Come on now, I have no clue what you are talking about!
BBM,
Come on now, I have no clue what you are talking about!
Come on now, I have no clue what you are talking about!
At about age 8, my son was a legend in the backyard.Every day he set up his tee and had a supply of whiffle balls and he had the bases set up in his little field. He was the Giants and he always played the Dodgers. The Giants won every game, and he was Matt Williams. Matt hit doubles and Homers and always made a good play to stifle a Dodgers threat. 325 wins and no losses.........how is that for a legend? 
bbscout ...
Funny ... ours had his diamond set up in the cul-de-sac, bases and pitcher's "mound" and all, and he, being a Dodger fan, always played against the Giants. But down here, the Dodgers always won ... hmmmmmmmmmmm, imagine those odds.
To all, I must confess, our son was a legend ... and I am sure it was because his dad was his coach for many years and I kept score and helped with the stats. I guess the fact that the high school coach came and watched the 12 year old LL all star team at the Western Regionals, drooling as he anticipated having most of the players come to his high school in several years, just added to the fantasy for us all. And I guess the fact that he finally got drafted just reinforces some peoples' misconceptions ... err, I mean, perceptions ... of the politics of it all.
Funny ... ours had his diamond set up in the cul-de-sac, bases and pitcher's "mound" and all, and he, being a Dodger fan, always played against the Giants. But down here, the Dodgers always won ... hmmmmmmmmmmm, imagine those odds.
To all, I must confess, our son was a legend ... and I am sure it was because his dad was his coach for many years and I kept score and helped with the stats. I guess the fact that the high school coach came and watched the 12 year old LL all star team at the Western Regionals, drooling as he anticipated having most of the players come to his high school in several years, just added to the fantasy for us all. And I guess the fact that he finally got drafted just reinforces some peoples' misconceptions ... err, I mean, perceptions ... of the politics of it all.
BabyBackMomma,
Don't forget that those grades must have resulted from preferential treatment as opposed to having to work extra hard because so much time was spent at practice and traveling.
Don't forget that those grades must have resulted from preferential treatment as opposed to having to work extra hard because so much time was spent at practice and traveling.
Limom...keep up the posts. Watching TR pop up on cue is good fun...you have him well-trained!
Your frustration with local sports politics is understandable, but please know the absolute best thing your son can do is learn to cope by continuing to work hard and not complain too much. The cream definitely DOES rise to the top, especially if an athlete has learned to be patient and dedicated...those neighborhood "heroes" are likely much closer to the end of their athletic careers than your son is. If they've reached their status because of parent's political influence, fine. That influence will soon run it's course. In the meantime, you and your son's father should quietly prepare him both mentally and physically to play at the next level. If he has what it takes, then he will play.
I can tell you that recruiters and scouts never ask "so who's the neighborhood hero in these parts?" My son (a lifelong baseball player) was recruited to play quarterback by his high school coach for the state-championship contending team in (this) his junior year. This is a very successful football program that is backed by wealthy people some of whom rank in the neighborhood of ten figures. When the boosters realized this "baseball player" had come to play quarterback and had the tools to keep the job, they convinced the coach to go with a younger,smaller, and less-athletic kid who nonetheless had played in the program since he was in grade school. My kid sacrificed a ton of baseball games and practices last summer to prepare only to have the coach's promises nullified by these boosters (they also financially back the coach's business and are neighbors with the other kid's family...we live on the other side of town).
So while the glory of the team's success is going to the other kid, my son is getting attention that no one around here knows about: many letters and contacts from college recruiters (football and baseball) as well as mlb scouts. It hasn't been easy, but my son has shown a lot of poise because he realizes his time will come if he is patient and focused. Good luck to your son.
Your frustration with local sports politics is understandable, but please know the absolute best thing your son can do is learn to cope by continuing to work hard and not complain too much. The cream definitely DOES rise to the top, especially if an athlete has learned to be patient and dedicated...those neighborhood "heroes" are likely much closer to the end of their athletic careers than your son is. If they've reached their status because of parent's political influence, fine. That influence will soon run it's course. In the meantime, you and your son's father should quietly prepare him both mentally and physically to play at the next level. If he has what it takes, then he will play.
