I also agree with those comments in general. I certainly know lots of arrogant BB players who are also disrespectful.
I also agree with Sultan that many of these people are nice people and can be friends at a ball park if you don't get all judgemental.
Also many of the great athletes had overbearing parents who bragged.
the cream will rise to the top when left alone, not stirred.
hey, i agree i know parents from my younger daughter who are wonderful people/parents but just are really hard to listen to when it comes to sports. i mean we all love our kids but it is just hard to listen to braggers, thats all.
quote:Originally posted by minivanmom:
hey, i agree i know parents from my younger daughter who are wonderful people/parents but just are really hard to listen to when it comes to sports. i mean we all love our kids but it is just hard to listen to braggers, thats all.
We all do it. We all just go about it differently. But in some form or fashion, we get that proud comment in about our kid. I guess it's all in how it is delivered. Nothing wrong with it if it's done right IMO.
I'll take a parent who brags anyday over one who never shows up.
Infielddad, I got what you meant.
I remember son's senior summer, the boys had been on the road and we were awaiting at the FAU parking lot for their bus to arrive, this all towards the end of the first week of July 1. There was a mom there expounding on how many calls she had received from coaches looking for her son, she actually had a number and I felt very badly for the parents whose sons had received no calls or perhaps one or two, having to listen to her go on and on. I didn't say a word, I didn't have to, son had a few calls that first week (despite those that think he may have been pounded), but I understood how recruiting works and how the first week doesn't really indicate much until you have been seen. FWIW, this was the same mom that we had to endure throughout HS travel, the same mom who complained when her son didn't get enough innings pitched or at bats, passed up by USA baseball for a tryout (he wasn't seen at the right time or place) the same mom that blamed coaches when he had a sore arm (he always played on two teams), the same mom who said he was being followed by mlb scouts throughout HS (he was never drafted), etc. This is the same mom that never had one good word to say about any player on the team that performed well. IMO, those type of folks can stay home.
This is not and was not a person that I ever got to know and never cared to know.
JH, you are such a great kid, you express yourself so well. Your post is an example that despite the odds, there is a place for every player to play. You are a winner in my book.
A few years ago on this site a player came stating he had received just a handful of calls all summer, a dad jumped into the conversation that his son had received over 100 calls in just a few short weeks. This was the same parent who put down a player drafted in the first round (his son wasn't) here on this site, and the parent of that player is (was) a member here. Another paernt who never had a good word to say about any player but his own.
We are all proud of our son's accomplishments and we all love them very much, but there is a fine line IMO, between being humble and respecting others than trying to show up others. Follow justbaseball's example, his son has committed very early, yet he hasn't mentioned once where he will be playing, he's smart enough to know when the right time and place that will be. JMO.
Folks, it's not the amount of calls you get, or perhaps the number of offers one receives, but figuring out which one is the right fit, where you might be happy and what you want to do with your life.
I remember son's senior summer, the boys had been on the road and we were awaiting at the FAU parking lot for their bus to arrive, this all towards the end of the first week of July 1. There was a mom there expounding on how many calls she had received from coaches looking for her son, she actually had a number and I felt very badly for the parents whose sons had received no calls or perhaps one or two, having to listen to her go on and on. I didn't say a word, I didn't have to, son had a few calls that first week (despite those that think he may have been pounded), but I understood how recruiting works and how the first week doesn't really indicate much until you have been seen. FWIW, this was the same mom that we had to endure throughout HS travel, the same mom who complained when her son didn't get enough innings pitched or at bats, passed up by USA baseball for a tryout (he wasn't seen at the right time or place) the same mom that blamed coaches when he had a sore arm (he always played on two teams), the same mom who said he was being followed by mlb scouts throughout HS (he was never drafted), etc. This is the same mom that never had one good word to say about any player on the team that performed well. IMO, those type of folks can stay home.
This is not and was not a person that I ever got to know and never cared to know.
JH, you are such a great kid, you express yourself so well. Your post is an example that despite the odds, there is a place for every player to play. You are a winner in my book.
A few years ago on this site a player came stating he had received just a handful of calls all summer, a dad jumped into the conversation that his son had received over 100 calls in just a few short weeks. This was the same parent who put down a player drafted in the first round (his son wasn't) here on this site, and the parent of that player is (was) a member here. Another paernt who never had a good word to say about any player but his own.
