quote:Originally posted by Wklink:
God, I am learning to hate this board.
Don't hate the
Don't hate the
Don't hate the
The reason Jim Abbott was mentioned was to show that even successful disabled athletes accept the fact that people with physical disabilities are discriminated against. If Jim Abbott felt there was no need to advocate for the disabled, he wouldn’t be involved.
Whether in the workplace or a sports tryout people with physical disabilities deserve to be fairly judged based on their skills. In this case, the facts are not clear. Dennis Rasmussen, a twelve year veteran of major league baseball is advocating for him. Anthony claims he wasn’t given the opportunity to field a bunt. Would Rasmussen really exaggerate Anthony’s skill level given his background and experience? The reason Anthony was cut was directly related to his physical disability even after being equipped with some technically high functioning prosthetic legs. Did Anthony have equal access? Yes. Was he fairly judged? Not all agree. It doesn’t matter in the context of the rights of the coach but what about Anthony’s options?
The Florida High School Athletic Association bylaws on transfer regulations do not offer Anthony hope to play high school baseball this year. Absent a full and complete move of residence, the death, imprisonment or mental commit of a parent making it necessary to move, commit to a foster home, marriage or a reassignment to another school district for reasons other than athletic or disciplinary actions, Anthony must wait a year to play if he transfers.
9.3 Transfer Regulations.
Certainly these same rules apply to the other twenty three kids who were cut but none of them were given the reason that it was because he had no legs and therefore couldn’t field a bunt. Any kid with legs can field a bunt. He may not be able to throw accurately or quick enough to get outs but he can get there. So why not give Anthony the option to transfer to a school where he can be a part of the team? And why not save the parents the hardship of relocating just because their son was born with less body parts than the rest of our kids? Isn’t that an acceptable accommodation?
PGStaff is right…..”find a way to keep the kid involved with the team” (high school). Coach Bradley did make an attempt. Credit where credit is due. It would be nice to see Anthony continue to participate in high school baseball this year. Had he been born with two good legs it wouldn’t be an issue. There would have been just twenty four normal kids cut from the team. Or maybe he would have made it.
Whether in the workplace or a sports tryout people with physical disabilities deserve to be fairly judged based on their skills. In this case, the facts are not clear. Dennis Rasmussen, a twelve year veteran of major league baseball is advocating for him. Anthony claims he wasn’t given the opportunity to field a bunt. Would Rasmussen really exaggerate Anthony’s skill level given his background and experience? The reason Anthony was cut was directly related to his physical disability even after being equipped with some technically high functioning prosthetic legs. Did Anthony have equal access? Yes. Was he fairly judged? Not all agree. It doesn’t matter in the context of the rights of the coach but what about Anthony’s options?
The Florida High School Athletic Association bylaws on transfer regulations do not offer Anthony hope to play high school baseball this year. Absent a full and complete move of residence, the death, imprisonment or mental commit of a parent making it necessary to move, commit to a foster home, marriage or a reassignment to another school district for reasons other than athletic or disciplinary actions, Anthony must wait a year to play if he transfers.
9.3 Transfer Regulations.
Certainly these same rules apply to the other twenty three kids who were cut but none of them were given the reason that it was because he had no legs and therefore couldn’t field a bunt. Any kid with legs can field a bunt. He may not be able to throw accurately or quick enough to get outs but he can get there. So why not give Anthony the option to transfer to a school where he can be a part of the team? And why not save the parents the hardship of relocating just because their son was born with less body parts than the rest of our kids? Isn’t that an acceptable accommodation?
PGStaff is right…..”find a way to keep the kid involved with the team” (high school). Coach Bradley did make an attempt. Credit where credit is due. It would be nice to see Anthony continue to participate in high school baseball this year. Had he been born with two good legs it wouldn’t be an issue. There would have been just twenty four normal kids cut from the team. Or maybe he would have made it.
Well, none of us here really don't know what the tryout entailed. If (and I mean if) the kid wasn't even allowed to field a ground ball or bunt then he probably has a gripe but I don't know what he really can or will do about it. I suppose his mom could threaten lawsuit or something like that but what will that accomplish? Even if he is forced to let the kid be on the team the coach probably wouldn't play him.
