Great thread, please keep these posts coming.
quote:Originally posted by observer44:
.
CD...
This hit me last night and I have been very, very concerned about it all day...
I am afraid that I have seriously miscalculated...
There already is a great thread dedicated to the post college expereince, "Going pro"...dedicated to our dear bbscout. In my haste and exuberance I think I have made a tremendous blunder to request to add this new thread...when one already existed and might only have been suggested to be double linked to give it more visibility.
I would like to offer sincere apologies and request to incorporate the two threads into one "Going Pro", then add the "Going Pro" thread to the top of the general items as a second link as we have the other reporting threads.
This double location, the name, and the dedication would both give the thread more visibility/use/importance, and help to preserve the memory and the legacy of bbscout.
With sincere apologies.
44
No need to apologize.
Doughnut Man had the same idea a few months back and I told him I didn't think we had enough of an interest in the topic because so few of our members were in the pros. I apologize to him because it appears I was wrong.
its - congrats to your family as that is one heck of a Father's Day gift.
Lovely story, jersey, beautifully written.
Great news from its!
Hey, Going Pro hasn't gotten as much traffic as it should, probably because of the tempting-baseball-gods thing. There will be much news over the next few months --- let's have it all!
Yeah, Team HSBaseballWeb!
Great news from its!
Hey, Going Pro hasn't gotten as much traffic as it should, probably because of the tempting-baseball-gods thing. There will be much news over the next few months --- let's have it all!
Yeah, Team HSBaseballWeb!
Orlando,
I agree - I love hearing about all the boys and their experiences. I would also encourage folks to share on Facebook. Many of the pro parents share stories there as well as pics which I adore! Loved yours of your trip and A!!! Good stuff!!
I agree - I love hearing about all the boys and their experiences. I would also encourage folks to share on Facebook. Many of the pro parents share stories there as well as pics which I adore! Loved yours of your trip and A!!! Good stuff!!
I'll share a little bit of a different story.
Yesterday, Father's Day, exactly three Father's Days since my son was hit in the face in Cape Cod...well, he was the starting pitcher (just like three years ago) for his minor league team, the Fort Wayne TinCaps. Being a little bit of a superstitious person, I was a little more nervous than usual.
With good reason I guess...he gave up 8 (yes EIGHT!
) runs in the 2nd inning...all earned. There were bloops and infield hits and "hits" that probably shoulda been errors...but EIGHT runs on EIGHT hits nonetheless. Thankfully, he came back to pitch a flawless ('cept for an E-6) 3rd and 4th innings.
I felt bad for him. I can never remember him having an inning like that...even close to that...ever. Not in youth ball nor HS nor anywhere else. Maybe only in the minor leagues is an inning like that even possible?
All kinds of "excuses" ran through my mind. His team had clinched the 1st half of the season division title the day before. Most of the players were headed out immediately after the game to visit girlfriends, family due to the all star break. Early Sunday game (not normal). Father's Day. Blah, blah, blah.
But there is a very good finish to this story. I'm in Arizona for the JO's with the younger boy so I texted him before his game even ended up North, "Nice recovery, hang in there, I love you."
Pretty shortly after the minor league son's game ended my phone rings.
"Hey Dad, HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!"..."I just wanted to call and make sure you know I love you and hope you're having a good day Dad."
And then we talked...about his younger brother's heroics the day before in a tight game in Phoenix...he was happy and proud of him...and we talked about his own 8-run inning that day. He was fine. Said "I've never experienced anything like that in my life!" He said he wasn't really concerned...only one hard hit ball. And he said he'd be fine...but wanted to make sure I was fine too.
I figure that was kinda hard to do...knowing how competitive he is. But it sure made me feel good and was about as good a Father's Day present as I coulda ever imagined (well, 8 scoreless innings woulda been a little better!
) .
Baseball is about picking yourself up after a tough day. He knows that, I know that. But family, thats what counts and I was gratified to have it affirmed that he sees it that way too!
(I'm just hoping it isn't his turn in the rotation next Father's day!
).
Yesterday, Father's Day, exactly three Father's Days since my son was hit in the face in Cape Cod...well, he was the starting pitcher (just like three years ago) for his minor league team, the Fort Wayne TinCaps. Being a little bit of a superstitious person, I was a little more nervous than usual.
