New Thread Suggestion...Minors...

Yes, MiLB parents, life in the minors gives depth and dimension to the word schadenfreude. Injuries, slumps, and screwups by the guys further up the ladder can spell opportunity. And you'll find your anger deepening when you hear about the MLB players who are extending their careers through PEDs ---- it just got personal.

My son's SS coach explained it right away --- you're now playing for Every Team. The minors can be developmental; it can also be the longest Showcase your son has ever been to!

quote:

Originally posted by Orlando:
Yes, MiLB parents, life in the minors gives depth and dimension to the word schadenfreude. Injuries, slumps, and screwups by the guys further up the ladder can spell opportunity. And you'll find your anger deepening when you hear about the MLB players who are extending their careers through PEDs ---- it just got personal.

My son's SS coach explained it right away --- you're now playing for Every Team. The minors can be developmental; it can also be the longest Showcase your son has ever been to!

You speak the truth. I have not yet gotten used to it nor warmed up to it quite frankly.

Here are some things that have been pleasant surprises:

The fans - typically 4,000 or more per game and they are supportive and enthusiastic....

The playing venues - playing in Staten Island last night for example with Manhatten for a backdrop was a thrill... Playing in Brooklyn with the roller coaster in the background! Fun stuff!

Hard to get used to:

Basically rooting for stats... Look, I am just like the next guy/gal, I want mine to dominate statistically every game. In college or high school when that did not occur, you could take comfort and enjoyment if the team still did well. I am not sure that feeling exists anymore. Thus, it is basically waiting for the four plate appearances that night and living and DYING by them.

I am not complaining. Things are different however.

quote:

Thus, it is basically waiting for the four plate appearances that night...

It has to be a thrill to see him getting those plate appearances...and another hit last night.

. . . .

Julie

First outing is in the books as a pro ....

2 Innings pitched.
1st Inning, lead off triple, followed by 3 K's, stranded runner at 3rd.
2nd Inning, fly out, ground out, strike out.

woo woo !!!!!!

H3,
Congrats on Tom's first professional outing.

Looking back, the first season after being drafted is the really fun season. You are allowed to do what you were drafted for. Your player can't beleive he is getting paid to PLAY baseball. Must work hard so that you can earn a trip to fall instruction, which is more baseball everyday, but you have a lot of the big guys checjing you out.

Spring training is an eye opener, 6-7 am until 4-5 o'clock most days. Your players will see their teammates come down with all sorts of sudden injuries, most likely just for a few days rest, you get no time off.

Second season is completely different, now you showed them you deserved to be drafted, now they begin to make changes, either to your delivery for a pitcher, or your mechanics as a hitter, they might change you position, in fact they might change it a few times, and a lot depends on the need. My son has a friend that has been a first baseman, catcher, DH, outfielder. Position players become pitchers. This is a good thing because that gives you more opportunity. For pitchers games are practice, if they want you to throw a CU, that's what you throw until they tell you not too, or perhaps they want to develop your velo, so it's FB for every pitch. Stats go up and down, they don't mean much but if can do well against the top competition, you get a promotion.
Orlando brought up a good point, you will hear stories about players who are not doing what they are supposed to do, and it does become personal. Keep your nose clean and honor curfew, you won't get in trouble.
Ask your players about Kangaroo court, that is always amusing, small fines you have to pay for ridiculous stuff but used in the end for something (special team dinner maybe). These things help to break up everyday routine and add some fun.

The attendance changes from league to league, the closer you are to the home team, the bigger the crowds, that is pretty much across the board for most teams. The entertainment provided is amusing and the players love it.

I love this thread, although I am a little jealous (lol). Keep this going. The HSbaseballweb family helped us navigate our way to college, now perhaps it will help me understand what minor league and major league life is like through a parents eyes. I do hope to yet experience it one day.

Thanks for sharing your stories!

Floridafan,
JMO, the way I see it, unless a player gets some nice bucks, better to get his at bats and some college education at the same time.

Nothing to be jealous of, you'll understand that some day when your son turns pro.

TMM,
Nice pic!

TMM,

Nice picture of Tim. You know I was looking at the Bees roster and they have somewhere around 20 players that we watched closely while they were in high school.

I see Burlington ends the year at PG Field in Cedar Rapids. Might have to go to one or two of those games. If Tim is still with the Bees at that time, give me a call. We have a suite behind home plate and I love going to the games when I can. It's fun watching all those young professional players. Especially the ones we knew before hand.

quote:

Originally posted by HiHardHeat:
First outing is in the books as a pro ....

2 Innings pitched.
1st Inning, lead off triple, followed by 3 K's, stranded runner at 3rd.
2nd Inning, fly out, ground out, strike out.

woo woo !!!!!!

That's awesome H!!!

quote:

Originally posted by HiHardHeat:
First outing is in the books as a pro ....

2 Innings pitched.
1st Inning, lead off triple, followed by 3 K's, stranded runner at 3rd.
2nd Inning, fly out, ground out, strike out.

woo woo !!!!!!

