What was I thinking?
- SAFETY FIRST!
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What was I thinking?
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What was I thinking?
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I'm glad you have come around GW...
Actually, I'm a thinking...this may be a safer helmet and the boy could get the various spikes into the nooks and crannies...
Actually, I'm a thinking...this may be a safer helmet and the boy could get the various spikes into the nooks and crannies...
Better yet...with this helmet the spikes could remain in place while the important face and associated appendages could be safely protected...
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Thank goodness! Those associated appendages always scare the he11 out of me! I never quite know what they're up to...or where they're looking.
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Thank goodness! Those associated appendages always scare the he11 out of me! I never quite know what they're up to...or where they're looking.
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quote:Originally posted by njbb:
You have a son who has great grades, wants to be a doctor, works and saves his money....
I think you should pick and choose your battles.
If he is willing to give up hs baseball to keep his long hair, so be it. Advise him and respect his choice.
I basically agree with you njbb. Maybe it's a Jersey thing!
It seems to me that this kid has big plans outside of baseball. If it's his choice to not cut his hair and is willing to deal with the consuquences so be it. To me life is about dealing with the consequences of our decisions. This young man seems very bright and has thought out his decision and is willing to handle the consequences.
I also don't see what this has to do with playing travel ball or not. If the family can afford it, he's a good enough player, and the coach doesn't want him to cut his hair, why not play. If he enjoys playing baseball why shouldn't he. The fact that he's not playing for a scholarship to college means nothing in this equation.
I would think most parents want their children to grow up to be independent, confident adults. This kid seems to be well on his way to accomplishing this. If he handled this situation properly and respectfully their is no problem IMO.
And I do agree that the coach is the boss and players who want to be on the team should play by his rules. My way or the highway is OK with me. This kid happened to choose the highway.
00'sDad,
I take it that 00 is your son's number?
I’m not surprised by the responses here. There are many here who have lots of experience in baseball.
The part that is hard to understand is whether or not this just involves one kid or are there others having the same issue with their hair? If he is a 16 year old in his first year of varsity baseball, is he making a stand that the upperclassmen agree with? Do any of the upperclassmen have long hair? Is he being treated differently than the others on the team? Is he “better” or more important than his future team mates?
If the discussion were about nothing but long hair and whether or not coaches should be able to make rules about long hair and other things… That might be a somewhat different discussion. But this is all about one underclassmen making a statement before he has even played a varsity game. Even if he “beats the coach on this one” how will that play out? He better be a great player or he’s going to run out of coaches who will want him.
This is what many baseball decision makers might describe as a disruptive force. It’s not really a matter of who is right or wrong. Your son might end up being the world’s greatest brain surgeon, he might win the Nobel Peace prize someday, he might end up being the richest man on earth, but I doubt that everyone will want him on their baseball team. You see, unless there is much more that you haven’t mentioned, it’s really not about his hair at all.
Now trying to look at it from his (or your perspective)… Obviously the hair is very important to him. Maybe it’s a security blanket of sorts. Maybe he has some mental issues that we can’t understand or you haven’t mentioned. Even the most intelligent people can have serious mental blocks that seem insignificant to others. Perhaps talking to someone who specializes in those things, might help.
Bottom line… no one can tell you what to do. But I think this thread has given you an idea of how many others think who have been deeply involved in baseball. Best of luck.
I take it that 00 is your son's number?
I’m not surprised by the responses here. There are many here who have lots of experience in baseball.
The part that is hard to understand is whether or not this just involves one kid or are there others having the same issue with their hair? If he is a 16 year old in his first year of varsity baseball, is he making a stand that the upperclassmen agree with? Do any of the upperclassmen have long hair? Is he being treated differently than the others on the team? Is he “better” or more important than his future team mates?
If the discussion were about nothing but long hair and whether or not coaches should be able to make rules about long hair and other things… That might be a somewhat different discussion. But this is all about one underclassmen making a statement before he has even played a varsity game. Even if he “beats the coach on this one” how will that play out? He better be a great player or he’s going to run out of coaches who will want him.
