My Dad is 84 and he and my Mom are regulars at HS and league ball games. They always sit behind the backstop and are very quiet and polite. After a particularly horrible out call when the catcher dropped the ball during a tag on the go ahead run the home plate umpire ran toward third incase there was a play as the catcher searched everywhere to find the ball. The screams from coaches and fans trying to gain the umpires attention reached a fever pitch and since no play ensued at third eventually the umpire returned to home as the catcher now with the ball in his hand tossed it back to the pitcher. The coaches asked to talk and after a few minutes of explaining to the umpire the Umpire signaled out again. The stands erupted as my father sat calmly not saying a word. As play began to resumed the umpire had finally had his fill and turned to the stands and pointed a finger at everyone saying "I have heard enough" to which my Dad calmly replied..."You may have heard enough but you saw far too little" In 84 years it was the first time my Dad was ever tossed from a sporting event. He and my 86 year old mother calmly gathered their belongings and began the walk to the car to the cheers of both home and visiting fans.
Originally Posted by MDBallDad:
My Dad is 84 and he and my Mom are regulars at HS and league ball games. They always sit behind the backstop and are very quiet and polite. After a particularly horrible out call when the catcher dropped the ball during a tag on the go ahead run the home plate umpire ran toward third incase there was a play as the catcher searched everywhere to find the ball. The screams from coaches and fans trying to gain the umpires attention reached a fever pitch and since no play ensued at third eventually the umpire returned to home as the catcher now with the ball in his hand tossed it back to the pitcher. The coaches asked to talk and after a few minutes of explaining to the umpire the Umpire signaled out again. The stands erupted as my father sat calmly not saying a word. As play began to resumed the umpire had finally had his fill and turned to the stands and pointed a finger at everyone saying "I have heard enough" to which my Dad calmly replied..."You may have heard enough but you saw far too little" In 84 years it was the first time my Dad was ever tossed from a sporting event. He and my 86 year old mother calmly gathered their belongings and began the walk to the car to the cheers of both home and visiting fans.
That is a GREAT story! Thanks very much for sharing it!
I can't recall when I've laughed as hard at something I've read on one of these threads.
How about 'Mr. Namedropper' My son played with (enter big leaguer name here)'s son last summer. My son had a lesson today with (big league player). I was talking to (college head coach) about my son at the game last weekend. We got invited to a camp at (bring your $600 university) next weekend.
Mr. "Dad" who's kid throws 90 but can't hit the broad side of a barn. "Damn ump wont give him anything today!! or "he called that one for the other team".
Mr. Life’s A Party Guy. Likes baseball only in that it provides him with a public venue to indulge his love for the spirits. Parks behind the outfield fence with his essentials: cooler stocked with cut-rate beer, pint of rot-gut, Big Gulp cup, and a truck bed or car trunk for cover. A social imbiber, he’s forever trying to get your attention to come join him. Has a kid on the team, but has no idea how he’s doing and likely can’t recognize him after the sixth inning. Handy guy to know for those early season contests when the wind chill makes you question the sanity of February baseball.
"Mr. Life’s A Party Guy" -- a/k/a "my life's a disaster" guy.
Mr. I Practice Neurosurgery With Only My Voice, and OH BTW, I know EVERYTHING About the Game.
Has a high tenor voice so loud that you can hear it from miles away. When seated behind you, it's so penetrating that he can bore holes through your skull.
This guy is actually the father of a player on my kid's basketball team. After our last game and another full night of "Help! Watch the shooter! Nobody else can hurt you! Illegal screen! You got to double team him! Collapse from the weak side! Get that goddang rebound! Second chance baskets are killing you! That's ball! That ain't no foul!" His kid's a pretty good player, but I'm glad he's a senior and I'm almost done listening to dad. And I'm REALLY glad that the kid doesn't play baseball!
Originally Posted by Midlo Dad:
"Mr. Life’s A Party Guy" -- a/k/a "my life's a disaster" guy.
The individual this caricature is modeled after is a probation officer. Go figure....
Now that they have shoveled the HS cage and temps broke 40 (fingers croseed),
would like to add the person who "throws pre-season BP & tries to strike kids out"
Now that they have shoveled the HS cage and temps broke 40 (fingers croseed),
would like to add the person who "throws pre-season BP & tries to strike kids out"
His name is Seymour Yung but he prefers "Cy" He was the 9th string varsity pitcher 25 years ago that topped out in the low 70's and but he can still heat it up to the mid 50's even after all these years. Put him in a cage at 30 feet and his 111 mph fastball is his bread and butter out pitch!!! He will announce his presence with authority....Fear him!!!
Just now starting to read some of these thread posts. Very entertaining, and even more so, sadly too accurate. How about the "Dad" that always complains about the coaches decision making, only to watch the team win, game after game after game. On small ball methods in some cases....which takes great coaching to properly time and execute.
Keep em coming....these are hilarious.
MDBallDAD, almost spit out my coffee, thank you for the laugh.
Originally Posted by Catcherdad:
Now that they have shoveled the HS cage and temps broke 40 (fingers croseed),
would like to add the person who "throws pre-season BP & tries to strike kids out"
Going to add to this one...what's worse is the former college pitcher with a blown out elbow turned HS coach who throws BP for the sole purpose of humiliating a 9th grader
Just met Mr. "this team never plays defense when my kid pitches!" this past weekend.