I understand the transfer rules and why they are in place. Without such rules you would see the mercinary recruiting of stars from one school to another. To me high school is about education first and foremost and to recruit a kid simply for the ability to play a sport is wrong. Unfortunately this makes for a catch 22 for this kid.
There is not real good answer for him. If the kid simply didn't have the ability to play varsity at the 6A level then he doesn't have it. Who knows, maybe he can make it next year. It's hard to say.
I understand the transfer rules and why they are in place. Without such rules you would see the mercinary recruiting of stars from one school to another. To me high school is about education first and foremost and to recruit a kid simply for the ability to play a sport is wrong. Unfortunately this makes for a catch 22 for this kid.
There is not real good answer for him. If the kid simply didn't have the ability to play varsity at the 6A level then he doesn't have it. Who knows, maybe he can make it next year. It's hard to say.
quote:Anthony claims he wasn’t given the opportunity to field a bunt.
I don't recall ever seeing that happen in a tryout that I've been a part of. "Here kid, go field a bunt." Maybe they scrimmaged and somebody bunted on him..
If a kid tries out for a HS varsity baseball team, it's assumed he is in good health, cleared by a physical to try out and have the same chance to make a team as anyone else. If this player can't hack it because his disability gets in his way, then he deserves to get cut.
It's one thing if he don't get a fair shake but if he can't hack it and the disability happens to get in the way and he gets cut, then so be it.
As for bunting on a kid who knowingly can't field his position, the real question is what coach in his right mind puts a kid in a spot to ensure definite failure. Of course you're gonna bunt all day long if it works. It's pretty pathetic when a team has to pull back and play nice because of some opposition glaring weakness. Instead, blame the coach for puting his team in a bad position. The coaches job is to put his players in the best possible situation to succeed and in this case, it is a pathetic failure.
It's one thing if he don't get a fair shake but if he can't hack it and the disability happens to get in the way and he gets cut, then so be it.
As for bunting on a kid who knowingly can't field his position, the real question is what coach in his right mind puts a kid in a spot to ensure definite failure. Of course you're gonna bunt all day long if it works. It's pretty pathetic when a team has to pull back and play nice because of some opposition glaring weakness. Instead, blame the coach for puting his team in a bad position. The coaches job is to put his players in the best possible situation to succeed and in this case, it is a pathetic failure.
Among the many, many facts we don't know is whether this player can really throw 80. It's been reported in this thread that the sportswriter is related to him, and that sportswriter didn't say how he knows the pitcher's velocity.
There's more than one 16 year old in this country who pitches in the low 70's, flashes mid 70's from time to time, and gets described as throwing 80.
We also don't know anything about the quality of his pitches.
Furthermore, I don't agree with the assertion that the coach is obligated to test every player for every skill whose lack might be cause for being cut.
That misses two points:
First, it's not the coach's responsibility to document why a player gets cut, it's the player's responsibility to demonstrate he can help the team win. There's lots of great advice on this web site about how to prepare for tryouts and showcases, and most of it involves demonstrating plus skills. "Other guys showed me more," can be a sufficient explanation and is more explanation than thousands of other kids will get over the next few weeks.
Second, a basic qualification of coaches is making subjective inferences based on limited observations. If he has seen a player run a 60 yard dash or a shuttle run, he might not need to run a specific bunt drill to make his determination. If he only has three or five days for tryouts, he has to make decisions based on the drills and tests he has time to conduct.
Let's not be so quick to assume we can discern more from our armchairs than the coach can see on the field.
It's real easy to second guess somebody who is constrained from defending his decision by privacy laws and respect for the player's feelings.
However, from what I've read, nobody has offered a solid basis for doubting the coach's judgment in this case.
This player is very easy to root for. All of us wish him success and happiness in baseball and beyond it. Unfortunately, our wishing the young man is good enough to make the team doesn't make him good enough.
