Special moments of your son

Our most special moment with our son was when he was about 5 years old and he walked up to his mother after a T ball game and said....

"Mom, I was born to play baseball"

My guy grew up a Florida State Seminole fan from day one.

2 years ago, between his sophomore and junior year, after a great Jupiter tournament, he went to the Super Skills camp at Florida State.

We arrived the afternoon prior to camp. He just had to go straight to Dick Howser Stadium and "do something"...which turned out to be...filling a water bottle full of infield dirt. He commented that he may never get to play a D1 game on that field...but "I'll always be able to remember this experience".

2 days later the coaching staff offered a scholarship and we accepted on the spot. That day, @ a noon meeting with the coaches on wednesday July 2nd, 2003 was our favorite moment.

My special moment with the eldest wasn't the big game winning hit - or the great defensive play.
It was the last game at Jupiter in 2002. He was playing for TR's team - they had performed pretty well in the tournament - and it was very very hot. And it was a long spring, summer and fall of battling through injuries and of course playing baseball.

After the game was over - I remember him walking out of the gate towards me. He looked like he just got mugged. LOL

Just beat up - dog tired - but had a huge smile on his face as he walked toward me. When he got to me - he said - "Dad - I gave it everything I had".

I knew it was true and that was my proudest moment with my eldest.

Though he is still young, there are a few extra special moments. The first time he pitched when it was pouring down rain. LL team was desperate so let the 8 yo pitch. Struck out 8 batters (couldn't lay off the slow pitch meatball), the first at bat in majors (HR) and of course the back to back walk offs this past summer. 2 weeks ago he played in a 13U tournament and pitched against the team that won a world series. He pitched a great game and really held their hitters. They seemed surprised at the end when they found out he was only 11! As you can tell, I am a proud mom!!

Glad you quantified it by saying “special” instead of “favorite”.

One of the special moments for me was my son’s senior season. He was 10-0 at the time and pitching in the semis of the state tourney. Son pitches his heart out but we lose 4-1 with 3b and ss making errors costing us two runs. After game I’m looking for my son and come to find out he was still in the dugout consoling a couple of teammates who thought they cost them the game.

That’s when I realized my son had grown up and was going to be okay with whatever curve life throws at him.

A couple of special moments.

Son's 14yo team was in Houston playing in a World Series, he was having a absolutely fantastic series in the field, but was struggling at the plate.

He had made a couple of plays in the outfield that were, well, amazing. It had been raining all week, and he had trench foot from playing in his wet cleats. He had twisted his wrist diving after a ball. He was beat up and bruised from a long summer.

Bases loaded, two outs, top of the seventh and he's facing Baseball America's 14 year old prospect of the year. Kids throwing gas from 54 feet.

He immediately goes 0-2, but digs in. Next pitch is on the outside corner and he rifles a shot to RC...for a double, scored 3 runs to take the lead.

The hair on the back of my neck stood up.

The other special moment was in the summer of his 15 year old season. We were talking smack at my daughters graduation party, and he told me that I needed to quit smoking. I replied that he needed to hit home runs.

He told me that he could hit two out that summer. I told him, if he could, I qould quit.

The kid went into the house, typed up a written contract, stating that if he hit two out that summer, I would quit smoking, or would buy him a new car.

Well, fast forward to Fathers Day weekend, kids are in Kansas City playing at the minor league ball park. I couldn't make the trip due to work issues, and on that weekend he hit a blast. When I picked him up at the airport, he handed me the ball, signed and dated. With a smile he said "One more"

Couple of weeks later, we are OU playing a tournament. I was standing on the third base line watching him bat, when he hit a ball hard, but looked like it would tail foul. Next thing I knew, the umpire signaled Home Run, as he trotted around the bases.

The coach stopped the game to come over to me on the fence line and told me, that was that, no more smoking.

And that was that. I dang sure don't want to buy my son a new car.

It's hard to believe but there are several grerat moments. Of course having a son play college ball is something to watch even the practices as they are so intense and structuured. My mosts memorable was that of my youngest son back in LL turning a double play with soft hands and a running tag of 2nd base then a perfect rainbow to first. He played one more year then gave up baseball for Music. The oldest son made numerous critical plays and home runs that were special and he continues to impress me on and off the field. The youngest continues his passion for music and has never regretted his choice. I am proud of both but it is much easier to sit through 9 innings than some of the extended performaces.

Wow I am trying to figure this one out. The son was a late bloomer to Baseball as his first season was in Minors at 9 years old. Couldn't hit and couldn't catch but his team went far that year in TOC. (Best moment was getting his 2nd hit all year in the playoffs, winning hit).