Then his kid gets pulled and promptly makes an error at his new position....in the same inning....with his runners still on base....so the runs are still his.
Love this thread and I read it yearly to try to help with my goal of "well-behaved, cheer equally for all kids" bleacher mom 
.
Just realized a couple of our fans won't be back this year. Can we have a moment of silence (and an Amen) for the loss of "That F--- Freshman shouldn't be here", happy to let everyone, including coaching staff, fans and even the AD, know exactly what he thinks of underclassmen. He almost turned me into "biting the lip until it bleeds then finally snaps and whacks a dude with her purse" last year. Also gone is "heckler grandpa" shouting to the umps, and sometimes other teams, just about every pitch. Now if we can keep the "spunky grandmas" in line, we're gonna have some fun in the stands this year!
I was at son's former HS teams scrimmage the other evening. I meet "Mom with a cowbell though she doesn't really know when to ring it". Glad she wasn't there last year. I would have become "Man who was arrested for clacking cowbell on a woman's head"
Originally Posted by hsbasballfan:
We have left out the "I Keep my Own Book Dad" and the "I have my OWN pitch Counter Dad"
Gotta love those guys...a back up set of books and a back up pitch count. Just incase.....????
Gotta love those guys...a back up set of books and a back up pitch count. Just incase.....????
I love this guy! He would text me all the time after games telling me that I posted the stats wrong. We would always get a good laugh from them.
Originally Posted by BDB:
Originally Posted by hsbasballfan:
We have left out the "I Keep my Own Book Dad" and the "I have my OWN pitch Counter Dad"
Gotta love those guys...a back up set of books and a back up pitch count. Just incase.....????
Gotta love those guys...a back up set of books and a back up pitch count. Just incase.....????
I love this guy! He would text me all the time after games telling me that I posted the stats wrong. We would always get a good laugh from them.
Bob, I bet his son was always on the WRONG end of the stats according to you
Originally Posted by chefmike7777:
Originally Posted by BDB:
Originally Posted by hsbasballfan:
We have left out the "I Keep my Own Book Dad" and the "I have my OWN pitch Counter Dad"
Gotta love those guys...a back up set of books and a back up pitch count. Just incase.....????
Gotta love those guys...a back up set of books and a back up pitch count. Just incase.....????
I love this guy! He would text me all the time after games telling me that I posted the stats wrong. We would always get a good laugh from them.
Bob, I bet his son was always on the WRONG end of the stats according to you
Well of course Its funny to me... I just let them talk the more they do they funnier they get.
Originally Posted by BDB:
Originally Posted by hsbasballfan:
We have left out the "I Keep my Own Book Dad" and the "I have my OWN pitch Counter Dad"
Gotta love those guys...a back up set of books and a back up pitch count. Just incase.....????
Gotta love those guys...a back up set of books and a back up pitch count. Just incase.....????
I love this guy! He would text me all the time after games telling me that I posted the stats wrong. We would always get a good laugh from them.
I am now "Keep My Own Book" Dad. I also keep pitch count, but seriously wonder what kind of book someone would keep that would require a separate pitch counter. Now that my son is in HS and I don't coach, this gives me something to do and keeps me from going crazy. Oh, yeah, I often hand the book to the wife and I become "Long lens camera" Dad and "Dad who has his own radar gun." So, I'm - you know - multi-facted.
Had a great experience last night with a few parents that would fit this description. In an absolute blow out in the cold and wind parents would not leave watching the non starters play because we all remembered what it was like when our boys got live at bats only in a blow out.
Local annoying guy who seeks you out to ask every Q under the sun about the team, while your son is at the plate. You do respect this guy because he is there to support his local team but you are torn between 7 innings of endless Q's and finding a new place to squat and enjoy the game.
I had the pleasure of meeting several of these characters at my sons tournament last weekend. My son always played in a different league and teams, so this is our first experience with the parents of his teammates. I'm not sure if these people have been listed above, but here are some new characters I met.
Screamer mom - she screams at the top of her lungs whenever her child gets a hit. And I'm not talking about a "wohoo, good job Johnny"! I'm talking about ear piercing, pee your pants startling screaming at the top of your lungs that lasts until said batter stops at 2nd base. This mom acknowledges the behavior is annoying, but assures us we will get used to it. Um, no, I will never get used to that one.
Mr. I've got a comment about every pitch, including warm up pitches - this guy has something to say about every. Single. Pitch. Most of the time, they are loudly blurted negative comments to kids he doesn't even know. Things like "come on now", "don't over pitch", "just pound the zone" and my new favorite "one and done!" He just can't resist throwing in his two cents and showing everyone how much he doesn't know.
Mr/Ms I've had enough - this is the parent that lets loose on the two types of parents above after his/her nerves are so badly frayed from the experience. Sadly, that parent was me last weekend. When Mr. Comment about every pitch was loudly offering advice to my child during pre-inning warm-ups, I lost it. We were two games into the tournament and parents and players were all quietly whispering about this guy. I feel bad for losing it on the guy, but I don't feel bad about the sentiment. One of our own fans shouldn't be getting into the heads of our own pitchers.
That was my intro to our high school baseball experience.