We are all proud of our son's accomplishments and we all love them very much, but there is a fine line IMO, between being humble and respecting others than trying to show up others. Follow justbaseball's example, his son has committed very early, yet he hasn't mentioned once where he will be playing, he's smart enough to know when the right time and place that will be. JMO.
Folks, it's not the amount of calls you get, or perhaps the number of offers one receives, but figuring out which one is the right fit, where you might be happy and what you want to do with your life.
quote:Originally posted by BobbleheadDoll:
I'll take a parent who brags anyday over one who never shows up.
How do you know if he/she is working hard at a job (or 2 or 3 for that matter)that will not allow him/her to get to the field. Very presumptuous on your part.
You have the other end of the spectrum too, where I unfortunately fall into as a parent at times. I love both my kids very much. As a dad/coach over the years I never wanted to appear to favor my kids, and sometimes I was probably a little tougher on them during practices/games. Even now that my coaching days are over,I find it easy to cheer for the other kids. However,subconsciously I still have that dad/coach mentality of remaining quiet when my son is at the plate or on the mound, or even worse, I am much more critical...and I don't want that either. I'm working on it, and I've had to have Father/Son discussions to remind him how proud I am of him!
Like many on this website, I coached youth sports (baseball, basketball, & sokker) for eleven years. Some parents are tough to deal with, but just about all of them want what's best for their child. I would have to agree with BHD in one respect; I'd much rather have a parent that bragged about his/her kid anyday over the parent that never shows up in support! Every team has one or two of them, and it's too bad!
On a side note (Bragging Parent Alert!), 247son has had a few calls from D1 schools today, two of which are on his top three list. Believe me, he and I know that this is still the early stages and anything can happen...but hey, it's still fun!
Like many on this website, I coached youth sports (baseball, basketball, & sokker) for eleven years. Some parents are tough to deal with, but just about all of them want what's best for their child. I would have to agree with BHD in one respect; I'd much rather have a parent that bragged about his/her kid anyday over the parent that never shows up in support! Every team has one or two of them, and it's too bad!
On a side note (Bragging Parent Alert!), 247son has had a few calls from D1 schools today, two of which are on his top three list. Believe me, he and I know that this is still the early stages and anything can happen...but hey, it's still fun!
Actually you are a little presumptious thinking I am presumptious.
I am referring to people I know of personally who just didn't support their kids. I know because I used to pick some of them up and listen to the kids upset by their parents lack of interest in what they particupated in. Many of them were at home when I picked them up. Ya some had expensive cars and were self employed like me. My son volunteered my services.
I am referring to people I know of personally who just didn't support their kids. I know because I used to pick some of them up and listen to the kids upset by their parents lack of interest in what they particupated in. Many of them were at home when I picked them up. Ya some had expensive cars and were self employed like me. My son volunteered my services.
quote:Originally posted by BOF:quote:Originally posted by BobbleheadDoll:
I'll take a parent who brags anyday over one who never shows up.
How do you know if he/she is working hard at a job (or 2 or 3 for that matter)that will not allow him/her to get to the field. Very presumptuous on your part.
BOF,
I know you addressed this to BHD, but since I sort of agreed with him, here's my take. If a parent is working, staying home taking care of little ones, basically unable to attend a game(s), then that's fine. It's the parents that use youth sports as a way to have a "Baby Sitter" for a few hours a couple days a week that bothers me. It didn't happen too often, but I still remember parents that took a few advantages. I can't tell you how many times I had to take a kid home because a parent didn't show up, or I waited for 30 minutes or more after a game/practice for mom or dad. Sometimes it was legit, other times they simply forgot...that's the parent(s) I'm referring to. Thankfully there wasn't a lot of them, but they certainly stuck with me!
Where in the book of parenting does it say you have to show up for your son's or daughters games?
Many parents use this time to have their own time, whether you call it babysitting or not, it happens. I have a friend that had so many kids runing in all different directions, finally she and husband decided that enough was enough, no one thought badly of them for not showing up.
There is no excuse for a parent being late after practice or a game, but don't bust them because they decided not to come.
Some of us here are a bit over the top regarding being involved with our son's baseball, or we wouldn't be here discussing it, perhaps in some ways some of us are too invloved. Many parents aren't, that's what makes us different.