There's more than one 16 year old in this country who pitches in the low 70's, flashes mid 70's from time to time, and gets described as throwing 80.
We also don't know anything about the quality of his pitches.
Furthermore, I don't agree with the assertion that the coach is obligated to test every player for every skill whose lack might be cause for being cut.
That misses two points:
First, it's not the coach's responsibility to document why a player gets cut, it's the player's responsibility to demonstrate he can help the team win. There's lots of great advice on this web site about how to prepare for tryouts and showcases, and most of it involves demonstrating plus skills. "Other guys showed me more," can be a sufficient explanation and is more explanation than thousands of other kids will get over the next few weeks.
Second, a basic qualification of coaches is making subjective inferences based on limited observations. If he has seen a player run a 60 yard dash or a shuttle run, he might not need to run a specific bunt drill to make his determination. If he only has three or five days for tryouts, he has to make decisions based on the drills and tests he has time to conduct.
Let's not be so quick to assume we can discern more from our armchairs than the coach can see on the field.
It's real easy to second guess somebody who is constrained from defending his decision by privacy laws and respect for the player's feelings.
However, from what I've read, nobody has offered a solid basis for doubting the coach's judgment in this case.
This player is very easy to root for. All of us wish him success and happiness in baseball and beyond it. Unfortunately, our wishing the young man is good enough to make the team doesn't make him good enough.
quote:Originally posted by Danny Boydston:quote:Originally posted by Wklink:
God, I am learning to hate this board.
Don't hate thegameboard, hate the player.
quote:wklink posted: This is even worse because I agree that unless he can field his position he shouldn't play varsity ball
quote:“At Dr. Phillips little league there was an agreement that teams would not bunt against me. Making the transition to USSSA I knew I would be relying on my teammates to help me out. They have all stepped up, they cover bunts, charge home on pass balls, basically help field my position, but most of all they encourage me to keep my head up and play at the level I am capable of playing at,” Burruto says.
Link
Bunting is allowed in JV too. I assume we agree that everyone has to play by the same rules at this level, indeed in life. You don't seem to understand if he can't play by the rules, i.e. field your position, he can't legitimately play at any level, varsity, JV, little league, etc. Varsity plays by the same rules as JV, freshman, etc.
Your lack of understanding of the difference between JV and varsity speaks volumes to me. There is relatively little difference around here, where Anthony lives. Kids move up and down, based upon team needs. It’s not like the difference between JV and MLB. He couldn't play little league unless the coaches agreed to not bunt on him. That isn’t happening anymore. If he can't field his position in LL how is he going to do it at JV, a higher level of play????
By the way, PA Dino, the school (size) class is irrelevant. Some of the smaller private schools can play with anyone. Pitchers are required to field at all levels, and should be, imo.
As much as we would all like to see a Rudy type ending to the story, it obviously isn't going to happen. Baseball teaches us many things. For all it teaches us our limitations, some sooner than others, but it ends for all at some time. Anthony actually made it further than most, with a little editing of the rule book. If it was an easy game, everyone would be able to play.
Sometimes I get fired up on this board. If I offended anyone I apologize.
quote:The Florida High School Athletic Association bylaws on transfer regulations do not offer Anthony hope to play high school baseball this year. Absent a full and complete move of residence, the death, imprisonment or mental commit of a parent making it necessary to move, commit to a foster home, marriage or a reassignment to another school district for reasons other than athletic or disciplinary actions, Anthony must wait a year to play if he transfers.
Actually, it's even more strict than that. In order to be eligible, a player must attend the new school on the very first day of the school year. Our basketball team just had to forfeit its first 17 wins because a player transferred a couple of days into the school year.
This reminds me of a story several years ago when we lived in Georgia. The sport was swimming. The kid had one leg, and the other was fitted with a prosthetic limb with an 18" flipper on the end. Flippers, naturally, aren't allowed because they enhance performance, but no one complained until the kid started winning. And then there was a lot of hollering about discrimination. I think he ended up moving on to paralympic competition.
