Is this unusual?

Hmmm... do you know if he was he necessarily referring to the immediate future (i.e. the next couple/few seasons) or was it a comment about his longterm prospects for exposure in the new area? Nothing wrong w/ asking, just to know for "way in the back of your mind" future purposes, IMO. But I sure wouldn't place much emphasis on it when judging my new home's/town's ability to satisfy my family's needs.

I don't worry about exposure yet. I guess at this point, if my son's not being challenged, I'll go looking for stiffer competition to keep him on his toes. But we all know that so much can change between now and the years in which exposure could become a concern that I'd be much more concerned after a recent move w/ the quality of the schools, the social services, etc..

Don't get me wrong, my son tells everyone he wants to play MLB someday, and honestly, HIM saying that a couple years ago (at least as seriously as a then-7-yr old could) is what has fueled me to take such an active role in his baseball. And as long as that's his dream, I will do everything in my power to fuel it (i.e. the batting cage in our yard). But for now, our immediate attention is on the challenge that's only 1 step ahead - moving up to LL Majors. Life's too short to wish away the years, and we're looking forward to enjoying the next 3. After that, he'll be 12, and if he's still lovin' this great game, we'll peek ahead a bit more.

Are we delusional because he says "Dad, I wanna play in the Majors!" and I respond, "Son, some folks say you can be anything you want to, but I think we know that's a stretch. There's a very strong chance that you're NOT going to play hoops for the Celtics (I'm 5'7"); but baseball is a possibility. So let's just focus on the next stage ahead of us and keep the dream alive."?

Then again, some folks might think I'm the most delusional, pipe-dreaming, pressuring parent they've ever encountered and that I'm vicariously reliving my youth through my son. And who's to say there isn't a shred of truth to that? I know I read (and reread) books like "Let Em Play", "Just Let The Kids Play", etc. and pay close attention when fellow-websters offer friendly warnings, in an effort to keep myself honest/grounded and remind myself not to get too far ahead. Heck, some folks might think my simply hanging out at a HS site is "getting ahead of myself". But that's just because you don't know me. I have an obsessive appetite for information and am a detail-oriented, IT professional. It's my nature. So to me, I'm just doing my homework. And besides, it's FUN!

I suspect that very few parents would ever recognize or be able to admit that they are even somewhat guilty of the topic of this thread. But despite what other people perceive of them, they may not necessarily be terrible people.

We've all probably seen the parents on the field or in the parking lot absolutely berating their kid about how he just played or how he should play, etc., and it is very painful to watch that. It's almost like there s/b an unwritten "rule" among the parents that we should all help each other out by being allowed at any time - without recourse - to approach a fellow-parent and just ask them how they'd feel if they saw some other parent behaving that way.

Sometimes I think we can all use a little reminder now and then.

*******************************************************************
Caution: I have absolutely NO credentials, so take everything I say w/ a grain o' salt!

Sandman,

I truly enjoy your passion and input.

Even though most never make it and for sure you can't know at the age of 9, you gotta start somewhere and sometime. I hope your son is one who makes it. Afterall some are going to make it.

IMO A baseball players worst enemy is satisfaction. Even dads satisfaction can be a hindrance sometimes!

In your case, I think you might even end up with "credentials".

NVR1, Just read your post and it brought a smile to my face. The Carson Capitols team of N. Nevada that our sons played on could play with anyone. Two catchers, one a 3rd rd pick (Steve)and the other at Nevada Reno. 1st baseman went to Stanford...2nd baseman went to Miami.....SS went to Arizona State.......3rd baseman went to UCLA.....CF went to LSU.......LHP is at Texas........RHP was a 2nd rd pick of the Angels. I think they would have held their own with any team from So.California . Also, every day that we went to that park, we could look at the signs of the four guys from that HS that all played in the big leagues. N. Nevada has always had good players and the scouts and coaches sure take notice. I remember watching Steve play with the stands full of scouts and it was about 38 degrees outside with the wind blowing like crazy and none of the scouts left early. Very good exposure would be what I would say to the father of the 9 year old.

Sandman,

I enjoyed your post. I just dropped by this forum to check it out since my baseball player is 17, but I just wanted to say something about kids' dreams.

My son also started dreaming of MLB at a young age, probably 6 or 7, although from age 3 he was in the back yard asking to play catch or throwing the ball up and catching it himself. Pipe dream? Of course. At 17 he still loves the game of baseball, and still dreams of playing professionally. He's a tall very thin pitcher whose potential probably won't be proven for a few years, but he has found a great place to go to college (1st) and play baseball (2nd) starting next year. I don't know whether he has a 1%, or 2%, or 0.00001% chance of ever playing pro ball, but as long as he looks like he has even a small chance of ever making it, and he keeps working hard, I'm going to support him in chasing HIS dream.