I've seen too many parents afraid they might "miss" something if they don't come to every game, there are many parents who come to just socialize and some there just to see their own player and leave after a sub goes in or their son is done pitching. There are some parents at games who sons sit the bench game after game. Again that's ok, we are all different types of people and all different type of parents.
JMO
Many parents use this time to have their own time, whether you call it babysitting or not, it happens. I have a friend that had so many kids runing in all different directions, finally she and husband decided that enough was enough, no one thought badly of them for not showing up.
There is no excuse for a parent being late after practice or a game, but don't bust them because they decided not to come.
Some of us here are a bit over the top regarding being involved with our son's baseball, or we wouldn't be here discussing it, perhaps in some ways some of us are too invloved. Many parents aren't, that's what makes us different.
I've seen too many parents afraid they might "miss" something if they don't come to every game, there are many parents who come to just socialize and some there just to see their own player and leave after a sub goes in or their son is done pitching. There are some parents at games who sons sit the bench game after game. Again that's ok, we are all different types of people and all different type of parents.
JMO
One guy I remember wasn't particularly talented. His parents were very well off. Top of the line BMW and a couple other cars also expensive. Huge home in a great neighborhood. They gave him tons of money for special lessons etc.
I remember driving him home while he cried in the back seat. I just wasn't used to that. He had a bad day at BB and it was left up to me to comfort him and do what his parents weren't there to do. Never forgot that kid who was 17 yo.
I remember driving him home while he cried in the back seat. I just wasn't used to that. He had a bad day at BB and it was left up to me to comfort him and do what his parents weren't there to do. Never forgot that kid who was 17 yo.
I know how hard it is to ignore the negative comments, the bluster, bragging, etc., that you often hear from over-involved, over-bearing parents. My approach to those types was politely letting them know I enjoyed cheering for the whole team and wasn't interested in ruining the experience by hearing bagging on coaches, players, umpires, or have them yammering on a cell phone conversation one foot from my ear about how their kid was throwing 97-98 when the radar gun on the score board keeps reading 88-89. I'd politely ask them to respect my ability to enjoy the positive experience of the game and please take their verbal white noise someplace else.
In the end I truely feel sad for those folks. They are unfortunately stuck in a false, ephemeral world because in the end everything they are bragging about inevitably, eventually comes to an end and they're focused on the most transitory aspects of that experience, not on the lasting aspects. Then they and their sons are left with a huge sense of loss, failure, and injustice because they've focused on the wrong things.
What have I learned? I've learned that baseball is my son's experience, in his life, not mine. I'm but an enthusiastic spectator and supporter. I've learned that for 99.9% of high school players hoping to continue their love affair with this glorious game that the story of baseball is REALLY about the journey and it's impress on spiritual, human development, not the destination. It's not about bragging rights. Not about money, scholarships, or prestige. It's about our children embracing the lessons and opportunities baseball has to offer on personal/spiritual growth, how to persevere through adversity, how to accept their limitations and maximize their potential, how to embrace failure as a welcome crucible for future success, and how to build trusting, lasting relationships within a team unit where the team's success is pre-eminent over individual success.
These are the aspects of baseball's lessons that will help pave their road ahead of them in life regardless of the destination. So if I were the bragging type and yammered on about my son, what would I say? I'd say that through this beautiful game he truly discovered the depth of his personal relationship with God. I believe that's a pretty good destination.
In the end I truely feel sad for those folks. They are unfortunately stuck in a false, ephemeral world because in the end everything they are bragging about inevitably, eventually comes to an end and they're focused on the most transitory aspects of that experience, not on the lasting aspects. Then they and their sons are left with a huge sense of loss, failure, and injustice because they've focused on the wrong things.
What have I learned? I've learned that baseball is my son's experience, in his life, not mine. I'm but an enthusiastic spectator and supporter. I've learned that for 99.9% of high school players hoping to continue their love affair with this glorious game that the story of baseball is REALLY about the journey and it's impress on spiritual, human development, not the destination. It's not about bragging rights. Not about money, scholarships, or prestige. It's about our children embracing the lessons and opportunities baseball has to offer on personal/spiritual growth, how to persevere through adversity, how to accept their limitations and maximize their potential, how to embrace failure as a welcome crucible for future success, and how to build trusting, lasting relationships within a team unit where the team's success is pre-eminent over individual success.
