Proving a point on the HSBBW

Fungo, good post

I should have been an NBA player. I'm 3" taller than Earl Boykins. Problem is my weight is more like a defensive lineman. And I haven't dribbled since my last dentist appointment.

That said, #1 CAN happen. The only way to know for sure is to try.

Frank, Your post made me choke on my fruit drink

quote:

And I haven't dribbled since my last dentist appointment.

Spilled my java juice, too.........

Fungo, A very good post. I think sometimes people do that sort of thing to be encouraging. If I want to share my 5'11", under 90 mph throwing son's dreams about his future, it feels good when I see an under six foot, under 90 throwing guy make it. I can believe he has a chance.

We all have dreams and fantasies about things. I don't think there's anything wrong with grasping on to those moments/stories that encourage and foster our dreams. Just have to keep a grasp on reality too... I guess it can be a fine line.

In order to find out if you are the 1 or the 10000, you still have to try!

For those that do make it against the odds, my guess is that they never doubted it the whole way.

"Walk Right In, Sit Right Down"



Walk right in, spit right down,
Franky let your drool hang down.
Walk right in, spit right down,
Franky let your drool hang down.
Everybody's hintin', 'bout Franky's way of spittin',
A better dribble you can not find.
Walk right in, spit right down.
Franky let your drool hang down.

The SS from Louisville, I wonder who gives him hope!

His most supportive fans of course!


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Please let it be known that I'm only a few inches taller than Louisville's SS Chris Cates...unfortunately I'm walking around with about fifty more of these than him...


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I should have known better than to ever sign up...

interesting post fungo .. ya did get me to thinkin',

but - as your post is only ONE example of that viewpoint, I must disregard it as you suggest

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The SS from Louisville, I wonder who gives him hope!

The shortstop from Louisville (Chris Cates) is 5'3" last time I checked. He played in one of our tournaments while in high school. Among many future first round picks and top high school prospects, we named Chris Cates the MVP of that event and it was very much deserved. What gives him hope is his amazing ability. He may be the exception when it comes to size, but he is also the exception when it comes to talent. It might not happen, but I, for one, would love to see him in the Major Leagues some day.

I saw Louisville play this year and the ability you speak of PG. He is a great "little" player that I suspect was passed over by larger DIs because of his size. He's a great example of what Fungo is speaking of too. Should all 5'3 (I was thinking he was 5'2!) SS think they have a chance because of Dad sharing about Cates?

No, of course not. They should be realistic and realize that the odds are stacked against them. However, they should know that if they have true talent, the lack of size won't hold them back... perhaps fewer opportunities, but they can overcome.

Well, to prove a point, maybe Chris will have the same experience as Dustin Pedroia. Have a terrific college career, get drafted, and end up a few inches taller on the pro roster than you were on the college roster.
Maybe it's the spikes????

I suppose they could add a few inches...

Not to worry, Frank F. You've still got potential on the court. Remember that Michael Jordan got cut from his high school basketball team!

Who says size matters?



Woody......thank you for sharing a family photo. By the way, can you tell from the picture, which one is me?

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I, for one, would love to see him in the Major Leagues some day.

Agree!

How true! I can honestly say I was never cut from ANY basketball team! Does it matter that I never went out for one?

Okay, enough hijacking Fungo's thread. I still believe people need to reach for the stars and yet somehow know when they are out of reach.

IMO, who's to say how long to keep the dream alive other than the individual. Look at all the "starving" artists, writers, actors, (fill in the blank), there are out there. As long as I don't have to foot their bill, they can persue it forever.

Fungo, I believe the Maddux-Eckstein example is given because it shows that (1) It Can Be Done. (pretty obvious, it has been done...by Maddux, Eckstein, Ozzie Smith, Feliciano, Stubby Clapp, Aaron Miles off the top of my head). That's always been one of my examples as to why baseball is the Perfect Game: doesn't hinge on body type.

If we encourage any young ballplayer at any level, are we not potentially giving false hope? Aren't the odds of going pro long, and making the major league club even longer?

What are parents/coaches of the under 6' player to do? "Sorry, kid, you're SOL. Might I suggest s****r?"

Young players naturally identify with those who hold their position in the majors, or those who fit their profile. And there are a heck of a lot more Ecksteinlike players out there than Randy Johnsonlike. Bringing up Our David isn't suggesting the path is easy, just that the path is possible.

I don't know that anyone is attempting to 'prove' a point with such examples; just keeping the door open.

And what purpose would naming the 10,000 Little Guys who didn't make it serve? Particularly considering there are also 10,000 over 6'-ers who thought they could make it and didn't either?


Frank, loved your take
Bee --- now THAT was funny.