Non-baseball question

I'm just love that my son is such a hard worker at everything he does, and that he is confident in who he is and isn't afraid to be himself.  Baseball is great, but it ends and those characteristics will serve him well in life.  Thanks HShuler for raising this.  Lately I've been thinking that there's a fair amount of stress over the college and recruiting process and I keep trying to remember that there's a real person who is becoming an adult behind my "baby", the student and the athlete.  This is a good reminder.

Great topic. I think sometimes we get so wrapped up in baseball we forget to praise the really important things.

I am proud of my son for just being a good person. Kind, sure of his moral character, has a quiet confidence.  Never wants attention and always shows empathy.  He is an awesome player but a better person. He knows who he is and who he wants to be. I am very proud.

he is a freshman in college and has learned to deal with adversity, he has a good heart, he knows who he is. He is extremely competitive on the field and yet compassionate for people off it. He is learning as he gets older that baseball is a passion but not his whole person, I was a bit concerned about that at one point!

He has a legitimate chance to take a starters job over the next couple weeks...actually 2 it could be either. Those 2 upper classmen have been very welcoming to him and taken him under their wing in a very nice way. I asked him how he felt about it, he was quiet for a moment and said. "I really wish it was someone else but one of them has to lose" LOL time will tell if he is right or not but I thought he had a pretty good perspective!

I am very proud of my 13 yo son's perseverance. He has always been one of the youngest in everything he's been involved with and he never made it an exuse. He just worked harder. He most recently and somewhat unexpectedly was placed on a wait list on his preferred HS. Instead of just rolling over after taking that kick to the nether region, he wen't to the computer and spent two hours drafting an appeal letter to the school administrator describing what kind of student and person he is. I was totally blown away by his letter and it took everything I had to hold back tears after reading that letter as my wife could not (somebody had to appear calm to maintain the parental balance). Regardless of the outcome, I am so proud of him and to quote the kid's letter,  "faith keeps him grounded and God has a plan" for him and so I am not worried about his future. I truly believe baseball is just simply an extension of who he is as a person. He plays with passion, does not take things for granted and tries to get better each day...end of dad brag.

 I'd say the thing I am most proud of him for are his manners.  I hear from people pretty often that he is just "so polite".  Random strangers have stopped me to tell me that he just did them a kindness, like holding open the door or picking up a dropped item for them.  One woman came out of a doughnut shop to my car to tell me he asked the manager for a wet towel to clean up some mud that had dropped from his shoes onto the floor. He also looks people in the eye, and that seems to be rare now-a-days.  BUT he's still a knucklehead teenager with me so there's that.

“When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” -Yogi Berra

Most proud of my son for always taking the fork.

Like a number of others here when speaking generally, I'd point to my son's long-standing desire to work extraordinarily hard to pursue his passion. However, what really comes up for me is the moment when I think I was proudest of him...and it had nothing to do with baseball.

Scholastic chess was also en early passion for my son (It continues to be so.), and it routinely took him to the U.S. Chess Association's annual championship tournament. In about the 7th grade, he found himself there; and, despite the fact that there were several hundred players present from all over the country, he found himself paired in one of the early rounds with a close friend from his home town.

This friend was physically disabled. His eyesight had been very poor from childhood; so much so that when he played chess, he had to hover over the pieces very closely to make sure that he saw their position correctly.

Midway through a very close match, my son's friend and competitor that day went to make his move and accidentally touched the wrong piece in doing so. As soon as it happened, both players knew the rule; that a piece touched had to be moved, even if it was the unintended one. That rule tended to be very strictly enforced; especially at an important tournament like the national championship.

My son also knew two additional things: (1) that if his competitor had to move that piece, my son's position would be greatly improved and (2) that the piece had been touched solely because of his friend's very poor eyesight.

At that moment and without hesitation, my son told the other player that he was suspending the rule for that move and encouraged him to reach for the piece he had originally intended to move. His friend argued at first, but my son insisted that the unintended move not be taken.

As it turned out, the intended move that was eventually taken was part of a winning strategy for his friend in what was, otherwise, a very tightly-contested match; but, afterwards. my son had no regrets about the decision he'd made.

They say that it's in tough situations that we find out what we're really made of in terms of our character. On that particular day, my son and I learned something very important in that way.

Great topic and responses here. Many thanks to the O.P.

Its interesting to hear that some still bring in the sports factor.  

I have to go with Brittany. IMO there is no greater pride  than when someone tells us how nice and polite both our kids are. They both have accomplished much in their careers, but being good compassionate  people is their greatest asset.