These are the aspects of baseball's lessons that will help pave their road ahead of them in life regardless of the destination. So if I were the bragging type and yammered on about my son, what would I say? I'd say that through this beautiful game he truly discovered the depth of his personal relationship with God. I believe that's a pretty good destination.
I have to say pbone...probably the number one post I have read this year.
Awesome, just totally awesome.
Awesome, just totally awesome.
That was an awesome post. Simply awesome.
quote:I'd say that through this game he truely discovered the depth of his personal relationship with God. I believe that's a pretty good destination.
Entire post awesome.Just really loved this.
quote:My son has taught me everything I know about baseball ... baseball has taught him everything about himself.
Definitely the best I have read so far this year.
quote:Originally posted by TPM:
Where in the book of parenting does it say you have to show up for your son's or daughters games?
Many parents use this time to have their own time, whether you call it babysitting or not, it happens. I have a friend that had so many kids runing in all different directions, finally she and husband decided that enough was enough, no one thought badly of them for not showing up.
There is no excuse for a parent being late after practice or a game, but don't bust them because they decided not to come.
Some of us here are a bit over the top regarding being involved with our son's baseball, or we wouldn't be here discussing it, perhaps in some ways some of us are too invloved. Many parents aren't, that's what makes us different.
I've seen too many parents afraid they might "miss" something if they don't come to every game, there are many parents who come to just socialize and some there just to see their own player and leave after a sub goes in or their son is done pitching. There are some parents at games who sons sit the bench game after game. Again that's ok, we are all different types of people and all different type of parents.
JMO
I didn't know there was a Book of Parenting? Heck, I've been winging it this whole time! What book store is it sold in?
My babysitting reference was more towards pre-teen kids playing sports and parents not showing up and supporting their kids. If you read the beginning of my post, I stated that some parents have circumstances out of their control, no big deal! It's the parents that just don't care that bothers me. That's great that your friend was able to say enough is enough, hopefully her son/daughter understood?
Time flies, kids grow up fast and before you know it they're out on their own. My wife and I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in our kids lives. They'll look back twenty years from now and appreciate that Mom and Dad were lucky enough to have the time that some parents just don't have. My wife played volleyball in HS, her dad, an officer in the military at the time, didn't attend any of her games...it bothered her! My dad (parents divorced) didn't see one of my HS or College games, he lived just 90 miles away...it bothered me! I apologize for the personal reference, but now you know where I'm coming from!
You're absolutely right...We are all different types of people and different types of parents! I like the "type" of parents that my wife and I have become. Hopefully our kids will be lucky enough, if they're so inclined, to do the same for their children.......JMO
Now...back to some baseball talk. I need some ideas on outside activities in Georgia? I'll post it separately!
quote:Originally posted by bsbl247:
Hopefully our kids will be lucky enough, if they're so inclined, to do the same for their children.......JMO
Something tells me they will bsb1247.
20 dad,
That is one of my favorite things to say about this sport/parents. Cream rises to the top. Let other parents brag about their kids, my kid does this my kid can do that. I always tell my son "don't worry about the haters.. cream always rises to the top".
That is one of my favorite things to say about this sport/parents. Cream rises to the top. Let other parents brag about their kids, my kid does this my kid can do that. I always tell my son "don't worry about the haters.. cream always rises to the top".
My husband and I make a point of attending every game we can of our son's. We see it as showing support for his interests. My dad's support when I was playing sports was important to me. I think of him sometimes when I'm sitting in my chair at my son's game. I hope he is watching his grandson from heaven, and enjoying the game.
I have never thought of bragging about my son to the other baseball parents. When they compliment him to me, I say thank you, but feel awkward because these are his accomplishments, not mine. I usually comment that he has worked very hard. I admit to sending emails to my close family members who have shown interest, telling them about his accomplishments, and they will sometimes text congratulations to him.
At the end of the high school season the high school coach commented on how much it means to the boys to have the parents at the games. Maybe some kids don't care, but I'm not taking the chance with my son. I will have plenty of "me" time when he goes to college in a couple of years, and I know I will cherish the memories of sharing his successes and failures once he hangs up his cleats.
