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My story

TenndadTenndad500+ posts
Maybe we are not communicating with some newer members because they don’t understand what we’ve been through. Here is my story and I welcome anyone else to share there story so some of the newer members will know a little about us old high school baseball web members.

Thanks BBscout, Amom, Infielddad, LHPmom and others for the pep talks and friendship because it meant alot. When a dear friend like OPP quits it’s very hard on some of us who have been here for seven years and formed long lasting bonds over something unnecessary. We have all been through a lot to be where we are today.

Baseball has been hard on my family and it has also been some of the best times of our lives. There have been some highs and lows over the years. My oldest son liked me as a coach and excelled no matter how hard I pushed him and I pushed him very hard since we were from a small rural town and played against the big city boys with there ex-major league instructors. We played from Louisiana to Kentucky and enjoyed every minute.

The second son thought I was too hard on him and rebelled till something happened and we thought he couldn’t ever play baseball again and he realized he loved it more than he ever thought he did. Found out later his arm was only strained and he continued. He also realized I loved him no matter if he played ball or not.

My oldest son never quit improving till his junior year in college and he stumbled after starting just about every game since little league no matter who the coach was. He had been drafted out of high school as an all state player and was all conference his freshman and sophomore years in college.

What happened?

I think he got to thinking too much about what he was supposed to do and forgot how to relax and hit. There was too much thinking going on during every pitch. He is now down from 245 to 226 and is in the best shape of his life since this is his final season and its all or nothing. I told him I had never quit believing in him and I thought he had forgotten how to have fun. Enjoy your senior season and give it your best shot. With a good season he could be in the top ten of just about every offensive and defensive career list at his university. As a coach, I hope he shows everyone this year what he is made of.

Second son is continually getting stronger and better now that he has knowledgeable people who work with him every day on his pitching and he is doing it because it’s what he wants. He said they clocked him over 90 a couples times Last week in JUCO practice and if it is true the weights, long toss, mechanical changes, and running are paying off and he is maturing/growing up on a personal level.

Our goal when they were growing up was to play college ball and be the best they could be, anything else was icing on the cake.

Like Bob, BBscout, PG Staff, HV, TRhit, Jolly Roger, Fungo, BeentherIL, CBG, Redbird5, Aparent, Amom, Futurebackmom, Frankf, Tigerpawmom, PAmom, Catfish, OPP, Bighit15 and others did with their boys. It was always about being the best you could be in something you loved. It was the love of parents for there sons to help them see there dreams come true with the talent god have given them. It was simply the love of the game that was passed down to them from us.

I have shared everything from high fives to tears. I have let them stand on there own two feet but was always there to help them up when they stumbled. I told them that character was what you get when you hit rock bottom and you want to give up but you don’t. You find a way to make things work and you continue on after no one else believes you can or will. You live, You learn and You move on.

Do we live through our sons? Yes! We beam from there accomplishments and hurt when they stumble. Why? Because we love them and want them to go as far as they can. Every player hangs up his glove at some point but the question is when!

Lets just say old timers / wagoneers have built up memories of everything that has gone right and wrong on the paths to where we are today. It doesn’t make us better than anyone else, just more experienced with the curves a baseball life throws at you over the years. Sometimes we can help a new member from making the same mistakes we did. It’s our job to help the people coming behind us from taking the hard road with there talented ball players because they didn’t know any better. This site is about information for people to make the best decisions they can for their player and family.

I have an Agenda. To finish what we started together no matter what the outcome. I have made many friends along the way and lots on this site that I have never met in person. I am a far richer person for the experience baseball and this site has given me.

Poem:
Your not just my parent
Your also my best friend
You know me and understand me
Better than anyone else
You believe in where I’m going
Because you know where I’ve been
You share my favorite memories
You understand my dearest dreams
Because they are as much a part of you
As they are a part of me

We have shared joy and pain with different members here on this website as an overall baseball family. Why? Because this place has been like no other with caring and loving people who reach out to each other when in need. That’s why I’ve kept coming back here year after year.