Two things for me.  He has never let anyone telling him he is not good enough and has made to be in a spot to play a big role on a top 20 team by just busting his butt everyday.  

More importantly as a freshman in HS he single handily saved our marriage.  He got our family back in church and truthfully saved my wife and I who were having some really tough times. Today all is good and better than ever. 

Sticking with the theme of others, I’m most proud of the unsolicited feedback that I receive saying that he’s is always respectful, always welcome in their homes and we’ve done a good job raising him. 

I also like that he has taken complete ownership of his academics and other business.

Lastly, I am proud that he’s not a “phony” and is respectful in public but a hellion at home. Come to think of it, he knows that I can still take him so he has no choice. :-)

Agree with the other parents. Extremely proud when others tell me how proud we should be of him. How respectful he is, etc.. He also works at the YMCA as a lifeguard part time and he came home the other day and nonchalantly said "Oh my boss said he nominated me for Youth of the Year Award"... He had no idea what an honor that was...He just thought it was cool

Our son also has had medical issues since he was 5 and he has been going to the hospital every 6 weeks for  8 years to receive 3 hour long infusions. Through it all, he has held his head high and not let it stop him from pursuing other desires... And of course there have been other medical issues that have cropped up as a result of his primary diagnoses and he just laughs and says "that's another disease to add to my list".. 

He handles it so well and doesn't ever let it stop him or define him. For that, we are extremely proud!

I’ve always respected no matter what I’ve thought of my kids behavior other parents said they were the most polite and helpful. 

On a one to one level with my kids what they accomplished academically while playing college baseball/softball was special. With my son it followed an opening semester of shock (relative to his potential) and threats (you don’t have to play baseball, you have to excel academically).

Last Sunday, Pres turned 30. I'd have to say I'm most proud that he's grown into a man of integrity. 

I'd get too mushy & tearful if I spoke or wrote of all the specific iincidences, but a few adjectives that immediately come to mind are persevernce, incredible ability to overcome, loyal, trustworthy. He can be as playful as a pup, or if need be, as fierce as a lion after prey.  He's strong! He's blessed.

When my son was in grade school, he turned in several of his classmates for bullying younger kids on the playground while playing dodge ball. Dodge ball was suspended for the rest of the school year. On his report card that year, his teacher commented that "Duncan doesn't tolerate injustice."

One of his best friends committed suicide the week before his junior year started. A group of about six or seven boys served as pallbearers at the funeral, and have been so strong, watching out for each other's emotional issues, and spending time with the boy's parents and his younger sister. His English teacher later gave me a paper he wrote about the night the boy died, and spending time with his best friends, going to a wildly inappropriate R rated movie the boy would have loved, hanging out and talking, and coming home to reassure his dad and I that he was okay.

It ended with the words "I believe in the power of friendship."

Whenever I worry about what the future might hold, I know that as long as he holds to those two mantras, he'll be okay.

One thing is his work ethic. He doesn't expect anything to be handed to him, he knows he has to work for it and earn it.

Last year he really made me proud. There is a boy at his school who has some physical/mental challenges who seemed to take a liking to my son, so my boy invited him to come watch a game. That was it, the kid was hooked. He was then invited to sit at the baseball player's lunch table by my son and became a part of "the crew." He went to every home game and many away games. At the end of the season my son made sure he had a custom t-shirt made showing his support for the program and was included in the team photo. The team basically adopted him. He goes to dances and hangs with the players. The young man's parents came up to us last year and said they never expected their son to have this kind of high school experience, the kids all taking him under their wing. The Mom cried when she saw video of her son at a dance having a great time.

I am proud of my son for leading that effort. There are times it can be a lot to deal with, but he knows this boy will never play sports and is happy to help make his HS experience what it is. That is what I am most proud of...and his 4.0 unweighted GPA.

I enjoy reading the responses, good upbringing by many.

For my boy, the ability and tendency to carry on adult conversations with adults.  Does well at a tough school, too.

Thank you for initiating this discussion. I am most proud of my son's maturity. We've called him an "old soul" since he was little. He has a good sense of who he is and a strong core that we hope will serve him well in life. He has a natural ability to see the good in life and is a family guy. He is not embarrassed to show love to his family members and loves spending quality time together. I was a little worried about teenage years and high school, having heard horror stories about what that transition time means for some kids. But so far so good - he is even easier as a teenager than when he was younger. I can honestly say that he is a better human being than me and my husband and is a great example for his little sister. I look forward to seeing him continue to grow as a person and am enjoying the ride.   

