FO, that is some incredible press for your son. I know you are proud of his accomplishments.
Best of luck in his recovery.
I am proud of my son.
The accomplishments are extra...............
The accomplishments are extra...............
Way to be, Dad!
Here in Lubbock today, lots of discussion on the local radio shows about the collision and the expected action after review by the Big XII. The whole sports community in Lubbock is outraged and all of the Raider fans are sick for Matt and for the huge void it leaves in the team.
He's got lots of prayers and support here in Lubbock!
He's got lots of prayers and support here in Lubbock!
quote:Youngest Collikar sent Matt an email today. He was very impressed with the LAJ stats listed for your boy. Said he wanted to be just like him when he was older. He's a great role model. Apples don't fall far from the tree.
Collikar,
I've known the Smith family my entire life. I grew up with Tony's youngest brother and played baseball with him in HS. I can tell you that there's not finer people anywhere on earth.
It sickens me to watch the video of the collision. There's no doubt in my mind that the guy did it on purpose. And to see the guy that hit the ball standing on 2nd base smiling. I wanted to choke him as he stood there. Man, it makes me mad!
I am glad it was not more serious. Tomorrow is another day with a very bright future for Matt!
Best wishes.
Best wishes.
- PantherDadquote:-- hoping to see him DH in the tourney.
- Bighit15quote:I am glad it was not more serious. Tomorrow is another day with a very bright future for Matt!
So much for being anonymous, eh? 
FO
I don't venture into the Texas forum very often so I just saw this. I find it very disturbing when the beauty of sports can be diminished with obvious cheap and dirty play. I hope Matt comes back strong and gets some licks as a DH soon.
I don't venture into the Texas forum very often so I just saw this. I find it very disturbing when the beauty of sports can be diminished with obvious cheap and dirty play. I hope Matt comes back strong and gets some licks as a DH soon.
quote:Originally posted by Old Pitcher:quote:Youngest Collikar sent Matt an email today. He was very impressed with the LAJ stats listed for your boy. Said he wanted to be just like him when he was older. He's a great role model. Apples don't fall far from the tree.
Collikar,
I've known the Smith family my entire life. I grew up with Tony's youngest brother and played baseball with him in HS. I can tell you that there's not finer people anywhere on earth.
It sickens me to watch the video of the collision. There's no doubt in my mind that the guy did it on purpose. And to see the guy that hit the ball standing on 2nd base smiling. I wanted to choke him as he stood there. Man, it makes me mad!
Just a note to follow up with everyone else. What collikar failed to mention is that a few weeks ago she relayed to FO that our 10 YO was a catcher and wanted to play catcher in college someday. FO passed that info to Matt. He took the time to send our 10 YO an encouragement email and have a baseball signed to give to him.
Taking the time to do encourage a 4th grader speaks louder than any stat he put up this season (although his stats are incredible). And no amount of dirty players can take that away from him.
quote:Originally posted by T-Bird Dad:
Taking the time to do encourage a 4th grader speaks louder than any stat he put up this season (although his stats are incredible). And no amount of dirty players can take that away from him.
A resounding AMEN!!!!
quote:FormerObserver:
I was saddened to hear the news about your son...but it sure appears that Matt and the rest of your family are dealing with his injury as best as possible...that's the only way to go actually! The Smith's are obviously a good family...worth going to bat for...a distinction that is earned.
And I would like to make a request...can I become an honorary Texan? The amount of support that you're getting from around the country is great, but your fellow Texans are awe inspiring...truly!
If I were ever up against it I would feel a whole lot better knowing that I've got Texas buddies like you have watching out for me...way to go Texans!
gotwood,
Even though we have 2 of the fastest growing counties in the country in Collin, where FO lives, and Rockwall, where I live, we would love to have you down here with us!!
It was 102 here yesterday, so you might want to wait til this fall though. It looks like it's gonna be another hot one this summer as usual. It's starting awful early this year!
Those were nice words by the way to a family that deserves them. Thank you for taking the time to write from up there.
