Gracious..on a hard day

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Well said infielddad.



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Great post, ifd. fanofgame is truly one of the highest quality folks around here and I have found myself thinking about Matt, even though I've never met him, since the end of the draft today. I hope he can find an FA contract or work his way thru indie ball....something, anything. I know he's too good to just sit down.

Yes indeed. Much to be proud of for Matt and family.

Nice post, infielddad. I noticed the same thing this afternoon, Fan congratulating other players and parents on a day that her son's name was not called...Gracious and a Class Act. BTW, her son Matt is a stud!

Your words have touched all of our hearts here in the Foat house.It has been a tough day as a mom to watch her sons dream maybe ending.It has been an extremely tough day for Matthew.

No place in the world but this site can one come and trully be understood about the heartache and joy that this game brings.

We have never felt that Matt is a top prospect but did firmly believe he would get a shot.We do know he can HIT

Many obvioulsy did not agree with that opinion.

The thing I told my son today was that at USC every coach and parent and other significant people have told matt and us about his impeccable work ethic and his tremendous leadership qualities.

These are qualities that no one can cast a vote to take away from you.His coaches told him that they admired him as a player and person.

These are the qualities we aspire for our sons to have through life.These qualities will take him farther than his baseball skills.

I dont know why God closed this door,but I know when God closes one door ,he opens another.I told Matt that God has a plan and that we have to trust his plan.

This blog I came on here to just take my mind off,I read it,Matt and my husband read it, tears in all of our eyes.

Thank you so much for trully getting Matts journey and who he is as a player.I wish more had been able to see those qualities.

You guys dont know how this touched my heart tonight.God Bless you guys

There's an upside to only 40 rounds in the draft. Kids like this will probably have choices as a free agent rather than being told where to play. I know kids who were signed as free agents up to a month after the draft.

Very nice post infielddad...

I was thinking the same thing after I saw fanofgame post her congrats to the kids who were drafted even though I knew she was in pain for her own son. RJM - makes some really good points. I have confidence that this baseball story is not over and the other door is about to open. Either way, I admire infielddad for starting this thread and even more, admire how gracious fanofgame is.

fanofgame, you can count one more person that can see those qualities. I don't know your son, but he's easy to find- at the top of every statistic listed! He can play for me, any day.

This is the second draft I have paid somewhat close attention to. I'm more confused today, than I was last year, as to the rhymes and reasons...

I am a bit amused by the new draft rules and what it represents and who got drafted and where and who didn't and why.
I have to agree with RJM, 40 rounds opens up opportunities for free agency for many that were looked over.
What saddens me is that many coaches do not make more of an effort (I hope they did) to help some players to get an opportunity to pursue their dream.
I wish all good things for Matt, I have a feeling the chapter isn't over yet.

fan, I hope your son can sign on as a free agent with someone. To have his stats and not be drafted out of the PAC-12 is a mystery. Best of luck to him in continuing his dream.

Watching the draft is an adventure. Players that are expected to be taken aren't, and some that aren't are!

The old saying that it only takes one team to like you is proven again by the Phillies. Their 2nd round pick was not listed in the BA top 500 prospects. He was invited to a workout, by a scout that liked him I assume, crushed 10 HRs in 70 ABs and Amaro feel in love. The fact that he's 6'6" and very athletic didn't hurt. But he went from middle of the pack to the 77th pick very quickly in one team's opinion. As a Phillies fan I hope he can hit off speed stuff.

Sounds like somebody was 'mailing' something else in. I don't see how this happens with you know who's son on the team.

The person I think your referring to is the light and the glory of that program. Stand out for our family in every way. I'm not passing blame on anyone. The facts appear that thirty teams in forty rounds passed on him and another who I felt worthy. Thirty teams somehow didn't even get him a number. That hurts. Yet we are told his hit tool is at a next level. We will never know. The fact is after the first ten rounds , after the "prospects" are chosen the players are in many ways a mixed bag of talent and I think
Many are hard to distinguish. When you don't stand out I guess you get missed.I
Mean Matt had a very good summer ball, made all stars, top ten in every category but wasn't considered a top
Prospect from that league by people in the know. Yet almost every all star from summer ball, a few from Matt's team were all chosen this week. So he didn't have something they wanted or needed. We have to accept that. We can't blame or be angry at people who didn't try to help or didn't see him in the light of his performances. At the end of the day Matt needs to be proud of his work, proud of his fight to make it. Very few work as hard, it's a joke among his team that he is a workhorse.senior day they were presented with framed jerseys we stood in a reception
Line and each player came by and said words to each senior. Let me day I was crying after his teammates said goodbye and the things they said to him.what a pleasure he was as their teammate, that he was an inspiration. Freshmen who said they would of never made it without his leadership, just heart felt sentiment from 34 guys . I'm writing too much as the emotions weigh heavy this morning.

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What you've just posted says it all about your son fanofgame. He earned respect and admiration from those who really know him best. You can't beat that.

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No scout day?! That seems very strange to me, especially at a PAC-12 school. Sounds like the coach doesn't care too much about his players. It also sounds like a coach to stay away from if the opportunity arises.

fan, it sounds like your son is a great young adult who should be successful at whatever he chooses as a career. I hope it's baseball. Coaching seems to be a natural path.

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"It also sounds like a coach to stay away from if the opportunity arises."

The old adage..."A coach who can not see, let him be!"