P.S. I am also grateful to him for introducing me to baseball and country music. Having grown up in another country, I was not familiar with either. But now these are two things we share the love (borderline obsession ) for. 

Geez, guys, this is starting read like one of those "try not to cry" facebook posts... I'm gonna have to block this thread.  

Good stuff.

I have three kids.  Human compassion.  

Crap, I'm turnin' into a dern California liberal.

cabbagedad posted:

Geez, guys, this is starting read like one of those "try not to cry" facebook posts... I'm gonna have to block this thread.  

Good stuff.

I have three kids.  Human compassion.  

Crap, I'm turnin' into a dern California liberal.

LoL 

Proudest moment came when my son accepted his appointment to the college he is now attending. He got accepted to his original dream school (UCLA) for the academics. He could have also decided to play baseball at a few other schools, but In the end he chose to go to the AF Academy. When I asked him why? He said he want to do something that would make a true difference.

Honestly, he is a great kid...no scratch that - he's a good, young man.  I like how he talks to adults and has been able to appreciate what others have sacrificed for him.

Something that always made me happy with him:  My wife and I really didn't ask much of Ryan.  He really didn't have many chores.  We felt that if he kept really, good grades, played sports year round, etc., that he didn't have a lot of extra time.  What I loved about him was that if I told him that I needed him to mow the lawn today, he would always say, "no problem".  Not once did he give me any push back.  It was always, "no problem".

I am proud of how he has grown in the last year, and how he has really started to understand what his mother and I have done for him.  I appreciate his gratefulness.

The greatest gift a parent can give to their children is teaching them to become mature responsible adults. 

Its tough raising kids, dont be afraid to be the parent.

Good job everyone!

Prepster, that’s the best thing ive heard all day. That story gave me chills. At the end of the day winning the right way is what matters.

Still a work in progress.

Great friend, loyal, hard worker, leader, emotional and never quits.

Picked Off posted:

Still a work in progress.

Great friend, loyal, hard worker, leader, emotional and never quits.

 

 

FYI - We’re all a work in progress. :-)

hshuler posted:

Picked Off posted:

Still a work in progress.

Great friend, loyal, hard worker, leader, emotional and never quits.

 

 

FYI - We’re all a work in progress. :-)

I remember as a kid looking at adults and thinking they were old and mature. Now that I’m that age I’m not always sure about mature. As I explain it I have the ability to rise to the occasion. But a foul ball hitting a windshield is still amusing. Ever notice when a foul ball heads for the parking lot every guy turns and looks?

RJM posted:

hshuler posted:

Picked Off posted:

Still a work in progress.

Great friend, loyal, hard worker, leader, emotional and never quits.

 

 

FYI - We’re all a work in progress. :-)

I remember as a kid looking at adults and thinking they were old and mature. Now that I’m that age I’m not always sure about mature. As I explain it I have the ability to rise to the occasion. But a foul ball hitting a windshield is still amusing. Ever notice when a foul ball heads for the parking lot every guy turns and looks?

Especially when it's your ex wife's car :-)

CaCO3Girl posted:

RJM posted:

hshuler posted:

Picked Off posted:

Still a work in progress.

Great friend, loyal, hard worker, leader, emotional and never quits.

 

 

FYI - We’re all a work in progress. :-)

I remember as a kid looking at adults and thinking they were old and mature. Now that I’m that age I’m not always sure about mature. As I explain it I have the ability to rise to the occasion. But a foul ball hitting a windshield is still amusing. Ever notice when a foul ball heads for the parking lot every guy turns and looks?

Especially when it's your ex wife's car :-)

Ex pulls up to the field in the first inning. She finds what she believes to be a great parking spot. When she sat down I walked over and politely explained there’s a reason why those spaces were still available. It’s where foul balls land off right handed hitters all game long.

Her: You don’t get to tell me what to do anymore!

Me : Just trying to help.

Her: Get lost!

Two innings later a foul ball breaks her windshield.

Friend: You’re really enjoying this. 

Me: Oh yes. I’m killing myself trying not to bust out laughing. 

Grandparents gave son a three year old Chevy Silverado when he turned 16 (his grandfather had health issues and was no longer allowed to drive)

Seven months in, no wrecks, tickets or issues.  So proud!

I would have to agree with the other statements about son being respectful, kind and courteous to others. He DEFINITELY got THAT from his mom. My son also tends to be drawn to the “underdog” type kid. Whether that’s the guy on the end of the bench or a kid at school that has special needs. 