By the way, Rockwall's catcher, Chad Noble, will be up in your neck of the woods this fall at Northwestern University on a baseball scholarship. If you're ever at one of their games next spring, tell him hello. He's a great kid.
Here's a link to an article in today's Lubbock Avalanch Journal on the WRONG ruling by the Big XII on the so called slide.
http://www.redraiders.com/stories/041906/bas_041906007.shtml
Coach Hayes is way more tactful on the situation than I would have been, but credit him with taking the high road and exhibiting the character and class that he's known for.
http://www.redraiders.com/stories/041906/bas_041906007.shtml
Coach Hayes is way more tactful on the situation than I would have been, but credit him with taking the high road and exhibiting the character and class that he's known for.
Played for Coach Hays in 87 and 88 and would expect nothing else from him. Class man and class family.
I have seen the replays and was at the Saturday game and talked to baseball guys that saw the play. The fact is that the play was bush league. It is no different than a guy running down the first baseline and stepping on the first baseman's foot. Rumler can deny his motives all he wants, but people that know the game, recognize what he did. That is why I was all over him like a cheap suit on Saturday. Never fear though, baseball never forgets. When you disrespect the game or the guys you compete against, eventually baseball will get you. It might be a SS being taken out on a double play or a 5'7" hitter taking a fastball under the chin. Baseball never forgets. I don't blame the coach or the University. It was an awful split second decision that has repercussions. Baseball never forgets. There will be accountability for the actions on Friday night. Sleep well young Mr. Frodo and remember there are no team mates with you on 2nd base or once you step in that box. BASEBALL NEVER FORGETS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have seen the replays and was at the Saturday game and talked to baseball guys that saw the play. The fact is that the play was bush league. It is no different than a guy running down the first baseline and stepping on the first baseman's foot. Rumler can deny his motives all he wants, but people that know the game, recognize what he did. That is why I was all over him like a cheap suit on Saturday. Never fear though, baseball never forgets. When you disrespect the game or the guys you compete against, eventually baseball will get you. It might be a SS being taken out on a double play or a 5'7" hitter taking a fastball under the chin. Baseball never forgets. I don't blame the coach or the University. It was an awful split second decision that has repercussions. Baseball never forgets. There will be accountability for the actions on Friday night. Sleep well young Mr. Frodo and remember there are no team mates with you on 2nd base or once you step in that box. BASEBALL NEVER FORGETS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
quote:The fact is that the play was bush league.
People want to have fancy titles like commissioner or director and make lots of money. When it comes down to it, that is many times all they really want and often shirk the required responsibility that comes with the job.
Sure it would have been tough to craft something in general for this situation but they should have made a specific example out of this knucklehead. Rules can be read in anyone's favor and they obviously chose the path of least resistance.
This ruling by the Big 12 stinks...it stinks bad and the Big 12 missed a great opportunity to send a message that this type of bush league behavior would not be tolerated. No guts Burda, no guts. And Rumler, I hope you get yours.
FO:
That was C-R-A-P. I showed the picture to my son and the first thing he noticed was where Matt was and where the runner was. You're taking it very well, Tony, a helluva lot better than I would be. I'm going to be out in Lubbock before the season ends so I hope to stop in and throw a "hey" Matt's way. On another note, it looks like the younger son is making some noise again this year. It'll be fun playing with you guys again this summer.
That was C-R-A-P. I showed the picture to my son and the first thing he noticed was where Matt was and where the runner was. You're taking it very well, Tony, a helluva lot better than I would be. I'm going to be out in Lubbock before the season ends so I hope to stop in and throw a "hey" Matt's way. On another note, it looks like the younger son is making some noise again this year. It'll be fun playing with you guys again this summer.
Oklahoma at Lubbock this weekend (Cox Sports Saturday night) (Matt ain't in the lineup)
Nebraska away
Missouri home
OSU away then to OKC for BIG Turd Tournament.
If you go out the weekend of MO, let me know, I'll tell Matt you are coming.
