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I know exactly how you're feeling. I can't wait for baseball to start but at the same time I don't want it to-I know me (as well as some of the other senior moms)and it's not going to be a pretty picture if there are tears every time we turn around!!!!
And... it seems it's not "just me" (the parent) my son is constantly commenting ... "this is the last Christmas I'll be at home" or "you've done a good job raising me, thanks!" "if I don't call - just know everything's ok". I feel like saying LISTEN, we still have a good 7 months left! Enough already. I know he is trying to prepare me. Do you think I should begin therapy now? Not only am I saying good-bye to him, but my daily routine, my love of the coordinating, cooking dinner each night, organizing his life. Actually being involved every day. I need meds.
I don't think we enjoyed it as much as we could have/should have. I think we put our own internal pressure on ourselves and our son rather than just living the moment.
Do your best to just have fun. Pressure is off, so go to the games, sit in a lawn chair, take lots of pictures and cheer as much as you can.
Its not over, things are just going to change...and this change will be good in hindsight.
Do your best to just have fun. Pressure is off, so go to the games, sit in a lawn chair, take lots of pictures and cheer as much as you can.
Its not over, things are just going to change...and this change will be good in hindsight.
I think it's a lot harder on Mom than Dad at least in our case. You just get to drive to a different (hopefully nicer) field with more fans (unless it's rookie ball) Like justbaseball said, have fun and savor the moment.
hit, the way I see this is your son is one of the few that is extremely lucky. He will be playing next year!!!! 
For your son, this is not an end. It is the beginning. In a few short months he will be playing baseball at a very high level against the highest level of competition. IMO, that is reason to celebrate and not to anguish.
As hard at it may be, this is a good time to separate what is good for your son and what has been/is good for you as his parents.
As much as we loved high school baseball, for my wife and I, the very best times we have ever had in baseball occurred after our son completed high school. I don't want this to sound earth shattering. However, from our experience, your fun as a parent and baseball fan is going into extra innings and it really can be thrilling. Make sure you let your son enjoy it.
For your son, this is not an end. It is the beginning. In a few short months he will be playing baseball at a very high level against the highest level of competition. IMO, that is reason to celebrate and not to anguish.
As hard at it may be, this is a good time to separate what is good for your son and what has been/is good for you as his parents.
As much as we loved high school baseball, for my wife and I, the very best times we have ever had in baseball occurred after our son completed high school. I don't want this to sound earth shattering. However, from our experience, your fun as a parent and baseball fan is going into extra innings and it really can be thrilling. Make sure you let your son enjoy it.
For the players, especially those who will be continuing to play, the last year in HS seems to be no big deal--not much different for JT, Jr than moving from Little League to the "big field." They will play ball in the summer then, its off to college.
Thanks again!
Just have a good time during his senior and don't sweat the small stuff anymore. He's GOING to the next level and if he stinks on Wednesday and goes 0-4. Who cares? He's still playing in college. My son loved his senior because all the pressure was off.
Yea, Yea. I thought about that last year. The senior guys seemed to REALLY be enjoying the game. The majority of them had their best season ever. Some signed early, some did not. But, their over-all focus and intensity level was just more relaxed than the junior guys. It seemed as though the junior players were 'over trying'. Especially when the scouts showed up to watch the senior's - the juniors were STRESSED and could barely stay 'in the game.' This year will be SO different because - well, as you said 'who cares!?!" It's already signed, sealed and delivered! 
I know, easy for me to say - I'm not my son - who regardless of 'signing' is still the competitor and when he walks back onto that field - it's do or die. Man! I needed to talk with you guys sooner! I'm excited all over again and not so focused on this being 'the end' of the good times, but indeed just the beginning. BASEBALL ROCKS. So thankful it's one son's chosen sport.
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That's an easy one...pressure is off...the future is assured...the timetable is clear...you have one, single, final season to enjoy the fruits of the previous 13...
In a few short months you and your son’s worlds will change dramatically. The future holds some relationship to your current world, but not near as much as you think. The coming college storm will present a new series of challenges and new magic, but the distance both physically and emotionally will render it more hands off than the game that is now quickly evaporating before you...