With good reason I guess...he gave up 8 (yes EIGHT!
) runs in the 2nd inning...all earned. There were bloops and infield hits and "hits" that probably shoulda been errors...but EIGHT runs on EIGHT hits nonetheless. Thankfully, he came back to pitch a flawless ('cept for an E-6) 3rd and 4th innings.I felt bad for him. I can never remember him having an inning like that...even close to that...ever. Not in youth ball nor HS nor anywhere else. Maybe only in the minor leagues is an inning like that even possible?
All kinds of "excuses" ran through my mind. His team had clinched the 1st half of the season division title the day before. Most of the players were headed out immediately after the game to visit girlfriends, family due to the all star break. Early Sunday game (not normal). Father's Day. Blah, blah, blah.
But there is a very good finish to this story. I'm in Arizona for the JO's with the younger boy so I texted him before his game even ended up North, "Nice recovery, hang in there, I love you."
Pretty shortly after the minor league son's game ended my phone rings.
"Hey Dad, HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!"..."I just wanted to call and make sure you know I love you and hope you're having a good day Dad."
And then we talked...about his younger brother's heroics the day before in a tight game in Phoenix...he was happy and proud of him...and we talked about his own 8-run inning that day. He was fine. Said "I've never experienced anything like that in my life!" He said he wasn't really concerned...only one hard hit ball. And he said he'd be fine...but wanted to make sure I was fine too.
I figure that was kinda hard to do...knowing how competitive he is. But it sure made me feel good and was about as good a Father's Day present as I coulda ever imagined (well, 8 scoreless innings woulda been a little better!
) .Baseball is about picking yourself up after a tough day. He knows that, I know that. But family, thats what counts and I was gratified to have it affirmed that he sees it that way too!
(I'm just hoping it isn't his turn in the rotation next Father's day!
).
justbaseball,
I've had similiar experiences as a father. Everyone has some days like that. The trick is to figure out what happened and why, then forget that day and move on. Easier said than done! Sounds like Erik has that part figured out and it will serve him well. Sometimes I think the tough days are harder on the parents than they are on the players. You have a good kid there, congratulations!
I've had similiar experiences as a father. Everyone has some days like that. The trick is to figure out what happened and why, then forget that day and move on. Easier said than done! Sounds like Erik has that part figured out and it will serve him well. Sometimes I think the tough days are harder on the parents than they are on the players. You have a good kid there, congratulations!
JB,
Wow, you are right 3 years ago. I remember that morning like yesterday (I am sure you do too) getting an email from a webster about ED. Then having to go to watch son's team play at Rosenblatt, that was tough to be in a good mood that day with that sick in the stomach feeling.
ED will put it behind him, after all that has happened and he has overcome, he can do anything.
Wow, you are right 3 years ago. I remember that morning like yesterday (I am sure you do too) getting an email from a webster about ED. Then having to go to watch son's team play at Rosenblatt, that was tough to be in a good mood that day with that sick in the stomach feeling.
ED will put it behind him, after all that has happened and he has overcome, he can do anything.
A very heart warming story justbb, thank you. You've raised a great one! My son had his second pro relief appearance today. He had a good performance but as I'm listening on the internet to his second inning I hear a "crack" and the announcer quickly say "wow, that come-backer just missed his face.... that young man's lucky he still has teeth" I was sick to my stomach thinking what might have been. I had no idea until I just read your post that this was the time of year your son was so badly injured. I'm very thankfully the story was different this time. Baseball is such an emotional roller coaster is so many ways.
I was sick to my stomach thinking what might have been. I had no idea until I just read your post that this was the time of year your son was so badly injured. I'm very thankfully the story was different this time. Baseball is such an emotional roller coaster is so many ways.
justbaseball,
Very touching post, very touching. I sure do remember that scary time three years ago. Erik has recovered amazingly well, hasn't he?!
Julie
Very touching post, very touching. I sure do remember that scary time three years ago. Erik has recovered amazingly well, hasn't he?!
Julie
RHP05Parent,
Yikes, that has got to be tough to hear, but what a relief that it missed him.
Julie
Yikes, that has got to be tough to hear, but what a relief that it missed him.