I checked, and they don't have paralympic baseball, but they have many other sports. It will be interesting to see if this player moves on to something else.
Dad04
RE: Wklink
I was going to stay out of this, but I couldn't take it anymore. I really do wonder if you have been reading the same posts as the rest of us. Are we all missing something here? Through this whole discussion Wklink has said pretty much everything that you have said in a different way.....in other words to directly quote Wklink
He made a statement/asked a question based on an apparently erroneous (imagine that) media report, which was quickly corrected. Yet you have chosen to continuously needle him with personal attacks on his supposed baseball knowledge or lack thereof, and pulling out singular quotes so there is no context(just like the media does every single day), with seemingly every one of your posts aimed squarely at Wklink. Am I missing something? An axe to grind? A personnel vendetta? I'm just curious to understand your motive and/or source of animosity toward's Wklink, particularly when you both fall on the same side of this obviously sensitive issue. I would think that your sharp tongue would have been directed at the several posters who clearly disagree with the basic position of yourself, Wklink, and the majority of posters in this discussion.
DISCLAIMER: I do not know, have never met, talked, or corresponded with either Dad04 or Wklink.
RE: Wklink
I was going to stay out of this, but I couldn't take it anymore. I really do wonder if you have been reading the same posts as the rest of us. Are we all missing something here? Through this whole discussion Wklink has said pretty much everything that you have said in a different way.....in other words to directly quote Wklink
quote:you would have realized that I AGREED WITH YOU!
He made a statement/asked a question based on an apparently erroneous (imagine that) media report, which was quickly corrected. Yet you have chosen to continuously needle him with personal attacks on his supposed baseball knowledge or lack thereof, and pulling out singular quotes so there is no context(just like the media does every single day), with seemingly every one of your posts aimed squarely at Wklink. Am I missing something? An axe to grind? A personnel vendetta? I'm just curious to understand your motive and/or source of animosity toward's Wklink, particularly when you both fall on the same side of this obviously sensitive issue. I would think that your sharp tongue would have been directed at the several posters who clearly disagree with the basic position of yourself, Wklink, and the majority of posters in this discussion.
DISCLAIMER: I do not know, have never met, talked, or corresponded with either Dad04 or Wklink.
quote:Originally posted by PGStaff:
If he is a good kid I would find a way to keep the kid involved with the team. However, I would never have him replace someone who is a better player and deserves to be on the team. That just wouldn't be right for anyone involved!
Years ago there was a kid who went to school with my son who had the stutter of all stutters. He was extremely intelligent and if you could get by the stutter he was a great conversationalist. He tried out for the debate team and didn't make the cut for any debates. The bleeding hearts screamed out but when asked if he had any ill-feelings he said he would have been embarrassed to be included because he would not have added to the quality of the team. He tried out to challenge himself, and nothing more.
Too many times society tries to show a "soft" side for the handicapped but seldom understand that many of these great people have come to grips with their handicap and find it more insulting/embarrassing that others bend over backwards trying to give them opportunities they may not qualify for regardless of that handicap. JMO
I fully accept and proudly admit to being a bleeding heart, Rz. I wake up every day and know that my five children have been blessed with five healthy bodies and God knows I am grateful for that.
I read about a kid whose legs were cut off before he could see who fell in love with baseball. That love grew and somehow, someway, with an obvious courage and commitment, he learned to pitch. His limitations, with two artificial limbs, are obvious, but what he was doing to inspire other children with disabilities across the country was limitless.
I've read about what everyone says is fair, that the 40th kid deserves to be in the program if he's better...the other 23 who were cut with him should have been taken in the 40th spot if they were better than him...gotcha, you're right. And I don't need any more insensitive scenarios laid out or classless "NO FREAKIN LEGS" comments to underscore the young man's challenges. But thanks anyway.
What's really not fair is having your legs cut off as your welcome to the world message. What's really not fair is being in a society where winning baseball games at a high school in Florida is obviously more important than the opportunity to give continued hope and inspiration to tens of thousands of disabled kids across the country who know of this young man and have followed him over the past several years.