Lots of life lessons here including a 20 year old's learning that as humans we don't always do the right things, learning to truly forgive and the freedom that provides, and that obstacles come our way in a variety of forms, many of which are frequently discussed here.
Matt has been fortunate to move on to college and continue to have success, another formidable obstacle that we all face.
And, a few days ago, while I was reviewing the qaulity of stats in the DMN, I see Nick F L A B I A N O (Highland Park) in there amongst the leaders.
There is a guy getting over some obstacles.
This guy has too
1 Rueda, Willie INF 5-9/150 FR El Paso, Texas/Bel Air
Willie is the season starter at 2B for the Red Raiders and he plays because he can HIT.
Nebraska away
Missouri home
OSU away then to OKC for BIG Turd Tournament.
If you go out the weekend of MO, let me know, I'll tell Matt you are coming.
Lots of life lessons here including a 20 year old's learning that as humans we don't always do the right things, learning to truly forgive and the freedom that provides, and that obstacles come our way in a variety of forms, many of which are frequently discussed here.
Matt has been fortunate to move on to college and continue to have success, another formidable obstacle that we all face.
And, a few days ago, while I was reviewing the qaulity of stats in the DMN, I see Nick F L A B I A N O (Highland Park) in there amongst the leaders.
There is a guy getting over some obstacles.
This guy has too
1 Rueda, Willie INF 5-9/150 FR El Paso, Texas/Bel Air
Willie is the season starter at 2B for the Red Raiders and he plays because he can HIT.
Not that it matters, but I for one notified the Big 12 of my disappointment in their ruling on Matt's injury.
Hope the rest of you do the same. It won't change anything for Matt, but it might help the next victim.
Hope the rest of you do the same. It won't change anything for Matt, but it might help the next victim.
OP,
To keep all the poop in the same pile, I'll put the one week update here.
You all know the distance between the high school baseball and football programs are huge.
The distance is even greater in college than high school.
The injury volume in college football is high and they have the corresponding capacity for treatment. Matt said they have about 25 training tables in the football training room.
Matt's injury is similar to a clipping injury in football, so they have tremendous expertise in that area.
He works out at rehab for about two hours. Walks in a special pool (football's equipment) with a treadmill in it where they can vary the temp and the speed.
He said he has been walking forward in the pool at about 1.3 mph, but not starting activity that will require side to side movement until next week.
He has also been walking forward out of the water with a neoprene brace (football equipment) that the football players use after trying several other braces.
They have a variety of excercises that he does with various weight machines (football equipment) to strengthen the knee.
After the workout, they have equipment (football equipement) that is used to cool the knee joint down, the way a pitcher does after the game with an ice wrap on the elbow and shoulder. With that equipment they can maintain the temperature and time that they need to get it cooled down after a pretty strenuous workout.
He used the crutches (football equipment) for only a few days and that neoprene brace allows him to walk forward on his own now.
He says that he already feels some strength and stability returning to the knee in his forward movement.
When I talked with him yesterday, he had just finished working out and he was exhausted and grouchy like after a game, so that tells you how hard he is working.
It appears that he will not travel to Nebraska next weekend, so he may come home for a visit, and maybe get to see Andrew's last game of this season.
Collikar, he will bring that ball with him, so we won't have it Tuesday when ya'll come to McKinney.
Now, for those of you that can appreciate the famous parking cops at Texas Tech, and for GrandpaPDiddy. At first light on Monday after the injury, Matt endured the bureaucratic BS of Texas Tech parking system and, after a day long process, obtained a handicapped parking sticker for his 400+HP Red/Black Chevrolet SS Camaro that, unlike GranpdaPDiddy, he has never gotten a traffic ticket while driving.
So, can't you just see this muscular athlete in that car stepping out of the handicapped parking place on the Texas Tech campus?
So, he is on the phone a couple of nights ago with mamma, while he is going to the grocery store (no crutches now) and officer friendly catches him on the way out of the store headed to the car and queries him about his handicapped parking sticker. "Yep, I got one." "I hurt my knee playing baseball." Officer, "Oh, you're THAT kid."