Take a year to get back to the purity of what the game really is...why you love it so...and why it was such a great mentor for your son...
...take a deep breath...get to the games early...sit back...watch the players arrive...feel the sun...listen to the sound of baseball and leather...The wack of the bat...fill yourself with the smell of spring grass and warm infield dirt…listen to drama of the junior and sophomore parents and revel in the fact that it is no longer your problem…Feel the politics? Next year they will likely be gone, smile, you’re pretty well beyond them...
And most importantly...There are no guarantees at the next level, take every second to simply enjoy watching your son stride around in the his glory....So few times in life do we ever have the chance to be on top, without caveats, without politics, without gray areas and here is your son for one of the handful of times in his life doing just that...
As much as I value and love the changes that came with college ball and my son’s places within it, there is a combination of you, your son, high school ball, and success that comes but once in a lifetime...
44
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That's an easy one...pressure is off...the future is assured...the timetable is clear...you have one, single, final season to enjoy the fruits of the previous 13...
In a few short months you and your son’s worlds will change dramatically. The future holds some relationship to your current world, but not near as much as you think. The coming college storm will present a new series of challenges and new magic, but the distance both physically and emotionally will render it more hands off than the game that is now quickly evaporating before you...
Take a year to get back to the purity of what the game really is...why you love it so...and why it was such a great mentor for your son...
...take a deep breath...get to the games early...sit back...watch the players arrive...feel the sun...listen to the sound of baseball and leather...The wack of the bat...fill yourself with the smell of spring grass and warm infield dirt…listen to drama of the junior and sophomore parents and revel in the fact that it is no longer your problem…Feel the politics? Next year they will likely be gone, smile, you’re pretty well beyond them...
And most importantly...There are no guarantees at the next level, take every second to simply enjoy watching your son stride around in the his glory....So few times in life do we ever have the chance to be on top, without caveats, without politics, without gray areas and here is your son for one of the handful of times in his life doing just that...
As much as I value and love the changes that came with college ball and my son’s places within it, there is a combination of you, your son, high school ball, and success that comes but once in a lifetime...
44
What an awesome post observer44! I've also been getting sad thinking about the senior season and maybe watching our son's last baseball season.
I think I'm going to print it out and tape it to the bathroom mirror to remember as we go (early to watch players arrive, bp, etc) to watch our senior's high school games!
I think I'm going to print it out and tape it to the bathroom mirror to remember as we go (early to watch players arrive, bp, etc) to watch our senior's high school games!
Gulp. That was so eloquently written observer44! Here I sit, thinking I'm pumped up again and refocused on this being a new beginning vs a sad ending, and within seconds, just reading another baseball parent's post brings those emotions to the surface - instantly. THIS is 'the dream.' We ARE living it. But we are also maturing into the uncharted territory of 'letting go'. And yes, it's not just saying good-bye to your only son, but it's saying good-bye to what you two shared - baseball!!! We have lived on those fields, in those cars, on those roads, in those planes - together. I may not be wearing a jersey, but there is no doubt, I am part of his team!
I will try to arrive early and just b-r-e-a-t-h-e. I will try to remember the REAL reason I love the game. But I know, deep down - it will always be, I love the game b/c my son is on the field and I'm there watching him - in the prime of his life. Making his dreams a reality.
He lost one of his best friends last year. A baseball player too. He would have turned 18 today. Keeping that in mind, I hold onto any moment I can share with my son, on or off the field.
Two hours away now really doesn't seem that far, does it?
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Thanks both of you...and nice work...
Drink deeply of every darned cool clean minute this season...
...without letting the the drama, or the worry, or the future to cloud that one last sweet hometown season together "as part of his team"...so true.
And also true, that there are no guarantees baseball or beyond. However I can assure you that these are the absolutely some of the best moments in life. So often in our rush to move ahead, or make things better, to get ours we lose these moments of grace. There were times that last season when I'm afraid I could have simply died and gone happily to heaven, or simply sat silently beyond the outfield fence and shed a tear of joy.