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I am rarely in the HSBBW neighborhood now...but having followed and having been in contact with the Foats for years now...I too was watching very closely the last few days...thinking a great deal about Matt his famly and the long Journey...and hoping and certain that the baseball end of it would continue. Knowing that he was more skilled than many of the names being called. Knowing that he deserved at least a shot. Knowing that his story and ours were similar in so many ways (senior, his stats, his character, his skills, his accomplishments, his leadership, his ability to fight through the challenges, his love of the game, his upside, his work ethic, but most importantly the hard earned respect and certaintity of his teammates that his name should be called - those who truely know his game and where his skills stood. I was so hoping that their draft day did not end as ours did. Sadly it did. It is harsh lesson in reality, power, nepotism, subjectivity, trends, and in mistakes...but I assure you that if indeed he decides to turn that page (for there are baseball options that remain open to him), even the draft day experience will motivate and make him stronger, and the memories and friendships of college ball will be priceless in the larger/longer game, on the resume, in his heart, and in the hearts of those he touched.


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OB44,

You ran through my mind so many times yesterday.Everything you just said ,every word rings so true in every aspect.

We will get there,Matt like your fine son will figure it out.Because thats how we raised them.

Thank you so much for the kind words,I am so blessed to have such awesome support from the people on this site and around me.We are blessed beyond measure.

As a fellow mom, my heart breaks as I read your post. There is nothing worse than seeing your child hurting. I hope your son will get the chance to prove those who didn't believe in him wrong.

I hope he chases his dream a bit further, give it a year or two. He's young and for a player with his ability and work ethic there could always be that open door just past the present closed one. If he doesn't truly believe that he's done and he feels that he can get there and compete then go workout today and fight through this adversity, prepare for the opportunity everyday. Best of luck.

Hard work ethic, passion and effort will always give me chills and leave me in awe more than any homerun, signing bonus or accolade. Congrats.

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Great comment dapiment. Welcome to the HSBBW!



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quote:

Originally posted by gotwood4sale:
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Great comment dapiment. Welcome to the HSBBW!



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Thank you good sir! Appreciate the feedback on the other post lol. Looks like im in for a rough landing into the world of HSBBW.

quote:

Hard work ethic, passion and effort will always give me chills and leave me in awe more than any homerun, signing bonus or accolade. Congrats.

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"Looks like im in for a rough landing into the world of HSBBW."

Quite to the contrary dapiment. As a young uncle you've proven to be quite agile, nimble, receptive, perceptive, and you've kept your head up. You found the 'Flight Manual' in time and I think you're landing is going to be picture perfect.

I would urge you once more to encourage your nephew to participate here. He may decline at first, but keep encouraging him. He will benefit in ways that he can not even imagine...just like you have already!



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2 of my sons friends, college seniors, are on planes today flying to their future teams as undrafted free agents. Congrats to LHP Kyle Andrson of Cal Poly SLO for being picked up by the Toronto Blue Jays. Nic Balog, 1B from U San Francisco going to the Orioles.

Both boys had outstanding college careers and are happy to be continuing their bb career.

Would love to hear more of these stories and really hope Fan's son gets a shot!

I can't believe that a program such as USC only had 3 drafted and in later rounds. One of them the son of Orel Hershiser. Am I missing something.

quote:

Originally posted by CaBB:
2 of my sons friends, college seniors, are on planes today flying to their future teams as undrafted free agents. Congrats to LHP Kyle Andrson of Cal Poly SLO for being picked up by the Toronto Blue Jays. Nic Balog, 1B from U San Francisco going to the Orioles.

Both boys had outstanding college careers and are happy to be continuing their bb career.

Would love to hear more of these stories and really hope Fan's son gets a shot!

As stated by RJM, because of the loss of 10 rounds, and teams having to fill spaces, lots of FA signings (more than usual)are to be expected.

quote:

I can't believe that a program such as USC only had 3 drafted and in later rounds. One of them the son of Orel Hershiser. Am I missing something.

No TPM you are right on it.

Nothing official,BUT will say more in a few days.Matt very likely getting a shot.

The responses here and to me privately have been such a blessing.So many have followed his career.Very nice and appreciated.

quote:

Originally posted by fanofgame:

quote:

I can't believe that a program such as USC only had 3 drafted and in later rounds. One of them the son of Orel Hershiser. Am I missing something.

No TPM you are right on it.

Nothing official,BUT will say more in a few days.Matt very likely getting a shot.

The responses here and to me privately have been such a blessing.So many have followed his career.Very nice and appreciated.

Best of luck to Matt. With a daughter who is a USC graduate, I always root for USC players, especially the good ones, and Matt was very good each time I saw him play. I wish for him spectacular success.

There are many, many very good players who went undrafted. Lots of them will get a chance, and some of them will make it.

quote:

Nothing official, BUT will say more in a few days.

That's making me smile. Keep us posted!


Julie

Just like this little fella, NEVER STOP!!

We had a local kid, undrafted, just signed. Things are happening, good luck to Matt.

What an accomplishment to have succeeded at the level he has played.

quote:

Originally posted by jemaz:
There are many, many very good players who went undrafted. Lots of them will get a chance, and some of them will make it.

That's a good point. There is a corollary to that as well. There are players drafted each year who have no business being drafted.

The important thing for people to keep in mind here is that all it takes is a shot. Doesn't matter if you were drafted late or are a free agent. bbscout said that if you are a hitter and hit .300 each year in the minor leagues, you'll eventually end up in the big leagues. Same with pitchers - go and get guys out consistently and you will see your career rise. None of that depends on where or if you were drafted. All it takes is a shot and from the sounds of it, and rightfully so, this young man will get his shot

Best of luck to your Matt, fanogame............

I was sitting here thinking that he would get signed by a team somehow, and, looks like it is possible even before the end of this thread.

Bumping the thread up.Matt flew to Florida today.As long as he passes his physical he will be a free agent signed by the Washinton Nationals.He is honored and excited to get an opportunity.Thanks for everyones support and kind words.It meant a lot to all of us.Hope tomorrow goes without a problem.

We are all grateful for him to be getting a chance.

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BINGO!!!

Congrats!! Best of Luck.