RP...Very nice post.
Regina,
God bless you and your family. Your story breaks my heart in one sense but offers great hope in another. You have my deepest sympathies for the tragedy that came upon your family yet, at the same time, you have my utmost admiration for how you and your son have handled things. What a story
God bless you and your family. Your story breaks my heart in one sense but offers great hope in another. You have my deepest sympathies for the tragedy that came upon your family yet, at the same time, you have my utmost admiration for how you and your son have handled things. What a story
Regina,
Your post will bring a tear to many eyes (including mine). Thank you so much for sharing your son's story. My deepest sympathies go out to you and your son and family, but I am thankful that he is finding this source of joy and inspiration again. Thank you.
Your post will bring a tear to many eyes (including mine). Thank you so much for sharing your son's story. My deepest sympathies go out to you and your son and family, but I am thankful that he is finding this source of joy and inspiration again. Thank you.
Regina
Glad to know it is all coming together
Glad to know it is all coming together
Regina,
Thank you for your post. This is what the HSBBW is all about.
Your son went through a difficult time, and his heart was not in it when he decided not to play. But as time heals us after a tragedy and things return to normal, we begin to feel good again about ourselves and we return to the things we love that give us meaning and purpose in life.
Please consider this as a belated condolence and best of luck to you and your family!
Thank you for your post. This is what the HSBBW is all about.
Your son went through a difficult time, and his heart was not in it when he decided not to play. But as time heals us after a tragedy and things return to normal, we begin to feel good again about ourselves and we return to the things we love that give us meaning and purpose in life.
Please consider this as a belated condolence and best of luck to you and your family!
Regina:
Thank you for sharing your story with us...your son is moving forward and that is both healthy and a blessing.
You said it very well Tiger Paw Mom...thank you for the post.
Thank you for sharing your story with us...your son is moving forward and that is both healthy and a blessing.
You said it very well Tiger Paw Mom...thank you for the post.
Regina ~
Thanks for the post and I'm glad your son has found his way back to baseball.
I will be pulling for him the remainder of this week and next. . .
except when he is the opponent!!
Thanks for the post and I'm glad your son has found his way back to baseball.
I will be pulling for him the remainder of this week and next. . .
except when he is the opponent!!
I am overwhelmed by everyone's response.
I just hung up the phone with Mike (At the PG Tourny in Ga) who excitedly told me he went 2 for 2 with 2 RBI's. This is the last phone call I would have been expecting to receive just 2 months ago when baseball was nothing but a fading memory....
In the past, either my husband or I were at every game and tournament he had played in. It's the first time he is in Georgia without us. I sure hope he is doing laundry and not wearing the same baseball pants every day!
Now that I am a single Mom I had to stay home with my daughter in So Cal. She will be a high school sophomore and is a volleyball player and needs to be practicing with her HS team this week. Now I am a very active VB mom but I do miss being in Georgia. She also wishes she was there so she could check out the cute baseball players!!!
I just hung up the phone with Mike (At the PG Tourny in Ga) who excitedly told me he went 2 for 2 with 2 RBI's. This is the last phone call I would have been expecting to receive just 2 months ago when baseball was nothing but a fading memory....
In the past, either my husband or I were at every game and tournament he had played in. It's the first time he is in Georgia without us. I sure hope he is doing laundry and not wearing the same baseball pants every day!
Now that I am a single Mom I had to stay home with my daughter in So Cal. She will be a high school sophomore and is a volleyball player and needs to be practicing with her HS team this week. Now I am a very active VB mom but I do miss being in Georgia. She also wishes she was there so she could check out the cute baseball players!!!
Regina,
God Bless you and your family. And thank you for sharing your story with us.
God Bless you and your family. And thank you for sharing your story with us.
Regina,
Best of luck to your son - and you. I hope he continues to get great enjoyment from the game he so obviously loves - and for many years to come.
My best to you and your son.
Best of luck to your son - and you. I hope he continues to get great enjoyment from the game he so obviously loves - and for many years to come.
My best to you and your son.
Regina - As the others have said, thanks for sharing your story.
We had a recent thread in the ladies forum where the topic was giving up baseball. I truly believe that sometimes a player just decides he's ready to hang it up. Obviously, your son was facing some emotions that most of our kids don't have to deal with. However, regardless of the reason, the most important thing is for them to know they're loved because of who they are - not because of how good they are on a baseball field.
I, too, am a single mom with a volleyball playing daughter! It can be a challenge being pulled in two different directions all the time. I'm positive you're up to the task though. You have my respect!