The following year he dedicated his life to baseball and got better. He wanted to be an AllStar and worked on his game all winter long.

At 11 years old he pitched in a TOC deciding game and won. Definitely a highlight as he was beginning to really become a good pitcher.

This past year he pitched a no hitter as a 12 year old in Denver Colorado , Steamboat and also hit a game winning grand slam in a travel tourney. Everytime he makes me proud he seems to make me prouder with his leadership and good sportsmanship.

I'd have to say the whole month of June was all a special moment. For my oldest son, CIF championship on the 3rd, drafted on the 7th, signed on the 15th, graduated high school on the 16th and left to start his dream career on the 20th.

My sons special moment was when he finally said to me via long distance phone--"Dad this is where I want to be--cut the deal!"

The happiness in his voice was an unreal sound

Another great post by Fungo.
Special moments, doesn't necessarily mean to me good or bad.
Emotional special moment:
Arriving at Doug Kingsmore for teh first time last fall for scrimmage to see son dressed in uni ( all purple that day).
Worst special moment:
Seeing your son pitch first time on TV at South Carolina and blow the lead, last parting shots of telecast of son with his head buried in his hands in dugout. Getting the phone call hours later he was done with baseball ( Fungo I can relate to your last sentence).
Priceless special moment:
Watching son close out UM game with 2 perfect innings, a raised fist on the last play of the game for a save. Later he told us the raised fist was for us, to signal, I did it mom and dad!

Son #1...not a particularly talented player. Let him pitch in the final game of the year at age 11, 3 up, 3 down with what looked like slow pitch softball. But the joy! Oh the joy on his face! Still talks about it.

Son #2...seeing him introduced on Opening Day at the college of his dreams. Brought tears to my eyes...later followed in the 1st inning by shear terror inside of me as he was sent to the bullpen as the starter struggled with control.

Son #3...a moderately talented boy starting his first HS baseball game at SS. He was nervous...couldn't make an accurate throw to 1B in warmups...but happiness was all over him too on that day and thus all inside of me.

Son #4...after being named "Strikeout King" for the Region all star tournament this past summer (age 12)...later that night showing his "Strikeout King" trophy to his older brother and college teammate (both pitchers). Complete and total pride in that boy's face...and complete kindness shown by the two college pitchers in making him feel like he was the BEST and most special pitcher they had ever heard about.

If he were asked, I think my son would focus on two special moments:
The first would be May 22, 2004 in an elimination game of the NCAA regional. After singling in the 9th and doubling in the 10th to drive in the tieing and winning runs, he immediately grasped and hugged a dog tag hanging from his neck, while wiping a tear from his eye. On that tag was the name, date of birth, and, very sadly, date of death of his teammate/2nd base partner and cherished friend, Chris Ashmos, to whom he dedicated his senior season in college and for whom he challenged himself and teammates to excel.


The second special moment was June 8, 2004, when the MLB internet broadcast indicated that with pick number 747, "the Toronto Blue Jays select..."

My son is only 13 years old so I don't have many "moments" but there is one that sticks out to me.

He was 7 years old. His first year in "coach pitch". He wasn't very good but he was always dragging me or my wife out in the yard to play catch, throw him some batting practice, or hit him some balls to work on his fielding. He played in the outfield that year and hadn't caught a ball all season long. Under the lights in the championship game a kid ripped a liner his way in left field. He reached up with his glove and caught it like it was nothing. The smile on his face was priceless.

I was so proud and happy for him that I just couldn't contain myself. As he ran towards the team dugout I jumped over the fence and gave him a "high five".

A moment I'll never forget!

Jason

Many special moments. One of those from a while back. Son is league age 14YO playing up on an older team, and the opposing team is older yet. Some of them are three years older than my son.

His team is down, having given up six runs to a team that is driving the ball hard. Late in the game, our pitcher loads the bases with no outs. Coach calls time out. Motions to the dugout. Guess who trots out to the mound?

And guess who has a knot or two in their stomach (it sure wasn't my son, I'll tell you that)?

The youngest kid on the field (and the smallest) is now expected to close the game. A few warmup throws to loosen up. Calm and relaxed.

Two pitches later, the inning is closed with no runs given up. First batter pops up on the first pitch for out number one. Then the next pitch gets a double play.

One other that sticks in the memory. One that most people would say was not associated with "success".

At about 11YO, he is also pitching against an older team that was twice the size of our little guys. In miserable wet and cold conditions. And his team just can't seem to do anything right that day. Lost track of the errors - missed grounders, dropped flies, overthrows, skipped throws. You name it. Nothing hit hard, but the team couldn't buy an out to save their lives. The team falls behind with each inning, yet not a single run was earned.

