Wander,
I believe that ripcord is being facetious with a humerous response to slurvy. Correct me if I'm wrong. As for the other gentleman, who knows?
Rip, right on we call that the method of educating children that stresses development thru the the childs own initiative. You may have heard of the institution called Montessori. Two boys went thru it two girls still in it older boy 30 act younger boy straigjht A's so far as a freshman two girls still attending and love it. Did you hear the initiative in san francisco to do. away with homework? That sounds silly to you, do some research before you launch an attack. Sorry guys, but teaching and allowing the breaking stuff is not good joke about it but i have been around long enough to see kids get burned out bad by travel and hs coaches, stood by and watched a thirteen year old throw over a hundred pitches. Wish i could have stopped it but it was the coaches son. So go ahead joke away because you know what i will be waiting by the softball field for you. That is where most of us dads end up and our kids too. Dont kid yourself.
Another pundit, here to enlighten all of us poor slobs. How did I ever manage before the great and wise slurpy, er slurvy?
My apologize to RIPCORD. I should have read it again before I posted. Sorry again.
Wog thats another topic of contention these kids shouldn"t put a finger on a weight until the growth plate has fused. Not just because its unsafe, primarily because of the lack of supervision and the obvious fact that kids this age tend to showoff which leads to attempting too much weight which inturn increases the risk of injury. My older boy flirted with 90 last summer my younger boy 2010 hits the low 80's both look like they lift weights but never have all plyo, med ball, isometrics and pushups etc, they have three pitches 2 and 4 seem and a change. Both have never attempted a breaking ball and neither will be allowed until college. Coaches that introduce this stuff be it hs or travel are doing your kid a diservice.
I agree with the growth plate theory stuff,,seems like when kids start to lift they quit growing upwards..Just look at your schools wrestlers,,they come in at 150lbs as freshman and leave at the same height and weight..Personally i feel if a kid wants to opt out on weightlifting it should have ZERO impact if he is considered for the team or not...
you must do this to qualify to play this..Thats bull..
when i was in hs ,,before dirt was invented,,,having to run cross country actually made me quit basketball,,
I agree with the growth plate theory stuff,,seems like when kids start to lift they quit growing upwards..Just look at your schools wrestlers,,they come in at 150lbs as freshman and leave at the same height and weight..Personally i feel if a kid wants to opt out on weightlifting it should have ZERO impact if he is considered for the team or not...
you must do this to qualify to play this..Thats bull..
when i was in hs ,,before dirt was invented,,,having to run cross country actually made me quit basketball,,
Not to be a budinski, but I do NOT think the big problem is in throwing the curveball at 14,15, etc. but rather the fact that a kid throws 100 pitches in a game on Monday and then comes back in relief two days later!!! Way toooooo much pitching.
Learn to throw the curve correct, and then limit yourself to 10-15 in a game. I've seen kids throw 50% curveballs, or more....IMO......not good. Talk to some minor league coaches, they will limit kid's curveballs in the pros so they are forced to work on a changeup & fastball command. Why not follow their lead??? Just a thought.
Learn to throw the curve correct, and then limit yourself to 10-15 in a game. I've seen kids throw 50% curveballs, or more....IMO......not good. Talk to some minor league coaches, they will limit kid's curveballs in the pros so they are forced to work on a changeup & fastball command. Why not follow their lead??? Just a thought.
quote:Originally posted by wogdoggy:
Coaches that introduce this stuff be it hs or travel are doing your kid a diservice.
And it can take years for the damage to present.
Unfortunately, I have spent way too many hours and money with orthopedic surgeons lately. The shoulder doctor told us he is seeing more injuries in young kids than ever before---and he is attributing it to playing one sport year round. He said you need to shut down for a period of months to let your body rest.
We are in new territory with the advent of all of travel ball and year round training. The first wave of athletes who began in the travel circles are in college. It would be curious to track any arm injuries as compared to the athletes of 10 years ago---and if all of this travel stuff continues at the rate it's going, to those who are just starting out now......I'm sure the studies have already begun.