My other son, 15, also has a crazy dream, to be a professional musician. Most parents would laugh at the idea, but he has dedicated himself to it since age 8, and I believe it is possible for him. Actually he has earned money with his music once so far (won a money prize in a piano contest last spring), and in a couple of weeks will be paid a small amount to play lead guitar in a rock band made up of seniors from his high school (he's the only 15-yr-old) so I guess that will make him a professional ... getting paid to play music. My point is, everyone else laughed when he said as a child that he wanted to be a rock star. I just smiled as I bought him pianos and guitars and watched him play them for hours every day.

If kids are willing to work for their dreams, we are not fools for helping them reach for the sky. I think it would be sad not to.

Sandman,

P.S. I do realize that some parents wear rose-colored glasses and have an inflated estimation of their sons' chances. After allowing the young player to work hard, have fun, and dream a little, a good thing to do at the high school level is to take a "reality check". Based on that advice on this site, my son attended a small well-respected showcase at age 16 (would have gone sooner if we knew). We then got a little bit of an idea of how he compared to other players hoping to play college or pro ball. He had a lot of work to do, especially compared to a 2nd round draft pick he encountered there! But that gave him an incentive to work even harder toward his dream.

Sandman,

I felt like I was looking in a mirror when I read your post. We have so many things in common that it is scary. I have used many of the same words when talking to my son about his chances in the pros. The only difference is I am a bit taller than you. I am very careful to explain to him that only a fraction of the kids who want to play at that level actually make it, but support him completely to give him every chance to realize his dream. When I grew up, my parents were the direct opposite. I was not able to play youth sports because my mother didn't drive and my dad was at work all the time. When I got to high school, I was able to play via my own legs for transportation and my parents never attended any of my games for the reasons listed above. I think your support of your son will be a huge factor in helping him attain his goal. I know that it has helped mine greatly so far, he is already a much better ball player for his age than I was. Hardwork is as much a factor in making it happen as talent is. Many kids are only told what they can't do by their parents, your son will realize the power that being told that "you can do something if you work hard enough". Many say that I am fanatical about it too - my comment is always "Yeah, I'm fanatical...about helping my kids become everything they dream of being." By the way, I am an IT professional too...it must be a character flaw built in, huh.

http://www.highviewheat.com/index.asp

http://www.kristensfastpitchworld.com/index.asp

All kids need to have a dream be it baseball music whatever--without dreams there is no future

I played baseball until physically it was no longer and I also was involved in music professionally===the results of both dreams can never be taken away from me and it will be the same for your son

Keep in mind that if you don't dream and strive to achieve that dream you will never know if you could or not and there is nothing worse than would have, should have could have but didn't.

TRhit

AgentDad,

"my comment is always "Yeah, I'm fanatical...about helping my kids become everything they dream of being." By the way, I am an IT professional too...it must be a character flaw built in, huh."

Coincidentally, I am also an IT professional, and nuts about "helping my kids become everything they dream of being", too. Strange coincidence!

TRHit,

I loved your post. How very nice and appropriate for you to share your experiences in a way that fits and encourages this new forum. Shows me a new side of you in addition to the practical advice you give to HS and college kids and their parents about seeking exposure and finding out where they fit. The younger years are for working hard, playing the game, and keeping the dream alive, if it truly is the kid's dream. As TR said, "Keep in mind that if you don't dream and strive to achieve that dream you will never know if you could or not." Then the later stages -- HS, college, and the years after -- are for either working even harder to achieve the dream if it's still possible, or "adjusting our sails" if need be.

What a great new forum!

MN MOM

It is simply from my experiences that I speak here and hope that others can take away something from it as well as from others who have walked before on this youth baseball path.

Times have changed since my boys were in the pre high school bracket and thus my reason for this forum--the pre high school bracket is changing every day and those closer to it can certainly help others with the exchange of ideas and thoughts as well as draw from we older ones as well

I have had three sons and a step son involved with baseball--all took different routes as they progressed --one went Division III in the NY SUNY system, another major Division I at New Mexico State, and another major Division III , Methodist, then to Division I, Hartford, and he is now coaching and the youngest stopped playing as a junior in HS. Each chased his dream to the fullest extent and came away with no regrets as they took it as far as their talents allowed them.

TRhit

Another coincidence... I'm also an IT Professional.

Sandman, you and I have had this conversation before. It's a good one to have. As parents it's our duty to be supportive of our children as they chase their dream(s). Let the outsiders do the doubting.

Most (all?) MLB players were where our kids are at one time. They had a dream. That dream fueled their desire to become the best they could be no matter what. Sure their chances of actually making it were small, but like I say to my son, you have just as good a shot as anyone as long as you take action. Those players did just that and they were supported by those who truly cared about them.

I care about my son and I'll support his journey at any cost. That journey may take him to the Major leagues, but it may end after High School. Whenever the journey ends I'll be able to smile because I'll know my son did EVERYTHING he could to make his dream a reality. That will be rewarding. It may also be disappointing, but he'll be able to walk away knowing he gave it his best shot.

If you don't risk failure you'll never fail. You also won't know if you could have succeeded.

...my 2 cents.

Jason

To pin point where a child's dream begins will be different for each. But with a support system in place and encouragement and a few fine tuning of their skills that will blossom over time - be it at 9 or 13 years of age...