I can tell you from the other side that you will be really glad that you took the time to proprerly savor this season for the joy that it is.
44
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Thanks both of you...and nice work...
Drink deeply of every darned cool clean minute this season...
...without letting the the drama, or the worry, or the future to cloud that one last sweet hometown season together "as part of his team"...so true.
And also true, that there are no guarantees baseball or beyond. However I can assure you that these are the absolutely some of the best moments in life. So often in our rush to move ahead, or make things better, to get ours we lose these moments of grace. There were times that last season when I'm afraid I could have simply died and gone happily to heaven, or simply sat silently beyond the outfield fence and shed a tear of joy.
I can tell you from the other side that you will be really glad that you took the time to proprerly savor this season for the joy that it is.
44.
quote:Originally posted by observer44:
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...take a deep breath...get to the games early...sit back...watch the players arrive...feel the sun...listen to the sound of baseball and leather...The wack of the bat...fill yourself with the smell of spring grass and warm infield dirt…
***Our NEO's will appreciate the following:
feel the sun means observe the clouds and block the wind
the smell of winter air, dormant grass, and a cold and muddy infield
***thats baseball in the North.......but a great post anyway.
You can also have another son and do it again?
hitbombs...
Maybe you have, but if not...
On the main page left side margin, click on General Articles and then click on these two subjects:
1) The Senior Year
2) Just Some Thoughts - When The Bedroom Is Empty
Both are excellent articles and written by the hsbbweb creator, Bob Howdeshell, and nicknamed by the websters, "The Grand Pooh-Bah".
CONGRATULATIONS to your son on his college commitment.
Maybe you have, but if not...
On the main page left side margin, click on General Articles and then click on these two subjects:
1) The Senior Year
2) Just Some Thoughts - When The Bedroom Is Empty
Both are excellent articles and written by the hsbbweb creator, Bob Howdeshell, and nicknamed by the websters, "The Grand Pooh-Bah".
CONGRATULATIONS to your son on his college commitment.
Thanks for the tip! I wasn't aware those articles existed, but am grateful for your direction. As I read both of them, it's amazing how quickly the emotion is 'right there' and overwhelms you as you read "your life" - in print, written by someone else. (we all are in this together, aren't we?) 
I can't imagine the day when I too will see 'his floor' and realize there IS carpet.
I continue to try and "get prepared" but I know I'm not.
Just yesterday I began researching "empty nest" syndrome. I came across a really great self assessment exercise. Through a simple test you determine your Needs & Values.
Now... that might sound silly to some, but after parenting an athelete for 18 years, it is a bit uncertain of who I am and will become, now that he is no longer living at home. Now that his life and the games are no longer our focus - 24/7. (not that we don't want them to be, but that we as parents will become somewhat "hands off" in this next phase of the journey)
After going through the most stressful year of my life last year (deciding which college scholarship he would accept) I now realize - he is pretty much set, as far as what I can guide him with - pertaining to his college career.
But me? Not set.
I continue to feel I need to 'begin anew' and come up with a new life direction for me, so that when September arrives and that "carpet becomes clear", I won't fall to pieces and lay on it, and cry.
As a "born again parent" of a college bound son, reassessing my Needs and Values came just at the right time. Hopefully will help me through this transition, understanding and staying focused on who I am, alone.
Oh, and I know I will still fall on the floor and cry, but I hope to pick myself up, rather soon and take a jog around the block.
I can't imagine the day when I too will see 'his floor' and realize there IS carpet.
I continue to try and "get prepared" but I know I'm not.
Just yesterday I began researching "empty nest" syndrome. I came across a really great self assessment exercise. Through a simple test you determine your Needs & Values.
Now... that might sound silly to some, but after parenting an athelete for 18 years, it is a bit uncertain of who I am and will become, now that he is no longer living at home. Now that his life and the games are no longer our focus - 24/7. (not that we don't want them to be, but that we as parents will become somewhat "hands off" in this next phase of the journey)
After going through the most stressful year of my life last year (deciding which college scholarship he would accept) I now realize - he is pretty much set, as far as what I can guide him with - pertaining to his college career.