We had a recent thread in the ladies forum where the topic was giving up baseball. I truly believe that sometimes a player just decides he's ready to hang it up. Obviously, your son was facing some emotions that most of our kids don't have to deal with. However, regardless of the reason, the most important thing is for them to know they're loved because of who they are - not because of how good they are on a baseball field.
I, too, am a single mom with a volleyball playing daughter! It can be a challenge being pulled in two different directions all the time. I'm positive you're up to the task though. You have my respect!
Regina, God bless you,and your family....as Lafmom said....you have my respect, and best wishes too.....
Regina,
I can't say anything any better or add anything more to the responses to your story. Thank you for sharing it, my sympathies, and God bless you and your family.
I can't say anything any better or add anything more to the responses to your story. Thank you for sharing it, my sympathies, and God bless you and your family.
I’m new to this baseball board, but was very touched by the stories on this thread. They hit close to home. My older son (now in college) was a high-caliber ice hockey player with a realistic chance to play college hockey. In his junior year of high school, he quit playing.
Shortly after my older son quit ice hockey, I posted the following on a local hockey web site. My younger son is about to enter high school as a baseball player and I hope I enter those years with a little more perspective.
“My son’s words struck hard. “Dad, I’m done with hockey.” Twelve years, thousands upon thousands of dollars, countless miles, and untold precious memories later, my son has decided to move on. His heart is no longer in the game.
He quit while playing Midget AAA hockey for one of the top clubs. He was never going to make it to the NHL, but Junior A and even college hockey were on the radar screen. He had been scouted and noticed. He was pretty darn good, and had a chance to reach the proverbial “next level,” at least for a while longer.
Injuries ultimately did him in. In the past two years alone, he suffered a concussion, whiplash, back injuries, and finally, a badly torn knee ligament. (This does not include earlier injuries including a torn rotator cuff, fractured wrists, and other dents and dings.) He played a hard physical game with guts and determination, and he paid for it. Physical therapy was hard and grueling. But at least he is still young and likely will not suffer any permanent disabilities.
What he discovered being away from the game was life beyond hockey. He finally had time to spend with his friends at school. He discovered surfing. He got a girlfriend. He learned what it is like to live without pain. He found himself without the grueling and time-consuming pressures of competitive hockey. He found his smile and contentment.
I sorely miss watching him play and practice. I miss seeing my friends around the rink. I miss commiserating with other parents about the coaches and refs. I miss the hot rink gossip. I miss cold pizza, fast food, and my parka. I miss it all. I realize, however, that the disappointment that he is finished is solely mine; he is well over it.
I still have a bucketload of wonderful memories that I wouldn’t trade for anything. Most importantly, I have a happy, healthy, well-adjusted young man for a son, who is a better person for having played this wonderful game for all these years.
Enjoy the time while you can, and most importantly, keep it all in perspective. After all, it’s only a game and the final buzzer will come sooner than you think.”
Shortly after my older son quit ice hockey, I posted the following on a local hockey web site. My younger son is about to enter high school as a baseball player and I hope I enter those years with a little more perspective.
“My son’s words struck hard. “Dad, I’m done with hockey.” Twelve years, thousands upon thousands of dollars, countless miles, and untold precious memories later, my son has decided to move on. His heart is no longer in the game.
He quit while playing Midget AAA hockey for one of the top clubs. He was never going to make it to the NHL, but Junior A and even college hockey were on the radar screen. He had been scouted and noticed. He was pretty darn good, and had a chance to reach the proverbial “next level,” at least for a while longer.
Injuries ultimately did him in. In the past two years alone, he suffered a concussion, whiplash, back injuries, and finally, a badly torn knee ligament. (This does not include earlier injuries including a torn rotator cuff, fractured wrists, and other dents and dings.) He played a hard physical game with guts and determination, and he paid for it. Physical therapy was hard and grueling. But at least he is still young and likely will not suffer any permanent disabilities.
What he discovered being away from the game was life beyond hockey. He finally had time to spend with his friends at school. He discovered surfing. He got a girlfriend. He learned what it is like to live without pain. He found himself without the grueling and time-consuming pressures of competitive hockey. He found his smile and contentment.
I sorely miss watching him play and practice. I miss seeing my friends around the rink. I miss commiserating with other parents about the coaches and refs. I miss the hot rink gossip. I miss cold pizza, fast food, and my parka. I miss it all. I realize, however, that the disappointment that he is finished is solely mine; he is well over it.
I still have a bucketload of wonderful memories that I wouldn’t trade for anything. Most importantly, I have a happy, healthy, well-adjusted young man for a son, who is a better person for having played this wonderful game for all these years.
Enjoy the time while you can, and most importantly, keep it all in perspective. After all, it’s only a game and the final buzzer will come sooner than you think.”