I have never thought of bragging about my son to the other baseball parents. When they compliment him to me, I say thank you, but feel awkward because these are his accomplishments, not mine. I usually comment that he has worked very hard. I admit to sending emails to my close family members who have shown interest, telling them about his accomplishments, and they will sometimes text congratulations to him.
At the end of the high school season the high school coach commented on how much it means to the boys to have the parents at the games. Maybe some kids don't care, but I'm not taking the chance with my son. I will have plenty of "me" time when he goes to college in a couple of years, and I know I will cherish the memories of sharing his successes and failures once he hangs up his cleats.
I was referring to the comments made about parents not showing up at games. IMO that doesn't make them bad parents.
Just as the parent who needs to let everyone know how talented their son is and how every school in the nation is calling and inquiring about their son, telling people how hard he throws or how many HR he's hit, in the long run that means nothing because most people (and the ones that really count, coaches and scouts) can see for themselves about a players skills, the same for the parent that needs to give a number of how many scouts showed up at their home before the draft. That doesn't make them bad parents, most likely uninformed about how things work, just don't pay attention. I am not saying that I have never told anyone one on one about son's accomplishments, but it was never to let anyone know how much better he may have been than any other player on his team. What would that accomplish, it really makes no difference what we thought anyway, again only what the ones that matter thought. Had to keep saying that, but that's it essentially, I guess that is why parents with the most talented or skilled players are usually the ones who talk about their sons the least, and cheer and support everyone else's accomplishemt even above their own players.
Homerun04 said it beautifully and I agree with something he said. Some parents become so wrapped up in their sons accomplishments in baseball/sports their whole world revolves around what the future may bring. When it doesn't happen it becomes frustrating and depressing. They look as it as a failure, what did we do wrong what did he do wrong. This is a very hard game to determine exactly what success really entails. Baseball is the ultimate experience that prepares you for life wherever the road takes you and whenever it ends. And you don't have to show up for every game to be a good baseball parent either.
But either way in either scenrio, this doesn't make bad parents.
I look at it this way, my sole job as a parent was (my kids are grown up now) to feed, shelter, clothe, support financially within our means, offer advice when asked (as they become older), be a good listener when they want us to listen, lay down ground rules when young and stick by them, make sure that they get up and go to school everyday and be a good role model for them to become responsible caring adults. I did my homework to understand the recruiting process, importance of playing on good travel team (and what events they attended) that was my job, it was his job to show off his skills and we didn't have to be there to scrutinize every thing he did right or wrong, that was his job and still is.
When someone tells me that my son has awesome skills I say thank you and answer questions they may have, when someone tells me he is kind, considerate, responsible, respectful, well spoken and realistic about his goals, in other words just a really good kid, I am more proud of him as a person than whatever he has accomplished so far in this sport. IMO, those compliments and recgonition of those "skills" are worth more money in the bank to me than he may ever earn at baseball in his lifetime. I have found because of these traits that we instilled in him, he has had more support because of the type of person he is, rather than because of how he throws a baseball. There are a lot of pitchers at his level that are way better than him, but IMO what makes him special is the type of person he has become.
I am not saying it is not important for parents to be at games, and it shouldn't be just for your son but for entire team support. We weren't at most games when son traveled during summers in HS (but all local ones), we could have been, but we weren't, I guess that to some may make me a bad parent.
Just as the parent who needs to let everyone know how talented their son is and how every school in the nation is calling and inquiring about their son, telling people how hard he throws or how many HR he's hit, in the long run that means nothing because most people (and the ones that really count, coaches and scouts) can see for themselves about a players skills, the same for the parent that needs to give a number of how many scouts showed up at their home before the draft. That doesn't make them bad parents, most likely uninformed about how things work, just don't pay attention. I am not saying that I have never told anyone one on one about son's accomplishments, but it was never to let anyone know how much better he may have been than any other player on his team. What would that accomplish, it really makes no difference what we thought anyway, again only what the ones that matter thought. Had to keep saying that, but that's it essentially, I guess that is why parents with the most talented or skilled players are usually the ones who talk about their sons the least, and cheer and support everyone else's accomplishemt even above their own players.
Homerun04 said it beautifully and I agree with something he said. Some parents become so wrapped up in their sons accomplishments in baseball/sports their whole world revolves around what the future may bring. When it doesn't happen it becomes frustrating and depressing. They look as it as a failure, what did we do wrong what did he do wrong. This is a very hard game to determine exactly what success really entails. Baseball is the ultimate experience that prepares you for life wherever the road takes you and whenever it ends. And you don't have to show up for every game to be a good baseball parent either.