This is what many baseball decision makers might describe as a disruptive force. It’s not really a matter of who is right or wrong. Your son might end up being the world’s greatest brain surgeon, he might win the Nobel Peace prize someday, he might end up being the richest man on earth, but I doubt that everyone will want him on their baseball team. You see, unless there is much more that you haven’t mentioned, it’s really not about his hair at all.
Now trying to look at it from his (or your perspective)… Obviously the hair is very important to him. Maybe it’s a security blanket of sorts. Maybe he has some mental issues that we can’t understand or you haven’t mentioned. Even the most intelligent people can have serious mental blocks that seem insignificant to others. Perhaps talking to someone who specializes in those things, might help.
Bottom line… no one can tell you what to do. But I think this thread has given you an idea of how many others think who have been deeply involved in baseball. Best of luck.
This thig reminds me of two stories--both reputed to be true--
16 year old(with long hair) asks dad about getting a car.
Dad says you can get a car when you get a decent hair cut.
16 year old thinks a minute and says "Dad, Jesus had long hair."
Dad, without missing a beat replies "yes, and did you notice he walked everywhere he went."
(kid got a haircut.)
Next one;
High schooler with longer than acceptable hair told by HS coach to get haircut.
Kid says , Coach, getting my haircut won't make me a better player. And besides Tim Linecom (sp?) has long hair and no one seems to mind.
Coach says, Son, when you are in arbitration for millions a year, wear you hair however you want. Until then--get it cut.
(kid got it cut)
Bottom line-as competitive as world is, be it med school, baseball , etc., you want all the advantages you can get, and not be tripped up by something trivial. If the son has any desire to play beyond highschool, i can just imagine the conversation with potential college coaches:
Son, I notice that while you played summer travel ball, you did not play high school ball--why not?
Son--because coach had rule about hair length and I did not want to cut my hair.
Coach--well son, I wish you luck with baseball whereever you may end up oplaying--just not here.
Or even med school admissions--also very competitive;;
Admin officer--son I see you played summer ball for team, but not high school, why not
Son--I did not want to cut my hair
Admin--so they had a rule that you did not think awas fair and therefore you stood your ground and opposed it?
Son--yes
Admin--WEll, I wish you luck whereever you end up, but we also have rules that people often do not like, but there are reasons forthe rules and we expect them to be followed.
Bottom line--unless this is either a religious issue--or ethnicity issue--not a battle worth fighting.
16 year old(with long hair) asks dad about getting a car.
Dad says you can get a car when you get a decent hair cut.
16 year old thinks a minute and says "Dad, Jesus had long hair."
Dad, without missing a beat replies "yes, and did you notice he walked everywhere he went."
(kid got a haircut.)
Next one;
High schooler with longer than acceptable hair told by HS coach to get haircut.
Kid says , Coach, getting my haircut won't make me a better player. And besides Tim Linecom (sp?) has long hair and no one seems to mind.
Coach says, Son, when you are in arbitration for millions a year, wear you hair however you want. Until then--get it cut.
(kid got it cut)
Bottom line-as competitive as world is, be it med school, baseball , etc., you want all the advantages you can get, and not be tripped up by something trivial. If the son has any desire to play beyond highschool, i can just imagine the conversation with potential college coaches:
Son, I notice that while you played summer travel ball, you did not play high school ball--why not?
Son--because coach had rule about hair length and I did not want to cut my hair.
Coach--well son, I wish you luck with baseball whereever you may end up oplaying--just not here.
Or even med school admissions--also very competitive;;
Admin officer--son I see you played summer ball for team, but not high school, why not
Son--I did not want to cut my hair
Admin--so they had a rule that you did not think awas fair and therefore you stood your ground and opposed it?
Son--yes
Admin--WEll, I wish you luck whereever you end up, but we also have rules that people often do not like, but there are reasons forthe rules and we expect them to be followed.
