Justbaseball

quote:

Originally posted by JT:
I was impressed how CALM Tom was...I'd have been jumping out of my seat after the 8th.

I thought he was tearing up in the one shot. All I know is that I would NOT be anywhere near that calm!!!! I think the close up failed to show that he was actually out in the parking lot, standing underneath a "Geaux Tigers" sign, eating crawfish po boys and watching the game on a tv mounted to the side of a motorhome.

What a great piece by Baseball America.

Two years ago Tom and I were talking about plans to meet at the cape with family while sons were playing. I actually was in Omaha the morning I found out, we were playing against UNC, the game where Prepsters Robert pitched his complete game for the win against us (our kids got great stories). I couldn't even concentrate on the game without thinking how terrible, how the last words from Tom were he wishes he was off to Omaha too.

But somehow I KNEW he would be ok. As I have posted here before, my husband was badly injured when he got hit square in the eye with a line drive in Spring Training (watching with son). Same type of injuries, no real after affects but corrective lenses (but his old eyesight wasn't great to begin with).
I was so amazed when Tom told me that 2 months later Erik was out playing ball, and how hard it was to let him go but it was his decision. I know that last year Erik had adjustments to make, after being drafted second day decided to go back to "get his team to Omaha". Tom struggled much with that, not knowing if he would get drafted again, what if he got hurt, what if he didn't make a full comeback, but again he let Erik do what he wanted to do. Tom is very knowledgeable and I admire him for letting his child do what he felt was best. He learned to let go very early and never once in many conversations looked back or felt sorry about anything that happened, if he did he never let on. Funny thing, I did tell him he was going to go to Omaha, a kid that determined was going to lead and inspire his team and THAT is what Omaha is all about. He also gave much credit to Gloria and how strong she was through all of it.
(moms rule). I respect Tom because he has always been supportive of us baseball moms here, living with one much like some of us. I told him once he has gained all the respect of the HSBBW moms for how he treats and teaches us.
I did send them, that summer, some picks of our Omaha trip and gave as many details as I could. Even with what had happened to Erik, he always listened.

TD,
After all these years of hearing about Erik, DK called me this am to tell me that he wants Erik to know, he tips his cap to him and wishes him much success in Omaha and as a professional!

You all are making me cry...tears in my eyes.

Thanks so much. And TPM, I remember all of that and your always-encouraging emails when things were transitional and tough. Thank you!

infielddad - The long nights at the Dutch Goose talking about everything...what a great friend you are.

Thanks to everyone...I am absolutely serious when I say you all had a hand in this. I couldn't possibly be more sincere when I say that.

A big Congrats to ED on the Cardinal Win! We all watched it here live while I was texting with our E. By the way, you looked great in HDTV!

I was at the game and just realized that justbaseball must have been in the photographers' pool while on TV???? So he had to be taking pictures AND going through pitchers' parents' nerves???? WOW...congrats to him as well as ED who looked fantastic. And the two years to the day thing is....well, they should make a movie about it. I mean it: what an inspiration to other athletes of the future, plus just a plain wonderful story.

By the way, I was up in the stands a couple of rows away from Mrs. Justbaseball and she was having the time of her life!! Did she not get equal time on TV???