Officer, "Well, we just wanted to hear you start your car, anyway."
Thank God for football.
To keep all the poop in the same pile, I'll put the one week update here.
You all know the distance between the high school baseball and football programs are huge.
The distance is even greater in college than high school.
The injury volume in college football is high and they have the corresponding capacity for treatment. Matt said they have about 25 training tables in the football training room.
Matt's injury is similar to a clipping injury in football, so they have tremendous expertise in that area.
He works out at rehab for about two hours. Walks in a special pool (football's equipment) with a treadmill in it where they can vary the temp and the speed.
He said he has been walking forward in the pool at about 1.3 mph, but not starting activity that will require side to side movement until next week.
He has also been walking forward out of the water with a neoprene brace (football equipment) that the football players use after trying several other braces.
They have a variety of excercises that he does with various weight machines (football equipment) to strengthen the knee.
After the workout, they have equipment (football equipement) that is used to cool the knee joint down, the way a pitcher does after the game with an ice wrap on the elbow and shoulder. With that equipment they can maintain the temperature and time that they need to get it cooled down after a pretty strenuous workout.
He used the crutches (football equipment) for only a few days and that neoprene brace allows him to walk forward on his own now.
He says that he already feels some strength and stability returning to the knee in his forward movement.
When I talked with him yesterday, he had just finished working out and he was exhausted and grouchy like after a game, so that tells you how hard he is working.
It appears that he will not travel to Nebraska next weekend, so he may come home for a visit, and maybe get to see Andrew's last game of this season.
Collikar, he will bring that ball with him, so we won't have it Tuesday when ya'll come to McKinney.
Now, for those of you that can appreciate the famous parking cops at Texas Tech, and for GrandpaPDiddy. At first light on Monday after the injury, Matt endured the bureaucratic BS of Texas Tech parking system and, after a day long process, obtained a handicapped parking sticker for his 400+HP Red/Black Chevrolet SS Camaro that, unlike GranpdaPDiddy, he has never gotten a traffic ticket while driving.
So, can't you just see this muscular athlete in that car stepping out of the handicapped parking place on the Texas Tech campus?
So, he is on the phone a couple of nights ago with mamma, while he is going to the grocery store (no crutches now) and officer friendly catches him on the way out of the store headed to the car and queries him about his handicapped parking sticker. "Yep, I got one." "I hurt my knee playing baseball." Officer, "Oh, you're THAT kid."
Officer, "Well, we just wanted to hear you start your car, anyway."
Thank God for football.
Well, he either has a very pretty girlfriend --- or he avoids Runaway Bay -- or both! With gas prices as they are, it may be cheaper to fly. I'm glad Matt will have a chance to see Andrew play -- although everytime PSI comes to see PSIII play, he fizzles. 
The Red Raiders had better kick it up a notch or they will have an early summer break.
The Red Raiders had better kick it up a notch or they will have an early summer break.
just saw this & passing along well wishes to Matt
.
.
FO,
Thank you for the very detailed explanation of Matt's progress. I'm glad he's feeling some strength coming back. That's a good sign. Good luck to MN in the playoff's and to Andrew. We finally pretty much clinched our playoff spot yesterday with a big comeback win against Mesquite. It was a big day for the seniors, winning the game and then the Prom last night. I bet there's a lot of kids over here still asleep as I type!! Any truth to the rumor that LA said last week about Coach Milam going to Boyd? That would be a shocker to North I'm sure.
Thank you for the very detailed explanation of Matt's progress. I'm glad he's feeling some strength coming back. That's a good sign. Good luck to MN in the playoff's and to Andrew. We finally pretty much clinched our playoff spot yesterday with a big comeback win against Mesquite. It was a big day for the seniors, winning the game and then the Prom last night. I bet there's a lot of kids over here still asleep as I type!! Any truth to the rumor that LA said last week about Coach Milam going to Boyd? That would be a shocker to North I'm sure.