Bottom line--unless this is either a religious issue--or ethnicity issue--not a battle worth fighting.
and to Coach May (and some others)--let me know if you ever move to North Texas area--my son can play for you anytime.
Two thoughts:
1. Ironic that this thread is surrounded by several others from the last few days in which parents are complaining about their sons getting cut from the HS team. Those kids would probably do anything to make the team. And this kid won't get a simple haircut? Mmmm......
2. For 22 years I've had a job with a dress code, hair and facial hair standards. Don't see many doctors with hair like rockstars. My guess is because it drives away patients, effecting income. As soon as the 16 year-old realizes decisions such as this can adversely effect his wallet, another step towards maturity.
1. Ironic that this thread is surrounded by several others from the last few days in which parents are complaining about their sons getting cut from the HS team. Those kids would probably do anything to make the team. And this kid won't get a simple haircut? Mmmm......
2. For 22 years I've had a job with a dress code, hair and facial hair standards. Don't see many doctors with hair like rockstars. My guess is because it drives away patients, effecting income. As soon as the 16 year-old realizes decisions such as this can adversely effect his wallet, another step towards maturity.
All I know is that as you grow up, you have to do things you don't want to do EVERY day. Sometimes it doesn't mean jack-squat what you want; you just have follow certain rules.
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I only wish my son would STOP cutting his hair with such a close guard on the shaver. He's got nice thick hair that may not always be there and he should enjoy it now !!
Posted February 12, 2010 11:50 AM Hide Post
All I know is that as you grow up, you have to do things you don't want to do EVERY day. Sometimes it doesn't mean jack-squat what you want; you just have follow certain rules.
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But what is the rule that says you have to play baseball?
The kid was given a choice and he made it
All I know is that as you grow up, you have to do things you don't want to do EVERY day. Sometimes it doesn't mean jack-squat what you want; you just have follow certain rules.
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But what is the rule that says you have to play baseball?
The kid was given a choice and he made it
You've told me what I need to know:
- if I ask you to bunt, I guess that's up to you.
- if I ask you to steal, it's up to you
- if I ask you to play catch with the lowliest freshman on the squad, it's up to you
- if I ask you to cut your hair, that's up to you.
I know this: I don't want you anywhere near my TEAM because all of those guys out there everyday don't have a problem with any of that stuff.
- if I ask you to bunt, I guess that's up to you.
- if I ask you to steal, it's up to you
- if I ask you to play catch with the lowliest freshman on the squad, it's up to you
- if I ask you to cut your hair, that's up to you.
I know this: I don't want you anywhere near my TEAM because all of those guys out there everyday don't have a problem with any of that stuff.
Fascinating discussion, and the "accomodating helmets" pics made me laugh out loud.
One thing I think is fairly certain--the young man in question will NEVER be a military doctor. LOL
One thing I think is fairly certain--the young man in question will NEVER be a military doctor. LOL
quote:Originally posted by trojan-skipper:
You've told me what I need to know:
- if I ask you to bunt, I guess that's up to you.
- if I ask you to steal, it's up to you
- if I ask you to play catch with the lowliest freshman on the squad, it's up to you
- if I ask you to cut your hair, that's up to you.
I know this: I don't want you anywhere near my TEAM because all of those guys out there everyday don't have a problem with any of that stuff.
You wouldn't have to worry about any of those things with the player in question because he already choose not to be on your team. It was his decision once you told him to cut his hair. No harm, no foul.
What I'm having a hard time with in this thread is that everyone seems to think this kid did something wrong. I don't think he did.
The coach laid out his rules for the team. A player decided he didn't want to play under those rules so he left the team, before it started. What's the problem? From what we've been told here he wasn't disruptive or disrespectful so why is everyone ganging up on this kid for sticking to his guns and making a decision he felt was right for him.
This has more to do with life in general than it does with a baseball team or a coach.