But me? Not set.
I continue to feel I need to 'begin anew' and come up with a new life direction for me, so that when September arrives and that "carpet becomes clear", I won't fall to pieces and lay on it, and cry.
As a "born again parent" of a college bound son, reassessing my Needs and Values came just at the right time. Hopefully will help me through this transition, understanding and staying focused on who I am, alone.
Oh, and I know I will still fall on the floor and cry, but I hope to pick myself up, rather soon and take a jog around the block.
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Would agree completely MWR-VA...
Hitbombs...No, you do not sound silly at all. IMO you are wayyyy...ahead of the game. I’m sure you will do fine. But I would also caution you...Just remember that those needs and values may change in the months before and after he goes...it is an emotional roller coaster ride!
Much like you...20 years ago when the boys arrived EVERYTHING in our lives became negotiable… space, relationships, career, recreation, money, activities, time, dinner...and most personally...me.
Now,...20 years later as the boys go EVERYTHING in our lives has become RE-negotiable...space, relationships, career, recreation, money, activities, time, dinner...and most personally...me.
No way to prepare completely. While you can start the process now, there is no way to truly know who you are now 20 years later...until you find yourself in an empty house for a few months.
Others may have had a different experience but looking back this is how it went for us...
- There is a huge rush of activity, excitement when you’re getting him off to school and settled.
- Then there is a really big, empty, scary, quiet.
- Then soon, as they face challenges, a desperate need/attempt on your part to run his life from a distance.
- Then a series rebukes from your son assuring you that he is fine.
- Followed by a mourning period that ends when you finally realize that you now have the time, space you need to really reassess where you stand.
But don’t stress, there is always the Triumphant Holiday return...and then there is Game Tracker!
44
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Would agree completely MWR-VA...
Hitbombs...No, you do not sound silly at all. IMO you are wayyyy...ahead of the game. I’m sure you will do fine. But I would also caution you...Just remember that those needs and values may change in the months before and after he goes...it is an emotional roller coaster ride!
Much like you...20 years ago when the boys arrived EVERYTHING in our lives became negotiable… space, relationships, career, recreation, money, activities, time, dinner...and most personally...me.
Now,...20 years later as the boys go EVERYTHING in our lives has become RE-negotiable...space, relationships, career, recreation, money, activities, time, dinner...and most personally...me.
No way to prepare completely. While you can start the process now, there is no way to truly know who you are now 20 years later...until you find yourself in an empty house for a few months.
Others may have had a different experience but looking back this is how it went for us...
- There is a huge rush of activity, excitement when you’re getting him off to school and settled.
- Then there is a really big, empty, scary, quiet.
- Then soon, as they face challenges, a desperate need/attempt on your part to run his life from a distance.
- Then a series rebukes from your son assuring you that he is fine.
- Followed by a mourning period that ends when you finally realize that you now have the time, space you need to really reassess where you stand.
But don’t stress, there is always the Triumphant Holiday return...and then there is Game Tracker!
44.
I'll send the atta boy back at you in this thread ob44 - nice post 
I keep shaking my head. I remember the boy, but each time I see him I am starting to see a man emerge and that is good. He is figuring it out on his own and that is also good
I keep shaking my head. I remember the boy, but each time I see him I am starting to see a man emerge and that is good. He is figuring it out on his own and that is also good
I'll second that... great post O44!
Life is about making adjustments... that includes when our kids go off to begin that first step of life on their own. My son leaving was an adjustment, but I'm still preparing for the empty nest when my HS junior heads out. I think I know what to expect.... but time will tell.
Life is about making adjustments... that includes when our kids go off to begin that first step of life on their own. My son leaving was an adjustment, but I'm still preparing for the empty nest when my HS junior heads out. I think I know what to expect.... but time will tell.