Because you are all like family!

I hope everyone has a great season in 2005!
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OriolesFanOriolesFan100+ posts
TEnnDad, thanks for putting so much care and thought into your post. I know you have spoken for so many of us who are living through the same experiences.
Also, this website has been a large part of the positive experiences we have had in baseball these last 10 years - because of the wisdom and humor of the websters, as well as their willingness to share their triumphs as well as their heartbreaks. It truly is a family!
jemazjemaz1,000+ posts
Great post that was clearly from the heart, Tenndad. Having lived through many similar experiences, I understand. I also understand many of the things you know now that you did not know before, which are the things you and others can share on this sight for those going through those things for the first time. And that is the best reason of all for the "old timers" to stick around, despite the occasional messiness.
S SBK500+ posts
Well said jemazz.

There's a wealth of experiece here as well as some darn good people we probably will never see face to face. With all the garbage the Internet can distribute, the good stuff on this site makes up for it. There's even that one grumpy old guy that behind his tough veneer I have a feeling is a pretty good fellow.

To all, thanks for sharing!
FrankFFrankF1,000+ posts
Tenndad,

Very nice post. There truly are similarities in our experiences.

My story.

I found this site by accident while browsing the net back in the Rival days. Fell in love with it immediately. My son was a junior in HS and had just gotten his first MLB contact card to fill out. Not knowing anything at the time, I posted wondering just what did this mean. One poster (who I imagine is either long gone or changed his attitude) pretty well let me have it and said it didn’t mean squat and how he had already filled out dozen’s of them. A couple “old timers” responded, filled me in and made me feel at home. With a few hiccups, I’ve felt at home ever since. There are some things I’d rather not post and not wanting to feel too stupid, I PM’d some posters and got great feedback.

While Pueblo has great HS baseball, there are very few college scouts ever in attendance. A couple area JUCO’s and the local DII. The issues of showcasing or not are varied and many. In our area, IMO, it’s a must if you want to play at a DI. Now I am aware that there is nothing wrong with playing JUCO, DIII, DII, NAIA. I would like to think that we want our son’s to be challenged in whatever they do. I’ve always been accused of not thinking highly enough of my son. Don’t get me wrong, in my eyes he’s the greatest, but I’ve never been accused of wearing rose colored glasses. Maybe because I was his coach growing up and didn’t take it easy on him. I always saw a potential and let him know that it was up to him to see how far it could take him. I never forced anything on him but was there when he needed me. One time I told him it was okay with me if he didn’t want to play anymore and wanted to pursue other interests. He looked at me incredulously and asked why I would even think that. He truly loves the game. We’ve (HSBBW) talked about tools, ability, etc… One thing I’ve always been impressed with is my son has always wanted the ball against the best. He doesn’t throw mid 90’s and have the “nastiest” stuff, he just plays his heart out. Whatever happens, that’s good enough for me.

The HSBBW has helped me and my son in ways far greater than just baseball. I see and read what others are going through. The successes and failures are not only part of baseball, but part of life. I thank Bob for this site and everyone who has helped make this such a great site. I’d like to think it will be around to help players for years to come.

Some may find this hard to believe, but I truly hope the best for everyone in their endeavors whatever they may be. We are family.

God Bless.
TPMTPMHSBaseballweb Member since 2003
Tenndad,
Great post.
Are we living our lives through our sons accomplishments? Yup, you bet! The process never ends, even when they leave HS, it really is just beginning.