I can tell you that recruiters and scouts never ask "so who's the neighborhood hero in these parts?" My son (a lifelong baseball player) was recruited to play quarterback by his high school coach for the state-championship contending team in (this) his junior year. This is a very successful football program that is backed by wealthy people some of whom rank in the neighborhood of ten figures. When the boosters realized this "baseball player" had come to play quarterback and had the tools to keep the job, they convinced the coach to go with a younger,smaller, and less-athletic kid who nonetheless had played in the program since he was in grade school. My kid sacrificed a ton of baseball games and practices last summer to prepare only to have the coach's promises nullified by these boosters (they also financially back the coach's business and are neighbors with the other kid's family...we live on the other side of town).
So while the glory of the team's success is going to the other kid, my son is getting attention that no one around here knows about: many letters and contacts from college recruiters (football and baseball) as well as mlb scouts. It hasn't been easy, but my son has shown a lot of poise because he realizes his time will come if he is patient and focused. Good luck to your son.
"Remember I am a mom and in all my years as a baseball mom, I never once spoke to any of my son's coaches on the HS team or the Little League team, other than to say what juice or snack I was bringing or find out where a particular field was."
Limon - You can't be a BASEBALL mom and never once spoke to the coach about anything but snacks and directions.. TRUE baseball moms know more about the game that most of those dads on the fences, they talk to the coaches, they assist with the team, they work the recruiting circuit, they know where every laundry mat within 10 miles of a field or hotel is, the can hassle blue like no one else, they know exactly what the stories on sports center are about, the admire Jeter and the rest for more that what they look like in those pants, but someone calling themseves a baseball mom because they bring snacks..nnnnnnnoooooo..so it is best if you just call yourself a mom whose son played ball. There is a HUGE difference
Limon - You can't be a BASEBALL mom and never once spoke to the coach about anything but snacks and directions.. TRUE baseball moms know more about the game that most of those dads on the fences, they talk to the coaches, they assist with the team, they work the recruiting circuit, they know where every laundry mat within 10 miles of a field or hotel is, the can hassle blue like no one else, they know exactly what the stories on sports center are about, the admire Jeter and the rest for more that what they look like in those pants, but someone calling themseves a baseball mom because they bring snacks..nnnnnnnoooooo..so it is best if you just call yourself a mom whose son played ball. There is a HUGE difference
I can't stand it. Can we start a new board labled "Victims"? Then all who feel the need to share about every time they and theirs were screwed can get on that board and have at it. For cryin out loud, there are many well adjusted stable young and old adults who regularly contribute to this forum who are tired of the "We got messed over by a dad coach" or in this case some "rich and powerful boosters" story. I try to leave room for the times I'm just wrong, however, what we care about is either dispensing helpful information through our experiences or educating ourselves from the experiences of others. We all have met injustices in life. Why do some of you feel the need to solicit sympathy about it from strangers? Because frankly Scarlet, we don't give a ****!
quote:
...however, what we care about is either dispensing helpful information through our experiences or educating ourselves from the experiences of others.
Yet you offer no experiences of your own and belittle the experiences of others...hmmm
Watch it there, 66. Consorting with the enemy....Ctrl....Alt....Delete
May as well state my case: Grow up, all of you. If limom is an idiot and you don't want to read it, go to another thread. If you are going to sit here and be negative (if not downright hostle) quit telling everyone how much you are here "for the kids". Set a decent example. Quit being hypocritical. Most of you are here for yourselves, or so it seems from what you post.
And another thing - I'm really turned off by the moderators recent rash of thread deleting and threats of deleting. If it's not status quo, it goes. This is beginning to really suck..............
Now that that's off my chest, have a nice day!
How's about we talk baseball?
May as well state my case: Grow up, all of you. If limom is an idiot and you don't want to read it, go to another thread. If you are going to sit here and be negative (if not downright hostle) quit telling everyone how much you are here "for the kids". Set a decent example. Quit being hypocritical. Most of you are here for yourselves, or so it seems from what you post.
And another thing - I'm really turned off by the moderators recent rash of thread deleting and threats of deleting. If it's not status quo, it goes. This is beginning to really suck..............
Now that that's off my chest, have a nice day!