Our youngest is leaving tomorrow night and heading back to New York for school. He just finished his freshman first semester. The month went by quickly. I know what your experiencing 'hitbombs' and also what '44' and the others went through. It's a universal feeling, letting go, with mixed emotions. Is he going to be alright? Did we do everything we could to make his transition easy? Do we think about how we are going to feel? No, not really, because we have put feelings on hold for aproximately 18 years. And we probably won't change that much either.
I, the dad, have had a harder time with this change than my wife. We, I, question him about things, only to find that I'm just annoying him, and he responds by saying, "eveything is fine!"
O.K., so you back-off. But isn't it our responsiblity to make sure that they are o.k.? Not in need of anything, except more money. We did do our parental tasks of raising this young man, and based upon his answers and very limited conversation, find that he is really o.k.
Well the last 'bird' has left the nest, we still have two older daughters, one of which delivered twin girls last Sunday. Now the biggest challenge in our lives is to visit the one daughter in Madison, Wisconsin, fight to hold the babies with the younger daughter, and yes, WATCH OUR SON PLAY BASEBALL IN 55 DAYS!!!!!! Besides college expenses, weddings, and especially with babies, 
, life is really good!
hitbombs.....just enjoy the last year of his high school baseball, and enjoy thinking about what he has accomplished. Then get ready to embark on his, and your next journey.
I, the dad, have had a harder time with this change than my wife. We, I, question him about things, only to find that I'm just annoying him, and he responds by saying, "eveything is fine!"
O.K., so you back-off. But isn't it our responsiblity to make sure that they are o.k.? Not in need of anything, except more money. We did do our parental tasks of raising this young man, and based upon his answers and very limited conversation, find that he is really o.k.
Well the last 'bird' has left the nest, we still have two older daughters, one of which delivered twin girls last Sunday. Now the biggest challenge in our lives is to visit the one daughter in Madison, Wisconsin, fight to hold the babies with the younger daughter, and yes, WATCH OUR SON PLAY BASEBALL IN 55 DAYS!!!!!! Besides college expenses, weddings,
and especially with babies, hitbombs.....just enjoy the last year of his high school baseball, and enjoy thinking about what he has accomplished. Then get ready to embark on his, and your next journey.
quote:Well the last 'bird' has left the nest, we still have two older daughters, one of which delivered twin girls last Sunday. Now the biggest challenge in our lives is to visit the one daughter in Madison, Wisconsin, fight to hold the babies with the younger daughter, and yes, WATCH OUR SON PLAY BASEBALL IN 55 DAYS!!!!!! Besides college expenses, weddings, and especially with babies, , life is really good!
Perfect example of how life goes on and we have more adjustments to make! Best of luck to your daughter and new babies!!
lafmom.....
Thanks!!!! The critters were born at 32 1/2 weeks. Daughter was dealing with preclempsia (sp), so they thought the should deliver sooner that wait an longer. Mom's out of the hospital, but feeding them as required. Girls are doing and looking good. Lindsay Marie weighed in at 4-3, and Cassidy Lynne weighed in at 3-2. No oxygen, or other issues, and will be in for approximately 4 weeks. Sorry if I turned this into a nursery story, but I'm so ecsatatic about this, especially since our son was still home and has visited them three times already. He held Cassidy today for the first time. The look on his face was priceless. I took a video of the ocassion. Now I have "dirt" on him. If he gets out of line, I told him I'd tell his buddies and show them the video. Mr. Softy tough guy!!!
Thanks!!!! The critters were born at 32 1/2 weeks. Daughter was dealing with preclempsia (sp), so they thought the should deliver sooner that wait an longer. Mom's out of the hospital, but feeding them as required. Girls are doing and looking good. Lindsay Marie weighed in at 4-3, and Cassidy Lynne weighed in at 3-2. No oxygen, or other issues, and will be in for approximately 4 weeks. Sorry if I turned this into a nursery story, but I'm so ecsatatic about this, especially since our son was still home and has visited them three times already. He held Cassidy today for the first time. The look on his face was priceless. I took a video of the ocassion. Now I have "dirt" on him. If he gets out of line, I told him I'd tell his buddies and show them the video. Mr. Softy tough guy!!!
