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16 replies

Let them take notice!

TPMTPMHSBaseballweb Member since 2003
I enjoy iitg's chatter about proving them wrong. There's nothing better than to watch your son work hard to show those who didn't beleive in him, want him,to eventually take notice.

We've all been through it some way or another. If you all think that this doesn't happen to tall righty pitchers, you are wrong.

Mine also sat many times as a youth player, until he showed them what he had.

In recruiting, my son was completely snubbed by one of our larger programs in the state of Florida. Why wouldn't you recruit a good player from your own state who has 100% tuition paid by the state? Not a return phone call, not a look in person, not a not interested, nothing, like he didn't exist. Another school here, his dream school, kind of late on recruiting and a late offer to salvage a bad recruiting job (IMO) , most likely, in reality, their first choice went somewhere else. So it happens to everyone.

However, the best part of it all, having your first complete game win over one and seeing the other school essentially get beat every time but one or two your team played them (over 10 in 3 years). This is what motivates some to do their best to prove some wrong and make them take notice. My personal favorite part, fans of one team asking why the player went out of state. Essentially, your coach wasn't interested. Mad fans reply, your joking right?

Everyone has a situation they have encountered where it didn't go your way, whether in HS, college or pro ball but you were given a chance to prove them wrong and take notice.

Can you relate?
Last edited {1}
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O Orlando1,000+ posts
Oh, yeah.

Summer before freshman year in hs, he didn't make the hs summer team; cut during try-outs. His travel team coach called the hs coach to get him another shot. By mid-Spring, he was on Varsity and stayed there for four years. Yes, the coach did tell the story on himself that year at the Letterman Awards.

I just told this story in another thread, but he was told by his preferred school recruiter he didn't have what it takes to be a D1 catcher. 18 months later, after a freshman JuCo year, that same recruiter, now at another mid D1, had a chance to really see what he could do during a tournament...and offered him a very sweet package.

He always knew he was no better than a Second Day Guy in the draft, but that draft day came and went without his name being called. A week later, he got his shot to sign. By the end of his first season, he had hit .290 in High A and earned himself an invitation to Instructs.

Go ahead. Tell him he can't do something. Please.
Last edited by Orlando
TPMTPMHSBaseballweb Member since 2003
quote:
Originally posted by Infield08:
Good topic. I'm embarassed to say, but I have missed iitg's chatter about proving them wrong (although I have seen a couple of recent references to his posts). Would love to read his comments! Any way you could provide a link (or links) to some threads he commented on? Thanks!


I'd have to go back pretty far to post everything. I am sure he will show up here eventually.

Orlando,
L LLorton100+ posts
Interesting stats from Futureback.mom, but i think you'll find it to be similar across the country.

Of my son's 14 All-star members at LL, and with the same team for 9, 10, 11, 12's, there are only 6 of the original 14 still playing ball at college level. Most others either quit or got cut at the hs school level.

Only the "real" players even make it beyond hs.
JMO
Last edited by LLorton
L LLorton100+ posts
I understand the difference between those that are treated like they belong and thosr that seem to be overlooked, and yet by virtue of their tenacity "heart" and love for the game, outlast those wsho take it all for granted and don't work as hard.

My comment is meant only that there has to be talent there to work with just to get the opportunity to progress to the next level
JMO
TPMTPMHSBaseballweb Member since 2003
quote:
Originally posted by biggerpapi:
quote:
Originally posted by TPM:
Why wouldn't you recruit a good player from your own state who has 100% tuition paid by the state?


Forgive my ignorance, but this sounds like FL residents get free tuition at state schools?


FL state residents have opportunities to have their tuition paid for up to 100% if they earn it. They also had an opportunity (I am not sure if it still exists)if deemed a talented 20 (top 20% in their HS class) to get into any state school based on that premise (not necessarily of their choice). If son went to a state school, he had earned 100% free tuition based on his grades and scores and service hours. State lottery was approved for this purpose.
infidel_08infidel_081,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by Infield08:
Good topic. I'm embarassed to say, but I have missed iitg's chatter about proving them wrong (although I have seen a couple of recent references to his posts). Would love to read his comments! Any way you could provide a link (or links) to some threads he commented on? Thanks!


Infield08,

I think that maybe 50% of iitg's posts are about proving them wrong. It's his passion and what a lot of this website is all about. I guess you don't pore over most every post like I do. I bet if you check some of his recent posts, you will remember and knock yourself on the head for having one of "those moments".
Last edited by infidel_08
PrepsterPrepster10,000+ posts
This topic is near and dear to my heart because I've had an opportunity to watch the concept work with some degree of success in the case of each of my sons, the musician (26) and the baseball player (23 yesterday).

Fortunately for them, each grasped early on the fact that passion and talent, alone, are often inadequate to get them to their goals. Rather, it is the consistent hard work of dedication that links their passion and talent with what they desire to achieve.

To TPM's original point, it is the baseball player who has faced more naysayers along the way. They have been present at every level of his career. Again, fortunately for him, he's been able to convert the emotions of his reaction to the doubters into additional constructive energy; channeled into extra effort to reach his goals. So far, the combination has served him well and taught him a good bit about motivation and human nature in the process.

In fairness, every successful athlete who suffers doubters also enjoys the encouragement of supporters; and, that's an important ingredient in the mix, too.

Many thanks for raising what I think is a fascinating topic, TPM.
Last edited by Prepster
TPMTPMHSBaseballweb Member since 2003
Thanks, Prepster, have missed you hope all is well and happy birthday to Robert!

I really got this idea from another topic going on (what are my chances). I realize that my player got the gift in size and a live arm, but it hasn't always been easy. Those type of players have their ups and downs also.

I remember the day he came home to tell us that as a varsity player he was not going to be able to hit anymore. He was so devastated and it took him awhile to adjust to bench sitting. In his last year of HS, he begged his coach to let him hit and play firstbase. Reluctantly he agreed, being a klutz at times, mom and dad freaked but really had no say in the situation. So that year, he lead the team in batting average and home runs and earned himself not only #1 starting pitcher but firstbaseman and DH. He rarely sat that year. He earned school awards for MVP and MV pitcher and a county award for best utility player. He told us he needed to prove to himself he could still hit better than anyone else.

Today he requested a pair of red batting gloves from his equipment supplier, he says he's planning ahead for AA. Wink
Last edited by TPM
itsinthegameitsinthegame5,000+ posts
TPM,

I would be lying if I said that proving the naysayers wrong wasnt enjoyable for him (and me too! LOL). But - and its a big but - I think for him it was more about proving that he was right. (If that makes any sense).

He was always an All-Star - always played "up" - and always excelled. (from Tball to Summer ball)

Then - he went to college on a nice scholarship - and they wouldnt even let him on the field. To this day - he doesnt know why - nor do I. Then played summer collegiate ball and excelled.

He was an A student - never in trouble - and could have gobbled up most of his competition in one gulp.

Despite my advice to get out of there quickly - he - as usual - persisted - and proceeded to waste an entire year of eligibility.

Then he played summer ball - and excelled again.

The next time around - I guess he thought Dad wasnt so dumb after all (LOL) - he got the hell out of there.

He went to a new school and picked up where he left off.

When it was over - everyone acknowledged the D-2 All-America stuff - but not many realized he also was an ACADEMIC All-American as well.

As much as he thought those few people who almost ended his baseball career were wrong - I think he felt more strongly about proving to himself he was right. In the classroom and on the field. Sounds like a play on words - but it really isnt.
Last edited by itsinthegame

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