But either way in either scenrio, this doesn't make bad parents.
I look at it this way, my sole job as a parent was (my kids are grown up now) to feed, shelter, clothe, support financially within our means, offer advice when asked (as they become older), be a good listener when they want us to listen, lay down ground rules when young and stick by them, make sure that they get up and go to school everyday and be a good role model for them to become responsible caring adults. I did my homework to understand the recruiting process, importance of playing on good travel team (and what events they attended) that was my job, it was his job to show off his skills and we didn't have to be there to scrutinize every thing he did right or wrong, that was his job and still is.
When someone tells me that my son has awesome skills I say thank you and answer questions they may have, when someone tells me he is kind, considerate, responsible, respectful, well spoken and realistic about his goals, in other words just a really good kid, I am more proud of him as a person than whatever he has accomplished so far in this sport. IMO, those compliments and recgonition of those "skills" are worth more money in the bank to me than he may ever earn at baseball in his lifetime. I have found because of these traits that we instilled in him, he has had more support because of the type of person he is, rather than because of how he throws a baseball. There are a lot of pitchers at his level that are way better than him, but IMO what makes him special is the type of person he has become.
I am not saying it is not important for parents to be at games, and it shouldn't be just for your son but for entire team support. We weren't at most games when son traveled during summers in HS (but all local ones), we could have been, but we weren't, I guess that to some may make me a bad parent.
Fortunately I don't have the ability to control how any other parent approaches their childs successes, I can honestly say good luck to all. My advice like many of the others is just to enjoy the ride, and ignore the negatives around you - best strategy is to politely avoid avoid those who's company you dont enjoy - in the big picture the parent that brags a bit is less harmful than the ones who constantly complain. There are a lot of insecure people in this world; and it's amazing how baseball provides a life learning lesson in dealing with obstacles of all forms.
My problem is that I have to hold myself back from drinking too much of that kool aid from time to time. Its killing me not to be in Atlanta this week, even though they are laying an egg, there's nothing like a tournament!
My problem is that I have to hold myself back from drinking too much of that kool aid from time to time. Its killing me not to be in Atlanta this week, even though they are laying an egg, there's nothing like a tournament!
I enjoy watching my son play. But I understand while in any moment he may get the big hit or make the big play in the field, in another moment one of his teammates or someone on the other team may do something equal or more incredible.
I think as I taught my son to say when he gets interviewed after high school games, "Without the guys who bat in front of me and behind me the opportunities to succeed would not be there."
I think as I taught my son to say when he gets interviewed after high school games, "Without the guys who bat in front of me and behind me the opportunities to succeed would not be there."
I believe that when asked we respond, "He has been blessed with good skills." But as has been stated, the best thing anybody can tell me about my sons is that they act like they are suppose to and say yes sir/mam and no sir/mam and show respect. All of the other will come into play.
ON a personal note: It is killing me that I have to be at work while my son is in Atlanta for two weeks playing. My wife gets tired of score? How'd he do hitting? Did he hit it hard? What was he throwing? But that is the only way I can go to BCS for a week then world series with the other one.
I do understand when we can't and when we just don't want to. The don't want to's get me frustrated or the I would rather's.
On a side note: Thanks to everyone on here who has been through it before. The last two days have been frustrating and exhilerating for son all in the same. Now the pressure starts. Some are starting to push for answers faster than they said.(Sorry couldn't say thanks without saying why. HOpefully not bragging) Without those of you who have been through it before and have shared your experiences it would be overwhelming. THanks for your sharing.
ON a personal note: It is killing me that I have to be at work while my son is in Atlanta for two weeks playing. My wife gets tired of score? How'd he do hitting? Did he hit it hard? What was he throwing? But that is the only way I can go to BCS for a week then world series with the other one.
I do understand when we can't and when we just don't want to. The don't want to's get me frustrated or the I would rather's.
On a side note: Thanks to everyone on here who has been through it before. The last two days have been frustrating and exhilerating for son all in the same. Now the pressure starts. Some are starting to push for answers faster than they said.(Sorry couldn't say thanks without saying why. HOpefully not bragging) Without those of you who have been through it before and have shared your experiences it would be overwhelming. THanks for your sharing.