Still, dreams give purpose and direction...

I believe you will always reach a higher level with a dream. Now having said that, those rose colored glasses that are popular on many a parent is a hinderance at times.

I was just at a basketball tourney. Our varsity squad (small school) battled for first place, they received second place..

Then the next game was the bigger (Dallas) high schools...their guys were hugh...taller than ...well most men. A vertical leap of major magnitude from those guys was so evident.

Can my son's team compete with those guys? Probably not. But is there a place for them to find their niche? Probably.

Perspective. Interesting concept to consider...takes clear vision and guidance...

I'll throw my 2 cents in on this subject.

I have 3 sons, all were into playing baseball. The oldest is 22 now and had all kinds of "natural" ability...but was lazy and never reached his potential because he was satisfied with where he was...he quit playing his sophomore year in high school because he didn't like the "politics"...and he wanted to make money.
My middle son played travel ball and played as much as he could...he loved baseball, slept with his glove and all. He was not as "naturally talented" as his older brother, but worked his but off. At the age of 12, he was playing on the 12 year old travel team...while his younger brother played on the 11 year old team (which I also coached)...he lost his confidence and love of the game from those coaches. He went from being a confident player...to a player affraid to go to bat because all he heard was negative thoughts. He played for me, and with his brother, at 16 and loved the game again..played well...and then quit. He wanted to work...and not deal with the "politics" at the high school (one of his 12 year old coaches was a volunteer coach at the high school).

the youngest...since he was 7 years old said..I want to play at Arizona State...then the Cubs!. He has the ability of the older brother and the work ethic of the middle brother but he was blessed as a slow grower. He was always the smallest player on the field, but he always worked the hardest and played "big". Because of his size and the high schools policy of "travel coaches kids aren't good players...that is why the parent is the coach"...he had all kinds of road blocks during his high school career. He just kept working to knock down those road blocks. e would "show them" they were wrong about him. He was the first player on his high school team to commit to a college...a JUCO in AZ. He passed up interest from midwest 4 yr schools..to follow his heart and his dream...to play for Arizona State. He felt that playing at a JUCO in AZ could help him realize that dream. He moved 2000 miles from where he grew up, stayed with family he had only seen a hand full of times...to persue his dream. When he got cut in September because he "wasn't going to be a draft pick in June of '04", he didn't give up. Instead, he visited, and tried out for, schools in Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama. During that trip he recieve offers from a NAIA, 2 D1 JUCO's and a couple of other schools jumped into the ring. On a whim, I made a call to another JUCO in AZ...which was unusual because he usually made all the calls...they called back...met with him, and he is going to start practice with them this Saturday. Why?...because he still has dreams! Are they to play in MLB...yep..or he wouldn't work on the game every day...and I mean...everyday. But he knows, the first step is to play in college, have success...and the rest will follow.
When he started high school, he was 5'2" 105lbs. He graduated last june at 5'111/2" 155lbs. When he got cut in September, he was 6'0" and 167 lbs...he starts practice Saturday at 6'1/2" and 191 lbs....
He worked out with a trainer 3 hours a day (between classes)and his workout partner was a MLB playe (who was a rookie of the year, a few years ago). Why all of this?...because of HIS DREAMS. I always ask him why HE is doing all of this...for HIM or me...he always says it is for HIM. That is why he gets up at 7 am for workouts...passed on dance etc....for HIM.

Support your kids as much as THEY want you too! If there goal is to be in MLB, they have to have the dream first, to make it a reality.

and yes, he would have moved another 2000 miles to get a chance for an education and to play

ok...so it was a nickels worth...good luck to all of your kids!!

I have a team full of 9 yr girls who all want to play college basketball and in the WNBA somebody...who I am to tell them different. All I can do is give them the tools and knowledge to pursue their dreams.

IT Professional is an oxymoron nowadays!!

GO NAVY!!!BEAT army!!!!!

Great stuff mde5! Very inspirational. I'll be sure to share it w/ Kevin.

Best to all your sons in their continued pursuits. (heck, and to you too! )

*******************************************************************
Caution: I have absolutely NO credentials, so take everything I say w/ a grain o' salt!

I enjoy all these post. mde5, Sandman, FlipJ, and PG kinda sums it up.

I had a son that played for a T Ball team called the “Tadpoles” when he was 4 or 5. I display his picture dressed in his Tadpole shirt with his crooked hat. I remember he hit the ball hard his first time at bat and tripped and fell on his way to first base. His coach was a young lady that wiped away his tears and cleaned his elbow with her handkerchief. I was excited for him, he made me proud, and I will always remember that at bat.

I also have a son that plays in the SEC. One of his homeruns last year was a grand slam against Mississippi State, and I will always remember that at bat too.

The Tadpoles and Auburn are worlds apart. You know I'm talking about the same boy, just 15 years older. You may not believe me but the memories are the same.
Fungo

Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.

It isn't original but I tell my son that very few people who try to make it to the big leagues ever do. But I also tell him that nobody who doesn't try ever makes it.