Oh--and it's not just baseball--he mentioned softball (position players, not the pitchers), volleyball, and swimming as being particularly injurious to young bodies.
play baseball,
You've made a lot of valid points. We too have a history with orthopedic surgeons, as I've said before. Dr. James Andrews certainly advocates shutting down for a period after the fall season is completed and promotes a regimen of exercises aimed soley at injury prevention. Take a look at Rice University. Arguably one of the very top D1 programs in the country. I believe that I read that ALL of their pitchers that have been drafted in the past few years have required either elbow or shoulder surgery shortly after turning professional. Your point that it can take years for the damage to present is being shown to be 100% true.
You've made a lot of valid points. We too have a history with orthopedic surgeons, as I've said before. Dr. James Andrews certainly advocates shutting down for a period after the fall season is completed and promotes a regimen of exercises aimed soley at injury prevention. Take a look at Rice University. Arguably one of the very top D1 programs in the country. I believe that I read that ALL of their pitchers that have been drafted in the past few years have required either elbow or shoulder surgery shortly after turning professional. Your point that it can take years for the damage to present is being shown to be 100% true.
Itsrosey, I agree Andrews is one of the best, I wish some of the dads here would open up the mind a little. Do a little research talk to some people particularly parents of kids that have gone thru TJ surgery look at some xray footage of the damage done to 12 year olds. I think this board is teeming with dads that think they know it all because the were all city team twenty years ago. Heck i dont know it all i like to think that i do. When it comes to kids and the overt and not so overt abuse put upon them by certain hs and travel coaches, someone needs to take an active role in protecting the kids. Note to wander i was thinking about breaking out the use of double-entendre and irony so be careful before you respond ya better check with rosey first. I hear cplz has jammed the pm feature calling for a full field investigation of yours truly. Coach has his hand over the banned button the doomsday clock is inching closer to midnight.
Lifting weights can be safely accomplished using various programs based upon age groups, weight, etc. It is incumbent in any program to have their coaching staff certified in specific and appropraite weight programs. We lift Bigger Faster Stronger. I and my staff are certified. Our players lift under prescribed regiments which are recorded on a computer program so that they not only know their workouts but see their progression. BTW, programs such as BFS, require extensive technique training before an athlete ever picks up a weight. We start with "form" training in 8th grade. If you think that there exist any collegiate program in the nation that doesn't lift then you're silly. Same with the plyometric program. FYI, there is consider information out there from reputable sources regarding age appropriate lifting. My daughter is 13 and 5'8" tall. She has been doing age appropriate lifing under the BFS guidelines (box squats, etc.) for over a year. She is very strong for her age and shows no negative signs of lifting. As a Father I'd never let my child do any activity that I thought would injure her. If its good enough for our boys to do, the girls deserve the same opportunities.
Regarding the curve. It easy enough to learn how to throw a curve that is safe. What I would suggest to you is that kids aren't taught correctly, experiment on their own, find that curve that hurts their arm and because they don't know the difference, throw the bad curve. JMHO!
NOW BACK TO THE TOPIC -- SEASON BEGINS!
First cuts after today's practice. We've had them out a couple of days and should get the tryout completed before the rain sets in. We will still have a couple of more cuts. I was "cut" twice in my high school career. Simply put, I didn't act right. When I got my act together and because I was fortunte to have a teacher that saw the good in me, I was recommended to the head coach as someone he should pay attention to. He kept me and we went on to have a great HS career. Knowing all of this, I feel for the young men that won't be in our program and know that level of hurt. Good luck to all of the players and coaches today.
Regarding the curve. It easy enough to learn how to throw a curve that is safe. What I would suggest to you is that kids aren't taught correctly, experiment on their own, find that curve that hurts their arm and because they don't know the difference, throw the bad curve. JMHO!
NOW BACK TO THE TOPIC -- SEASON BEGINS!