This was a giant swing and a miss at a big picture, so to speak. The fact that Johnny Damon went to this school notwithstanding.
Society needs a soft side, Rz, and I believe that more than ever after reading what's been put up here over the past several days. People in wheelchairs need ramps built and special apparatus so that they can function in the world. It's not insulting or embarassing to the disabled when understanding and compassion are directed toward them. It's appreciated. That's why Jim Abbott is advocating for the disabled across the nation. There is a need for assistance. Where I live we've built two "Boundless Playgrounds" so that all children can enjoy swings and slides, and not just those who can field a bunt quickly.
I believe we should open doors for those who cannot and then watch and enjoy what they can do once inside. I have coached two disabled children on my travel baseball teams and I can tell you - firsthand - that their contributions to my teams were as important a those from my middle of the order guys, just different. We won championships, yes, with disabled players on our roster. I guess that's a real shocker for some out there.
I view baseball as something bigger than just a game of wins and losses. It's ok with me if you don't. I'm proud of what makes us different, bleeding heart that I am.
I read about a kid whose legs were cut off before he could see who fell in love with baseball. That love grew and somehow, someway, with an obvious courage and commitment, he learned to pitch. His limitations, with two artificial limbs, are obvious, but what he was doing to inspire other children with disabilities across the country was limitless.
I've read about what everyone says is fair, that the 40th kid deserves to be in the program if he's better...the other 23 who were cut with him should have been taken in the 40th spot if they were better than him...gotcha, you're right. And I don't need any more insensitive scenarios laid out or classless "NO FREAKIN LEGS" comments to underscore the young man's challenges. But thanks anyway.
What's really not fair is having your legs cut off as your welcome to the world message. What's really not fair is being in a society where winning baseball games at a high school in Florida is obviously more important than the opportunity to give continued hope and inspiration to tens of thousands of disabled kids across the country who know of this young man and have followed him over the past several years.
This was a giant swing and a miss at a big picture, so to speak. The fact that Johnny Damon went to this school notwithstanding.
Society needs a soft side, Rz, and I believe that more than ever after reading what's been put up here over the past several days. People in wheelchairs need ramps built and special apparatus so that they can function in the world. It's not insulting or embarassing to the disabled when understanding and compassion are directed toward them. It's appreciated. That's why Jim Abbott is advocating for the disabled across the nation. There is a need for assistance. Where I live we've built two "Boundless Playgrounds" so that all children can enjoy swings and slides, and not just those who can field a bunt quickly.
I believe we should open doors for those who cannot and then watch and enjoy what they can do once inside. I have coached two disabled children on my travel baseball teams and I can tell you - firsthand - that their contributions to my teams were as important a those from my middle of the order guys, just different. We won championships, yes, with disabled players on our roster. I guess that's a real shocker for some out there.
I view baseball as something bigger than just a game of wins and losses. It's ok with me if you don't. I'm proud of what makes us different, bleeding heart that I am.
quote:Originally posted by Baseballdad1228:
What's really not fair is being in a society where winning baseball games at a high school in Florida is obviously more important than the opportunity to give continued hope and inspiration to tens of thousands of disabled kids across the country who know of this young man and have followed him over the past several years.
With all due respect, that comment is the poster child for spin. You have ZERO evidence to support the claim that Anthony was cut because winning is the primary concern.
When you hear hoofsteps, think horses not zebras. The far most obvious answer to why Anthony was cut, was that it wasn't fair to cut a kid from the team that was obviously better, to make room for Anthony. I don't understand how anyone could ever find something wrong with that reasoning. It is the essence of what this society stands for.
quote:Originally posted by Wklink:
Are you all this obtuse or what?
Solitary, a month! Get him out of here.
In all seriousness I have been reading this thread and wonder why (with one exception) there are so many personal attacks. Even the person that spoke with callous disregard for how others would take it does not deserve to be hounded.
Clearly this subject can bring out the gamut of emotions from admiration to disgust. Lets not turn against each other just because we have a variety of opinions on the subject.