OO' Your son may or may not have made a decision on his HS baseball future. Possibly he's wise beyond his years and understands that a pre-med major and college baseball would be very difficult road. The time not expended towards baseball will afford him the ability to take on additional AP and honors courses in his junior and senior years. This will help in the application process for colleges and prepare him for the rigors of a pre-med major.
To me raising a kid was about,not closing doors. To keep as many options open as possible.So when it's time to decide on a course. He would have many choices,lots of options through working hard in school, sports and other civic contributions that would appeal to the college of his choice. By not playing a sport he'll effectively reduce an option. Not that playing baseball professionally was an option, since he's decided on becoming a doctor. But what baseball might allow him access to.
Not to down play his academic achievements but his current GPA would be considered average for the Ivy league schools and most prestigious academic programs. His acceptance will be dependent on raising the gpa and an off the charts ACT and SAT scores. Even then good luck. Locally SDSU a state school turns away applicants with a 4.0 gpa. Not many but they still do.
The reality of his decison is that he'll have to work that much harder in the classroom. The competition for addmitance
is stiff for the high academic schools, tens of thousnads in a given year. The other option is you can exploit your gift as a athelete a pitcher no less. Get your velo up to the mid 80's maintain your 4.0 bump up the AP classes, pull down a +30 on your ACT and be PURSUED BY THE IVY'S OR ANY HIGH ACADEMIC PROGRAM YOU CAN THINK OF. Once admitted try baseball if it doesn't work drop it. Your still in the school of your choice. With a fat scholarship for 4 years pursuing his dream
So tell me. How bad does he want to be a doctor?
Let me know if he opts for the #2 or #4 cut.
To me raising a kid was about,not closing doors. To keep as many options open as possible.So when it's time to decide on a course. He would have many choices,lots of options through working hard in school, sports and other civic contributions that would appeal to the college of his choice. By not playing a sport he'll effectively reduce an option. Not that playing baseball professionally was an option, since he's decided on becoming a doctor. But what baseball might allow him access to.
Not to down play his academic achievements but his current GPA would be considered average for the Ivy league schools and most prestigious academic programs. His acceptance will be dependent on raising the gpa and an off the charts ACT and SAT scores. Even then good luck. Locally SDSU a state school turns away applicants with a 4.0 gpa. Not many but they still do.
The reality of his decison is that he'll have to work that much harder in the classroom. The competition for addmitance
is stiff for the high academic schools, tens of thousnads in a given year. The other option is you can exploit your gift as a athelete a pitcher no less. Get your velo up to the mid 80's maintain your 4.0 bump up the AP classes, pull down a +30 on your ACT and be PURSUED BY THE IVY'S OR ANY HIGH ACADEMIC PROGRAM YOU CAN THINK OF. Once admitted try baseball if it doesn't work drop it. Your still in the school of your choice. With a fat scholarship for 4 years pursuing his dream
So tell me. How bad does he want to be a doctor?
Let me know if he opts for the #2 or #4 cut.
Your son's stats are irrelevant. His stats do not make him special. He's part of the team. The team has rules.
Your son couldn't play for my son's high school coach. Hair must not be over the ears. It must not reach the collar. The dominant color of the cleats must be black. Only navy, gold (school colors) and white are allowed as secondary colors. All batting gloves must be black or navy with the secondary colors allowed. All pants must be worn to the ankles. Pants must not be hooked on the cleats. Pajama style baggy pants are not allowed. All buttons on the shirt must be buttoned.
You may think this is over the top. I call it bringing discipline and proper presentation to the team. When my son got to school sports I told him to think like his coach in terms of conduct and presentation. His baseball coach has a shaved head. My son got a crew cut. It was the end of his shaggy, floppy hair, European s0ccer look.
One kid defied the high school coach on the haircut rule. When dismissed from practice he quit the team. He didn't make the Legion team in the summer. There were two issues; 1) not in midseason form and 2) quitting high school team over a haircut.
The dumbest line I've ever heard by a kid is, "I showed the coach. I quit." Trust me, the coach doesn't care. Life goes on.