First cuts after today's practice. We've had them out a couple of days and should get the tryout completed before the rain sets in. We will still have a couple of more cuts. I was "cut" twice in my high school career. Simply put, I didn't act right. When I got my act together and because I was fortunte to have a teacher that saw the good in me, I was recommended to the head coach as someone he should pay attention to. He kept me and we went on to have a great HS career. Knowing all of this, I feel for the young men that won't be in our program and know that level of hurt. Good luck to all of the players and coaches today.
quote:Originally posted by slurve07:
Coach has his hand over the banned button the doomsday clock is inching closer to midnight.
You know from past experience that I don't have that ability. Please check your pms. I did send you a pm - positive in nature.
quote:Originally posted by slurve07:
someone needs to take an active role in protecting the kids.
Slurpe,
Is this the part where we all praise the day the good lord brought you to us for our salvation?
Cplz, I dont think thats needed, but thanks for thinking of me. I didn't love the screen name either but asked my 14 year old to come up with something cool. Something about a cross between a slider and a curve ball??couldn't hurt his feelings.
On that note i wanted to congratulate you on your sons acceptance to a fine school. Thats also a neat web site you created for him. Did you attend many showcases on the way up? did you take an active role in getting his name out there? What about recruiting services, did you utilize any?
On that note i wanted to congratulate you on your sons acceptance to a fine school. Thats also a neat web site you created for him. Did you attend many showcases on the way up? did you take an active role in getting his name out there? What about recruiting services, did you utilize any?
Is that you Kenneth?
Great thanks now my youngest is calling me slurpy. Heres the problem, weight lifting at a young age isd counterproductive it places way too much stress on the grtowth plate, ligament and tendons. I have been hearing about numerous weight lifting related injuries. I applaud having certified staff on hand. Great, however they cant watch everyone and thats exactly when injuries occur. Kids liifting too much, trying to keep up with the others. I know of schools where they send home the sheet that lists who benches what or dead lifts that. Come on, if you dont see that as a recipe for disaster i dont what is. As for breaking balls i dont buy thre theory of a correct way. The supposed wrist curv not good heres why, they find a way to snap the elbow. Yes they do when they see the faster sharper break guess what, yes the arm slot changes and next comes the taxing of the elbow. Bottom line is this: good diet, lots of cardio, plyo, iso, med ball, stretch bands, posterior chain and core work coupled with a good agility - flexibility routine. No breaking stuff until done growing, master the change of speeds and locate the 2 and 4 seemer. Whats the frequency trhit?
slurv, thanks slurv we get what you are doing.
Slurpe,
Your can't state both sides of an argument based on which suits your point better.
You told us that your son had a 30 ACT and claimed that was learned behavior and education from montesorri school
Then you claim that kids aren't capable of performing learned behavior or implementing good education at a young age and because of that, even in spite of certified supervision are risking immenent injury by lifting weights.
If we were to follow the logic of your argument we wouldn't let our kids cross the street for fear that in spite of having learned to looked both ways, they choose to ignore it. Personally, I give my kids a lot more credit than that.
No breaking stuff until done growing, would mean that my son, an 07, wouldn't start throwing breaking stuff until college, as he's still growing. Xrays have shown both his elbow and shoulder to be in perfect shape, in spite of throwing curveballs since 13yo. At the Southeastern Baseball Showcase last fall, a White Sox scout called my sons curveball major league ready, hard with a late sharp break. The empirical evidence in place, then shows at least one example of a growing boy throwing hard breaking stuff, with no damage.
Your can't state both sides of an argument based on which suits your point better.
You told us that your son had a 30 ACT and claimed that was learned behavior and education from montesorri school
Then you claim that kids aren't capable of performing learned behavior or implementing good education at a young age and because of that, even in spite of certified supervision are risking immenent injury by lifting weights.
If we were to follow the logic of your argument we wouldn't let our kids cross the street for fear that in spite of having learned to looked both ways, they choose to ignore it. Personally, I give my kids a lot more credit than that.