Screamer mom - she screams at the top of her lungs whenever her child gets a hit. And I'm not talking about a "wohoo, good job Johnny"! I'm talking about ear piercing, pee your pants startling screaming at the top of your lungs that lasts until said batter stops at 2nd base. This mom acknowledges the behavior is annoying, but assures us we will get used to it. Um, no, I will never get used to that one.
Mr. I've got a comment about every pitch, including warm up pitches - this guy has something to say about every. Single. Pitch. Most of the time, they are loudly blurted negative comments to kids he doesn't even know. Things like "come on now", "don't over pitch", "just pound the zone" and my new favorite "one and done!" He just can't resist throwing in his two cents and showing everyone how much he doesn't know.
Mr/Ms I've had enough - this is the parent that lets loose on the two types of parents above after his/her nerves are so badly frayed from the experience. Sadly, that parent was me last weekend. When Mr. Comment about every pitch was loudly offering advice to my child during pre-inning warm-ups, I lost it. We were two games into the tournament and parents and players were all quietly whispering about this guy. I feel bad for losing it on the guy, but I don't feel bad about the sentiment. One of our own fans shouldn't be getting into the heads of our own pitchers.
That was my intro to our high school baseball experience.
All great, new & old posts:
Like to add "Captain OverHype":
run a travel team that has a few very good players, however they heavily publicize the slightest thing any of their players does, you now just about expect to see a post on the backup 3b or whoever pinch-running to burn up twitter & local bulletin boards,
it is a running joke in the county
(for anyone not on the Captain's teams),
Originally Posted by Catcherdad:
All great, new & old posts:
Like to add "Captain OverHype":
run a travel team that has a few very good players, however they heavily publicize the slightest thing any of their players does, you now just about expect to see a post on the backup 3b or whoever pinch-running to burn up twitter & local bulletin boards,
it is a running joke in the county
(for anyone not on the Captain's teams),
Love this thread! Haha we have a Captain OH too. Cringey! what about the dad from above, "this team doesn't play defense when my son is pitching" actually yelling at every bomb hit " Not your fault!"
JAM3, that's how we pitchers parents think! . Must have been the coach who called that pitches fault! My son throws all his pitches perfectly LOL
Mr. "My kid is used to faster pitching".
In the midst of what would be his 3rd K of the game the dad was reminding him he's used to seeing faster pitching "when he plays travel" and to get his timing right. I estimated the pitcher was throwing high 70s to a 15 yr old.
Originally Posted by 2016Dad:
Mr. "My kid is used to faster pitching".
In the midst of what would be his 3rd K of the game the dad was reminding him he's used to seeing faster pitching "when he plays travel" and to get his timing right. I estimated the pitcher was throwing high 70s to a 15 yr old.
Well of course Good hitters are the ones that can't adjust. They just hit 90+ fastballs all day no more no less
Re Mr Faster Pitching
This fellow visits here as well. You'd hope a player would adjust after 2 at-bats.
Son said last two nights after HS Scrimmages he hasn't seen as low as 60-70 mph in a while, knew enough to just stay back and hit it over 2nd base to CF.
This guy has a 'cousin': Mr. My Kid is a Beast
(Roars when his kid feasts on the slow pitchers
although is noticeably silent when he just waves at 80 mph+ pitches)
Originally Posted by 2016Dad:
Mr. "My kid is used to faster pitching".
That guy must be my mailman.
Originally Posted by PA2016Backstopdad:
Local annoying guy who seeks you out to ask every Q under the sun about the team, while your son is at the plate. You do respect this guy because he is there to support his local team but you are torn between 7 innings of endless Q's and finding a new place to squat and enjoy the game.
I have learned to wear a set of headsets. Even if nothing is playing, people will assume you are so they will ignore you. Key is, no matter what, don't respond to the first or second comment. Make them touch your arm to get your attention. Works like a charm!!!
Update: Mr. annoying guy who seeks you out to ask you every Q under the sun especially when son is at the plate. Son had an away game, he struck again. Thought I was safe but here he comes; bottom 7 and we are down by 3, son up with 2 on base. "when is the next home game, I can't find the schedule anywhere...................................................................................."
Here is to Mr. I am going to walk up to the fence and block everyone who has been watching the game's view. Oh by the way he brought his softball daughter in tow for good measure. Together dad I want to be in the coaches ear during the game and daughter furiously pounding away on her smart phone blocked the batter,catcher, and umpire perfectly. Sorry for that, I just had to let it out. I've also been forced into the role of Mr. Consoling dad . Listening to parent next to me whose son is getting screwed for playing time.
I do that, earbuds are my savior and 80% of the time, nothing is playing or no call is happening.
Originally Posted by OA5II:
Originally Posted by PA2016Backstopdad:
Local annoying guy who seeks you out to ask every Q under the sun about the team, while your son is at the plate. You do respect this guy because he is there to support his local team but you are torn between 7 innings of endless Q's and finding a new place to squat and enjoy the game.
I have learned to wear a set of headsets. Even if nothing is playing, people will assume you are so they will ignore you. Key is, no matter what, don't respond to the first or second comment. Make them touch your arm to get your attention. Works like a charm!!!
So I have one:
The ground ball to the pitcher "HUSTLE!" mom. She screams it as if the flat footed doughboy has any chance.