We have the Bortinator - and now - we have:

"The Portinator"

Go Tom Go!!!!

After listening to son's 2nd start last night on the internet I went to bed thinking he's got a lot to work on... (3IN, 5H, 3 runs, 1 earned, 3BB, 2K)

I wake up this morning to check the websites that cover the Pirates organization (new daily habit). I see a little blurb that my son is being promoted to West Virgina. Huh... couldn't be, not after last nights effort. The thing is it included a quote from the GM about the promotion. I wait a few hours then text my son and his agent to see what is going on, both say it's news to them and there's no way they are going to move him so soon.

So tonight about 17 hours later, my phone rings as I'm about to nod off... Dad, I've been promoted to West Virginia!

quote:

We have the Bortinator - and now - we have:

"The Portinator"

Love it! H3, congrats to Tom, that sounds like a great first pro outing!

TMM, great photo of Tim - I would love to get down to CR to see him pitch sometime this summer.

Jerseydad, wow, that is terrific news!

Fun, fun, fun thread...

Julie

quote:

Originally posted by jerseydad:

So tonight about 17 hours later, my phone rings as I'm about to nod off... Dad, I've been promoted to West Virginia!

I'm going with work to Legends game July 10th, so I just hurried to the site to see who they're playing, but not WV. However, I guess I'll have to be catching a Legends game in mid August if Q hasn't shuffled on up!!! I'll be looking forward to that!!

Fabulous news, Jersey Dad! Don't you wish that your work promotions -- and corresponding raises -- occurred as quickly as your son's?!

quote:

Originally posted by jerseydad:
After listening to son's 2nd start last night on the internet I went to bed thinking he's got a lot to work on... (3IN, 5H, 3 runs, 1 earned, 3BB, 2K)

I wake up this morning to check the websites that cover the Pirates organization (new daily habit). I see a little blurb that my son is being promoted to West Virgina. Huh... couldn't be, not after last nights effort. The thing is it included a quote from the GM about the promotion. I wait a few hours then text my son and his agent to see what is going on, both say it's news to them and there's no way they are going to move him so soon.

So tonight about 17 hours later, my phone rings as I'm about to nod off... Dad, I've been promoted to West Virginia!

jd, that's great news ....
... put new tires on the car. It's road trip time !!!!

That's why I suggest leaving the car at home.

One never knows from day to day, week to week where you are going to be, this is how it is. You can't assume you will be in one place for a whole season.

Congrats to Q, I am so glad you did get a chance to see him play before he left.

Report is today that Puma's Nick will sign and begin his pro career at Quad Cities in the midwest league. Mine missed that stop but heard it's just an awesome place to play.
Way to go Nick and congrats on becoming a future redbird.

quote:

Originally posted by TPM:
That's why I suggest leaving the car at home.

I guess we will chalk this one up to live and learn... this time I'm picking up his car and bringing it back to New Jersey for awhile.

lafmom- I really hope he gets to pitch in Lexington. Most of our relatives are in Ky so we are really hoping they get a chance to see him. As much as they follow him most have not seen him play.

Great stories everyone. This thread is better than therapy. Talk about roller coaster rides!

jerseydad,

That's great news about Q's short stay in the NYPL.



I was wondering, you were mighty quick with adding the Spikes avatar but haven't yet switched on to one for the Power. What's up with that; too many choices?

















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OK, now that the last picture is bigger than the thumbnail that showed up in the Google image search, it doesn't look to be related to the team. But hey, it didn't look that bad. The yellow shirt is a Pirates color.

Just wondering about some things I read here? YOu can answer private if need to. How many of the young men just drafted or playing low minor ball have agents? I understand high money draftees with agents, but what about the low or no money guys? What do they do for you? Are they necessary, how helpful? Thanks

quote:

Originally posted by infidel_08:

I was wondering, you were mighty quick with adding the Spikes avatar but haven't yet switched on to one for the Power.

What was I thinking, noted and changed.

If that last picture you posted is their team mascot I think the boy is really going to enjoy his stay.

quote:

Originally posted by kjktj:
Just wondering about some things I read here? YOu can answer private if need to. How many of the young men just drafted or playing low minor ball have agents? I understand high money draftees with agents, but what about the low or no money guys? What do they do for you? Are they necessary, how helpful? Thanks

Anyone can sign with an agent, you pay a fee for their services. What you have to be careful of, are those that prey on late picks and are not allowed to do business with MLB (you have to have at least ONE player on the 40 man to talk to MLB) and milb is pretty good about making sure those type of guys stay clear.

A player I know was just drafted and signed for very little money, but he has an agent, a very good one, it just worked out that way being a 4 year college player. The agent is with him because he beleives he has the potential, not for a piece of his signing bonus.

Does everyone need an agent before the draft, no. But later on there will be times when you need someone who can advise because you are dealing with an organization that has more experience than you will ever have and more powerful than superman.