No breaking stuff until done growing, would mean that my son, an 07, wouldn't start throwing breaking stuff until college, as he's still growing. Xrays have shown both his elbow and shoulder to be in perfect shape, in spite of throwing curveballs since 13yo. At the Southeastern Baseball Showcase last fall, a White Sox scout called my sons curveball major league ready, hard with a late sharp break. The empirical evidence in place, then shows at least one example of a growing boy throwing hard breaking stuff, with no damage.
CPLZ,
I'm with you on most of the points you've made here, and in your previous posts. However, I can't agree with your assesment that because your son has had X-rays of his elbow and shoulder that he's out of the woods. I'm happy for his success and wish him much more in the future. But why the curves at 13? What do you really win when you're 13? Wouldn't the changeup have been a reasonable option? I'm just asking.
Back to the X-ray. They're only worth something if there is fear of a fracture or to check the growth plates. Only an arthrogram along with an MRI can determine what is really going on inside an elbow or shoulder. Unfortunately we know; we've been there. JMO.
Again, good luck to your son this spring and summer.
I'm with you on most of the points you've made here, and in your previous posts. However, I can't agree with your assesment that because your son has had X-rays of his elbow and shoulder that he's out of the woods. I'm happy for his success and wish him much more in the future. But why the curves at 13? What do you really win when you're 13? Wouldn't the changeup have been a reasonable option? I'm just asking.
Back to the X-ray. They're only worth something if there is fear of a fracture or to check the growth plates. Only an arthrogram along with an MRI can determine what is really going on inside an elbow or shoulder. Unfortunately we know; we've been there. JMO.
Again, good luck to your son this spring and summer.
Thanks for the input, it sure beats the quips and snide comments. Your argument is noted. Im guessing your son received private lessons and attended all the right camps and was exposed to all the right instructors. I would even offer that you stood by and watched that pitch count. I'm glad your son made it througjh ok particularly the travel ball route. The empiracle evidence is that a lot of the kids out there dont have all the advatages as our little guys. If you were allowing jr. To snap off curve balls at 13 i'm sorry i think your nuts. The vast majority of these kids today have already done damage including causing degenerative compartmernt change in the rotator and elbow region one orthopedic specialist told me the wear and tear they are seeing isd just staggering and they are seeing younger and younger patients. We are talking kids at 13 and 14 neeing TJ surgery, unicompartmental shoulder replacement, articular surface degeneration in kids not old enough to drive. That being said take your empiracle evidence and show it to the next set of parents that aren't as educated in all things baseball like you. One more thing i bet you were right there making sure jr. Shut down when needed and you stopped the travel coach when he wanted one more inning out of jr. Who was looking out for the kid with the single mom or absent father? I highly doubt it was you, i can just tell by your signature!
My knowledge of the specifics of baseball athletically and mechanics, you can fit in a thimble. If any of you ever need advice on a good crossover dribble or jump shot, I'm your guy.
I have been completely reliant on people I would ignorantly place my trust in. It turns out that my ignorance did not come back to haunt me and apparently stumbled onto some good choices.
The 13yo curveball, was when he was just starting pitching lessons, and thinking about it now, my son was just a couple months short of 14 and entering HS. The coach that taught it to him, assured me that if taught correctly and monitored the way he was going to, there would be minimal risk of damage because of it.
I had him xrayed based on the advice of a friend. His concern was growth plates and he said that they would be able to check the basis for the joints, although certainly not as in depth as other tests.
As to taking the reins with regards to coaching relations, never have. The coaches he played for always knew his pitch counts and I never once saw them abuse it. Some of that probably had to do with the fact that my son has always been one of the more physically immature kids on the team (until recently) and would obviously get gassed neccesitating pulling him.
I do feel quite a bit more educated this year, having had the benifit of talking to many college pitching coaches during the recruiting process. A couple of the things that they warned me of were to make sure he had enough rest between starts and be careful early and late in the season with the amount he pitches, i.e. work up in innings gradually and don't be too quick to come back and pitch too quickly in the state playoffs.
