Senior Night

Diva, Our seniors give a rose and a gift for mom that was purchased by the boosters. Then there is the a traditional walk to home plate where the coaches stand. The boy's history on the team and their plans for the future are announced. One of my favorite senior nights, each boy's mom had recorded a message to their son. This was played as the family walked from home plate and stood on the mound. The recordings varied. One mom had written a poem and said it like a rap song. It was very funny. Then there were many very touching messages. One person had done the recordings with each mom prior to that night. Therefore, no one else, including their son had heard them and it was such a special touch. Senior night is one of those nights that you really can't go wrong. I get teary eyed just thinking about it coming.

lafmom, That sounds beautiful! I like the recorded message idea. We'll have to help each other get through this next year!

My son's was quite similiar...the rose, the walk, his history with the team and plans for the future announced. But the messages were from the players. Each thanked parents, friends, coaches as they wished, and/or commented on the role of baseball in their life.

I enjoyed and was moved by what the boys had to say; and they seemed pleased to be able to write their own farewell.

Our school, nothing, nada, zip.

Denis, You need to start the tradition then. At our school, the junior class rep and parents are responsible for organizing and leading.

We do a lot of the same mentioned. One exception to what is posted. We don't have the kid's accomplishments read out loud. We have a huge baseball designed display with a ball diamond in the center of it. It is not big but it is there. The kids are placed on that ball diamond diagram in their position with a line headed toward the edge of the baseball which tells the accomplishment of each player. It is very nice and it took some time to build. It has become a traditon for the parents to arrange this display. The school supplies the rest and then we have hotdogs and hamburgers grilled by the dads after the game.

Our senior night is the last home game of the season before the playoffs, all the seniors parents are on the field and throw a pitch to their respective sons. The sons then present the dads with an autographed ball by everyone on team. Nice little tradition that was started about 8 years ago. Good luck to all the seniors this season, and continued success beyond high school.

Let's keep in mind what senior night is really about. We need to show/tell the seniors how much we appreciated their efforts and their parents/guardians need to be acknowledged for supporting their sons during the high school experience. IMO it is best to make it nice and short as we can talk more about the players at the season ending dinner. I now have to allow the old ball coach to come out in me and tell everyone that while senior night is great, you do have a game to play and if the lights in the scoreboard are going to be turned on I would expect a nothing less than a win!!!!!!

Love these ideas - ours have been pretty generic at the actual game...we usually reserve that stuff for the banquet...but I like this, and I'll probably steal some of it to us this year. Thanks, guys.

My sons sr night ( 1/1/2 years ago already ) is memorable for many reasons, but mostly because of the two things the seniors did that had not been done before or since.

We are a one Jr high, one high school city so the boys grew up with the sr girls on the softball team and hung out with them all the time, to say they were close knit is an understatement. There was also the exact same number of Sr girls as there were boys on each team. The girls softball field is right next to the baseball field (backstops actually back up to each other with walkway in between) and thier games start 30 minutes before the baseball games. The senior boys, without telling either the girls parents or us or their coaches bought each sr girl a dozen roses and when they heard the start of the girls ceremony ripped open a bat bag that hid the roses and rushed to the girls field and hid behind the press box. As each girl was introduced, after the parents were on the field, a different senior baseball player walked out onto the field and presented the roses to the girls, but they took one rose out of each dozen and gave it to the moms of the sr. girls. They then rolled out a 2003 District Softball/Baseball Champions..Dual Undefeated Seasons Banner they had made. Shock and tears from all the parents and the girls.. it was soo touching, more so because none of us baseball or softball parents knew about their plan.. We were all balling.. I LOVE the pictures from this surprise celebration.