Julie
Update: Son reported that the announcer was stretching things a bit in his commentary and the comebacker was not THAT close. Not sure if he was just making me feel better or not, but I'm very thankful .... however I will hurt that announcer if I ever meet up with him!!! 
RHP,
Most pitchers can handle the line drive back at them, it's the shattered, splintered wood bat you have to look out for.
Those things fly like missles in all directions.
Most pitchers can handle the line drive back at them, it's the shattered, splintered wood bat you have to look out for.
Those things fly like missles in all directions.
.
Yes TPM...indeed they do!
Yes TPM...indeed they do!
TPM -
Agree, flying wood at a pitcher is just as scary. On the other hand, breaking a wood bat can be pretty fun for a pitcher. Son broke his first pro bat last week .... sweet.
Agree, flying wood at a pitcher is just as scary.
On the other hand, breaking a wood bat can be pretty fun for a pitcher. Son broke his first pro bat last week .... sweet.
Explain to me what breaking a bat has to do with a pitcher or a batter.
quote:Originally posted by BobbleheadDoll:
Explain to me what breaking a bat has to do with a pitcher or a batter.
Pitchers who can get the ball in on the batter's hand can snap off the wood bat if the batter does not keep his hands in.
It was a badge of honor for the guys at the WWBA as to how many bats the pitcher can snap off during the tournament. The guys would take pictures of all the broken bats in the dugouts.
There was a guy on one of our travel teams who just bought 4 wood bats before a wood bat tournament. He had a very long homerun swing, needless to say he broke all of his bats because he did not learn how to keep his hands in and had a long swing and the ball bore in on his hands breaking all of his bats before the end of the tournament, one of them on one swing of the brand new bat!
Everyone should enjoy this one ...
Son is in the Arizona League, which doesn't have any radio coverage. The pro version of "Game Tracker" leaves a lot to be desired too ...
... while monitoring the CWS on TV last night, I loaded up "Pro Semi-Tracker" to monitor how the team was doing. As it was getting late, I was shutting everything down and getting ready to turn in. I hit "refresh" for one last time on my 'puter and there, in black and white was the words "Pitcher Change: H3 Junior replaces......". It was the top of the 7th inning. I'm working out of town this week and I knew the wife was home asleep, so I thought I'd better call her and let her know.
The 11:30PM phone call went well. Mom was excited that her son finally had a pro-ERA, even though we were expecting him to pitch on thursday. No problem. "Think he'll pitch the next inning?" she asked. "Probably" was my immediate response. "I'll call you when the finally post they next inning.
Aside: For those who have never had to suffer thru "Pro Semi-Tracker", here is how it works. At the end of each half inning, some one in the press box keys in one word sentences for all of the key action from the prior inning. Then the entire half inning is posted at once ... sometimes. They get behind, sometimes posting the entire inning all at once ... or two innings at once. You may wait 15 minutes between updates ... or 45 minutes ... no telling.
11:50 PM ... the top of the 8th is posted. Again, I wake my wife. We discuss the ramifications of what we are reading and wondering little things like pitch counts, is he getting ahead of hitters (batter counts when the ball is put into play are NOT included in the report). Again the familiar "Call me with the next report". "Ok" was my response.
12:30 PM ... long delay before the next update. While waiting, I zap off a congratulatory text message to my son's cell phone. Finally, the results are posted for the top of the 9th. "Pitcher Change: John Smith now pitching for Greg Johnson." ??? Greg Johnson ???? Did I miss a pitcher change? I start scrolling back through the game report. Nothing in the 8th, but at the top of the 7th inning the "Pitcher Change" now says Greg Johnson instead of H3 Junior.... oops. Someone made a boo-boo ... gotta call and wake up the wife and tell her "nevermind". Gotta zap an explanatory text message to junior, he's going to be confused by the congrats earlier... Gotta get off the caffeine and get to bed so I can actually work tomorrow .... head start spinning.
Wife laughed, even though it was 12:45AM when we finished talking. She's a sweet gal. Gotta figure out how to get through this summer though.
Take care all.
Son is in the Arizona League, which doesn't have any radio coverage. The pro version of "Game Tracker" leaves a lot to be desired too ...