I have been completely reliant on people I would ignorantly place my trust in. It turns out that my ignorance did not come back to haunt me and apparently stumbled onto some good choices.
The 13yo curveball, was when he was just starting pitching lessons, and thinking about it now, my son was just a couple months short of 14 and entering HS. The coach that taught it to him, assured me that if taught correctly and monitored the way he was going to, there would be minimal risk of damage because of it.
I had him xrayed based on the advice of a friend. His concern was growth plates and he said that they would be able to check the basis for the joints, although certainly not as in depth as other tests.
As to taking the reins with regards to coaching relations, never have. The coaches he played for always knew his pitch counts and I never once saw them abuse it. Some of that probably had to do with the fact that my son has always been one of the more physically immature kids on the team (until recently) and would obviously get gassed neccesitating pulling him.
I do feel quite a bit more educated this year, having had the benifit of talking to many college pitching coaches during the recruiting process. A couple of the things that they warned me of were to make sure he had enough rest between starts and be careful early and late in the season with the amount he pitches, i.e. work up in innings gradually and don't be too quick to come back and pitch too quickly in the state playoffs.
CPLZ, Thanks for a great and honest response. Again, all the best to you both this season.
Slurve
What high school do your kids play for ?
Did they play on any of the travel teams in the area during the summer ?
What high school do your kids play for ?
Did they play on any of the travel teams in the area during the summer ?
Sultiger you have a private message.
Sulltiger not sure if that went thru. three in Winnetka NSCD and one at Deerfield. Some travel New Trier but mostly LL travel with family in summer conflicts with the demanding travel guys. Why do you ask?
You mentioned that your son threw 90 . Just curious as to what high school he goes to.
If anyone in Illinois even touches 90, all the scouts will know about him.
There is quite a few 07 plyaers throwing 90 or touching 90 this year.
Beenthere
I agree with you . I know as well as you do how significant throwing 90 truly is at the high school level. Thats why i was interested in knowing the name of this young man as well as what school he attends. Lets see if slurveman responds .
I agree with you . I know as well as you do how significant throwing 90 truly is at the high school level. Thats why i was interested in knowing the name of this young man as well as what school he attends. Lets see if slurveman responds .
Slurveman here, i made a mistake when i mentioned "he flirted with 90" upper 80's that sometimes look like theres more in the tank. I dont want to put undue scrutiny or attention on him. I dont create pretentious home pages or web sites pages that "highlight" my kids like some here. I dont waste money on showcases or expensive travel clubs. I shouldn't have asserted or boasted about the velocity. It wont happen again. Sulltiger here is your chance to once again tell us how great jr. is. I'm pretty sure you have covered this many, many times before but here goes. What hs team what travel team and how high is jr rated by the all the so-called scouts and rating services? I would ask cplz but "everyone" knows already. Sulltigerman just one more how much $ have you dropped on showcases private lessons and "travel ball expenses?
Slurpe,
Your ignorance is only surpassed by your arrogance.
Tell me, just who the hell are you to pass judgement on people that you would blatently slam them by telling them their sons website is pretentious or their participation in showcases or travel programs are a waste of money? How arrogant are you that you think that all your decisions (montisorri school, North Shore Country Day, no weights, etc.)are above reproach, yet someone who sends their children to public schools, plays travel baseball, goes to showcases, uses the web as a promotional tool, is pretentious and money wasting?
My son attended two showcases, both because in spite of what beenthere thinks, he was throwing 90 and no one knew about him (Southeastern Baseball Showcase Results for showcase results for those who doubt that statement). He played travel ball one year, between Soph & Junior. In addition he traveled to Jupiter, FL to play in Perfect Games Tournament. All these were in an effort to get him exposure to college coaches to allow him to continue HIS BASEBALL DREAM at the next level.
His website is informational in nature to promote him to the colleges that would be interested in seeing his academic qualifications, baseball and personal info, judge his ability/potential and give them a convenient schedule of where they can scout him.