The second thing they did, with the HS coaches permission, and a some organizational help from a few moms was to invite their youth Babe Ruth tournament team coach to the game (his son went to a different school). After all of the Srs. were announced they asked the SR's from the opposing team to join them on the field, then they asked their youth tournament team coach to come to home plate, they announced that this group of seniors although from 2 different and rival schools played youth tournament baseball together as a team for 10 summers and wanted to stand on a field together as one team, one last time. Combined these two teams of seniors was their tournament team for all the time they played Babe Ruth baseball, not one had stopped playing. They then read a beautiful thank you and dedication to the youth coach thanking him for all the time he took with them, thanked him for their 2 state tournament titles as Babe Ruth baseball players, thanked him for teaching them competitive baseball, how to be respectful men, how to win, how to lose etc. etc. Then the captians for both teams went to home plate and presented the youth coach with a framed copy of the dedication, signed by each player, with a picture of them at the 9 year old state championship and then a picture of them as seniors.. It was so touching and the youth coach fought back tears and lost... It was a special moment for all the players and parents because we finally found a way to thank this coach for all he did for the boys when they were little..

ahhh those were the days... Senior parents.. enjoy this year.. take lots of video and pictures because it is the most special season of their careers,

I can't believe such **** goes on before a baseball game. Why not introduce the players, have them walk to home plate, wave at their mommas, and then get back to the rest of the team and get ready to start the game?! There is a baseball game to be played for crying out loud!

And yes, I am the parent of a senior who just had to go through this **** on senior football night, will have to go through it on senior basketball night, and then once again on senior baseball night.

I wish the mommas would just quit trying to impress everyone and live through their kids and let these boys play some ball and kick some butt instead of bringing roses and flowers into the mix.

Good grief. Sorry ladies.

I think there are many, many things we should acknowledge as an accomplishment as our sons mature into men. Senior night is an event that everyone recognizes as a time to acknowledge one of those accomplishments. To stick with something (baseball) that was not required of them, deserves some recognition. Many of these players will not go on to play college baseball. This could very well be the last baseball they will play. I stood on the field as a proud parent. I was proud not only for my son, but those sons that didn’t have a parent in attendance, proud for those players that never had the opportunity to pitch a perfect game, never went four for four, or even get a game winning hit. They deserve something.
Fungo

Our school did/does nothing, never has I guess even when the coaches son was on the team... very sad.

Other sports do have senior nite at their HS, just not baseball.

This will be an exciting year for TC Roberson, and it is not as if we as parents don't do things.

We started playing the Canadian Thunderbirds in 02 I believe, hubby and I made about 80 lbs of barbeque, got other parents to make beans, slaw, or contribute to plates, forks etc, did it again in 03, got others to do it in 04, and hopefully it will continue into 05 and beyond.

It would be nice to let the seniors be recognized on that final home game.

Coach, you read this board. Make it happen!!

0204mom- PM

Gosh darn Fungo...you do have a way with words. You said it all so well....

We have an end of the year banquet, and give special recognition to the seniors....they deserve it....and we have fun doing it....this year will be my son's turn to stand as a senior....along with his teammates and friends....it brings closure....and that's important too....

We don't do Senior Night...but I'm thinking that maybe the Mom's who get to participate in this ceremony... are not trying to live through their son's as much as just share a moment....when they are recognized...as a family....who all gave a lot to youth/high school baseball..for the love of the game....and their sons.....

quote:

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Originally posted by fungo:
I think there are many, many things we should acknowledge as an accomplishment as our sons mature into men. Senior night is an event that everyone recognizes as a time to acknowledge one of those accomplishments. To stick with something (baseball) that was not required of them, deserves some recognition. Many of these players will not go on to play college baseball. This could very well be the last baseball they will play. I stood on the field as a proud parent. I was proud not only for my son, but those sons that didn’t have a parent in attendance, proud for those players that never had the opportunity to pitch a perfect game, never went four for four, or even get a game winning hit. They deserve something.
Fungo

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I think I'm gonna cry....not! Looking back I never missed not having a "senior" night when I was in high school. It has never bothered me nor my mother from what I can tell. As far as my son goes, I don't think he cares either way, but my wife sure does.

I am sorry, but I just don't get it. But I realize that I am in the minority on this one.