How's about we talk baseball?
brute66-
Thank you for understanding that this stuff really does go on...I was really not affected by the politics of LL at that time because I thought that this was just the way it was. But in all fairness to my son, he doesn't even realize that he was shortchanged during his LL days. It was not until we left to play in the neighboring town that we understood that we had a ballplayer. Now that he plays "next door," his legend is growing. It is a kind of weird, although he was able to back it up on the HS field this year.
It is kind of fun watching TR and the others jump. By the way, fungo, I thought Joan Crawford was too soft on her daughter in Mommie Dearest. As for the Texas cheerleading mom she must not have been too bright, she got caught!
To the other posters-
Get past it? Nah... Why should I? It's a long winter. Stay tuned...
Coming soon to a thread near you...
Annoying parents at games
The imaginary college scholarship
Back to T-ball with my 2015
Crazy coach
Spring training with Limom84
Thank you for understanding that this stuff really does go on...I was really not affected by the politics of LL at that time because I thought that this was just the way it was. But in all fairness to my son, he doesn't even realize that he was shortchanged during his LL days. It was not until we left to play in the neighboring town that we understood that we had a ballplayer. Now that he plays "next door," his legend is growing. It is a kind of weird, although he was able to back it up on the HS field this year.
It is kind of fun watching TR and the others jump. By the way, fungo, I thought Joan Crawford was too soft on her daughter in Mommie Dearest. As for the Texas cheerleading mom she must not have been too bright, she got caught!
To the other posters-
Get past it? Nah... Why should I? It's a long winter. Stay tuned...
Coming soon to a thread near you...
Annoying parents at games
The imaginary college scholarship
Back to T-ball with my 2015
Crazy coach
Spring training with Limom84
Brute, how possibly can you say that? When I have something to offer I will and do. Someone smarter than me once told me that the really smart people listen more than they talk. If you think that your "poor me" story can help anyone who reads it then shame on me for my criticism. However, my belief though is that you and Limom and her short list of followers are the whiners and complainers and the perpetual victims in life. Go to whatever church you follow and tell someone who cares, cause I ain't buying it. In my world anyone who complains in this forum about something as trivial as "my poor boy didn't get to start cause some people have more money" has no perspective on what real pain and suffering is. Heck, I just read that Fungo's arm is finally gone at what, age 80? That's a tragedy. 
Bottom line in my book is bring something positive to the table for us to consume.
Sorry Fungo, we don't know each other but I think I've got a read on you from your posts. Good luck with that rag arm and welcome to the club!
Bottom line in my book is bring something positive to the table for us to consume.Sorry Fungo, we don't know each other but I think I've got a read on you from your posts. Good luck with that rag arm and welcome to the club!
C'mom guys, keep it light. It is all in good fun. Fungo, are you really 80? You only look 60 from here.
LIMom, No secrets about me...59...DOB and all are on my profile. 1/2 moonslider, As you can probably tell by my other post it really doesn't bother me about my shoulder...I feel as if I've gotten my money's worth. My only hope is that I can keep my sense of humor and a positive outlook on life.
Fungo
Fungo
limom 84
I'm sorry but that is the stupidest information I've ever heard.
I'm sorry but that is the stupidest information I've ever heard.
Halfmoon ...
quote:In our household, we refer to theose people as victocrats.
the whiners and complainers and the perpetual victims in life.
I smiled and groaned with relative disinterest throughout this thread until I came to justmom's post. Finally something I can relate to! She is correct -- I DO know every laundrymat within 10 miles of any field or hotel that my son has played at since the age of 11 (I can tell you where to get a decent glass of wine, too, but that's another thread I'm sure... 
) 
-- and I'll put my 'blue' taunts up against anyone's (sorry PIAAUmp). Does that make me a better bbmom? Probably not, but I can tell you how to get grass stains out of baseball pants in several climates... maybe there is a reality series in this????
) -- and I'll put my 'blue' taunts up against anyone's (sorry PIAAUmp). Does that make me a better bbmom? Probably not, but I can tell you how to get grass stains out of baseball pants in several climates... maybe there is a reality series in this????
HMS...
If you can read my post and completely miss its positive message of hope and perseverence, I fear you can see only negatives. I knew the winters in WI are dreary, dark and cold, but I had no idea how dramatic the effect.
I saw no whining or complaining...until I read YOUR post! Cheers...
