Someone is watching!!!

My friend Willie

Bob

Consultant,

I came to HSBBW as soon as I heard. I'm very sorry for the loss of your friend. Take care.

Sorry for your loss

Bob, I’m sorry for your loss of a good friend who was also a baseball icon.

Adbono

do you believe young players are aware of their situation when they play? someone is watching. anther Coach, a Scout,  parent with contacts. “Study the Game” Focus and concentrate. Ask questions

Bob

@Consultant posted:

Adbono

do you believe young players are aware of their situation when they play? someone is watching. anther Coach, a Scout,  parent with contacts. “Study the Game” Focus and concentrate. Ask questions

Bob

Bob, I do not believe that young players (HS or younger) are aware that someone is always watching. Many times it’s someone (a coach or a scout) that has the ability (and the authority) to change a player’s life that very day. Or at a minimum pass on information to someone else that can. But instead of recognizing that someone is always watching, and letting that realization dictate their attitude, effort, and behavior, they err towards behaving in a way that they think will impress their peers and whoever follows them on social media. IMO it’s a huge disconnect

@adbono posted:

Bob, I do not believe that young players (HS or younger) are aware that someone is always watching. Many times it’s someone (a coach or a scout) that has the ability (and the authority) to change a player’s life that very day. Or at a minimum pass on information to someone else that can. But instead of recognizing that someone is always watching, and letting that realization dictate their attitude, effort, and behavior, they err towards behaving in a way that they think will impress their peers and whoever follows them on social media. IMO it’s a huge disconnect

My poor son.  I would be reading this site and start quoting something @Coach May had written....all the time.  "You never know who's watching" was a regular quote at the time.

Son was playing a HS game his sophomore spring.  That early spring, he had been working out with a pro player that needed some rehab and son's trainer suggested son to just throw with this guy to get him on track before spring training.   I think hearing this pro players story, work ethic, etc, helped son play his best.  Plus, mom in the background going "you never know who is watching".  After one spring HS game, his coach calls him over, mentioned that someone had seen him, and that weekend we were off to his first unofficial visit.  That school didn't work out, but he did commit between his sophomore and junior years of HS.

And, in college ball, the scouts are watching.

And, in college summer ball, the scouts are watching.

And, when you make it to the professional minor league teams, other team's scouts are watching.  Son said you are ALWAYS being watched!

and if you have a cell phone and worse yet SM, someone is ALWAYS watching...

During our Area Code years, I had the opportunity to "watch" games thru the eyes of the Pro Scout.The pro scouts continue to communicate.

Each scout has a unique method of acquiring info on a player. Observing the player's "body language" is high on the list. Home visits and conversation with the player's teammates and Coaches are also important.

Bob

I always told my players from the moment you walk out of the locker room, off the bus or get out of a car look like a ball player.

… Jersey tucked in

… shirt buttoned up

… hat on correctly

It’s just the beginning. Never walk on the field. Don’t argue with umpires. Let the coach do it. Shake off bad plays. Act like you normally make the play.

@RJM posted:

I always told my players from the moment you walk out of the locker room, off the bus or get out of a car look like a ball player.

… Jersey tucked in

… shirt buttoned up

… hat on correctly

It’s just the beginning. Never walk on the field. Don’t argue with umpires. Let the coach do it. Shake off bad plays. Act like you normally make the play.

The club my son played for in high school wouldn't allow players to ever wear slides.  Their glasses were not allowed on  the bill of the cap.

After the Super 60 we were in the airport and my son said "Excuse me" to an older guy he accidentally stepped in front of.  The guy looked at him and said, "How do you think you did today?"  My son just stared at him.  The man said, "Yeah, I just watched you throw at the Super 60.  I'm XXX with the XXX.  I thought you did great."  My son introduced himself to him and they went on their way.  

After we had a long conversation about how there are many times where people are watching and know who you are when you have absolutely zero idea, in every aspect of life.

So true.  Like @keewart, I was always channeling @Coach May reminding my son that someone is always watching.  He knew it, but needed to be reminded every so often.  We had a few situations (high school, travel and showcases) where a college coach was watching but never in uniform....and not wearing the typical college coach floppy hat, sunglasses, and radar gun in tow.   

We had a situation one time at a well known academic showcase where this guy was following my son around in plain clothes...totally 100% incognito on the last day of the showcase.  I spotted him and watched closely from a distance.  At the time, I couldn't figure it out.   He looked like he could have been on a street corner pan handling for some spare change.  We were headed out to the car in the parking lot, and he starts running toward the car tracking us down right as we're getting in the car.  He introduces himself and my son immediately recognizes his name as someone he had been corresponding with as a RC.  My son asked him why he was dressed the way he was, and he told us that he can't get his work done when he has a big "H" on his crimson baseball cap.   Okay, got it.

Years ago, I remember somebody telling me that it is against NCAA rules for a college coach to be at a showcase or event without his uniform.  Apparently, there are many college coaches that didn't get that NCAA memo because I saw it a lot.  I don't know if that is still the case or if the NCAA has tried to crack down on that.

Just my experience.....

When my son was getting ready for the draft, his college coach told him he didn't need an advisor. We got through it, but when he made it to high A last year, he was throwing a bullpen and a guy came over and introduced himself and asked son if he had representation. Gave him a card and said we should talk. You're better than you realize. They're very clear that what happens with his career is up to my son. Making it easier for him to travel the road is their job. It's been a huge blessing, and another reminder that someone is always watching.