... while monitoring the CWS on TV last night, I loaded up "Pro Semi-Tracker" to monitor how the team was doing. As it was getting late, I was shutting everything down and getting ready to turn in. I hit "refresh" for one last time on my 'puter and there, in black and white was the words "Pitcher Change: H3 Junior replaces......". It was the top of the 7th inning. I'm working out of town this week and I knew the wife was home asleep, so I thought I'd better call her and let her know.
The 11:30PM phone call went well. Mom was excited that her son finally had a pro-ERA, even though we were expecting him to pitch on thursday. No problem. "Think he'll pitch the next inning?" she asked. "Probably" was my immediate response. "I'll call you when the finally post they next inning.
Aside: For those who have never had to suffer thru "Pro Semi-Tracker", here is how it works. At the end of each half inning, some one in the press box keys in one word sentences for all of the key action from the prior inning. Then the entire half inning is posted at once ... sometimes. They get behind, sometimes posting the entire inning all at once ... or two innings at once. You may wait 15 minutes between updates ... or 45 minutes ... no telling.
11:50 PM ... the top of the 8th is posted. Again, I wake my wife. We discuss the ramifications of what we are reading and wondering little things like pitch counts, is he getting ahead of hitters (batter counts when the ball is put into play are NOT included in the report). Again the familiar "Call me with the next report". "Ok" was my response.
12:30 PM ... long delay before the next update. While waiting, I zap off a congratulatory text message to my son's cell phone. Finally, the results are posted for the top of the 9th. "Pitcher Change: John Smith now pitching for Greg Johnson." ??? Greg Johnson ???? Did I miss a pitcher change? I start scrolling back through the game report. Nothing in the 8th, but at the top of the 7th inning the "Pitcher Change" now says Greg Johnson instead of H3 Junior.... oops. Someone made a boo-boo ... gotta call and wake up the wife and tell her "nevermind". Gotta zap an explanatory text message to junior, he's going to be confused by the congrats earlier... Gotta get off the caffeine and get to bed so I can actually work tomorrow .... head start spinning.
Wife laughed, even though it was 12:45AM when we finished talking. She's a sweet gal. Gotta figure out how to get through this summer though.
Take care all.
H3,
Have you not tried milb scoreboard. It doesn't give you balls/stikes etc but you can check the boxscore and recap after each inning.
Have you not tried milb scoreboard. It doesn't give you balls/stikes etc but you can check the boxscore and recap after each inning.
H3 - Thanks for sharing that!! Made me laugh!!
Welcome to the minor leagues, H3!
Fun, ain't it?
Fun, ain't it?
D's first hit as a AA player was a game winner tonight.
quote:Originally posted by TPM:
H3,
Have you not tried milb scoreboard. It doesn't give you balls/stikes etc but you can check the boxscore and recap after each inning.
Yeah .... it works if they are updating it more frequently than once every 2-3 innings ... I've waited for an hour for an update .... o well.
quote:Originally posted by itsinthegame:
D's first hit as a AA player was a game winner tonight.
Great news Paul .... pass on my congrats to Darin.
B - I most definitely will.
And I am watching and waiting for Tom to get that pro debut. Please tell him that we are all rooting for him!!!
And I am watching and waiting for Tom to get that pro debut. Please tell him that we are all rooting for him!!!
He hits the mound tomorrow.
Have two guys on rehab assignment that are going to split the first 2 innings under the watchful eye of the director of rehab, then junior hits the mound.
Have two guys on rehab assignment that are going to split the first 2 innings under the watchful eye of the director of rehab, then junior hits the mound.
quote:Originally posted by itsinthegame:
D's first hit as a AA player was a game winner tonight.
Is that all he did?
Obviously, huge congrats to Darin!
H3 - that is a great story as I am still chuckling over it
FO - no it ain't as fun imho. I find myself rooting for stats and the outcome of the team does not seem as important anymore. Maybe I just need more training
Great stories, I loved reading them all and congrats sounds like fun.
I'll share a couple stories.
First pro start was at Orem. He hadn't pitched other than rookie ball for over a year coming off Tommy John surgery. The moving vans were pulling into my second new home in the last year and my wife and I debated going. She finally convinced me that I should go and that she could take care of getting all my precious junk moved into the house. So I jumped on a plane to Salt Lake. I had lunch with him and we talked. I was nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. He was cool as a cucumber. I get to the stadium early and wind up having a half hour conversation with the Angels GM. Then I find a place to watch the game all alone. He pitched like a seasoned pro. 7 great innings and a win. I still have the score card I kept that night and I usually don't do that at games. I remember sitting in the stands crying, I was so proud that he had made it back.