Your son couldn't play for my son's high school coach. Hair must not be over the ears. It must not reach the collar. The dominant color of the cleats must be black. Only navy, gold (school colors) and white are allowed as secondary colors. All batting gloves must be black or navy with the secondary colors allowed. All pants must be worn to the ankles. Pants must not be hooked on the cleats. Pajama style baggy pants are not allowed. All buttons on the shirt must be buttoned.
You may think this is over the top. I call it bringing discipline and proper presentation to the team. When my son got to school sports I told him to think like his coach in terms of conduct and presentation. His baseball coach has a shaved head. My son got a crew cut. It was the end of his shaggy, floppy hair, European s0ccer look.
One kid defied the high school coach on the haircut rule. When dismissed from practice he quit the team. He didn't make the Legion team in the summer. There were two issues; 1) not in midseason form and 2) quitting high school team over a haircut.
The dumbest line I've ever heard by a kid is, "I showed the coach. I quit." Trust me, the coach doesn't care. Life goes on.
Who makes the lineup? Is it the coach or the school board? I can't imagine buzzing over a coach's head to the school board over team rules. If this were football, in practice your son would end up holding the dummy as the outside linebacker on the power sweep.quote:I am friends with school board members and have already been told coach's ruling won't stand.
If you're respected in your community the way you are on this board it will never be an issue.quote:Originally posted by Coach_May:
They would cease to be my players once I was no longer in charge of running the program and the school board member was.
I am going to do it the right way or I am not going to do it at all. When the parents start running the program through personal contacts such as school board members then they can coach the team.
Has not happened yet. But if it ever does I will let you know.
00Dad ... This issue is about respect. If your son doesn't want to cut his hair he either doesn't want to play or doesn't respect the coach. You've already shown you don't respect the coach by going to the school board. I'm sure your son knows this and doesn't respect the coach. You're close to "Tilt! Game over."
My son looks like a movie star with longer, floppy hair. His nickname on the s0ccer team was Hollywood. When baseball came around freshman year he went with the buzz cut. Ever since then he has three lengths of hair .... buzzed, more buzzed and that's really buzzed. He tells me my hair is too long.quote:Originally posted by Leftysidearmom:
I'm reading this thread with amusement as it is two days before tryouts and today my son came home from the barbers with his baseball buzzcut. I HATE it! His coach doesn't require it, but he does it anyway as do all the varsity players. Why does he do it? It seems to be a matter of respect for his team mates and for the game of baseball.
quote:Originally posted by RJM:
All pants must be worn to the ankles.
I wish they never let George Hendrick get away with that. Look what he started. I think it looks sloppy. Wear 'em high, like you're supposed to!
quote:Originally posted by fillsfan:quote:Originally posted by trojan-skipper:
You've told me what I need to know:
- if I ask you to bunt, I guess that's up to you.
- if I ask you to steal, it's up to you
- if I ask you to play catch with the lowliest freshman on the squad, it's up to you
- if I ask you to cut your hair, that's up to you.
I know this: I don't want you anywhere near my TEAM because all of those guys out there everyday don't have a problem with any of that stuff.
You wouldn't have to worry about any of those things with the player in question because he already choose not to be on your team. It was his decision once you told him to cut his hair. No harm, no foul.
What I'm having a hard time with in this thread is that everyone seems to think this kid did something wrong. I don't think he did.
The coach laid out his rules for the team. A player decided he didn't want to play under those rules so he left the team, before it started. What's the problem? From what we've been told here he wasn't disruptive or disrespectful so why is everyone ganging up on this kid for sticking to his guns and making a decision he felt was right for him.
This has more to do with life in general than it does with a baseball team or a coach.
You're right. If he's not on the team anymore, case closed. I think what's drawing so many opinions is this kid's personal decision. Apparently baseball is just not that important to him (or at least not as important as other things in his life). And you know what---good for him! Contrary to the popular slogan, baseball is not life! I just hope that when he finds that thing that is really important to him, he realizes that there are certain rules that apply to him.