They are only this age once, and then, they go on and build their own lives. Where there is a will there is a way. I choose to participate as much as I can, and as appropriately as I can. I have learned so much from baseball, and volleyball, and FFA with my kids. My family is close because of those long car rides, night spent in cramped hotels.
I know that as my kids start to develop their own lives, they will also be involved in their families, and stick together, through thick and thin, like we have. It's not so much the attendance as it is the being there. It's the cheer after a win, it's the hug after the loss. It's the quiet, being there to talk or just to sit and knowing how much that slump hurts. It's witnessing the rush of a victory, and understanding the pain of loss.
I have three kids, all in different states this week, and within a month's time, they will be that way for a school year. But I am so pleased that my kids are connected to each other, even if it through text messaging and phone calls. I think they have learned that from being a part of a close family-
which has resulted from someone being there.
I know that as my kids start to develop their own lives, they will also be involved in their families, and stick together, through thick and thin, like we have. It's not so much the attendance as it is the being there. It's the cheer after a win, it's the hug after the loss. It's the quiet, being there to talk or just to sit and knowing how much that slump hurts. It's witnessing the rush of a victory, and understanding the pain of loss.
I have three kids, all in different states this week, and within a month's time, they will be that way for a school year. But I am so pleased that my kids are connected to each other, even if it through text messaging and phone calls. I think they have learned that from being a part of a close family-
which has resulted from someone being there.
As for listening to other parents, it's an inevitable side show which is to be enjoyed and ignored. The one I feel sorry for is the kid their bragging about!!!
If your not humbled by the game yet just stick around for awhile. You will learn that the great outing on the hill or the big day at the plate can just as easily be replace by a shelling on the hill and an 0-fer at the plate with a couple of errors.
The parents that have been through all the highs and lows. The ones that have seen their son be the best player on the field one day and not so good the next. Touted and pumped up one day to being touted as a flop. The ones that have seen the game so easy to their kid one day and see them struggle at what they love the next. The ones that understand that its a marathon and not a sprint. The ones that understand the real victory is in knowing that they are giving it their all and working to be the best they can be. These parents understand. And if you have not been there and don't understand this post. Just stick around long enough and you will. And you will be humbled by the game and learn to appreciate the struggle more than the fickle success.
Everytime a kid goes 3-4 or 4-4 someone also had a bad day. Everytime a pitcher has a great outing someone had a bad day. Be humble in success and determined in defeat. Dont celebrate the obvious but the fight to succeed. The things I am most proud of can not be seen in the box score.
If your not yet humbled by the game just stick around in it long enough and you will be. And if your son is not humbled by the game yet. He will be if he is lucky. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being excited and proud when your son has a great game. And there is nothing wrong with being upset if he has a bad game. But that excitement and disapointment is tempered and put into perspective when you understand what I am talking about. The ones that get this post know exactly what I am talking about. The ones that don't will one day if there son plays long enough.
The parents that have been through all the highs and lows. The ones that have seen their son be the best player on the field one day and not so good the next. Touted and pumped up one day to being touted as a flop. The ones that have seen the game so easy to their kid one day and see them struggle at what they love the next. The ones that understand that its a marathon and not a sprint. The ones that understand the real victory is in knowing that they are giving it their all and working to be the best they can be. These parents understand. And if you have not been there and don't understand this post. Just stick around long enough and you will. And you will be humbled by the game and learn to appreciate the struggle more than the fickle success.
Everytime a kid goes 3-4 or 4-4 someone also had a bad day. Everytime a pitcher has a great outing someone had a bad day. Be humble in success and determined in defeat. Dont celebrate the obvious but the fight to succeed. The things I am most proud of can not be seen in the box score.
If your not yet humbled by the game just stick around in it long enough and you will be. And if your son is not humbled by the game yet. He will be if he is lucky. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being excited and proud when your son has a great game. And there is nothing wrong with being upset if he has a bad game. But that excitement and disapointment is tempered and put into perspective when you understand what I am talking about. The ones that get this post know exactly what I am talking about. The ones that don't will one day if there son plays long enough.
Wow, great post Coach May! I totally get your post, and you said some things I've often thought to myself. Some things I've even said to my own son. I'm not so good at putting things in words as you are though. You summed up alot of things in one post in a way I could never do. You're awesome Coach!