The next start was the next season in the Midwest league. First game of the year was in Beloit Wisconsin about 90 minutes from my home. I was bouncing around the house getting ready to pick up my younger son from school and my wife to go to the game. The phone rings and it is Nick. He tells me he forgot his spikes in Cedar Rapids and could I bring him a pair. The kid wore size 15 shoes so it wasn't like you could go to Walmart and pick up a pair. So I grabbed the only pair of spikes that I could find, an ugly red pair and go to the game. It was freezing, snowed most of the game but I just kept looking at those red spikes and laughing. He may have moved on but they still need us, whether its moving a car or bringing a pair of spikes.
I'll share a couple stories.
First pro start was at Orem. He hadn't pitched other than rookie ball for over a year coming off Tommy John surgery. The moving vans were pulling into my second new home in the last year and my wife and I debated going. She finally convinced me that I should go and that she could take care of getting all my precious junk moved into the house. So I jumped on a plane to Salt Lake. I had lunch with him and we talked. I was nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. He was cool as a cucumber. I get to the stadium early and wind up having a half hour conversation with the Angels GM. Then I find a place to watch the game all alone. He pitched like a seasoned pro. 7 great innings and a win. I still have the score card I kept that night and I usually don't do that at games. I remember sitting in the stands crying, I was so proud that he had made it back.
The next start was the next season in the Midwest league. First game of the year was in Beloit Wisconsin about 90 minutes from my home. I was bouncing around the house getting ready to pick up my younger son from school and my wife to go to the game. The phone rings and it is Nick. He tells me he forgot his spikes in Cedar Rapids and could I bring him a pair. The kid wore size 15 shoes so it wasn't like you could go to Walmart and pick up a pair. So I grabbed the only pair of spikes that I could find, an ugly red pair and go to the game. It was freezing, snowed most of the game but I just kept looking at those red spikes and laughing. He may have moved on but they still need us, whether its moving a car or bringing a pair of spikes.
. deldad...
Know those 15's well at our home as well...and it's always the Red ones that are left...this week it was the Red 18's...thanks for Sharing..
44
.
Know those 15's well at our home as well...and it's always the Red ones that are left...this week it was the Red 18's...thanks for Sharing..
44.
.
How is this for a day's work (professional)..
Player.............AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO
B, T SS..3..2..2..1..1..0..0...1...0
44
.
How is this for a day's work (professional)..
Player.............AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO
B, T SS..3..2..2..1..1..0..0...1...0
.
Outstanding!! Congrats ClevelandDad!
Awesome!!!
quote:Posted June 25, 2009 12:36 AM Hide Post
.
How is this for a day's work (professional)..
Player.............AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO
B, T SS..3..2..2..1..1..0..0...1...0
that's a very nice day at work. keep hitting like that and there will be many more day's at work.
as a scout told my son.
"this will be the first time in your life you play for your self. sure you want the team to do well, but everybody on your team wants your job. you play everyday for your baseball life."
Kudo's to all who continue to live the dream. Enjoy every second of it!!
quote:Player.............AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO
B, T SS..3..2..2..1..1..0..0...1...0
Different kind of fun, ain't it?
Congrats to Tyler and CD.
Continued success unless he's going up a certain right hander that I know.
Continued success unless he's going up a certain right hander that I know.
There are times when the team comes together, playoffs especially. Other than that, you will not find yourself rooting as much for the team anymore just your own player. You might even find yourself not rooting for the big team, because the worse they do, the better it is for the younger guys.
"Doughnut Man had the same idea a few months back and I told him I didn't think we had enough of an interest in the topic because so few of our members were in the pros. I apologize to him because it appears I was wrong."
No biggie CD. Can I tell my wife that I was right about something?
Just glad to read about the MiLB experience!!
No biggie CD. Can I tell my wife that I was right about something?
Just glad to read about the MiLB experience!!
quote:Player.............AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO
B, T SS..3..2..2..1..1..0..0...1...0
Rule #1 - Dont mess with the Bortinator.
quote:Rule #1 - Dont mess with the Bortinator.
Love it!
Thanks everyone for all the great stories.
Julie