I kmow this is about life other than baseball, but it really makes a dad’s heart swell with pride when I am watching the team play on TV and I see my son usually the first guy out of the dugout to congratulate or console a teammate. I’m not making excuses, but he has had a difficult ride in college so far due to injuries. I just try to encourage him to continue to outwork everyone and be the BEST teammate he can be. His perseverance in the face of adversity gives my hope that he will be successful no matter what life throws at him. We preach God is in control and try to live that motto daily. But it ain’t always easy!!

Oldest son is his own man, and very strong willed.  Never been a follower, and a very hard working kid.  My wife and I had no idea about how hard of a worker he is until he got to college.

What a great topic....

Proud moment, one of many........2020 was in 3rd grade. Wife gets a call from school counselor. She proceeds to tell wife of a school meeting in the auditorium to discuss bullying with the entire school. There had been a couple instances of bullying recently and they felt it was time to have a formal collective discussion. Counselor gives her talk and then asks the kids what they should do if they witness someone being bullied. After a long silent pause my son raises his hand, counselor calls on him and he stands up and says, "first thing I would do is think what Jesus would do". We had never met this counselor and she felt it was necessary to give us a call and share. It was at that moment that we knew he got it.

Fast forward several months, same school year, and we get a call from another counselor asking us to come pick up our son because he had been in a scuffle on the play ground. Turns out a couple boys were picking on and another kid that was very small in stature by taking turns throwing a volleyball at him. Son proceeded to knock each kid to the ground before a teacher could intervene.

On the ride home I looked at him and said " You know, I'm not sure that's what Jesus would have done".

The testimonies on this thread are a good example of why I get upset when I hear someone say the younger generations just don't get it. Kids are kids.......we need to give them more credit.

My 13 yo 2022 is really just an all around cool kid, I love spending time with him. In fact we're out of state hunting this weekend, just the two of us and a very close friend of mine. He relates very well with adults, and is actually in a 2 man shooting house with my buddy right now. 

One thing that stands out to me is how engaged he is with the younger kids at church. Now that he's a youth mentor he is really shining. 

Also, almost everywhere he goes, tournaments included, he has his eye out for fishing holes!

I noticed a common thread here that all these young men seem to have a good moral compass. Many of you listed examples of sticking up for the underdog and/or taking disabled classmates under their wing. It caught my attention because I would say that is what I'm most proud of in my 2021 nephew. He befriended a group of intellectually disabled students last year and ate lunch with them every day. 

All of you parents deserve a congratulations on raising your sons with good values. Around here, we talk often about how great it is to have built an extended "baseball family" through travel ball over the years. It's interesting to look back and realize how the trouble making kids (and their trouble making families) have dropped away over the years. So it doesn't surprise me that the families represented here would have kids with good hearts and values. 

ZIA’s compliment prompts me to one more observation. While I believe my son is a good kid in the big picture, right now at twenty-four, working at a great job and living on his own, I’m convinced at this point in time he believes he farts perfume. My daughter, now 29 went through a post college stage where she thought she was a BFD because she worked in Washington and the people she was meeting. It helped me to understand why there’s no hope for Washington lifers.

RJM, I think your observations about your adult kids are accurate for most of us. Or at least people we knew at different stages of our adult lives. It's easy to get caught up in your own insular world, especially if you've attained a higher than avg level of education/career success. That's where the good moral compass usually eventually kicks in and serves the person well.

Reading these posts really made me reflect. I'm like a 2nd mother to my nephews and 2021 is the oldest. We are entering the mid teen year phase which is not always fun or easy. However, watching my nephews grow up has been the most exciting, depressing, frustrating, and wonderful experience I've ever had, as I'm sure you parents relate to. 

Awesome question.  I have a daughter in her 30s and a 19 year old son. One of the things I love to do is to sit back, converse with them and enjoy watching how each develop their own unique personalities.  

I thought I'd wait to reply until I saw son today for dinner. Not that things would change. For him at least..You see he turned 21 today, and I feel older  .I am proud of the young man that he has become. He is one who is organized and  has his priorities in order. Works hard in the classroom and on the field. He is a young man with convictions and not afraid to show it both as a member of Athletes in Action and Bible study. He is driven to succeed as his near perfect GPA indicates. It's fun getting together for dinner and I can reminisce and ask him how his classes, social life, etc are going. And yeah, I can get a little silly, and hear at least one "oh, Dad..." He knows that he's on his own and is fine being independent, though my wife and I are not far if he needs us.  Great thread.

Ripken, Happy Birthday to your son!! Today is my daughters birthday, too.

2 January kids for me! Couldn't have planned 2 yrs apart as I had them!