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Just to play devils advocate, what if the coach wanted everyone with long hair? 
I don't agree with long hair, but the coach picked a battle that history shows he can't win if the parents go to the board or higher. Just don't play him ,he'll quit or get it cut.
I don't agree with long hair, but the coach picked a battle that history shows he can't win if the parents go to the board or higher. Just don't play him ,he'll quit or get it cut.
I was the player who had to look perfectly cool. I had my mother tailor the pants. I cut the stirrups and had my mother sew on more cloth so only the stripes on the side showed. Pants were rolled and taped to mid calf. If I was playing now I'd have the pants down instead of up.quote:Originally posted by AntzDad:quote:Originally posted by RJM:
All pants must be worn to the ankles.
I wish they never let George Hendrick get away with that. Look what he started. I think it looks sloppy. Wear 'em high, like you're supposed to!
When I coached travel through 16U the players got to vote. But the vote was for all up or all down. They chose all down.
My son H.S. coach didn't have a hair rule. The team had a player who had long straight blond hair and was a very fast and good player. We called him sunshine.
As my son was leaving for practice today, I asked him if his H.S. coach told him to to cut his hair, my son said, He was the coach, I would have cut my hair.
Ran into "sunshine" this morning while I was getting a cup of coffee and asked him the same question. He said if coach had asked him to cut it, he would have. He went on to say, that if he hadn't played he would have missed some of the best friends and fun times in high school.
Both of them put school and baseball more important to them.
Funny part is hadn't seen "sunshine" for about 6 months after they graduated and saw his girl friend with this guy I'd never seen, turned out to be "sunshine" now with a buzz cut.
As my son was leaving for practice today, I asked him if his H.S. coach told him to to cut his hair, my son said, He was the coach, I would have cut my hair.
Ran into "sunshine" this morning while I was getting a cup of coffee and asked him the same question. He said if coach had asked him to cut it, he would have. He went on to say, that if he hadn't played he would have missed some of the best friends and fun times in high school.
Both of them put school and baseball more important to them.
Funny part is hadn't seen "sunshine" for about 6 months after they graduated and saw his girl friend with this guy I'd never seen, turned out to be "sunshine" now with a buzz cut.
I'd like to ask everyone to get off 00Dad and his son's case on this one. Sometimes, you do need to stretch the rules for kids who don't like to be bound by authority.
There are even some travel teams these days that are catering to the happy-go-lucky fellows who are sick of having a coach up in their face telling them to do ridiculous things like hit behind the runner. Here's an ad I saw for one of them in Baseball America:
THE FREE SPIRITS 18U BASEBALL CLUB is looking for new players. We are searching primarily for Tim Lincecum, Johnny Damon, Oscar Gamble types who understand it's all about styling. You don't have to play like them, you just have to look like them. Coach Al Sleet has no stupid rules that keep a player from reaching his full potential. Our players run all the practices from start to finish, when there is practice, of course, which isn't often. The three times we practiced last summer, the guys just decided to play home run derby for an hour. There are other benefits as well.
-- Would you like to take your bag of Whoppers and fries to eat while you play first base? No problem!
-- Want to take your bong to left field? Sure thing! (Just share it with the center fielder.)
-- Can't go a full game without having your girlfriend in the dugout? The more, the merrier!
-- Looking for your dad to give you hitting tips while you're in the on-deck circle? We encourage that!
-- Don't want to play the 9 a.m. Saturday game? Hey, we sleep in and skip those!
-- Hoping to wear your jock on the outside of your pants? That's classic!
-- Want to play second base by literally standing on top of the base? Go for it!
The Free Spirits offer all this and more. And remember, every Sunday we let the guys play in their flip-flops. You'll never have to waste time banging out your cleats on getaway day again!
For more information, call 1-800-FRE-SPRT.