Now what, you'll formulate another bogus argument about how this behavior is detrimental and throw out some email gossip about knowing it from some unnamed study?
You really are a tool.
Your ignorance is only surpassed by your arrogance.
Tell me, just who the hell are you to pass judgement on people that you would blatently slam them by telling them their sons website is pretentious or their participation in showcases or travel programs are a waste of money? How arrogant are you that you think that all your decisions (montisorri school, North Shore Country Day, no weights, etc.)are above reproach, yet someone who sends their children to public schools, plays travel baseball, goes to showcases, uses the web as a promotional tool, is pretentious and money wasting?
My son attended two showcases, both because in spite of what beenthere thinks, he was throwing 90 and no one knew about him (Southeastern Baseball Showcase Results for showcase results for those who doubt that statement). He played travel ball one year, between Soph & Junior. In addition he traveled to Jupiter, FL to play in Perfect Games Tournament. All these were in an effort to get him exposure to college coaches to allow him to continue HIS BASEBALL DREAM at the next level.
His website is informational in nature to promote him to the colleges that would be interested in seeing his academic qualifications, baseball and personal info, judge his ability/potential and give them a convenient schedule of where they can scout him.
Now what, you'll formulate another bogus argument about how this behavior is detrimental and throw out some email gossip about knowing it from some unnamed study?
You really are a tool.
Slurpy,
CPLZ and Sulltiger are entitled an answer. If you are so willing to slam others for info they can back up, then back up your own.
If not, than as CPLZ says; You really are a tool
p.s. We know who you are
CPLZ and Sulltiger are entitled an answer. If you are so willing to slam others for info they can back up, then back up your own.
If not, than as CPLZ says; You really are a tool
p.s. We know who you are
You know, I think it amazing how someone can come on this board every so often with new screen names and take over with snide remarks and put downs and then claim, "this should be about the kids." I think even Ray Charles, who was blind and now dead could see that this person's posts have nothing to do about kids. I say that with all due respect to Mr. Charles.
Not sure how much others have spent on their kids over the years on showcases, travel teams, lessons and such, but I can tell you our family has spent plenty. AND I WOULDN'T CHANGE A THING! See, we used these as bonding experiences and when the travel teams played in far away destinations we used those as family trips. I can tell you we have loved every minute of it. We are a baseball family and from San Diego to Jupiter and from Cooperstown to San Antonio we have spent and learned, but isn't that what "families" do? Why do we need to take snide comments from some wannabe about how much our familes have spent? I just don' get that comment? Sounds real ignorant. Not every family takes the same path to get their sons or daughters to the places we want to see them go, so why the backhanded remarks? Our journy's end is on the horizon and it is becoming ever so clear as the days go by and our son will soon be out on his own to sink or swim. I have no doubts that he will be able to make it on his own due to the money and diligence we have spent.
My own father asked me the other day if I could go back and change the way we did or went about things on this long journey. Of course I would tinker a little bit, but for the most part I wouldn't change a thing and judging by all the wonderful things, the people we have met and talked to and the scholarship offers I know that to be true.
Thanks to many here on this web site, you know, the one who actually lets you post comments, be they good or bad, smart or dumb. Some things might get deleted and I'm ok with that and at least the HS Baseball Web doesn't advertise as an open forum that all can contribute to and then only put on what the board dictator wants and for the most part is only put downs. Life must be miserable for that particular individual.
I think I'll fade back into the background like many others obviously have since February 25th and just wait for the smoke to clear before I come out again.
Not sure how much others have spent on their kids over the years on showcases, travel teams, lessons and such, but I can tell you our family has spent plenty. AND I WOULDN'T CHANGE A THING! See, we used these as bonding experiences and when the travel teams played in far away destinations we used those as family trips. I can tell you we have loved every minute of it. We are a baseball family and from San Diego to Jupiter and from Cooperstown to San Antonio we have spent and learned, but isn't that what "families" do? Why do we need to take snide comments from some wannabe about how much our familes have spent? I just don' get that comment? Sounds real ignorant. Not every family takes the same path to get their sons or daughters to the places we want to see them go, so why the backhanded remarks? Our journy's end is on the horizon and it is becoming ever so clear as the days go by and our son will soon be out on his own to sink or swim. I have no doubts that he will be able to make it on his own due to the money and diligence we have spent.
