Smells bad!!!

I'm not going to comment on the status of the boards lately since I don't post much and have been out of town as well.

What I will comment on is this kid workin' out south of the border. I'm a senior is college, and spent this past summer traveling playing ball with a missions organizaton. We played in Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico. I learned so much in those 6 weeks than I could have ever imagined. Facilities in some of these places are basically nothing compared to what we have here in the states. Yet many of these players are far better than we'll ever be with our fancy facilities and resources. It comes down to a matter of work and love put into it. I could write a short book right here about some of the things that I experienced, but I'll spare you all. I guess what I'm trying say is that we all take what we have for granted. If any serious young ball player saw the conditions that some of our brothers in the south were playing under I think it would motivate them that much more to work harder with what they have and would in the end make not just a better ball player, but a better person for it.

To see the smile on a 20 year old college kid's face when a teammate of mine let him borrow his old A2000 to play 3rd base because he didn't even own a glove, and then see a fellow catcher give his backup glove to another catcher that didn't have one, and how much that player appreciated it made me fall in love with the game all over again. Not to mention the fan support at these "stadiums" for just the local club team is flat out amazing and motivating!

CCKnights, I just want to say your post was the best post ever written on this message board or any other message board. Thank you for sharing what many people take for granted each and every day. Playing the game of baseball is and should be treated as a privledge. We get all the advantages right here in our backyard, and some people don't appreciate it. Nothings more sad than wasted talent. Thank you for reminding all of us whats really important. That's the game of life, and knowing how to treat people. Also, knowing how to appreciate what we have. Great post, and thanks again for sharing your story.

As a casual observer, I have just read the boards and often copy articles for my boys. Must say that lately it has been interesting and its a shame the group of notorious posters couldn't find some comon ground. When they weren't pushing each others buttons they all had great input. I don't want a fight don't have the time or energy just an observation that hopefully everyone can review and reflect upon. My guys do both travel and HS I enjoy reading perspectives from all, just find some common ground.

CC KNIGHTS great post!! I was moved by the story. Kids today don't know how great they have it. Thanks again for sharing!

Funny thing--- had a lengthy discussion with a dad yesterday regarding the fact how the kids today take everything for granted not to mention that when they get to college if they don't start right out of the box they look to transfer.

All of you are correct. Here I am watching my 15yr at ASU baseball camp in 75 degree weather.
Kids from all over the USA here. Yes our children are very fortunate compared to almost every other nation. But we must remember our children also will shoulder more responsibilities as adults, than most other nation's childrens.

I have listened to some of the speaches and it is refreshing to hear the coach tell the kids that you are a student first and an athlete second.

Nice Post CCKnights!

CC...Talk to Sammy Sosa about spending some money in the poorer sections of many of those countries.

Baseball is all that they have to get them out of the slums; and, therefore, the reason for their work ethic.

Can't have it too tough in Evergreen Park or Oak Lawn.

CCKnights:

Thanks for sharing your story...and thanks to you and others for getting out and being such good representatives of the US in other less fortunate parts of the world...keep up the great attitude, diplomacy, and work.

34/33:

It's been a real head scratcher at times lately here on the Illinois Forum.

Perhaps the New Year will bring more civility to the forum...I'm with you in thinking the topics have been good...but the manners have been bad.

I don't post much, but I check this site often. It has been a lot of help through my son's recruiting process. It is a shame to see the bickering.

That said, those kids in Mexico and the Carribean have somthing most kids around here don't... they're playing right now. I think my son would give up some of what he has to be able to play 12 months a year! (Maybe not the Playstation though, NCAA baseball comes out this Spring)

Gotta look for the silver lining.

I'm really glad to see the responses to this post that I started the compliment with. CCKnights, feel free to share stories like this anytime. Every baseball player, coach, and parent should read your post. Appreciate what you've, and always respect the game!

This was a very inspiring post.

Is there anywhere of posting this thread in every states catagory? I have made a copy of the original post from CCKnights and will share this story with each player on my sons travel team in Arizona.