There are even some travel teams these days that are catering to the happy-go-lucky fellows who are sick of having a coach up in their face telling them to do ridiculous things like hit behind the runner. Here's an ad I saw for one of them in Baseball America:
THE FREE SPIRITS 18U BASEBALL CLUB is looking for new players. We are searching primarily for Tim Lincecum, Johnny Damon, Oscar Gamble types who understand it's all about styling. You don't have to play like them, you just have to look like them. Coach Al Sleet has no stupid rules that keep a player from reaching his full potential. Our players run all the practices from start to finish, when there is practice, of course, which isn't often. The three times we practiced last summer, the guys just decided to play home run derby for an hour. There are other benefits as well.
-- Would you like to take your bag of Whoppers and fries to eat while you play first base? No problem!
-- Want to take your bong to left field? Sure thing! (Just share it with the center fielder.)
-- Can't go a full game without having your girlfriend in the dugout? The more, the merrier!
-- Looking for your dad to give you hitting tips while you're in the on-deck circle? We encourage that!
-- Don't want to play the 9 a.m. Saturday game? Hey, we sleep in and skip those!
-- Hoping to wear your jock on the outside of your pants? That's classic!
-- Want to play second base by literally standing on top of the base? Go for it!
The Free Spirits offer all this and more. And remember, every Sunday we let the guys play in their flip-flops. You'll never have to waste time banging out your cleats on getaway day again!
For more information, call 1-800-FRE-SPRT.
My hair has kind of been cutting itself over the past five or six years.
quote:Originally posted by catfish342:
I'd like to ask everyone to get off 00Dad and his son's case on this one. Sometimes, you do need to stretch the rules for kids who don't like to be bound by authority.
There are even some travel teams these days that are catering to the happy-go-lucky fellows who are sick of having a coach up in their face telling them to do ridiculous things like hit behind the runner. Here's an ad I saw for one of them in Baseball America:
THE FREE SPIRITS 18U BASEBALL CLUB is looking for new players. We are searching primarily for Tim Lincecum, Johnny Damon, Oscar Gamble types who understand it's all about styling. You don't have to play like them, you just have to look like them. Coach Al Sleet has no stupid rules that keep a player from reaching his full potential. Our players run all the practices from start to finish, when there is practice, of course, which isn't often. The three times we practiced last summer, the guys just decided to play home run derby for an hour. There are other benefits as well.
-- Would you like to take your bag of Whoppers and fries to eat while you play first base? No problem!
-- Want to take your bong to left field? Sure thing! (Just share it with the center fielder.)
-- Can't go a full game without having your girlfriend in the dugout? The more, the merrier!
-- Looking for your dad to give you hitting tips while you're in the on-deck circle? We encourage that!
-- Don't want to play the 9 a.m. Saturday game? Hey, we sleep in and skip those!
-- Hoping to wear your jock on the outside of your pants? That's classic!
-- Want to play second base by literally standing on top of the base? Go for it!
The Free Spirits offer all this and more. And remember, every Sunday we let the guys play in their flip-flops. You'll never have to waste time banging out your cleats on getaway day again!
For more information, call 1-800-FRE-SPRT.
Best post of the day!
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All new guys who made varsity today got their locks shaved. 
Initiation into varsity was going peroxide bleach blonde, then you HAD to buzz it off.
About twenty years ago in the name of safety my workplace made a rule against having beards or much facial hair at all since we handle some of the deadliest poisons known to man and often wear full face gas masks. A couple of guys quit because they valued their beards over their incomes which were fairly substancial. About 5 years later one of those guys was back during hard economic times begging for his job back. I couldn't help but notice he no longer had a beard.
I have really enjoyed this topic. A classic hsbbweb topic where EVERYONE has an opinion. No right or wrong answers imho.