The young man will be successful in life from what I can tell, regardless of whether he ever plays varsity baseball. The thing that puzzles me is that according to the article, he is only a sophomore, so I wonder why he didn't at least make the JV. Normally when tryouts are conducted the coaches not only look at who will be on the varsity, but assess who they want to develop for the future. So kids that are either not good enough yet for varsity, or that they would get so few innings that they are better of playing JV to develop.
Has that been written about in any article I have not read?
With the due respect right back at you, you have the evidence to support that Anthony wasn't good enough to make the team? Along your line, he was cut because wins and losses aren't the priority there? There's a 12-year MLB veteran pitcher who thinks he should have made the team. You can tell me about the tryouts if you have some first-hand insight. But really, it won't change my outlook.
PS - On a completely different subject, good luck to Kirk this season.
PS - On a completely different subject, good luck to Kirk this season.
quote:Originally posted by Dad04:quote:wklink posted: This is even worse because I agree that unless he can field his position he shouldn't play varsity ballquote:“At Dr. Phillips little league there was an agreement that teams would not bunt against me. Making the transition to USSSA I knew I would be relying on my teammates to help me out. They have all stepped up, they cover bunts, charge home on pass balls, basically help field my position, but most of all they encourage me to keep my head up and play at the level I am capable of playing at,” Burruto says.
Link
Bunting is allowed in JV too. I assume we agree that everyone has to play by the same rules at this level, indeed in life. You don't seem to understand if he can't play by the rules, i.e. field your position, he can't legitimately play at any level, varsity, JV, little league, etc. Varsity plays by the same rules as JV, freshman, etc.
Your lack of understanding of the difference between JV and varsity speaks volumes to me. There is relatively little difference around here, where Anthony lives. Kids move up and down, based upon team needs. It’s not like the difference between JV and MLB. He couldn't play little league unless the coaches agreed to not bunt on him. That isn’t happening anymore. If he can't field his position in LL how is he going to do it at JV, a higher level of play????
By the way, PA Dino, the school (size) class is irrelevant. Some of the smaller private schools can play with anyone. Pitchers are required to field at all levels, and should be, imo.
As much as we would all like to see a Rudy type ending to the story, it obviously isn't going to happen. Baseball teaches us many things. For all it teaches us our limitations, some sooner than others, but it ends for all at some time. Anthony actually made it further than most, with a little editing of the rule book. If it was an easy game, everyone would be able to play.
Sometimes I get fired up on this board. If I offended anyone I apologize.
Your sarcastic, condescending attitude speaks volumes to me too. Here is a quote from me that you obviously didn't take time to read. Go back to page four (if you can figure out how to do that) and read my entire post.
quote:All I said was IF, IF mind you he was a Freshman then he should have been on the freshman team. NOT VARSITY, NOT even JV if they have a Freshman team. I don't know if he can be taught to field bunts or not but I suspect that he can at least bend over. No he can't get into the same fielding position that a normal kid can get into but that doesn't mean he can't field a bunt
Yes, I know that they bunt in JV, thanks for the baseball lesson. Oh golly, Mr SuperBaseball Expert, I didn't realize that bunting was part of baseball at the high school level. Thanks for educating every singe one of us on that little factoid. I guess you know all about this kid and what his true abilities are. Oh, btw, according to YOUR LINK he has already played JV baseball. So I guess he shouldn't have done that either?
Dad04, I'm done trying to reason with you. You don't read my posts, or if you do you take some little thing out of it and then respond with sarcasm and insults. I have many names that I can call you but it wouldn't be polite and it certainly wouldn't be within the posting rules here.
You obviously don't seem to want this kid to play baseball at any level.
You know, sorry but sometimes I get worked up. Hopefully I didn't offend anyone.
Baseballdad1228,
I working on your nomination for sainthood and could use a little more specific information about the disabilities your players had, the championships you won, and their contributions to the team. If I can show how you can coach handicapped children to championships while remaining the most tender hearted guy in the world, this package should fly through the review process.