Originally Posted by Catcherdad:
Re Mr Faster Pitching
This fellow visits here as well. You'd hope a player would adjust after 2 at-bats.
Son said last two nights after HS Scrimmages he hasn't seen as low as 60-70 mph in a while, knew enough to just stay back and hit it over 2nd base to CF.
This guy has a 'cousin': Mr. My Kid is a Beast
(Roars when his kid feasts on the slow pitchers
although is noticeably silent when he just waves at 80 mph+ pitches)
Love this one! These guys are everywhere!
I did a quick search and was surprised not to find this one.
Billy pulls a (rare) hard line drive right at the LFer. L7.
"Nice hit, Billy!"
Originally Posted by Golfman25:
So I have one:
The ground ball to the pitcher "HUSTLE!" mom. She screams it as if the flat footed doughboy has any chance.
Ok, sometimes this is me. It's the supportive Mom coming out in me, even if it isn't my kid. I can be tough and hard on the kids, but I also have my soft side. I want each kid to take something away from the game that helps them later in life. If hustling on a slow roller teaches them to never give up on something, then I am all for it. So, I'm guilty of this one.
Originally Posted by kandkfunk:
Originally Posted by Golfman25:
So I have one:
The ground ball to the pitcher "HUSTLE!" mom. She screams it as if the flat footed doughboy has any chance.
Ok, sometimes this is me. It's the supportive Mom coming out in me, even if it isn't my kid. I can be tough and hard on the kids, but I also have my soft side. I want each kid to take something away from the game that helps them later in life. If hustling on a slow roller teaches them to never give up on something, then I am all for it. So, I'm guilty of this one.
I think all of us are guilty of any one of these at one time or another. I know I have been. But thats part of what makes this thread so fun.
You should never be ashamed of who and what you are. If you are then it is time to make some changes.
I like to think of myself as:
Senor Pontificator - The most interesting baseball fan alive. Stay thirsty my friends!
Got stuck next to a guy who was complaining his kid, a Junior, was not playing or pitching. When there was a pitching change and again his kid did not go in he started up, ...."and who was this skinny, weak armed lefty sophmore on the mound?" "I mean look at this kid. He can't be more than 14. His mechanics are all screwy and he can't be throwing harder than 75 or 76....geez. Im so sick of this coach playing favorites. My boy is sitting 86 and he is on the bench!! Such a stupid SOB this coach.....which kid is yours?" Me: "My son is the scrawny young weak armed kid on the mound. You know, the one playing." Him: "You should have said something." Me: "No need. I am here to support the whole team....even the flame throwers on the bench."
The reality is, his kid did have some skills as a fielder, but, he was carrying a D average, got suspended for fighting and was topping out about 75 or so on the mound.
We all struggle to keep out perspective with our own kids sometimes, but, the level of delusion with some is amazing.
By the time my kid was a Junior I had changed how I "cheered" at games. I just usually stood down either base line, kind of by myself. I got away from the endless chatter and complaining. The coaches generally sucked, the high school team sucked, the program sucked ect....it was all true, but, I got tired of hearing it. I would clap for a nice play on either side. I would not cheer louder really if my kid got a hit, I expected him to get a single. A little flair over the SS head for a single....its not a 500 foot HR off of a great pitcher.
This past weekend we have scrimmage for the HS fall ball season. The coach is actually pretty good, he is missing 4 returning starters due to football, he is missing a couple Jr's who are going to compete for starting spots due to travel commitments, he has about 6 upper classmen and the rest are sophomores he is giving look at for the day. The other team appears to be in a similar spot.
Father of sophomore catcher goes off on a rant about how excited his he is for his son to be getting his first varsity appearance...even takes a pic and posts it on facebook. Somewhere along the way he says to me "there is a big difference in talent on the field, I would have guessed it to be closer" I just looked at him and said yea but you are going to have that when you combine kids that are going to be Varsity and JV. He gave me this very confused look so I just kind of wondered away and let him chew on it for a bit. I am pretty sure he never figured it out!!
Hi everyone. I've been lurking on here as a guest for some time now. Finally signed up and having a go with my first post.
i read the whole thread here. Good stuff.
I didn't see anyone mention "Mr. superstitious guy"
This is is the guy that insists on weaing the same shirt, pants, hat, socks etc. to every game lest he anger the baseball Gods...no matter how dingy or grungy. Mr. Superstitious guy usually attempts to bring other parents (and occasionally even coaches and players) into this quickly spiraling-out-of-control situation. He seeks out dad A to always sit or stand to to his right and dad B to the left. The pre-game ritual is as planned out as pro wrestling match, and the 7th inning stretch is an Army General's dream of precision. Again, all to appease the baseball Gods (always in the plural, as opposed to singular).
And this is why I love this game. in the end it's really all about the people, regardless if the people are players, coaches, or just really superstitious fans.
Originally Posted by DBAT-DFW:
I didn't see anyone mention "Mr. superstitious guy"
This is is the guy that insists on weaing the same shirt, pants, hat, socks etc. to every game lest he anger the baseball Gods...no matter how dingy or grungy. Mr. Superstitious guy usually attempts to bring other parents
No, this is demonstrably untrue. I don't ask anyone to join me in wearing bright, team-color boxers. In fact, nobody else even knows that's my game day gear.
... up to now, that is. Welcome to the board.