My own father asked me the other day if I could go back and change the way we did or went about things on this long journey. Of course I would tinker a little bit, but for the most part I wouldn't change a thing and judging by all the wonderful things, the people we have met and talked to and the scholarship offers I know that to be true.
Thanks to many here on this web site, you know, the one who actually lets you post comments, be they good or bad, smart or dumb. Some things might get deleted and I'm ok with that and at least the HS Baseball Web doesn't advertise as an open forum that all can contribute to and then only put on what the board dictator wants and for the most part is only put downs. Life must be miserable for that particular individual.
I think I'll fade back into the background like many others obviously have since February 25th and just wait for the smoke to clear before I come out again.
Nice post Seedthrower. I agree. I wouldn't change a thing my son did regarding camps and showcases. He enjoyed it and it gave us a great time and experience together.
You crazed travel dads. Look we have dialogue going on where, a college team suffered a tragic loss, another member of this community is helping a friend through a tough time. And all we have out of you guys......my kids better than your kid....god forbid who is the tool here? Enough with the name calling? I am done here. Cplz you are the worst offender, I kind of respect the guy who makes it on his own. Kids that are coddled just dont make my cut. I will take the quiet leader, the kid who leads by example, the kid without the white elephant daddy in the front yard putting up the billboards. They do that in the south for hs football players do they do that in lake zurich? Just because I disagree with your way overboard pretentious behavior, you feel it neccessary to call me names? Sorry to inform you, not everyone is as enamored with you as you. Traveldad, you know me? I dont know you, why is that? And where does your little superstar play ?
My son loved baseball and had some talent. So I sent him for lessons so that he learned the right way to do things to improve and not hurt himself. I did the same for my daughters, who were swimmers. Our philosophy was to expose the kids to many things when they were young, music, sports, etc. If they liked something, we would then encourage them and help them along.
After my son's lessons, he wanted to compeete with kids on his level to have fun and get better. House didn't provide him the competition, so we found good travel teams. WE went to one showcase as an incoming freshman to see what it was like. He had fun, but we won't do any others until the high school coach recommends he go.
Yes, we had great fun traveling as a family to tournaments.
My point is I don't understand the showcase, travel, website attacks. For us, what ever we did flowed naturally from what level my son was on. If we think a web site is a necessary step, we'll do that. You do what you feel is best for your kid, and not let your ego get in the way. Sometimes that is tough, and some do want refected glory from their kids.
There was an article in our local paper last year about Soxnole and his talented and obviously well liked son. He said he spent 50k on baseball. Maybe he get most or all of it back in scolarship money, but it is clear, you are not going to make a profit on baseball scholarships than the money you spend on lessons and other expenses. You do it out of love for you kid. The lessons they learn about life and the friendships they make are what the whole process should be about. We are not perfect, and we all make mistakes. Hopefully, we are doning it for the right reasons.
After my son's lessons, he wanted to compeete with kids on his level to have fun and get better. House didn't provide him the competition, so we found good travel teams. WE went to one showcase as an incoming freshman to see what it was like. He had fun, but we won't do any others until the high school coach recommends he go.
Yes, we had great fun traveling as a family to tournaments.
My point is I don't understand the showcase, travel, website attacks. For us, what ever we did flowed naturally from what level my son was on. If we think a web site is a necessary step, we'll do that. You do what you feel is best for your kid, and not let your ego get in the way. Sometimes that is tough, and some do want refected glory from their kids.