If you can read my post and completely miss its positive message of hope and perseverence, I fear you can see only negatives. I knew the winters in WI are dreary, dark and cold, but I had no idea how dramatic the effect.
I saw no whining or complaining...until I read YOUR post! Cheers...
If that's the message, Brute, then thank you for pointing it out. I honestly feel better thinking that I missed your point rather than clumping you with the "Victocrats" (thanks BBM). I guess that maybe I should have retired in sunny Florida where my disposition/outlook might be different. I don't like coming off as lecturing anyway. The only ones who actually listen to a lecture are the ones who don't need it. The ones who need lectures are too busy constructing their next self serving argument to listen. That's why I'm up at this ungodly hour worrying how you and others might view my posts. One thing I want to make clear though...I never whine and complain...ever. Anyway I am done with this unentertaining thread.
Actual dialogue taking place!
The easiest way for a kid to become a legend in his town is to leave him alone and let his talent do the talking.
Can you do that????
Can you do that????
This year is going to be our son’s last year of high school baseball. I would not be surprised at anything I hear regarding the politics of little league and high school sports. My question to you is……Has there not been anything positive that you have learned from your son’s years of playing? I have been on both sides, son sitting the bench and son playing when there were others I thought more deserving. I read an article on this site and will have to find the link to this article entitled “The Senior Year”. I read this article and had tears streaming down my face. It was quite some time ago I read this and as we get ready to start this upcoming season I plan on giving a copy of it to all of the Baseball Mom’s I know. Last season I watched one of my son’s teammates throw the game of his life. This team we played against had been a thorn in our side from the days of 9 & 10 year old Little League All Stars. It didn’t matter what we did, we could never beat this team until last year. I stood in the stands that night as our boys rushed the mound and took a good look at the parents and family members who I have spent countless hours with in the last 13 years and it hit me that I was going to miss all of this. Last year several mothers of JV players that our coach brought up to play varsity came up to my friends (other Mom’s) and said they wanted to tell us something. They proceeded to tell us how wonderful our older boys have been to their younger boys and how kind us parents of the older players had been to them One mother has an older son and had already been though this program before and told us that it wasn’t like that when she first went through it. She said the first time the parents of the older players seemed to resent the younger boys and their parents and consequently the older players were not very nice to the younger less experienced boys. My son decided last year where he really wanted to go to school. In choosing this school he realized there was very little chance of him playing baseball there as it is a Div. 1 school. Although he has not had any offers there is talk of several smaller schools that are interested in him as he is a decent pitcher/infielder and is a good hitter. He has made this decision and already responded to his first choice school that he will be attending. His father and I would love it if he continued to play ball but it’s his choice. I am proud of him for knowing what he wants and also realize how hard a decision this was for him. My son and his teammates have become close over the years, they don’t always get along and they all have different interests outside of baseball. Some hunt & fish, some surf and some golf. Some have girlfriends they’ve dated for years some have never had a girlfriend. Some of them dress like they just stepped off the cover of GQ and some couldn’t care less. My point in all this rambling is, enjoy yourself!!!! Enjoy the wonderful friends you make. Celebrate your son’s teammates victories, celebrate the times a kid that’s been in a slump hits it out of the park, cheer like crazy when a kid that has sat the bench hits the game winning run. If all you think about are the injustices you are missing the best time of your son’s life!!!
NOTE:
Contrary to popular belief...there is NO ANONYMITY on the internet. With 60% technical ability - 20% social engineering - and 20% special sauce - your cover is as good as blown.
Contrary to popular belief...there is NO ANONYMITY on the internet. With 60% technical ability - 20% social engineering - and 20% special sauce - your cover is as good as blown.
Diva, you are obviously a better observer than me...........................
Diva, I'm with you. I actually have that article printed and it's on my kitchen counter right now. In the end (of hs), I feel badly for people who can't look back with satisfaction and thankfullness for the years, coaches, friends, and lessons learned. It's been a great ride! I can't wait for my '05s season, but I know there will be alot of tears this spring remembering all of the blessings we've had. Who cares if he's a legend, he's mine and it's been great!
FormerObserver, Oh I wouldn't say a better observer. I have made up my mind to be happy and enjoy the good times and deal with the bad. Can anyone tell me who wrote "The Senior Year" I wonder if he would let me re-print that articlle and give it to all the senior Mom's this year.