Also, since they can be sticklers about proof, I need a little documentation for the miracle that permitted you and the former ML pitcher to make roster decisions without seeing the tryouts. I mean, it's just awesome that you know more about the players than the coach did, but how exactly did that work?
Finally, I'm assuming you want the extra large and extra bright halo. Is that correct?
Thanks.
I working on your nomination for sainthood and could use a little more specific information about the disabilities your players had, the championships you won, and their contributions to the team. If I can show how you can coach handicapped children to championships while remaining the most tender hearted guy in the world, this package should fly through the review process.
Also, since they can be sticklers about proof, I need a little documentation for the miracle that permitted you and the former ML pitcher to make roster decisions without seeing the tryouts. I mean, it's just awesome that you know more about the players than the coach did, but how exactly did that work?
Finally, I'm assuming you want the extra large and extra bright halo. Is that correct?
Thanks.
quote:Originally posted by Baseballdad1228:
With the due respect right back at you, you have the evidence to support that Anthony wasn't good enough to make the team? Along your line, he was cut because wins and losses aren't the priority there? There's a 12-year MLB veteran pitcher who thinks he should have made the team. You can tell me about the tryouts if you have some first-hand insight. But really, it won't change my outlook.
PS - On a completely different subject, good luck to Kirk this season.
I hate to say it but the evidence is that the coach didn't advance him to the Varsity team. Maybe at the JV and lower levels teammates can cover for a pitcher that can't physically get off the mound and cover a bunt but the game is faster at the next level. The 12 year MLB pitcher may be reacting with the same knee jerk actions that all of us do.
The simple fact is that we don't know. I take the coaches word for what it is. There is no track record of him discriminating in the past so I give him the benefit of the doubt.
quote:Society needs a soft side, Rz, and I believe that more than ever after reading what's been put up here over the past several days.
I agree that society needs a soft side but has to have a hard side in order to make the tough decisions. The past couple of days I've been discussing this situation with one of the guys I coach with and he's all about keeping him no matter what. While I would want to keep him the more I find out about this situation the more I see why he was cut and I think it was a good call.
It's tough balancing the hard side with the soft side and this issue is a perfect example of that. Sometimes hard decisions have to be made.
This kid was on the JV team and he had a chance to perform there to prove he either could hack it on JV or get promoted to the varsity. Maybe they kept him as a freshman because he was the inspirational story and after a year of having to completely modify bunt coverages and not getting outs on groundballs to first because he can't get over the coaches decided it was time for him to be cut. If that was the case then I have no problem with him being cut but talk to him and see if he would like to be a manager or something. Leave that decision with him and his family.
As has been discussed on here often - the journey ends for every single player who ever steps foot on a baseball field. Sometimes it ends after little league, high school, college, minors, majors or hall of fame but the common theme is that it does end. It seems like this kid's journey ends after JV ball. Its sad just like it's sad for every single kid who gets cut but it's still the end.
High school baseball is more than just winning and losing but where is that line? When has a school / coach fulfilled it's obligation to teach a good lesson and can cut a kid without legs? I'm ok with giving people and equal chance and making some accomodations if they need it but at some point if you can't do it then you can't do it. Look at the golfer who had that problem a few years ago that was allowed to use a cart. I think they went too far in allowing him to use the cart because part of pro golf is walking the course. When was the last time anybody walked a course - especially one with hills? It will wear you out. When I just graduated college me and my buddies liked to play golf but we could hardly afford it. So we would sneak onto a course and play. Well we had to walk it since we didn't pay for carts and it's tough. It affects your game and if all these pros are walking but you got one who isn't then the playing field isn't level anymore. In this case the golfer didn't have what it took to be a pro golfer. His journey should have ended but due to people having too much of a soft side he got to play and took prize money from those he finished higher than who had to walk.
This doesn't mean that the golfer can't play golf or this kid can't play baseball. They can still play the games but they did find the level they can't compete competitively. We all reach that line at some point.
This kid got a chance to compete and that's all we can guarantee anyone no matter how many legs, toes, arms or fingers they have.
Coach2709, I wish I could say it with the eloquence that you do.