FO,
I just wanted to say that I am very sorry about what happened to Matt. I just recently realized the connection between you and Texas Tech baseball. I have always enjoyed your posts and consider you one of the "good guys" on the hsbbweb. I was able to watch all 3 games of the series this weekend with OU thanks to Tech's internet video webcast. The Raiders definitely missed Matt behind the plate and at the plate! I'm sure the OU staff and team will be on the alert for Rumler when Kansas State comes to Norman the weekend after next. I also imagine he will be barraged with a bunch of not so kind remarks from the hecklers. Heck, I might even get in on some of that action!
Well, probably not..just because I'm a little too old for that but I will bet that there will be plenty of OU fans who will voice their displeasure towards him during the weekend.
Good luck to Matt and hope he has a speedy recovery.
Ann
I just wanted to say that I am very sorry about what happened to Matt. I just recently realized the connection between you and Texas Tech baseball. I have always enjoyed your posts and consider you one of the "good guys" on the hsbbweb. I was able to watch all 3 games of the series this weekend with OU thanks to Tech's internet video webcast. The Raiders definitely missed Matt behind the plate and at the plate! I'm sure the OU staff and team will be on the alert for Rumler when Kansas State comes to Norman the weekend after next. I also imagine he will be barraged with a bunch of not so kind remarks from the hecklers. Heck, I might even get in on some of that action!
Well, probably not..just because I'm a little too old for that but I will bet that there will be plenty of OU fans who will voice their displeasure towards him during the weekend. Good luck to Matt and hope he has a speedy recovery.
Ann
FO ~
Sounds like it's the same campus cops that were there twenty years ago...not much has changed in that department.
Great update! One day at a time. I'm sure it is frustrating and monotonous but the payoff will surely be worth it.
Young collikar has a double header Tuesday, so we'll have to meet up during the playoffs. (I'm thinking positive here.
)
Keep the posts coming!
Go Tech!
Sounds like it's the same campus cops that were there twenty years ago...not much has changed in that department.
Great update! One day at a time. I'm sure it is frustrating and monotonous but the payoff will surely be worth it.
Young collikar has a double header Tuesday, so we'll have to meet up during the playoffs. (I'm thinking positive here.
)Keep the posts coming!
Go Tech!
quote:Originally posted by Old Pitcher:
FO,
Thank you for the very detailed explanation of Matt's progress. I'm glad he's feeling some strength coming back. That's a good sign. Good luck to MN in the playoff's and to Andrew. We finally pretty much clinched our playoff spot yesterday with a big comeback win against Mesquite. It was a big day for the seniors, winning the game and then the Prom last night. I bet there's a lot of kids over here still asleep as I type!! Any truth to the rumor that LA said last week about Coach Milam going to Boyd? That would be a shocker to North I'm sure.
OP,
The information about Milam going to Boyd was announced on McKinneysports.net shortly after the game on Friday night.
Thanks DawgDad!! I really can't believe he's leaving after having so much success at North. 3 straight district championships in the first 4 years of the school playing varsity sports. I bet there's not many HS coaches who can say that on their resume. The guy is a great coach and an even better person. I wish him the best of luck at the new school. Do you know who all on the currentroster is going to be moving on to Boyd? It must be several kids for him to be leaving. Good luck through the playoffs.
FO – there are many people who are following this story. I know in our family, even though you do not know us, really do care and have Matt in our thoughts and prayers. As an alumnus of TT and being a north Metroplex local, I have followed Matt from HS to Tech.
More importantly, the type of injury hits close to home. My son tore his MCL, ACL and PCL. The later two were torn from the bone. Four surgeries later, he will be off to college to play baseball next year. Even though he has chosen another position to play after the injury, he has been given a green light to catch without a brace from his doctor.
Tell Matt to keep the faith and know that he will overcome this set back.
FOG
More importantly, the type of injury hits close to home. My son tore his MCL, ACL and PCL. The later two were torn from the bone. Four surgeries later, he will be off to college to play baseball next year. Even though he has chosen another position to play after the injury, he has been given a green light to catch without a brace from his doctor.
