Need direction after major disappointment

I do not know enough about Area Code games to even THINK about giving an opinion as to "political" ramifications of their selections. But rest assured, I have a college aged player and we STILL run into the "political" fallout on occassion on different teams that he plays(ed) for. All I can say, and this is the same thing I tell my son AND repeat constantly to myself....what doesn't kill ya makes ya stronger! Just make sure to help him take something "positive" out of the situation....and then it won't seem all for naught!

I know nothing about A.C. Games, but it sounds a lot like life. You know, you work your tail off and someone swoops in and takes the glory for no apparent reason. It is aggravating and disheartening to say the least - but sometimes that's the way it is. What goes around - comes around. Your boy is far better off than the "golden child" because he is steeped in reality. If he is invited next year, you might ask what the current policy is for choosing the team - ie: is a tryout required? Just wondering because this is what happened in 2006 - then let them explain themselves. Hang in there. We have all been / or will be there at some point.

Hi Catcher Mom,....I responded to you on the other forum,...those men didnt seem to want to sympathize with you at all. Humpf to them,...like I said before,..I'll share a box of kleenex with ya and will help ya throw those baseballs at an old tree. You needed to vent,...I get that being a fellow baseball mom myself.
I think you'll find more sympathizing members here on the womans forum,...WE GET IT,..men dont always! Sorry guys, ha!

Blowing my nose with ya!

My son did go through Area Code one year....did not make the team....and a team was selected despite a day of rain when really no one had a chance to try-out.
I imagine that they pretty much already know who they want....and that's okay because your son did get some exposure. Mine got a some calls based on his try-out there.

I know it's not quite the same, but years ago my son auditioned for a show (singer/dancer type). Over 500 kids tried out and he made all but the last cut. As they announced the names of those who made the show, they said three kids - all in one family - we were familiar with because they had competed in dance competitions "against" our group. They attended the first try-out but never came back for call-backs.

My son broke down in tears (he was only about 9 at the time so give him a break) because he really thought he had made it based on watching the other kids perform and he kept saying but so-and-so (the other kids) never even finished or that kid forgot his lines, etc, etc.

It was his first lesson in selection by type and not just talent. It was his first lesson in sometimes they know what they are looking for and this time it isn't you (and in these other kids case, they had a lot of gymnastic skills as well.) It was his first lesson in if you want something bad enough, you have to work harder and try again. It truly left a lasting impression on him that has helped him face rejection as well as acceptance with calm and the knowledge the work goes on....if you want it bad enough.

As far as AC, the coaches had already seen the other kid play, saw what they were looking for and saw no reason to look any farther. It likely wasn't political per se....ie, I'll do you a favor sometime if you do me this one.....
I'm sure the other kid has ability so give him his due. For your son, it was a chance to be seen by a lot of coaches, and his name is out there.
For my son, he later got another call and got to make a nationally released video partly based on the exposure he had received from the other audition.

Keep working....his day will come!!
(And we'll all share the kleenex box with tears of joy)

BlueSky - That is a great post!

My son has never had a baseball disappointment until perhaps last year (his freshman year of college). My daughter, on the other hand, was never a protected player, sought after, etc. She has had several disappointments in athletics over the years. I've told people before that I admire her so much because despite the set backs, it never derailed her from something. She developed courage and strength to get back up there and do it again (whatever "it" might be). Kids that have to work harder for things learn different lessons than those that have an easy road. Lessons that will benefit them throughout their lives!

CatcherMom - Your son may feel some bitterness about the choices that have been made for this particular team, but I bet it won't stop him from going out and trying again somewhere else!

Sorry for dropping in.

I read shortstopmom's response with particular interest because as I read the responses in the other forum, it seemed to me we have the classic difference between men and women on this situation.

But let me say that I think THAT is great! Thats how our sons are raised...with two parents (hopefully) who bring a little different perspective to everything. You ladies are absolutely right in everything you have said...its just that people of my gender can't quite get that...its not in our genes, so to speak. But be certain that your sons need your perspective even more than from us dads.

At least thats the way it works in our house. I am 100% convinced that our son is where he is primarily because of his mother. She was the one who was CERTAIN he would achieve everything he has and much, much more down the road.

Keep doin' your job! As a male, I may not quite get it, but I've sure seen its effects and I respect it 100 times over.

quote:

I am 100% convinced that our son is where he is primarily because of his mother.

Justbb - You're welcome here anytime!!!

You just go ahead and vent!! But I'll bet you by today you're cooling off somewhat. There is nothing wrong with suspecting that there are some political implications for some of these decisions. The gentlemen on this website prefer to believe that the baseball world is still about ability, sheer grit, will and sweat. I may not know much about baseball but I can read the writing on the wall. The guys may want to ignore the writing on the wall..but it is there. And what does one do about it: nothing. You just can't.

It is important and absolutely essential to figure out how you teach a kid about the foibles of the world. I am the passionate, fist-shaking parent...and I can't stand inequality, bias and unfairness. I also can't stand seeing my kid "lose" (and I don't mean in games) an opportunity. I also can't stand to see him make a mistake or an error! And he's a PITCHER..so you can imagine how nerve-wracking my life is when he's playing!! Nevertheless, I keep all this inside...my husband gets a few explosions from me. But never in front of my son.

I think the message we give to him is: pick your battles and don't sweat the small stuff. So you don't make a team...big deal. It is their loss not having you. Move on. Know your ability and talent and work hard. He knows he's good because he's had a lot of great opportunities. Some fell in his lap. Some came from his ability. And, frankly, some came from political manueverings. So I know firsthand that it does help to know people. He also didn't make an area code team this past month. He came home from the tryout not only impressed with how many GOOD players there were but how many MARGINAL players there were, too. He knew he was right in there with the best of them and that gave him a whole bunch of confidence..and he's a confident guy to begin with.
Some background: My son has never been on a winning team. Ever. Never made it to a play-off, championship. Since he started playing sports in kindergarten, his teams have always been mediocre to downright horrible. Now that he's in high school, his expectations have risen a bit. And yet his high school team can barely get but a few wins a season. Somehow he's worked hard and gotten to places that even amaze him. So when my son has disappointments, he can handle it. It is the parent (like myself) who has watched my son and his teams lose continually that has a hard time accepting yet another slight. I wonder how he can take it...but I know he can. Because I helped make him that way!!!

Thanks for all the encouragement gals. I did throw baseballs at the trees. My other kids were laughing because of course I can't hit the broad side of a barn-but it did help get out the bad energy.

We will continue to go forward and travel the path it is meant to go. I do wish the other catcher well as we know him and his family and he does deserve kudos.

I guess my problem I was hoping for the best and we didn't get it. But after reading the posts here and in the general forum area, everybodys different opinions and thoughts certainly help in looking at things.

I do appreciate all the help that was given.

You all have a wonderful day!!!

To : Justbaseball

Nothing better than a smart brave man,..who is "man-enough" to give kudos to the wifey and to actually take interest in what us moms might be saying.
I say,..you're a keeper!