My son was a late invitee to the 2014 PG National Showcase. 1000+'miles away. He is a 2015 RHP-PO. We live in a small town. Nearest airport approx 2 hrs away but to catch flight, need to leave 4-5 hrs before departure because no telling what traffic will be like. And then leave car, etc, etc. I came up with reason after reason(excuse) not to go. Too expensive, swamped at work, not enough time, showcase really necessary? son scheduled to pitch at major college home field during same time as showcase....I could on and on
On Monday, PGStaff, PG Director KG and also son's coach personally took the time to convince this stubborn dad to get son to Ft Myers. Said it could be life-changing if son could repeat the previous weekend's performance. On Tuesday of this week, after conversation with the three of them, I caved In.
Made decision to drive to Ft Myers, left Wednesday evening at 9PM, drove all night, arrived 3PM or so the next day in Florida. All three of us drove. Went to park on Friday, met Mrs PGStaff although we didn't know it at the time. Everything was so organized Checked in, went and bought $100+ of PG shirts, caps, etc. Son went to get Rawlings bat bag and Nike freebies. he signed 250 clear labels for Leaf cards.
Went to park on Saturday for son's game. Sought out PGStaff to meet him. After that, waited for game time. Since was PO, he did none of the drills or batting. Said he wanted to focus on pitching. That was his choice. Son was second pitcher. Pitched 1 1/3 innings then lightning delay. I knew his day was done. Pitched okay, not great. Hit 94 which tied his all-time best. Sat low 90's. Curveball was pretty good. We took lots of pics. Had already checked out of hotel, truck was loaded. We packed up stuff at park waiting on him. He came running up to me and said "hurry, some people want to talk to us". I won't get into the specifics but met a bunch of people in a short amount of time. As we were waiting to meet someone else, my son said "Dad, can you believe this is happening?" No , I couldn't. While talking to these new friends, The subject of PGStaff came up. They were all in awe of him. Said basically he was the vision, etc of PG. After 45 minutes, we met back up with my wife. We started walking out. son got stopped by another guy so we started walking to truck. We were formally introduced to Mrs PGStaff. I spoke about the organization of event. She raved about how the events couldn't be run without such many dedicated people. She humbly spoke of them just as the people spoke of her husband.
Son called his HS coach to tell him how he did as we were walking out gate. Coach already knew. A coach from a well known college many states away from us had already called HS coach when we underwent lightning delay. Son had this unbelief look on his face when he told me.
We got in truck and drove all night and arrived by home around 1pm or so. Driving was long but in many ways, good. We all three talked on way down. And talked on way back. He got contacts from four new DI major colleges before we made it out of Ft Myers. He called them all on way back. He was excited. Got two more colleges inquiring today on way home.
Sorry to to ramble but yes, very glad we came. if you had told me a week ago that it was worthwhile to drive 2000+ miles and my son would throw only 1 1/3 innings, I would have told you that you were crazy. A special thanks to PGStaff and KG, without them, we would not have come. Was this event life-changing, I don't know. Will know within 12 months or sooner. I know that his immediate life has sure changed. Would son of had these serious inquiries if we had not of gone, I doubt it
Great story.