Boomer,
I really enjoyed your Grampa story. Wow, those little girls are tiny, but it's great to hear that they are doing fine.
I wonder how many of our members are grandparents already. Not me yet, but two of my sisters are grandmas!
Julie
I really enjoyed your Grampa story. Wow, those little girls are tiny, but it's great to hear that they are doing fine.
I wonder how many of our members are grandparents already. Not me yet, but two of my sisters are grandmas!
Julie
Never felt sad or melancholy about senior HS season until he was walking off field for the last time.
I can honestly say that throughout the season he stayed focus on HS ball and did not look past it (in regards to his future college days).
I do remember one parent (when expressing concern about his own Son and HS Coach issues) saying "well at least they have something to look forward to (as to dismiss the importance and joy of his final season). I looked at him puzzled and told him that my Son's only focus was his HS team and winning, that there will be playing of time to focus on his college team when he gets there.
IMO the guy just didn't get it. Enjoy it
I can honestly say that throughout the season he stayed focus on HS ball and did not look past it (in regards to his future college days).
I do remember one parent (when expressing concern about his own Son and HS Coach issues) saying "well at least they have something to look forward to (as to dismiss the importance and joy of his final season). I looked at him puzzled and told him that my Son's only focus was his HS team and winning, that there will be playing of time to focus on his college team when he gets there.
IMO the guy just didn't get it. Enjoy it
Novice Dad....
Understand fully. Sons team was ranked number one for many weeks last spring, in his senior year. They were supposed to win state. The newspapers said so, Baseball America had them ranked for awhile. They lost in the super-sectional/elite 8 game. On that day, a better team beat them, 2-1. A real 'nail biter!" We just didn't get it done. The last out was made at second base, a force-out. The batter had hit the ball in the infield forcing the last out at second. Guess whos son was forced-out????
Yep!!!! You guessed it. Mine!!! There was a picture in the sports section of the Chicago Tribune the next morning showing a half page photo of my son, at second, bent at the waist with his hands on his knees.
There were other photos taken during the game by the photographer. None published, but that are available to purchase if one desires to do so. Photos that showed three players walking off the field, heads down. Mine was one of them. Photos of of players in the dugout with those same three, heads held in their hands. They say there is "no crying on baseball." Don't believe it. These 18 year olds were hugging one another, tears in eyes, probably reliving those special times they all shared that season. It came to an end for them that day, unexpectedly. They were that good!
They felt cheated that day, but have moved-on to college with hopes of continuing their dream. Maybe not together, but in hopes of bringing their own special talents and abilities to a college program whether it be D1,D2,D3,JUCO, wherever. They have matured a bit, and so have I.
52 DAYS FOR ME!!!!!!!!!!
Understand fully. Sons team was ranked number one for many weeks last spring, in his senior year. They were supposed to win state. The newspapers said so, Baseball America had them ranked for awhile. They lost in the super-sectional/elite 8 game. On that day, a better team beat them, 2-1. A real 'nail biter!" We just didn't get it done. The last out was made at second base, a force-out. The batter had hit the ball in the infield forcing the last out at second. Guess whos son was forced-out????
Yep!!!! You guessed it. Mine!!! There was a picture in the sports section of the Chicago Tribune the next morning showing a half page photo of my son, at second, bent at the waist with his hands on his knees.
There were other photos taken during the game by the photographer. None published, but that are available to purchase if one desires to do so. Photos that showed three players walking off the field, heads down. Mine was one of them. Photos of of players in the dugout with those same three, heads held in their hands. They say there is "no crying on baseball." Don't believe it. These 18 year olds were hugging one another, tears in eyes, probably reliving those special times they all shared that season. It came to an end for them that day, unexpectedly. They were that good!
They felt cheated that day, but have moved-on to college with hopes of continuing their dream. Maybe not together, but in hopes of bringing their own special talents and abilities to a college program whether it be D1,D2,D3,JUCO, wherever. They have matured a bit, and so have I.