DB - very nice post and welcome to the hsbbweb
DB Cooper is an interesting name to have. I believe a guy of the same name parachuted out of a plane many years ago with 200,000 dollars in cash. He was never heard from again. If that's you, maybe we can have a beer sometime for that sounds like a great story to listen to Seriously, sounds like you raised a fine young man.
DB Cooper is an interesting name to have. I believe a guy of the same name parachuted out of a plane many years ago with 200,000 dollars in cash. He was never heard from again. If that's you, maybe we can have a beer sometime for that sounds like a great story to listen to
Seriously, sounds like you raised a fine young man.
ClevelandDad: Thanks for the welcome. I have to say I’ve never been fond of the idea of jumping out of airplanes. I hear the name thing all the time. My mother, Minnie Cooper, has it even worse!
Seriously, I should add a little update to my post. My son will be starting his freshman year at USC in a few weeks. While he was playing competitive hockey, he worked just as hard to excel in school as he did on the ice. The result was an excellent GPA and all kinds of solicitations from colleges based solely on academics. The admissions officers didn’t care what teams he made at tryouts, how many games his teams won or lost, how many goals or assists he recorded, how many bodychecks he dished out, how many calls the refs blew, how many coaches failed to recognize his talent, etc. The only thing they cared about is that he dedicated himself to an outside activity which he loved, and that he excelled in school at the same time.
It became very clear to me that sports can’t be expected to be a ticket to college. Too many things can happen along the way. Sports can, however, very nicely round out a student/athlete on a college application.
Seriously, I should add a little update to my post. My son will be starting his freshman year at USC in a few weeks. While he was playing competitive hockey, he worked just as hard to excel in school as he did on the ice. The result was an excellent GPA and all kinds of solicitations from colleges based solely on academics. The admissions officers didn’t care what teams he made at tryouts, how many games his teams won or lost, how many goals or assists he recorded, how many bodychecks he dished out, how many calls the refs blew, how many coaches failed to recognize his talent, etc. The only thing they cared about is that he dedicated himself to an outside activity which he loved, and that he excelled in school at the same time.
It became very clear to me that sports can’t be expected to be a ticket to college. Too many things can happen along the way. Sports can, however, very nicely round out a student/athlete on a college application.
Welcome aboard the HSBBW D.B.
The last place anyone remembers you is on that flight to Reno when you stumbled out of the exit door under the tail of that Northwest Airlines 727. Someone said you took a swim in the Columbia River east of Washougal,WA. I'm glad to see that you're back with us D.B.
Thanks for the post...it is important to keep things in perspective...and you are testimony to the fact that it is often tougher on the parents than the player when the player decides to hang it up.
The last place anyone remembers you is on that flight to Reno when you stumbled out of the exit door under the tail of that Northwest Airlines 727. Someone said you took a swim in the Columbia River east of Washougal,WA. I'm glad to see that you're back with us D.B.
Thanks for the post...it is important to keep things in perspective...and you are testimony to the fact that it is often tougher on the parents than the player when the player decides to hang it up.
u still up gotwood
Since i started this thread back in January 06 when my son decided to "retire" from baseball during his sophomore year of college, some of you have been kind enough to contact me to see how he is doing.
Well, I'm thrilled to report that in two weeks he is graduating college (on time in 4 years) and has found what I would truly call his dream job that he is starting in June. Grad school is on the back burner for now but he may attend in a year or two.
Since his baseball retirement he has truly not looked back and has gone on to do all the other things he had always wanted to try but just never had the time given his (then) devotion to baseball.
He has won two grants for his art work. Served one year as the music director for his school's radio station and as an "on air" disc jockey. Became a staff member for the school paper. He has also taken up mountain bike riding and served two summer internships that lead to the job he is starting this June.
He's gone on camping trips, the proverbial college "road trip", had some romantic "entanglements", done some traveling and other assorted adventures that time never allowed when he was playing.
We still take in a ballgame now and then and he still has two friends still playing from his highschool/travel/club/scout team days (one in the Yankee chain, one with the Phils).
Interesting of the 15 freshman he started with on his college team as a freshman, 7 are still on the team now in their senior year and he's still in touch with most.
He still tells me he doesn't regret one momemt of all the time he played baseball and equally, has no regret that he decided to move on. A few weeks ago, he was home for the weekend and asked if i wanted to play catch but, with the "warning" to not get any ideas, he just wanted to play catch.
His graduation is May 18 and all things considered, all I can say is
Well, I'm thrilled to report that in two weeks he is graduating college (on time in 4 years) and has found what I would truly call his dream job that he is starting in June. Grad school is on the back burner for now but he may attend in a year or two.