Is it too early in the season to resurrect all time favorite thread? My son just let me know THAT GUY (also known as, OH NO, NOT HIM! or WHAT DID HE DO THIS TIME?) is going at it full force already. This is the guy who's son is finally in high school and dad is at every optional winter practice and workout (even if son is not), decked out from head to toe in school gear. After offering lots of "valuable input" to the coaches, he is finally banished to the halls to pace non-stop until he is able to follow coaches to their vehicles to keep offering advice. Over the years, THAT GUY has tried everything, even things that are borderline criminal, all in the pursuit of his son's athletic career.
Borderline criminal......please continue with more details! If I followed my son's coach to his car, I am quite certain my son would not step foot on the field unless it was to rake the infield after the game.
DBAT-DFW posted:Hi everyone. I've been lurking on here as a guest for some time now. Finally signed up and having a go with my first post.
i read the whole thread here. Good stuff.
I didn't see anyone mention "Mr. superstitious guy"
This is is the guy that insists on weaing the same shirt, pants, hat, socks etc. to every game lest he anger the baseball Gods...no matter how dingy or grungy. Mr. Superstitious guy usually attempts to bring other parents (and occasionally even coaches and players) into this quickly spiraling-out-of-control situation. He seeks out dad A to always sit or stand to to his right and dad B to the left. The pre-game ritual is as planned out as pro wrestling match, and the 7th inning stretch is an Army General's dream of precision. Again, all to appease the baseball Gods (always in the plural, as opposed to singular).
And this is why I love this game. in the end it's really all about the people, regardless if the people are players, coaches, or just really superstitious fans.
I'm sort of guilty of this. There were one or two shirts I always wore to my son's HS games. Even had a tattered hat with the HS logo that I always wore. I did have my "spot" where I stood to watch the game, but I refrained from dragging other parents into wearing the same clothing, etc.
2017LHPscrewball posted:Borderline criminal......please continue with more details! If I followed my son's coach to his car, I am quite certain my son would not step foot on the field unless it was to rake the infield after the game.
Haha, mine too! Or they'd pat me on the head and ask if I was lost.
THAT GUY has learned the following, though he still won't go away or make an effort to behave:
If you get into a fight with an umpire at the youth level, you will be banned from coaching at the youth level.
If you take a whole team to a country club then say "bill the school" you will be banned from volunteer coaching at the school (and lucky the school doesn't sue you in my opinion!)
IP addresses are trackable so if you set up a dummy email address and impersonate another coach to criticize other children while promoting your own, it is easy to track who sent it (although the email content makes it pretty easy too!). This is especially true in small town USA and you should probably pick a coach to impersonate who isn't good friends with the coach you are emailing.
you should probably pick a coach to impersonate who isn't good friends with the coach you are emailing...
Sounds like a good start to an episode of world's dumbest criminals.
"I'm sort of guilty of this. There were one or two shirts I always wore to my son's HS games. Even had a tattered hat with the HS logo that I always wore. I did have my "spot" where I stood to watch the game, but I refrained from dragging other parents into wearing the same clothing, etc."
I have been struggling with this for weeks now!! I wore the same hat for the last two season's. The hat is looking pretty ratty, I keep looking at a couple of new options but my eye ( and heart ) keeps going back to the old standbye...
Season starts this weekend, time to start fresh, but if the new hat doesn't bring the desired results you all know what I am wearing to the next series.
FoxDad posted:I'm sort of guilty of this. There were one or two shirts I always wore to my son's HS games. Even had a tattered hat with the HS logo that I always wore. I did have my "spot" where I stood to watch the game, but I refrained from dragging other parents into wearing the same clothing, etc.
Overheard at a 12u game:
"Man, can't you wait to go to the bathroom until the other side is up? We almost had a homer but YOU weren't in your spot so you jinxed us with a pop-fly!"
Sadly, these grown men were actually serious.
Standing in the wrong spot could change the rotation of the planet and alter the course of history. Or not.
Something I miss about middle and high school baseball (especially high school) is watching parents attempt to corral and influences coaches. Our high school coach owns a small baseball facility. So many parents thought if they spent a lot of money there it would make a difference for their son. The only way to influence the coach was show up with talent and upside. There were parents who bitched about how much they spent and their kid didn't make varsity or start.
I was scouting a middle school game at a tournament once and heard a good one. There was a team playing I had never seen before so I was standing over close to their dug out taking notes and eaves dropping a little. 2 dad's were talking close enough to the dugout that the coaches could hear. One dad was going on and on about the batting order. "I don't understand why he is batting 8th! 8th? Really? In travel ball he always batted at the top! I just can't figure out why!" It was obvious he was being loud enough for the coach to hear on purpose. Finally the coach had had enough and turns around and yells, "I'll tell you why your son is batting 8th! It's because he's to darn good to be batting 9th!" I almost choked on my seeds when he said it.
DBAT-DFW posted:Hi everyone. I've been lurking on here as a guest for some time now. Finally signed up and having a go with my first post.
i read the whole thread here. Good stuff.