52 DAYS FOR ME!!!!!!!!!!
quote:
"well at least they have something to look forward to (as to dismiss the importance and joy of his final season). I looked at him puzzled and told him that my Son's only focus was his HS team and winning, that there will be playing of time to focus on his college team when he gets there.
IMO the guy just didn't get it. Enjoy it
Maybe there wasn't much joy in his final season and therefore it wasn't important to him. I understand that. In my son's last game as a junior I remember thinking, thank God that season is over. On to the next. I also remember that his senior year, although they had won district, wasn't a very good season, either, for the bone-head coaching. It happens. I am glad that we had a college season to look forward to. I hope that things work out better for the family to which you are referring.
quote:These 18 year olds were hugging one another, tears in eyes, probably reliving those special times they all shared that season. It came to an end for them that day, unexpectedly.
The end of that senior season is a sad one. I can remember seeing a scene just like that. Our boys stayed around for an hour on the outfield of a very gracious host of regionals that year. Most of the boys had been crying and as my son looked up and found me in the crowd of parents as they headed back over to the dugout, his began to fill as well.
That night on the trip home, he cried. I'm sure some was for the loss and that they wouldn't go on, but most were for his teammates that he'd never play with again. Some were for the teammate joining the marines that he was worried about. Some were for those that wouldn't go on to play the game.... which to him, seemed unimaginable.
May all our senior boys enjoy that final season and make many smiling memories to take with them regardless of their future paths.
Just a few random thoughts:
So your son has signed early and all is well in paradise.
Mom, Dad, Player, & siblings are happy that while school will not be free it will not be at full tilt either.
Player: Prom will be coming up soon and if he has a long time relationship with a female he may start to feel some pressure. They may or may not be attending the same college which could mean additional pressures. Academics tend to slip with many seniors as they become bombarded with graduation and everything else that takes place at the end of the school year. Many times baseball even takes a back seat to other activities and they loose focus. My son noticed that both his 9th & 10th grade seasons the seniors had already graduated before the state tournament and did not have any desire to play baseball after graduation if they were not going to play in college.
Mom: Their world is going to change and they know it. Their son has become a man and wants less to do with mom than ever before other than cooking meals and washing clothes. Mom is going to become sentimental as "Senior Day" nears and she begins to dream about when her son was 7 and playing T-Ball and could not tie his own shoes. More than a few tears will be flowing but they will be a combination of proud tears and anxiety tears.
Dad: Dad will also reflect on how his son has developed the broad shoulders and huge arms over the last few years. He will be sooooooo proud that his son is going to be able to continue playing the sport that he loves for the next 4 years. However, the thing that will make dad walk with his chest stuck out three feet is that he will be one step closer to having his son off the PAYROLL forever.
Good Luck Everyone
So your son has signed early and all is well in paradise.
Mom, Dad, Player, & siblings are happy that while school will not be free it will not be at full tilt either.
Player: Prom will be coming up soon and if he has a long time relationship with a female he may start to feel some pressure. They may or may not be attending the same college which could mean additional pressures. Academics tend to slip with many seniors as they become bombarded with graduation and everything else that takes place at the end of the school year. Many times baseball even takes a back seat to other activities and they loose focus. My son noticed that both his 9th & 10th grade seasons the seniors had already graduated before the state tournament and did not have any desire to play baseball after graduation if they were not going to play in college.
Mom: Their world is going to change and they know it. Their son has become a man and wants less to do with mom than ever before other than cooking meals and washing clothes. Mom is going to become sentimental as "Senior Day" nears and she begins to dream about when her son was 7 and playing T-Ball and could not tie his own shoes. More than a few tears will be flowing but they will be a combination of proud tears and anxiety tears.
Dad: Dad will also reflect on how his son has developed the broad shoulders and huge arms over the last few years. He will be sooooooo proud that his son is going to be able to continue playing the sport that he loves for the next 4 years. However, the thing that will make dad walk with his chest stuck out three feet is that he will be one step closer to having his son off the PAYROLL forever.
Good Luck Everyone