By chance Anthony Burrutto would read this thread about him, I would want him to read this:
Anthony you are an inspiration many. It doesn't matter if you made the varsity team or not. The dedication and perseverance you have shown throughout your life is a higher achievement than most players who put on a uniform to play baseball. It might seem at first that all the work you put in did not get the result you wanted as far as playing for your varsity team. But you have succeeded in much larger ways. And no one will be ever able to take that away from you. Good Luck in the future.
Anthony you are an inspiration many. It doesn't matter if you made the varsity team or not. The dedication and perseverance you have shown throughout your life is a higher achievement than most players who put on a uniform to play baseball. It might seem at first that all the work you put in did not get the result you wanted as far as playing for your varsity team. But you have succeeded in much larger ways. And no one will be ever able to take that away from you. Good Luck in the future.
My first post began, “We are all disabled.” My hope was that this conversation would at least get people thinking about that. Each of us have personal physical and mental limitations and others throw barriers up that we must conquer in order to succeed. In that way, we are no different than a group of cattle all trying to feed at a trough much too small to accommodate us all. My wife teaches a class of autistic children. In a way, she is helping autistic children reach society’s trough and live a life free of limitations others might want to place on them simply because they are uncomfortable in their presence. Many are inspired by such people. That inspiration is powerful because it teaches us to look beyond the obvious. It teaches us to look in the mirror. Anthony does the same thing.
As a young man, I wanted to be employed by a state law enforcement agency. Affirmative action was law then. Military Veterans received 10 bonus points. Certain minorities were entitled to a guaranteed percentage of the cadet class. The recruiter told me not to waste his time and then he invited a female recruit into his office for further discussion. My Scotch Irish blood boiled. I didn’t want special treatment; I just wanted an equal chance.
I remember going home and around the dinner table lamenting the injustice of it all and expecting a little sympathy. My father, a WWII Navy veteran, a mill worker, and my greatest influence stared me straight in the eye and said, “So what! You prove them wrong!” I did. So to Anthony I say, “So what………….”
As a young man, I wanted to be employed by a state law enforcement agency. Affirmative action was law then. Military Veterans received 10 bonus points. Certain minorities were entitled to a guaranteed percentage of the cadet class. The recruiter told me not to waste his time and then he invited a female recruit into his office for further discussion. My Scotch Irish blood boiled. I didn’t want special treatment; I just wanted an equal chance.
I remember going home and around the dinner table lamenting the injustice of it all and expecting a little sympathy. My father, a WWII Navy veteran, a mill worker, and my greatest influence stared me straight in the eye and said, “So what! You prove them wrong!” I did. So to Anthony I say, “So what………….”
Swampboy,
Good post.
MM
Good post.
MM
Baseballdad1228,
Thanks for being a good sport. I'm as liable to jump on a soapbox as the next guy, and I worried it would come across harsher than I meant.
Thanks for being a good sport. I'm as liable to jump on a soapbox as the next guy, and I worried it would come across harsher than I meant.
A letter or phone call to the principal,AD,etc is one thing go on National TV? The coach was in a no win situation.
The one thing I will give the kid is he's getting max performance from what his body has to offer. That's a victory. Be as good as you can be. If it's not good enough to continue to compete, winning is knowing you didn't leave anything behind on the journey.
Wow. Six "pages" of posts. This is such a dynamic topic.
As a coach had I been presented with this situation I would have sought out 3 opinions from various mentors that I trust. But what if having used those resources - I chose number A over number B as my answer?
The student athlete is already a winner in the game of life...he had been in the program for three years... personally I would have found a role be in major or minor for this courageous person to continue on our baseball team.
T.E.A.M
Together Everyone Achieves More
As a coach had I been presented with this situation I would have sought out 3 opinions from various mentors that I trust. But what if having used those resources - I chose number A over number B as my answer?
The student athlete is already a winner in the game of life...he had been in the program for three years... personally I would have found a role be in major or minor for this courageous person to continue on our baseball team.
T.E.A.M
Together Everyone Achieves More