Since his baseball retirement he has truly not looked back and has gone on to do all the other things he had always wanted to try but just never had the time given his (then) devotion to baseball.
He has won two grants for his art work. Served one year as the music director for his school's radio station and as an "on air" disc jockey. Became a staff member for the school paper. He has also taken up mountain bike riding and served two summer internships that lead to the job he is starting this June.
He's gone on camping trips, the proverbial college "road trip", had some romantic "entanglements", done some traveling and other assorted adventures that time never allowed when he was playing.
We still take in a ballgame now and then and he still has two friends still playing from his highschool/travel/club/scout team days (one in the Yankee chain, one with the Phils).
Interesting of the 15 freshman he started with on his college team as a freshman, 7 are still on the team now in their senior year and he's still in touch with most.
He still tells me he doesn't regret one momemt of all the time he played baseball and equally, has no regret that he decided to move on. A few weeks ago, he was home for the weekend and asked if i wanted to play catch but, with the "warning" to not get any ideas, he just wanted to play catch.
His graduation is May 18 and all things considered, all I can say is
quote:His graduation is May 18 and all things considered, all I can say is
Amen! Sounds like he wrung every drop out of 4 years. Best of luck!
I don't even know your son, but this story makes me so proud of him. He knew what he wanted and went for it. What more can you want from your child. Good luck to him. I am sure he will "move mountains" as he continues his growth into adulthood. Congratulations on a job well done. Good parenting leads to children not afraid to follow their hearts even if it means that the path they choose doesn't jive with the path we have wished for them.
I've got a lump in my throat, tears in my eyes and goosebumps as I read your post. I am so glad you reported his achievements and accomplishments. I have thought about him and you often since you posted "the call". Can it be only two years ago? Wow.
I echo exactly what cat just wrote--I can't say it any better.
I know "life" will work out for him. Congratulations, best of luck, and much success to him. I hope you will update us on his future. Thanks for the encouragement.
I echo exactly what cat just wrote--I can't say it any better.
I know "life" will work out for him. Congratulations, best of luck, and much success to him. I hope you will update us on his future. Thanks for the encouragement.
Not sure if stonewall's mom still posts here or not.
It’s amazing how someone can miss certain posts on this site at times. Now that this old thread was brought back, I finally saw the post made by Regina (stonewall’s mom) in 2006. Of course, at that time we were in Georgia running the tournament her son Michael was playing in. It’s hard to keep up with things during those things.
Her son was always one of our favorites. I just noticed where Mike is a redshirt freshman this year at Cal Irvine. He isn’t getting a lot of playing time, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Mike isn’t in the running for another “coaches award”.
That family has been through a lot and I hope everything works out great for Mike and the rest of the family. Whether it involves baseball or not! He has a champion for a mother.
I've enjoyed reading all of the stories in this thread. This is "real" stuff!
It’s amazing how someone can miss certain posts on this site at times. Now that this old thread was brought back, I finally saw the post made by Regina (stonewall’s mom) in 2006. Of course, at that time we were in Georgia running the tournament her son Michael was playing in. It’s hard to keep up with things during those things.
Her son was always one of our favorites. I just noticed where Mike is a redshirt freshman this year at Cal Irvine. He isn’t getting a lot of playing time, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Mike isn’t in the running for another “coaches award”.
That family has been through a lot and I hope everything works out great for Mike and the rest of the family. Whether it involves baseball or not! He has a champion for a mother.
I've enjoyed reading all of the stories in this thread. This is "real" stuff!
Heybatter - Thank you so much for that update. It's amazing looking back at a thread that is two years old. There are many of us who have sons that posted back then that are no longer playing - including my own son. It's interesting to look back on your own words. Sometimes we realize that we don't always walk the talk (referring to myself). I personally appreciate hearing your son's story and the path his life took after baseball. My very best wishes to him.
HeyBatter - Thanks so much for the update. Thats all really terrific!
All any of us parents really wants is for our kids to grow up healthy and happy and doing something they love. Seems like your son is there!
When my first son was born my dad asked me if I was a good dad or not...I said, gee, isn't that gonna take some time to tell? "Yep, about 20-25 years," he said. Looks like you're gonna pass with flying colors.
All any of us parents really wants is for our kids to grow up healthy and happy and doing something they love. Seems like your son is there!
When my first son was born my dad asked me if I was a good dad or not...I said, gee, isn't that gonna take some time to tell? "Yep, about 20-25 years," he said. Looks like you're gonna pass with flying colors.