It is tempting to ask the young man what is the big deal, get your hair cut already. On the other hand, he wants to be a doctor which is likely more challenging and exclusive than being a professional baseball player. I have lots of respect for the young man because of that goal and his current academic excellence. Would love to see him do BOTH but I will not hold it against him for having long hair. FWIW, I had shoulder length hair in high school and have hardly any hair left today at age 49. I would love to grow my hair long again
It is tempting to ask the young man what is the big deal, get your hair cut already. On the other hand, he wants to be a doctor which is likely more challenging and exclusive than being a professional baseball player. I have lots of respect for the young man because of that goal and his current academic excellence. Would love to see him do BOTH but I will not hold it against him for having long hair. FWIW, I had shoulder length hair in high school and have hardly any hair left today at age 49. I would love to grow my hair long again
To me this topic has very little to do with hair. It has more to do with the title... MEXICAN STANDOFF!
Any standoff between a 16 year old player and his adult baseball coach is not a good thing. IMO
Any standoff between a 16 year old player and his adult baseball coach is not a good thing. IMO
For whatever the reason, this kid is simply making a stand--
quote:Originally posted by PGStaff:
To me this topic has very little to do with hair. It has more to do with the title... MEXICAN STANDOFF!
Any standoff between a 16 year old player and his adult baseball coach is not a good thing. IMO
I thought about that before I posted PG. I think people can make this particular topic about anything they like. For me the hair is just a metaphor for other things. Could be teenage rebellion. Could be the prodigal son. Could be the over-bearing coach. Could be the smart-alec kid. Could be that the team is more important than individuals. Could be much ado about nothing. Could be that baseball is not as important to some as others, etc, etc, etc. It seems to me there are millions of ways to justify a "correct" opinion on this topic. That is why it has been interesting to me. I see many sides to this one - pro and con - and some of it comes down to how one defines the "problem" Your opinion could very well be the correct one PG!
CD
Is it really a problem for the 16 year old or more of a problem for his Dad?
Sometimes you need to let the young man make his stand and pay whatever consequences come with it
Is it really a problem for the 16 year old or more of a problem for his Dad?
Sometimes you need to let the young man make his stand and pay whatever consequences come with it
quote:Originally posted by TRhit:
CD
Is it really a problem for the 16 year old or more of a problem for his Dad?
Sometimes you need to let the young man make his stand and pay whatever consequences come with it
I think I agree with you TR. I think the father wanted to see if many of us would have condmened the coach on this one for being too rigid perhaps. I think it is the young man's call and I respect either decision that he might make. I also respect the coach and the rules he has set forth.
I tend to agree with TR on this although I'd certainly make it clear that my preference would be a haircut. Those of us who grew up in the 60s and early 70s can remember what a big deal was made over haircuts and how a few years later long hair was no longer a big deal. I'm guessing the Yankees rule on hair length wasn't there at some point in the 70s or early 80s. Have we become our parents?
There are times you have to let kids mess up and learn from it.
I met a kid (with a buzzcut) who left his HS team over not wanting to comply with what he felt was an overly controlling coach. He was a very intelligent and mature kid who just seemed to be a bit immature on this one issue. He just had an incredibly successful freshman year in college, where the coach, who is known for being somewhat rigid, had no problem with how he did things.
Let's face it there's no reason other than establishing dominance for requiring short hair. I like Scioscia's approach of steady pressure better. Weaver looks better with the shorter hair but he pitched just fine with it long.
I wonder if those of us who are conducting a race between grey and gone are just jealous?
There are times you have to let kids mess up and learn from it.
I met a kid (with a buzzcut) who left his HS team over not wanting to comply with what he felt was an overly controlling coach. He was a very intelligent and mature kid who just seemed to be a bit immature on this one issue. He just had an incredibly successful freshman year in college, where the coach, who is known for being somewhat rigid, had no problem with how he did things.
Let's face it there's no reason other than establishing dominance for requiring short hair. I like Scioscia's approach of steady pressure better. Weaver looks better with the shorter hair but he pitched just fine with it long.
I wonder if those of us who are conducting a race between grey and gone are just jealous?
CD - I think the dad wants us to do what he's afraid to do; tell the kid to get a haircut and make his family proud.