I think the players and moms should have this time!!! I think we all know that over 80% of the players will not play at the next level and we all know the commtiment it took from the player and families.

My only reservation to this thought is there is still a game to play. I equate it to a high school homecoming football game...no stats to back this up but it seems to me the "homecoming team" doesnt normally play to its potential. Keep it low key with the emphasis on the game.

We do it a little backwards - seems like every other sport at our school does it before the game. We participated last year for my daughter in field hockey, basketball, and softball - girls do it a little different - the thank you's/favorite memories/blahblahblah- nice, though - they also recognize the opposing seniors with flowers [I don't see that happening in baseball, tho - give me flowers before the game - might require some chin music!!]. Out football team seniors walk with their parents thru a line of the their teamates prior to the game, but have a very informal reception after the game. For baseball, it seems almost an afterthought - but one good thing -- we do it AFTER the game - take as long as we want [or not], refreshments, etc. It also gives some of the parents a better chance of arriving for the ceremony on time [330 start, no lights]. I like the post game ceremony MUCH better.

We call out the parents and the Seniors together. We then give each senior a ball signed by the team and coaches along with a copy of the line up for that game. We have the announcer talk about each player for a moment including their accomplishments and some words by the coaches about each kid. We also start every Senior. We might not leave them in the whole game depending on the score etc but they all start. The most emotional part of a Seniors last year is his last practice. Thats where you see them for the last time taking ground balls or working on their hitting etc. It is never emotional for me when the kids graduate that have not worked hard or have not invested in their career. But it is very emotional to see them leave when they have invested so much hard work and give back so much to our program. Of course these are the kids that come back when they are on break to say hello.

Why you blaming the moms for this?? For most schools this has been a long ongoing tradition, some schools include the parents, some schools just the players.. It's actually up the athletic directors and head coaches of the teams to decide if this happens not us moms..

Crawdad - If my son was a three sport athlete I would be more than proud to walk on the playing field with him, playing 3 sports in one year is a major accomplishment these days and rarely happens.. Student athletes bring alot of emotion and pride to their schools, no matter the sport and those who make it through 4 years of school and sports deserve to be honored.. Oh and it doesn't end in HS, we were at three D1 end of season games this past spring and each of these programs honored their seniors and their parents im much the same way.

Congrats to your son.. He and you will have great memories to look back on.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by fungo:
Many of these players will not go on to play college baseball. This could very well be the last baseball they will play.

i agree, too bad though that this forum is the LEAST important forum for baseball. in at least one person's opinion.... not mine

Catamount, I don’t know If you’re making reference to a response where I said: First of all we're talking high school baseball, the least important and effective format to get college or pro exposure. I hope you didn’t interpret this as me meaning high school baseball is not important to the players and his parents. My comment was in reference to EXPOSURE. There are many players and parents that look at high school baseball as the greatest of accomplishments...I personally think that’s fine. I have lots of my son’s high school baseball memorabilia hanging on my walls!
Fungo

Here in Marin, the only HS's where this ceremony is conducted are the private Catholic HS's. The public schools have banquets after the end of the season, but no such display of manners is offered in recognition of all the work that moms put in to supporting their son's during the arduous journey from LL through the HS level.

Crawdad - what a grouch! Are you sure you're spelling your screen name correctly? I suggest changing one letter.

I think it's great that teams take the time to acknowledge the seniors and their parents - in whatever way is appropriate for them. Some of these examples are quite touching.

I'm missing something here. Some of you are mentioning that some schools have a banquet and some have Senior Night. Don't most schools do both? In our area, this would be the typical experience. Also, Seniors are special on both occassions. We do a PowerPoint and it contains a specific portion of the presentation for seniors. This includes pictures, stories about the player including roasting them, and their stats. I wish I could explain to all of you what this means to the parents. It takes me an incrediable number of hours to make them and often, they run over 250 slides. However it is a labor of love and so...

yes we do both. the senior night is nothing grand or extravagant. we usually have a parent do a cd picture presentation at the banquet with all the seniors getting a copy. at the game, flower for mom, call out mom & dad's name, accomplishments, try to start all seniors, play game. i just make sure as the coach that we have a non-cnference game late in the season to have this at.

ps fungo yes i was being sarcastic,,,, sorry
and i still argue that here in the south, you still get more exposure from high school, even though showcases help a lot.