Great to see your update HeyBatter and congratulations on your son's accomplishments! I don't land or post here often these days, but your insights and words of encouragement over the years have been greatly appreciated!
Just thought I'd share an update. Well, a couple years down the road here and just got another "call".
As I've noted in starting this thread and a few updates since, since "hangin' 'em up" in his soph year of college, my son went on to do any number of things he had previously foregone while playing baseball.
He graduated college last spring, 4 years right on schedule and has an absolute dream job and while no radical plans to change courses, he called me the other day to tell me that he's putting on the cleats again, going to play in some local league and see about attending a tryout camp by next year.
He has no illusions or delusions of where it might lead, but I guess you never know.
I sure didn't see this coming, but I guess if you have some drive in you and the desire to pursue your talents you can go in lots of directions and best of all, without regrets.
As I've noted in starting this thread and a few updates since, since "hangin' 'em up" in his soph year of college, my son went on to do any number of things he had previously foregone while playing baseball.
He graduated college last spring, 4 years right on schedule and has an absolute dream job and while no radical plans to change courses, he called me the other day to tell me that he's putting on the cleats again, going to play in some local league and see about attending a tryout camp by next year.
He has no illusions or delusions of where it might lead, but I guess you never know.
I sure didn't see this coming, but I guess if you have some drive in you and the desire to pursue your talents you can go in lots of directions and best of all, without regrets.
HeyBatter, that is a wonderful update! I bet it put a spring in your step to hear the news! Best wishes to your son as he gets back into the game!
Hey Batter,
Thank you for that wonderful update.
The HS Baseball Web is all about "playing baseball", yet this thread about "not playing baseball" is truly worthy of its Golden Threads status. Now here we are, back to some great news about "playing baseball" again.
Julie
Thank you for that wonderful update.
The HS Baseball Web is all about "playing baseball", yet this thread about "not playing baseball" is truly worthy of its Golden Threads status. Now here we are, back to some great news about "playing baseball" again.
Julie
Great fun, HB. Sounds as if your boy has a good and full life going. Best of luck on his return to the game!
Thanks for the kind words. Biggest problem though, he wants me to start hitting him infield again. I don't know if my creaking old back can take it but it'll be fun trying and just a great feeling that he still has a love for the game regardless of whether anything comes of this.
So my son had a really lousy outing yesterday, and I spent the better part of the night being cranky, muttering " I told him this, and I told you that" Then today I read every post in this thread, and realized that I am in fact a bigger fool than I had previously thought. Thank you all for sharing, you all helped to make my entire season, and my relationship with my son far more enjoyable. When our kids started, we all got involved to spend time with our kids, and to enjoy their company, their sucess and help them through the dissappointments, with no expectations of all of the stuff that may come of it. I cant send enough thanks and best wishes out to you all and your kids for making me remember that and the way he looked when the glove was too big for his hand. Gotta go dry my eyes. Thanks again.
HeyBatter,
That is great, best of luck.
HighCheese,
Congatulations on your discovery.
That is great, best of luck.
HighCheese,
Congatulations on your discovery.
Mr. Heybatter,
This thread caught my eye while at work and brought things in perpective that we really just have to live in the present moment. That is why it's a present..it's a gift. We have to make the best out of each day and play our part in the big scheme of things. My son is just a sophomore in HS and we are just in the middle of our journey. Had a chance to coach him in Little League and PONY and had a great time and hopefully instilled some good qualities that can help him get to the next level. I am just enjoying watching him play and let his HS/Club/PG coaches make those decisions now. We can only hope and pray and support him through this game of life. Whatever happens, I would always cherish those days that he wants to play catch with me.
Good luck to your son on his 2nd wind!
Mr.PG Staff,
I will update you about my son later. Really have not accomplish anything worth mentioning yet. Thanks for your input on him. I am just happy to see him still interested in the game he loves.
Thanks all who have contributed to this thread.
This thread caught my eye while at work and brought things in perpective that we really just have to live in the present moment. That is why it's a present..it's a gift. We have to make the best out of each day and play our part in the big scheme of things. My son is just a sophomore in HS and we are just in the middle of our journey. Had a chance to coach him in Little League and PONY and had a great time and hopefully instilled some good qualities that can help him get to the next level. I am just enjoying watching him play and let his HS/Club/PG coaches make those decisions now. We can only hope and pray and support him through this game of life. Whatever happens, I would always cherish those days that he wants to play catch with me.
Good luck to your son on his 2nd wind!
Mr.PG Staff,
I will update you about my son later. Really have not accomplish anything worth mentioning yet. Thanks for your input on him. I am just happy to see him still interested in the game he loves.
Thanks all who have contributed to this thread.