There was an article in our local paper last year about Soxnole and his talented and obviously well liked son. He said he spent 50k on baseball. Maybe he get most or all of it back in scolarship money, but it is clear, you are not going to make a profit on baseball scholarships than the money you spend on lessons and other expenses. You do it out of love for you kid. The lessons they learn about life and the friendships they make are what the whole process should be about. We are not perfect, and we all make mistakes. Hopefully, we are doning it for the right reasons.
I should have checked for typos. Sorry for the misspellings above.
Bballdad54, I respect that! You are clearly on the right path and seem secure in your approach. Some of the dads here, i fear are suffering from identity crisis. They are obviously living vicariously through the offspring. What drives these guys? An insatiable appetite for attention. I can just envision these guys at a showcase sizing up the competition, sizing up the other dads. What are these guys going to do when the jr's head off to college or decide its not their dream to play the game anymore? I wonder do the end up as jaded disenchanted and bitter old timers? Just curious of course!
I think I'll be bummed when my son is done with baseball. It is a hobby, a "pastime". People have to develop hobbies and other things to keep them occupied and replace that interest. There is nothing like seeing your kid smoke one in a big situation though. It will be interesting.
My position is polarizing yet needed, the parents of younger kids should read this and understand that you can be successful and have fun at this game without blowing your next egg needlessly. It can be done without playing on elitist snobby travel teams, without blowing big bucks on needless showcases, without pandering to scouts or wasting even more money on web sites and self promotional material. All you need to do is find a good team, work hard but dont over do it, keep the grades up and keep it fun. Some of the dads here take this way to seriously! It's baseball relax let the kids enjoy it. Only a small percent will play in college and a smaller percent will possibly go pro. So break out the 16 inch softball, fire up the grill and lets all sit around the campfire and here all about cplz's accomplishments.
Traveldad still waiting where does your allstar guy play?
Traveldad still waiting where does your allstar guy play?
Seeds, what happened Feb. 25th?
As far as the rest of this goes, I would say that my son and I fell into the middle on this whole thing.
He has played some Travel and has had paid coaches and a Showcase or two along the way. Spent some money there to be sure. Spent more time at College Camps where the cost was more in the travel expense. Had some great times. A time or two it seemed like too much but on balance, I'm with Baseballdad's opinion.
No, my son will not likely make a living off baseball, in fact it is not what he wants.....but baseball is a big part of the reason my son got into the school of his choice. As he will tell you, he used baseball to get where he wanted to be. It was worth it.
Slurve, why all the hostility? Very few of these guys brag about their kids......others may comment but I don't see much bragging. What's wrong with a father being invloved with their kid in a time when so many families are split up and soem fathers don't even see their kids every week? Or other fathers that are so busy with their career that they have no time for their kids? All the time and money spent with your son or daughter is well worth it.
CPLZ's son could have gone many places to play baseball, but chose to go to a place where he will serve us all. I can't think of a better reason to make such an investment of either time, money or energy. If doing the things that he did is what got him there, then it was worth it without question.
As far as the rest of this goes, I would say that my son and I fell into the middle on this whole thing.
He has played some Travel and has had paid coaches and a Showcase or two along the way. Spent some money there to be sure. Spent more time at College Camps where the cost was more in the travel expense. Had some great times. A time or two it seemed like too much but on balance, I'm with Baseballdad's opinion.
No, my son will not likely make a living off baseball, in fact it is not what he wants.....but baseball is a big part of the reason my son got into the school of his choice. As he will tell you, he used baseball to get where he wanted to be. It was worth it.
Slurve, why all the hostility? Very few of these guys brag about their kids......others may comment but I don't see much bragging. What's wrong with a father being invloved with their kid in a time when so many families are split up and soem fathers don't even see their kids every week? Or other fathers that are so busy with their career that they have no time for their kids? All the time and money spent with your son or daughter is well worth it.
CPLZ's son could have gone many places to play baseball, but chose to go to a place where he will serve us all. I can't think of a better reason to make such an investment of either time, money or energy. If doing the things that he did is what got him there, then it was worth it without question.