My son called the other day and in conversation told his dad, that he couldn't believe his first college game is coming up this weekend. He sounded excited, in awe and a little bit apprehensive. I am sure glad he shared that with his dad.
As I said, it is the start of a new phase, and I am glad to share it with those that are interested.
Thanks again Tenndad and good luck to your sons.
Last edited by TPM
FungoFungoHighly Regarded and Beloved Old Timer
Tenndad,
Thanks for telling your story!! I have been away from the board all day and just dropped in and was amazed at the turnaround the board has made in two days. In depth information like yours is so valuable to the parents and the players. I always appreciate your information because you and your son were always breaking "new ground" around here. You son Josh was always the role model for younger players around this area and my son always admired him and his accomplishments. Best of luck to both your sons this next year... and thanks again!
Fungo
K KnuckleCurve100+ posts
Frank F & Tenndad,

Thank you both for great posts. We are on the front side of the baseball wave since my son is only 13. However, it's posts like these that force me to slow down and enjoy this ride. I realize it is impossible to know how far my son will go...so I am going to try and enjoy every day I can!!!

The baseball community has a very special bond and it's posts like these that provide further proof of just how special it is.

PLAY BALL!!!!
Last edited by KnuckleCurve
FutureBack.MomFutureBack.Mom1,000+ posts
TennDad ...

Thanks so much for sharing your story. I do believe that I birthed a child who is 1/2 of your older son and 1/2 of your younger son. We have encountered many similar situations along our baseball path. And yes, I do live through my son's accomplishments, on and off the mound. It has been a wonderful ride, as you well know.

I am sorry to see that Paris is so far from Kodak ... if mine makes it that far, it would have been fun to meet up with another HSBBWebster.

FrankF ...

Buddy ... you know how I feel. We may have more "baseball" colleges in So Cal than Colorado, but our youngins may have more in common than most believe.
A amom500+ posts
TennDad and Frank- you guys are just great!
The sons of posters on this site have so much talent- at times it must seem to others that there is, or never was a struggle!

Even the best of players struggle, have off days, and have to work their ----- off to achieve what they do!

Generous old time posters such as both of you are willing to share the good and the bad days. That paves the way for others to step up and discuss the frustrations of this game without being intimidated.

Thanks to all who share!
L lafmom5,000+ posts
TennDad, Thank you for sharing your story. One of the reasons I have enjoyed this site is because of the mixture of "old timers" and "newbies" like myself. I feel comfort in sharing my story with others that are going through the same processes now as my family. I feel encouragement and confidence when I receive advice from ones that have been through my journey already. I also feel excitement when I can share my experiences with those that are younger.

The old-timers are obviously an invaluable resource to this site and to us posters. Thanks to all who have taken time to share.
C Catfish1,000+ posts
TennDad...Thanks for sharing from the heart. It has been a long and sometimes rough road for many of us as we travel through this maze called the life of a baseball player and his family. Your story sheds light on the paths for new members so they may have a clearer vision of what may lie ahead of them and some possible "short cuts" (guidance) around some possible road blocks.

Frank F...Thanks to you as well. It takes a lot to open up your heart to "strangers". However, for the greater good of our fellow websters and this website, we make the sacrifice.

...Which is all the more reason, us old timers need to stick around. Big Grin
infielddadinfielddad10,000+ posts
TennDad, I hope you can get some of those Tennessee folks back on the board. Nothing funnier than some of those "RayBans" stories. Seriously, it would be spectacular if there was a way of recreating a history of this site. There have been very memorable posts throughout from Been and his "dismissal" of the Ivy's to OPP and the successes of OPP, Jr and his very funny and self depricating way of accepting Kudos, to your own very poignant post several months back about your personal life and experiences. Among the most moving for me was the post of HSBBW himself concerning Andy, himself, baseball, the family and the draft. For every parent or player who comes to this site, that single post from Bob could speak volumes and provide a sense of balance and reality.
LM Lil Man's Dad10+ posts
As a new member, I would just like to say, "I think this really is Heaven. "And, all of you certainly are a family. That means both the good and the bad.