The boosters buys watches for them. And this year we had a big dinner for them.

Apparently Crawdad has no feelings about anyone but himself. Long Live Senior Night!

The last home game of the season is senior day.Each senior is
introduced,with the announcer describing his past accomplishments,baseball future,and college.Then the parents
walk the senior to home plate.All the seniors and parents then
stand at home plate during the ceremony and national anthem.
We have a banquet at the end of the season, and the seniors are
given gifts from the booster club and awards are given out.

Senior day was 2 days ago and I guess it hasn't really sunk in yet. We had 10 seniors and 8 are fortunate enough to play at the next level. After the traditional announcing of seniors and walking with their parents and hugging everyone on the way along the first base line. Flashbacks of images from the past went through my mind. I just thought this chapter will end soon and another chapter will start soon.

We just enjoyed the moment and our team win. He got a poster with his pictures and his future college logo and goodie bag. My wife got a necklace with a little pendant with his HS number. I got a signed baseball from him with my modified favorite quote...

" A diamond is just a chunk of coal made under pressure." " Love you " "Thanks for everything."

PRICELESS.............

Good luck to all your Senior sons who are still playing the Playoffs and for those going to the next level...Enjoy the next chapter. It will be another ride!

Yeah, it's a long way from tossing wiffle balls underhand and chasing him around the bases, huh Ryan? Best of luck to you guys. I hope you get to a lot of games next year.

Senior night for my son's school is a special night regardless of the sport. It's usually the last home game (not necessarily the last game though).

The past few years the player and their parents are announced where they walk to the home plate area from the home dugout area. (not allowed on the playing surface). The player's accomplishments including GPA and his plans for the future (college, work, no plans, etc) are announced. The player is then presented with a plaque that in the past has had an action shot of some sort or just a good pic.

The starting line ups are then announced, National Anthem played and they "play ball!".

our school puts poster size pictures of seniors on our "press box" on senior day, they get to do the talking individually with a microphone(they are limited in time but not sure how much- a minute or so). at the banquet, a slide show of the seniors and the season, league and beyond awards, and what all the boys want; a blue bat (team colors blue and white) engraved with thier name, and years on varsity. my 2 oldest sons have thiers mounted on thier bedroom walls

Sort of with Crawdad on this one. I don't get any of this stuff including the big deal about graduating. A HS dipolma is sort of the educational equivilant of the rec league participation trophy. Show up for the requisite number of days, don't be a problem get a diploma.

I find infinately more satisfaction from my son saying thank you in private that walking out to the mound in front of 50 people who are mostly interested in setting up the picture of their Johnny. Very awkward and absolutely no satisfaction in my presence. I have very little interest in drawing any attention to myself and find it uncomfortable. I suppose in this time of people doing almost anything to get on TV that might be a dated idea but there you have it.

Would much rather get the game going.

The thing my son remembers most was done after the game, his coach drew all his seniors together at home plate and then shook each ones hand and hugged them......and sent them off, one by one..... to run the bases wearing the school colors one last time......

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"I have very little interest in drawing any attention to myself and find it uncomfortable. I suppose in this time of people doing almost anything to get on TV that might be a dated idea but there you have it. "

You must not have been a fan of this show luv baseball. Believe it or not I didn't watch the show much either .


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HA! If you lived in the 70's like I did you had to know about it. That show was a total mess then again so were the '70's other than the music.

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It's all a very dim memory now!



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Yep 35-40 years since McGovern/Nixon, Vietnam, Watergate, Carter, Iran hostages, gas lines....yeah the good old days.