Tell Matt to keep the faith and know that he will overcome this set back.
FOG
Would only that the Ivy school my son attends, with its $2.6 billion (not a typo) endowment had the facilities and equipment to care for its athletes as well as TT.
Best of luck to Matt in his rehab.
Best of luck to Matt in his rehab.
Young Collikar (10 yrs old) got an email from Mr. Texas Tech today and was glad to hear from him. He told my son that he was working hard at rehab, etc... etc... (don't want to break their confidentiality, lol).
Once again, speaks highly of this young man to take time out to write my son.(They've never met.) Told him he'd be in town this weekend and was leaving something for him. I tear up
just thinking that here this injured young man is, and he's thinking about making sure he gets this 10yo a ball. Unbelievable!
MATT SMITH you ARE the MAN!
Once again, speaks highly of this young man to take time out to write my son.(They've never met.) Told him he'd be in town this weekend and was leaving something for him. I tear up
just thinking that here this injured young man is, and he's thinking about making sure he gets this 10yo a ball. Unbelievable!MATT SMITH you ARE the MAN!quote:even though you do not know us, really do care and have Matt in our thoughts and prayers.
Send me a PM, FanOGame, I'd like to hear about your son.
dbg_fan, seems like you said something about yours with an injury?
Thank you OU.
collikar, I guess we'll send him some money for gas to get home.
quote:Originally posted by FormerObserver:quote:even though you do not know us, really do care and have Matt in our thoughts and prayers.
Send me a PM, FanOGame, I'd like to hear about your son.
Another Red Raider. Not enough of them in the world.
quote:collikar, I guess we'll send him some money for gas to get home.
Sweet angel boy just wants to see his mommy and daddy and little bubba...
BRIEF UPDATE.
Been an interesting day.
A week off for final exams, so an extra week available for healing. Didn't look at the schedule closely enough.
Some jumping rope going on. (Slight understatment)
Some BP early, early before a game.
Can't squat.
A base running attempt coming up.......
One ball delivered...........
One lab technician scorched while analyzing a pee specimen.......
No response to some questions to the Big 12 and the NCAA.
Been an interesting day.
A week off for final exams, so an extra week available for healing. Didn't look at the schedule closely enough.
Some jumping rope going on. (Slight understatment)
Some BP early, early before a game.
Can't squat.
A base running attempt coming up.......
One ball delivered...........
One lab technician scorched while analyzing a pee specimen.......
No response to some questions to the Big 12 and the NCAA.
quote:No response to some questions to the Big 12 and the NCAA.
FO - that is pretty tight-lipped
Might the questions have to do with NCAA rules interpretations? A yes or no answer will suffice
Yes. Big 12 interpretations, specifically.
With apologies for resurrecting this, but some of you will appreciate this:
4/14 HBP - by Dinsmoore (Rumler, Eli);
4/18 HBP - Rumler, Eli
4/22 HBP - Rumler, Eli.
4/26 HBP - by Bunten (Rumler, Eli).
5/06 HBP - Rumler, Eli
4/14 HBP - by Dinsmoore (Rumler, Eli);
4/18 HBP - Rumler, Eli
4/22 HBP - Rumler, Eli.
4/26 HBP - by Bunten (Rumler, Eli).
5/06 HBP - Rumler, Eli
quote:With apologies for resurrecting this, but some of you will appreciate this:
4/14 HBP - by Dinsmoore (Rumler, Eli);
4/18 HBP - Rumler, Eli
4/22 HBP - Rumler, Eli.
4/26 HBP - by Bunten (Rumler, Eli).
5/06 HBP - Rumler, Eli
Rumler and Eli
Matt, FO, OP, and many others......
Funny how baseball works, eh?
I was watching a replay the other day of K-State and Kansas on Fox Sports and I threw at him 3 times.
Baseball Never Forgets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Baseball Never Forgets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3-6 in his first game back ---- NICE!