Having read so many wonderful posts from the longtime members I would just like to say that we all need you. Personally I thank you so very much for providing me with so much insight to make decisions with. I truly hope that we will not lose that gift.
W Will1,000+ posts
We all have stories but they all revolve around baseball and our sons. My son was never on the tournament team or the all star team. he played in high school. No all conference or anything like that. early on the some other kids were bigger stronger. Some of them because of this got by because of it. And yes there were times when I felt he got the short end of the stick but that is the way it goes. Sometimes I was the parent who sat next to the other parent who boasted about his kid after he played. At times mine was on the bench. but I noticed his baseball skills getting better. Not dramatically but little by little. he just loved baseball. Off to college he went. He found out when baseball started. So in the fall he decided to give it a try. I told him do everything they ask. Mow the lawn rake the field you know. Well that spring I sat in the stands reading the program and looking at the pictures next to their names all this and all that. My son picture and where he went to high school period. Well the college experience is winding downone more year. He has not been all conference. His playing time has not what he would like but has done well when gotten the chance. he has hung in there and worked hard. I go to as many games as I can. yes the parents of those that start are there. I have to be there. He has to look up and see me. I have to be there when he gets the opportunity. Last season he got a start in an important game at the end of the season. On his first at bat he hit it out of the park. He rounded third and pointed to me. Somebody went and got the ball. What went in to that moment is what this game and life is all about. We hear of sons looking up to their dads. In this case it is just the oposite.
dadchs20dadchs20100+ posts
TennDad and Frank F...you both have made my day. Your posts were some of the most well spoken that I have ever had the pleasure to read on any internet site. I too live my life through my sons, and yes I look up to them both emotionally and physically, too funny. The greatest gift god gives me is the fact I can spend one more day with the both of them. Believe me, it is cherished. No matter how far baseball takes my youngest son, I will be along for the ride. Matters not if he never plays college/pro or whatever, he will always be my friend. I try oh so hard not to get caught up in all the sniping on the board when people make such negative comments. This board was designed by people who had a love for baseball, and wanted to share their experiences with others, and to help them on their journeys. I wish everyone on this board would remember that, and appreciate all the help they have gotten over the years, and hopefully will pass that along to someone else. Because there will always be baseball players and parents who are on the journey. Stay positive! I truly wish each and everyone of your sons a successful baseball career and life, no matter where that takes them. We have never had the opportunity to meet in person, members of this website. But I feel we are truly friends, because I have always gotten great advice for my son, and congratulations on his achievements (thx RHP05PARENT, you are the best). You will always always be family to me, even when my sons playing days are over! take care and god bless.
TenndadTenndad500+ posts
Will:

Wonderful story! You did a great job with that young man and have every reason to be proud of him. Your a great dad for supporting him the way you have and sound like your lucky player knows it well!

Frankf:
You and I have alot in common. Its very hard for boys from small towns to make it. The old big fish in a small pond theory but when they have earned an oppertunity like the East Coast Pro showcase or something similar and hold there own then you have something special.

You just don't know how much talent is out there to you attend one of these events and then it hits you like a ten pound sledge hammer that these college/pro coaches have lots of choices to choose from and if they can't get your kid there are more just like him in the surrounding states.

One of my favorite memories will always be when my son worked out in Bush Stadium with the Cardinals and Cincinatti with the Reds before the 2001 draft. It makes you realize just how good these young men have to be to make it.

Just remember if they do or don't the great memories and things you got to do with your sons or daughters, that you otherwise would have never got to experience. For me they been some of the best of my life as a die hard baseball fan. They are things you will always have in common with your kids later on in life when those grandchildren come along.

Bob, Fungo,TRhit, BBscout,BeenthereIl, Hiwassee Vol, and others have great stories. You never appreciate how you've had it till you have put yourself in someone elses shoes who's had it much harder than we did.

I hope more people will share there stories. Some will be happy and some tearfull as we realize the sacrifices some have made to get where they are. No one ever said baseball would be easy and it isn't.
Last edited by Tenndad

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