Diva
I too have a son who is going into his last year of high school baseball. You have expressed the emotions that I’m sure all parents feel. I started coaching my son when he was 5. Lets see, there was basketball, s****r, football, and of course baseball. I have two sons and have been part of the coaching staff for both. My motives for coaching my sons are somewhat a selfish one. I wanted to be in my son’s life, to help them on the field and off regardless of what sport they played. The second reason was to help young athletes succeed by providing the proper motivation and morals. Basically, I have really enjoyed and consider it a privilege to have been able to coach all the players and meet their parents. We had a group of 8 players who have been playing together ever since they were 9 so naturally, we all have become good friends.
It’s funny; I always wanted my sons to play football, as I did in high school and college, but my older one loves baseball and my younger one xgames.
As a head coach and assistant coach through the years, I have attended many coaching clinics, read and watched videos on baseball. It has by no means made me an expert. I must admit as a “Dad who Coaches his son”, I was hard on my son, sometimes too hard. I wanted to make sure that if my son was a starter, it was because he deserved it as well as his other teammates. The reward came just last year when my son told me how glad he was that I was with him and helped coach him in a long heart to heart we had. I will truly miss being in the dugout with him. I don’t know about other parent/coaches, but I have really enjoyed all these years with both my sons, good and bad times, in the end they are all lifetime memories, “Priceless”.
I too have a son who is going into his last year of high school baseball. You have expressed the emotions that I’m sure all parents feel. I started coaching my son when he was 5. Lets see, there was basketball, s****r, football, and of course baseball. I have two sons and have been part of the coaching staff for both. My motives for coaching my sons are somewhat a selfish one. I wanted to be in my son’s life, to help them on the field and off regardless of what sport they played. The second reason was to help young athletes succeed by providing the proper motivation and morals. Basically, I have really enjoyed and consider it a privilege to have been able to coach all the players and meet their parents. We had a group of 8 players who have been playing together ever since they were 9 so naturally, we all have become good friends.
It’s funny; I always wanted my sons to play football, as I did in high school and college, but my older one loves baseball and my younger one xgames.
As a head coach and assistant coach through the years, I have attended many coaching clinics, read and watched videos on baseball. It has by no means made me an expert. I must admit as a “Dad who Coaches his son”, I was hard on my son, sometimes too hard. I wanted to make sure that if my son was a starter, it was because he deserved it as well as his other teammates. The reward came just last year when my son told me how glad he was that I was with him and helped coach him in a long heart to heart we had. I will truly miss being in the dugout with him. I don’t know about other parent/coaches, but I have really enjoyed all these years with both my sons, good and bad times, in the end they are all lifetime memories, “Priceless”.
Diva,
The great grand pooh bah, Bob Howdeshell, creator of this special website, wrote that article, himself.
It is a great article because it helps you be prepared to slow down and enjoy as things move quickly through the senior year.
Ocassionally, on this site, websters are qualified by the number of posts. Not necessariy a fair qualification, because, some of us that think we are observers, really aren't.............
Your post was very good, and, with only thirteen posts, you have obviously been observing a lot by watching.........
.....and now some others will observe a lot by watching you.
The great grand pooh bah, Bob Howdeshell, creator of this special website, wrote that article, himself.
It is a great article because it helps you be prepared to slow down and enjoy as things move quickly through the senior year.
Ocassionally, on this site, websters are qualified by the number of posts. Not necessariy a fair qualification, because, some of us that think we are observers, really aren't.............
Your post was very good, and, with only thirteen posts, you have obviously been observing a lot by watching.........
.....and now some others will observe a lot by watching you.
Diva....thank you....a good reminder for we '05 parents...we need to enjoy the time....we won't have it back again. So next time I start stressing....I'm going to try and remember your advise...
Would very much like to read the article referenced...
Would very much like to read the article referenced...
arizonared, the article is on the front page of hsbbw under general articles - the senior year.
Thank you...found it, read it...and it's great.
Thanks to all for the kind words. They come from the heart and many years involved in this wonderful game they call baseball. I truly have learned alot by "lurking" around this site! Look forward to getting to know everyone a little bit more.