I didn't see anyone mention "Mr. superstitious guy"
This is is the guy that insists on weaing the same shirt, pants, hat, socks etc. to every game lest he anger the baseball Gods...no matter how dingy or grungy. Mr. Superstitious guy usually attempts to bring other parents (and occasionally even coaches and players) into this quickly spiraling-out-of-control situation. He seeks out dad A to always sit or stand to to his right and dad B to the left. The pre-game ritual is as planned out as pro wrestling match, and the 7th inning stretch is an Army General's dream of precision. Again, all to appease the baseball Gods (always in the plural, as opposed to singular).
And this is why I love this game. in the end it's really all about the people, regardless if the people are players, coaches, or just really superstitious fans.
It's only crazy if it doesn't work. 
Took me two days to get through this entire thread...possibly the best use of those two days I could have imagined!
Seed guy...come on, it's not a game without seeds, is it?
Superstitious guy...there's nothing super about me, I'm just stitious.
Too many others, mostly but not entirely harmlessly amusing category, that I'm guilty of--as a fan and a coach--to list without losing another couple of days rationalizing...
Great thread!
-42
A hideous variation of "Screamer Mom" is "Clapper Lady", who uses clappers to augment her bone chilling screeches. She, of course, sits right behind first base, where I am usually coaching.
57special posted:A hideous variation of "Screamer Mom" is "Clapper Lady", who uses clappers to augment her bone chilling screeches. She, of course, sits right behind first base, where I am usually coaching.
Does she know cowbell mom?
CaCO3Girl posted:57special posted:A hideous variation of "Screamer Mom" is "Clapper Lady", who uses clappers to augment her bone chilling screeches. She, of course, sits right behind first base, where I am usually coaching.
Does she know cowbell mom?
She sits right next to "Base Hit or Ball Four" Dad...can't miss'em
CaCO3Girl posted:57special posted:A hideous variation of "Screamer Mom" is "Clapper Lady", who uses clappers to augment her bone chilling screeches. She, of course, sits right behind first base, where I am usually coaching.
Does she know cowbell mom?
Oh God, I had forgotten...started to get cold sweats, here.
Then there are the parent rooting sections where they all come dressed up in team colors, are annoyingly positive, and chant , "Players Name!" Clap..clap.. clap ,clap ,clap, when they do anything at all of note.
Go join a cult already.
True. They are all annoying, but I'd rather have high school baseball with them than without them.
It's looking like this is the first year in 10 that I might not be coaching, and I'm getting the itch to be " Radar Gun Dad". This would be a highly hypocritical thing to do, because I'm known for my anti-speed gun rants and how it is ruining the art of pitching, but..still...a radar gun...how cool is that? Next best thing to a ray gun! I could wear straw hats and my Batik shirts, too!
57special posted:CaCO3Girl posted:57special posted:A hideous variation of "Screamer Mom" is "Clapper Lady", who uses clappers to augment her bone chilling screeches. She, of course, sits right behind first base, where I am usually coaching.
Does she know cowbell mom?
Oh God, I had forgotten...started to get cold sweats, here.
Then there are the parent rooting sections where they all come dressed up in team colors, are annoyingly positive, and chant , "Players Name!" Clap..clap.. clap ,clap ,clap, when they do anything at all of note.
Go join a cult already.
So what if I paint my face? Got to support the team.
Ha - the annual who are you string surfacing again on opening day. A tradition of spring like a thud of the ball hitting a glove or a ping off the bat.
Face painting wasn't even a thing when this thread started 7 years ago next week. It probably still shouldn't be. Or maybe I am just getting old and crabby....
The Seinfeld episode with "The Face Painter" was from 1995, so it pre-dates this thread. Gotta support the team!
Mr. Pitch Caller is my personal nightmare...finds me and sits next to me every game, then whisper's what the pitch should be just before it is thrown. If he's wrong, coach is not thinking it through. If he's correct, the smug meter hits level 10. I now walk around during the game.
Absolutely love it!
I have been called the lunch/dinner guy because of my ability to interpret yelp scores, food pictures, and comments in order to find the best eating establishments near the ball park at away games. Pitching a perfect game so far, with the weight gain to prove it.
Dropped in on the Flint Hill game at Collegiate Saturday. Jayson Werth's son plays for Flint Hill, and he was there.
I am pleased to report that JW watches the games with a very calm demeanor, chats with other team parents, and yells never.
This from a guy who probably knows, well, EVERYTHING THERE IS TO KNOW.
If he can do it, you can too!
Midlo Dad posted:Dropped in on the Flint Hill game at Collegiate Saturday. Jayson Werth's son plays for Flint Hill, and he was there.
I am pleased to report that JW watches the games with a very calm demeanor, chats with other team parents, and yells never.
This from a guy who probably knows, well, EVERYTHING THERE IS TO KNOW.
If he can do it, you can too!
Still with the flow?
My son HATES when I cheer, yell or clap for him- so I don't 
but then I feel like a bad parent. I have made a small 8x11 sign that says "That's my boy!" and his number, 
he says that's alright. But it is so hard not to cheer along with the other parents, so I kind of follow suit- if they are yelling for a boy (I join in) but not obnoxiously.
I did tell him that all bets are off when he hits a HOMERUN!
meads posted:My son HATES when I cheer, yell or clap for him- so I don't
But it is so hard not to cheer along with the other parents, so I kind of follow suit- if they are yelling for a boy (I join in) but not obnoxiously.
I did tell him that all bets are off when he hits a HOMERUN!