From a parent who tries real hard not to listen much to those other parents! Atleast those extremely annoying ones. I also love and appreciate many of the parents I've come to know over the years as well!
From a parent who tries real hard not to listen much to those other parents! Atleast those extremely annoying ones. I also love and appreciate many of the parents I've come to know over the years as well!
I am going to have to give Coach May five stars for this one! My problem is the opposite, I have to go by myself to prevent complaining about Pop Up. He is at this moment loosing a game due to ground outs and pop ups. Oh well such is baseball.
Very nice perpsective Coach May. We are getting better as parents..we hope anyway.
Coach May has it right, great stuff. I hope that you don't mind my new quote below.
One thing to remember for those parents that feel the need to tell everyone on the team at games how many letters, how many calls your son is getting, how many scouts showed up, how good your son really is, take note.
There is always someone listening and watching, not just the players but parents as well. Just as a coach doesn't want a player who acts like it is all about him, they don't want those type of parents of players as well. And they don't want a parent telling them about how good their son is, most coaches can figure that for themselves. I can tell you about some top HS prospects who later became top draft picks not finding success in baseball recruiting, though you think they have because of where they went, some have had to settle for less than they would like, because a coach was turned off by their attitude. Everyone loves a talented player, but there are many other factors that come
into the picture as to who catches the coaches eye and who doesn't. Same goes for their folks. Some may not agree, but I know of a coach who not only watches players but parents of those players as well, closely.
Being a good baseball parent is not all about how many games you attend, how many lessons you pay for, how many DVD's you send, or how you carpooled the entire team back and forth, but how you can instill humility, team concept (not all about me I am the best on the team) and the sense of the right ways to go about handling success as well as failure as a young adult, who will carry with him those same qualities as he grows into a man.
One thing to remember for those parents that feel the need to tell everyone on the team at games how many letters, how many calls your son is getting, how many scouts showed up, how good your son really is, take note.
There is always someone listening and watching, not just the players but parents as well. Just as a coach doesn't want a player who acts like it is all about him, they don't want those type of parents of players as well. And they don't want a parent telling them about how good their son is, most coaches can figure that for themselves. I can tell you about some top HS prospects who later became top draft picks not finding success in baseball recruiting, though you think they have because of where they went, some have had to settle for less than they would like, because a coach was turned off by their attitude. Everyone loves a talented player, but there are many other factors that come
into the picture as to who catches the coaches eye and who doesn't. Same goes for their folks. Some may not agree, but I know of a coach who not only watches players but parents of those players as well, closely.
Being a good baseball parent is not all about how many games you attend, how many lessons you pay for, how many DVD's you send, or how you carpooled the entire team back and forth, but how you can instill humility, team concept (not all about me I am the best on the team) and the sense of the right ways to go about handling success as well as failure as a young adult, who will carry with him those same qualities as he grows into a man.
Just as my son is maturing as a player every year, I'm changing. I am much more laid back now. I enjoy his games, win or lose. I see that if all goes well, there are a lot more games to watch. I hope to one day attain a Zen like state.
I'm not hearing a lot of bragging these days, which I attribute to my practice of finding a set of nice parents to set my chair next to at the beginning of each season, and smiling pleasantly at the rest from several feet away.
I'm not hearing a lot of bragging these days, which I attribute to my practice of finding a set of nice parents to set my chair next to at the beginning of each season, and smiling pleasantly at the rest from several feet away.
Twotex I totally agree with you about maturing as a "baseball parent" as our sons mature. My son, and I'm sure many other players are the same, has taught me so much about rising above any of the petty things that are out of our control.
Don't worry about things beyond your control and just politely avoid the parents that are irritating. They are at all levels as we've discovered even in college.
The games and seasons go by so fast learn to enjoy it all. At some point they'll hang up their cleats and then we'll probably look back and wish it was still going on even with bragging parents.
I'm not quite at a "Zen" state but I'm getting pretty close!
Don't worry about things beyond your control and just politely avoid the parents that are irritating. They are at all levels as we've discovered even in college.
The games and seasons go by so fast learn to enjoy it all. At some point they'll hang up their cleats and then we'll probably look back and wish it was still going on even with bragging parents.
I'm not quite at a "Zen" state but I'm getting pretty close!