowa) debut over the weekend.

baseball17 - congrats to your son! No need for caveats about D1 or D2 etc. This is college baseball we are talking about here and it is a challenge to get in the game at any level

spizz - thanks for posting that article and congrats to your son. Gotta love this:

quote:

"He was 88 to 90 (mph) the whole time he was throwing,"

Exciting times indeed

ktcosmos - given that your son's team is ranked #1 in several polls, I am guessing they are going to have a big year

ClevelandDad,

That preseason ranking thing is interesting.

Coach spends all his time telling kids not to pay attention to that, for good reason.

Then there are all the naysayers slinging their brand of hash as soon as the polls come out.

Finally, there's the novelty factor of being the family of a player who has landed on a ranked team. We're pretty excited. (I'd be lying if I said otherwise!).

Now we're just hoping they do well and are trying to forget about the scrutiny of having been singled out.

The yin yang of baseball, I guess.

quote:

Finally, there's the novelty factor of being the family of a player who has landed on a ranked team. We're pretty excited. (I'd be lying if I said otherwise!).

kt - I feel the same way and feel the polls serve a useful purpose for those that are ranked and those that are not. For those that are not ranked, keep your mouths closed, use any perceived snub as motivation, start winning, and you might be surprised how that will all take care of itself. For those that are ranked, the recognition is nice. Rankings cannot win a game however so that coach is obviously giving the team good advice. I can assure you this, when you are ranked, you will get the other team's best game. When both teams are playing at a high level - regardless of ranking, that is what makes college baseball exciting. My son loves to play against ranked teams.

Baseball 17 - congrats to your son on his D2 debut and living the dream!

I can relate as my freshman son also had his D2 debut yesterday in Colorado! He got to pitch 3.1 innings in relief in the last game of the series (only game they won in a 4 game series) - one earned run, no BB's - good start for him.

As there is no internet broadcast or live scoring for his school at this time, we were anxiously awaiting for the phone call or stat updates. It was nice to hear the upbeat tone in his voice!

We are amazed at the high scores in some of the D2 games - some of them sound like football scores.

KT- what a thrill to be part of a #1 team in the polls - hope your son has an awesome season!

What an exciting time of the year for all the players no matter what division you are playing in!

quote:

I can relate as my freshman son also had his D2 debut yesterday in Colorado! He got to pitch 3.1 innings in relief in the last game of the series (only game they won in a 4 game series) - one earned run, no BB's - good start for him.

As there is no internet broadcast or live scoring for his school at this time, we were anxiously awaiting for the phone call or stat updates. It was nice to hear the upbeat tone in his voice!

Your family must have been on cloud nine after that phone call

curveball07,

I can imagine how excited you were to hear from him after that game.

Thank you for your well-wishes.

The beginning of the season will never seem routine, will it?!

I am flying out to philly this weekend. to see my sons first college pitching start. hopefully the weather will be okay.we have a lot of snow here in newengland. hard to believe they will be playing this weekend.I dont want to miss his first college start.Hopefully he is not as nervous as his dad is.

This is all very inspiring! It's great to see a few freshman getting their shot. We are waiting patiently though cognizant that we may be waiting for a long time. What I'm enjoying is getting to know the players on son's team and keep track of their progress. Living vicariously..but I figure son will be hanging with these guys for awhile.

Good luck to all!!

So..first home college game for son was today. Yikes. So exciting! And it was a great game with lots of stomach twists and weird calls and all the bells and whistles. This was the first time we saw son officially suited up. It was simply the best experience to see him with all these great players, running down towards the bullpen, warming up a bit, stretching, chatting with his teammates. And though he didn't get in, it just reaffirmed to me that he worked darn hard to get here..and it's all worth it to see him just walk onto that beautiful field. We stood next to a dad of a player on the opposing team. It was cool to compare notes about our experiences. When his kid hit a home run, yeah, I cheered a bit (silently) because I knew how the dad must have felt. And that dad even kind of chuckled and winced. when a weird call cost us a run.

If anybody tells you that just "being there" isn't special, they're nuts! Good luck to everyone as the season progresses!

Please, please, pleeeeeeeese keep these stories coming in.
For those of us who still have players in highschool,( and are still stuck in the basketball gym due to snow ),...it is these kinds of stories that make my day!

Such enjoyable reads that blend quite smoothly with my morning mochas!
THANK YOU!!!!...please keep em' coming!
I love reading about these kids and our fellow HSBBW'ers!

nc I agree.we also got to see our son play this weekend.we flew to philly rented a car got lost looking for the school.we made it before the first game started saturday.we were the only parents from our sons team there.But we did meet alot of the other teams parents.we played 4 games we lost all 4 games.but they were all close games.really good baseball games.my son a freshman pitcher got his first start the 4th game he pitched 5innings gave up 4 runs. 3 walks 5s.o 7hits.we really enjoyed our weekend.just to be able to sit and watch some baseball and cheer for our sons new team.

BBrown..congrats on your son's first start!!

Shortstopmom: I'm not sure you really want to encourage me...I could wax prosaic about simply seeing my son in the team picture. But I well remember the high school days when you just couldn't wait for the season to start and wondering if this was going to be the break-out year. Hope the snow stops for you soon. I'm afraid I'll be stuck in the gym for the next four years.. 15 yr old daughter plays a ton of basketball year-round. That's why it is nice to get out to the yard to watch son!

Son's first game was actually on the 22nd of Feb in Georgia, but we did get to see the series via internet video feed.

The biggest thrill was this past Friday in Tucson for the home opener.

To look around the stadium and hear that 3200 were in attendance was just unbelievable. I have never watched him play in front of a crowd that size before.

The icing on cake: son got a single, a double and, a grand slam in that game. Holy Cow.

They swept the series, but not without some wobblies, and son certainly didn't repeat that kind of performance on Sat and Sun, but I will never forget it: watching his teammates surround him and the reporters speaking with him afterward.

Priceless.