Thanks for the congrats, TPM!!! The ink was not even dry yet when you posted. Was tricky signing because he was still up at school and he isnt 21 yet, so the fax machines were humming. Very excited for the opportunity to go to the Midwest League. We actually went to a game there when he was about 7 and liked the logo so much we used it for a few years for his AAU team. He leaves Monday morning, and I have started looking for the cheapest route to IOWA!
Congrats to all that signed and are taking that next big step. The last couple of weeks have been overwhelming for us and I now have time to catch up on everyone and everything!

Great stuff puma!

Huge congrats to Nick

quote:

Originally posted by puma1:
Thanks for the congrats, TPM!!! The ink was not even dry yet when you posted. Was tricky signing because he was still up at school and he isnt 21 yet, so the fax machines were humming. Very excited for the opportunity to go to the Midwest League. We actually went to a game there when he was about 7 and liked the logo so much we used it for a few years for his AAU team. He leaves Monday morning, and I have started looking for the cheapest route to IOWA!
Congrats to all that signed and are taking that next big step. The last couple of weeks have been overwhelming for us and I now have time to catch up on everyone and everything!

Puma,
I have a suggestion, Cards have a tendency to move players like chess pieces. I have a feeling they placed Nick in QC because most college players do so well in NYP they are moved up asap. This is a time of year when fatigue sets in and players go down, and replacements are needed, so adhere to the old saying, here today and gone tomorrow. I have sat with may parents at Roger Dean who came to see their sons and the night before they were gone. We had plans to go to Batavia first year, but due to ankle injury he was brought back to Jupiter, in a flash for rehab.
I strongly suggest and (so would JerseyDad as he understands now), a refundable plane ticket.

The great part is he will have spring training in FL and also play in the FSL, hopefully by next year, you'll have many opportunities to see him play.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. And congrats once again.

Thanks for the advice!!It is why Southwest should be the official airline for the Milb!

quote:

Originally posted by puma1:
Thanks for the advice!!It is why Southwest should be the official airline for the Milb!

And if you time it right, they can be very affordable. I recently flew from Dulles to San Diego for $109 one-way (+ their other minor charges that never add up coherently). Their flexibility is the best when you are looking at affordable air fares.

CD, it's got to be so COOL !!!! for Ty to be facing a real major league pitcher today. Baptism by fire.

Keep us posted

quote:

Originally posted by HiHardHeat:
CD, it's got to be so COOL !!!! for Ty to be facing a real major league pitcher today. Baptism by fire.

Keep us posted

I'll post.

You bet he was excited and so was I. He was 0-2 today against Oliver Perez. His first at bat he lined a ball down the left field line and the right field line that were just foul before flying out to short. His second at bat he popped up a mile high on a 3-1 pitch. I was rooting like hell for a hit but pleased with the effort nonetheless.

They started a link in the Texas forum on FO's son and his multi-homerun night! Please check it out!

http://hsbaseballweb.com/eve/f...=542105661#542105661

Fun ain't it indeed

Very Very Nice!!!

I won't fly with anyone but Southwest!

I have tickets to go visit son and almost cancelled them on Sunday to get a cheaper flight with USAir, Monday he went on DL and is leaving for AZ. I would have been out $350 if I had booked the USAir flight.

njbb,
I hope that everything is ok with Chris, keep us posted.

Hey jerseydad,

I wonder if Q is feeling bittersweet about his leaving the Spikes. Look what's going on this weekend; a visit from the Nookie Monster among other things.





State College Spikes (New York-Penn League)
Groundhog Day Night/Bob the Baseball Dog "Bob"blehead Giveaway, July 3


The Spikes are located just 79 miles away from Punxsutawney, Pa., site of the movie "Groundhog Day." This provides the club with more than enough justification to stage a tribute, so here we go: The same fans will compete in every between-inning contest, clips from the film will be played on the videoboard, and bleacher seats will be half off if mascot "the Nookie Monster" sees his shadow Friday morning. Unrelated to this conceptual masterpiece is the evening's giveaway item -- a "bob"blehead of canine batboy, Bob the Baseball Dog. Bob has probably never even seen "Groundhog Day," and even if he has it's unlikely he was able to detect the strong undercurrent of existentialist dread that runs throughout the film.


You gotta love Minor League Ball.

Maybe Bert and Ernie will come to West Virginia

All kidding aside you have to give props to minor league baseball for all the things they do to get people to come to the ballpark. I was amazed when we went for opening weekend to see close to 6,000 in the stands at State College. Today they played an 11AM game at Lake County(Cleveland Area) and they also had close to 6,000 people there! I'm not sure what the promotion was however to get that many people on a weekday morning is pretty incredible. The marketing departments in milb are pretty darn good.

It sure is a lot different than playing in front of 50 people at his high school games.

my son's team played in dayton last season. great stadium, about 8000 people. gave up his first milb tater.when he got the new ball and turned to go to the mound, the mini jumbotron was replaying it........your not in nh anymore toto.

they really do a great job of entertaining.

.

I thought these might come in handy for your son's outfielders, but since the tater cleared the fence I suppose they won't need them.





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great idea for the centerfield bleachers,glove night. great idea woody.

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For all those rowdy fans out there sitting au gratin and getting scalloped!