My son used to hate as well. Made him feel self-conscience. That is until he got to College. We did not see him as often. his team mates appreciated the cheering as well. I cheered for all those who made good plays got a hit whatever positive contributions they made.
When his teammates asked who it was, in hs he would just keep his mouth shut. In college he proudly told them it was his Dad. Brought a tear to my eye when I heard it. It eventually became a comfort for him. It allowed him to know we were there. (probably because he knew that meant a free meal. )
Russ,
Some interesting styling from JW these days. Still flowing from the top, full beard, but shaved on the sides and back of his head.
I won't be rocking that look myself, I don't think I could pull that off. In fact I know I'm physically incapable of growing the beard.
P.S.
In fairness, I should say that when my own son played, I was not so zen myself. Not as bad as many, but games were definitely life and death for me! It's so much easier to watch, or even coach in, a game where you have no son involved. In fact, I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys seeing a great game at a cheap price and with low stress.
WOW!!!! I wrote this original post on March of 2011. My son had just started his senior year of high school baseball. At the time there was a popular beer commercial "Here's to you Mr...…" - maybe you remember that. At the time I had come off a long cold winter anxious for baseball to start. As I sit here today - my son is 26 years old, married, and has a child. Im still involved in the local baseball community and am looking forward to the weather breaking and taking my role. My advice is to savor the moment Mom and Dad ! The investment we make in the lives of our children and the investment coaches make come with a return you may not see for years to come. It is such a special time to be involved in your child's life but also a process when you are releasing them to the world to move away form you. All the clichés that seem corny are so true..."it all happens so fast" - I was recently at my son's house and he jumped on me for leaving a door open, letting his warm air out, and cost him money - I smiled and knew my job had been done. He was becoming his Dad- hopefully only the good parts at least.
Once that last pitch is thrown or last ball batted its over …. then you will endure what can be a long winter that never ends - invest now , stay involved, love your boys, and savor the fleeting moment you have. Look around and realize how many relationships you have with other adults from being in the baseball community - many of those are fleeting as well.
Finally - stay involved - come out to a game , look around , and enjoy what you see. The James Earl Jones Field of Dreams speech will creep into your mind on a perfect Spring afternoon.... time marches on but baseball remains. The warm sun on your face and the chirping of the baby birds will refresh you with the signs of new life - the shout of "Play Ball" will invoke memories of a time gone by. Look around...your son wont be there but someone's will be along with the full cast of baseball parent characters we all celebrated since this thread debuted almost 9 years ago.
God bless each of you...share this thread and keep it going!
HsbaseballFan
Emeritus
Velo From The Stretch posted:I have been called the lunch/dinner guy because of my ability to interpret yelp scores, food pictures, and comments in order to find the best eating establishments near the ball park at away games. Pitching a perfect game so far, with the weight gain to prove it.
Absolutely my main contribution to the team dynamic. My person brand. Not a bad role to play in the grand scheme of things.
hsbasballfan posted:WOW!!!! I wrote this original post on March of 2011. My son had just started his senior year of high school baseball. At the time there was a popular beer commercial "Here's to you Mr...…" - maybe you remember that. At the time I had come off a long cold winter anxious for baseball to start. As I sit here today - my son is 26 years old, married, and has a child. Im still involved in the local baseball community and am looking forward to the weather breaking and taking my role. My advice is to savor the moment Mom and Dad ! The investment we make in the lives of our children and the investment coaches make come with a return you may not see for years to come. It is such a special time to be involved in your child's life but also a process when you are releasing them to the world to move away form you. All the clichés that seem corny are so true..."it all happens so fast" - I was recently at my son's house and he jumped on me for leaving a door open, letting his warm air out, and cost him money - I smiled and knew my job had been done. He was becoming his Dad- hopefully only the good parts at least.
Once that last pitch is thrown or last ball batted its over …. then you will endure what can be a long winter that never ends - invest now , stay involved, love your boys, and savor the fleeting moment you have. Look around and realize how many relationships you have with other adults from being in the baseball community - many of those are fleeting as well.
Finally - stay involved - come out to a game , look around , and enjoy what you see. The James Earl Jones Field of Dreams speech will creep into your mind on a perfect Spring afternoon.... time marches on but baseball remains. The warm sun on your face and the chirping of the baby birds will refresh you with the signs of new life - the shout of "Play Ball" will invoke memories of a time gone by. Look around...your son wont be there but someone's will be along with the full cast of baseball parent characters we all celebrated since this thread debuted almost 9 years ago.
God bless each of you...share this thread and keep it going!
HsbaseballFan
Emeritus
This is wonderful, thank you. BTW, "Real Men Of Genius" is in my opinion one of the best advertising campaigns in history. It ALWAYS made me laugh. Plus the song was from the band "Survivor" which made it extra cheesy/awesome. Just a sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...3ni7A88M&index=5
This thread has become a reading ritual of mine every year about this time..baseball is a few weeks away I keep reminding myself. Love the stories and observations in this thread...every single one.
Thx for the idea hsbasballfan, and all the contributors. This thread is HSBaseballWeb
Wonderful summary hsbasbballfan. It must be surreal looking back on this thread with the time that's past. I sure wish things would slow down.
Although my son has moved on from HS ball, I did email his coach last month and let him know many of the HS players were at the gym working out. I wanted them to get their props for working hard. That may fit into some Mr. HSBW category.
Funny thing is I would have never done that while my son was playing. I typically stay away from having any relationship with kid's coaches
An instant gold post! Thanks for writing it.
hsbasballfan posted:WOW!!!! I wrote this original post on March of 2011. My son had just started his senior year of high school baseball. At the time there was a popular beer commercial "Here's to you Mr...…" - maybe you remember that. At the time I had come off a long cold winter anxious for baseball to start. As I sit here today - my son is 26 years old, married, and has a child. Im still involved in the local baseball community and am looking forward to the weather breaking and taking my role. My advice is to savor the moment Mom and Dad ! The investment we make in the lives of our children and the investment coaches make come with a return you may not see for years to come. It is such a special time to be involved in your child's life but also a process when you are releasing them to the world to move away form you. All the clichés that seem corny are so true..."it all happens so fast" - I was recently at my son's house and he jumped on me for leaving a door open, letting his warm air out, and cost him money - I smiled and knew my job had been done. He was becoming his Dad- hopefully only the good parts at least.
Once that last pitch is thrown or last ball batted its over …. then you will endure what can be a long winter that never ends - invest now , stay involved, love your boys, and savor the fleeting moment you have. Look around and realize how many relationships you have with other adults from being in the baseball community - many of those are fleeting as well.
Finally - stay involved - come out to a game , look around , and enjoy what you see. The James Earl Jones Field of Dreams speech will creep into your mind on a perfect Spring afternoon.... time marches on but baseball remains. The warm sun on your face and the chirping of the baby birds will refresh you with the signs of new life - the shout of "Play Ball" will invoke memories of a time gone by. Look around...your son wont be there but someone's will be along with the full cast of baseball parent characters we all celebrated since this thread debuted almost 9 years ago.
God bless each of you...share this thread and keep it going!
HsbaseballFan
Emeritus
Talk about ironic or what. Without prior reading this OP, yesterday I had the Field of Dreams moment myself. My son is in the MLB and is "home" visiting since Christmas. He will be leaving in a few weeks for Spring Training, but has been working out for the past 3 weeks pretty intensely. While doing some work in the home office I heard the familiar sound of a baseball being thrown against our wall. I walked out and saw him using a weighted ball. I asked if he wanted to play some catch and he agreed. It's been a good 10 plus years since I last threw a baseball with him. With the memory of the movie playing in my mind of father and son playing catch, I got a little teary eyed throwing with him. I was actually playing catch with a professional ballplayer, my son! After about 15 minutes a couple of neighborhood kids saw us and joined in. They even recorded themselves playing catch with my son. It seems just like yesterday when he was playing travel ball. Yes, they grow up so fast, cherish every day you get to spend with your kids.
Trust In Him posted:hsbasballfan posted:WOW!!!! I wrote this original post on March of 2011. My son had just started his senior year of high school baseball. At the time there was a popular beer commercial "Here's to you Mr...…" - maybe you remember that. At the time I had come off a long cold winter anxious for baseball to start. As I sit here today - my son is 26 years old, married, and has a child. Im still involved in the local baseball community and am looking forward to the weather breaking and taking my role. My advice is to savor the moment Mom and Dad ! The investment we make in the lives of our children and the investment coaches make come with a return you may not see for years to come. It is such a special time to be involved in your child's life but also a process when you are releasing them to the world to move away form you. All the clichés that seem corny are so true..."it all happens so fast" - I was recently at my son's house and he jumped on me for leaving a door open, letting his warm air out, and cost him money - I smiled and knew my job had been done. He was becoming his Dad- hopefully only the good parts at least.
Once that last pitch is thrown or last ball batted its over …. then you will endure what can be a long winter that never ends - invest now , stay involved, love your boys, and savor the fleeting moment you have. Look around and realize how many relationships you have with other adults from being in the baseball community - many of those are fleeting as well.
Finally - stay involved - come out to a game , look around , and enjoy what you see. The James Earl Jones Field of Dreams speech will creep into your mind on a perfect Spring afternoon.... time marches on but baseball remains. The warm sun on your face and the chirping of the baby birds will refresh you with the signs of new life - the shout of "Play Ball" will invoke memories of a time gone by. Look around...your son wont be there but someone's will be along with the full cast of baseball parent characters we all celebrated since this thread debuted almost 9 years ago.
God bless each of you...share this thread and keep it going!
HsbaseballFan
Emeritus
Talk about ironic or what. Without prior reading this OP, yesterday I had the Field of Dreams moment myself. My son is in the MLB and is "home" visiting since Christmas. He will be leaving in a few weeks for Spring Training, but has been working out for the past 3 weeks pretty intensely. While doing some work in the home office I heard the familiar sound of a baseball being thrown against our wall. I walked out and saw him using a weighted ball. I asked if he wanted to play some catch and he agreed. It's been a good 10 plus years since I last threw a baseball with him. With the memory of the movie playing in my mind of father and son playing catch, I got a little teary eyed throwing with him. I was actually playing catch with a professional ballplayer, my son! After about 15 minutes a couple of neighborhood kids saw us and joined in. They even recorded themselves playing catch with my son. It seems just like yesterday when he was playing travel ball. Yes, they grow up so fast, cherish every day you get to spend with your kids.
Beautiful, congrats.