But he just kept pitching. Going after the batters very aggressively. Showing no emotion whatsoever. No frustration, no anger. Just kept going after 'em. Finally, he reached the end of his pitch count. When he left the mound, the opposing team's parents gave him a standing ovation. The opposing coach joined in. Nice recognition for his toughness.

I have two "special" moments from last years HS baseball season.
The first is his first varsity game as a freshman catcher. He and the pitcher have become really good friends, spending lots of time together off the field, like the same kind of music and other stuff. The hit the field for 2nd inning warm-ups and the announcer starts to play Tim McGraw's "Live Like You Were Dying". I look out to the field, and both of them are warming up while singing their hearts out! What a sight!
The second is later last season in a game with one of our cross town rivals. We are down late in the game by a two runs with runners on 1st and 2nd. He has struggled at the plate in his first three at bats, but promptly laces a double down the right field line, driving in the tying runs, and eventually scoring the winning run. When he got to 2nd base, you would have thought we had just won the World Series.
It is so great to see your kids doing something they absolutely love and have been gifted to do!

For me with the older one, crossing the diamond at his last little league game and embracing at home plate. One of the early chapters was closed...Then just this past Sunday night when he said to his mother and I, "My NLI will be here tomorrow, I can't believe it's happened".

Can't wait to experience some with the younger. I enjoyed a great fall coaching him. So much promise.

My special moments: every time he has driven off by himself to a showcase, workout or tryout. On his own, knowing that he has a family that loves him and supports him; and him knowing that it is all him, no parental pressure or influence, making it happen - or not- on his merits.

Other than that: watching him play in the NBC World Series. Although defeated, this was a very special team. Gamers - everyone. Made me proud of all of them.

Most special memory for me...

At the Trombly Showcase, St. Mary's College Moraga, Ca

Circumstance: My son hadn't had a very good HS Sr year, and when we signed up for the showcase little did we know that a lot of the players there would also be from teams that he had played with when he was 13 y/o on the Nor Cal Baseball Club 14U.

The second day he was scheduled to pitch. He had a great day with a 3 for 4 the GWH triple for his team, pitched his team to the win, etc. At the end of the day, he didn't want to come and speak to me because he thought he hadn't done well enough. Finally when he came up to me as his mother walked with him toward me, with his head down, he said "Dad, I did everything I could, I'm sorry I didn't do better".

To say the least I was flabbergasted and I realized what a fine unselfish young man my son is. In spite of the pressure he must have been under in that situation, he wanted to make sure that we would be proud of him.

After that day I have always told him win or lose he will always be loved by me and not to worry about the outcome.

He knows now that he can play and enjoy the game...and he wins because he knows its what he wants, not what's expected by me.

Just spoke to my wife...

She reminded me of the "play".

Man on second and third, one out, versus El Cerrito, night game, ball is hit to RF down the line, son sprints all out at around the 300 ft mark catches it on the fly, his momentum takes him across the foul line, meanwhile the runner at third tags-up and sprints for home, my son in RF does a complete pivot and in one single motion releases the ball, it comes in just over the head of the cut-man, hits the ground once and ends up in the catchers glove who is squating at the plate just as the runner and the ball arrive together. The runner slides right into the tag for a double play.

Greatest "play" I've ever seen at any level of baseball. We just call it the "play.

Gosh,there have been so many special memories with both our sons. The one that truly stands out was our youngest son pitching a tough league game against a team that would go on to be a CIF semi-finalist. He pitches a complete game, we win 5-1, he strikes out 16, and after the game, presents me with a game ball, says "this is for you dad, thanks for always being there". I will cherish that moment till the day I die.

Several come to mind over the years:

>>Seeing his name on the score board at Williamsport;
>>Seeing the tears after a tough (pitcher's) loss in AAU tourney game (one which he did not start) but then watching as a total stranger, the father of one of the players from the other team, came up to him, put his arm around son's shoulder, and told him that it wasn't 'his' loss, that he did everything a pitcher could do to win the game;
>>Seeing him teary-eyed as he "wrote" his initials on the home field pitcher's mound after his last high school game;
>>Seeing him throw 6 innings of shut out ball in his first college appearance;
>>Seeing him in his first professional appearance one day and his first professional start several days later; and finally,
>>Seeing his face as his bride walked down the aisle in Jan '05 ... okay, it isn't baseball but it was special and is very much a part of who he is today

I think everyone can relate to all these posts and I was thinking of that one "special moment". All that came to my mind was when the phone rang the other night and he said "What up, thought I'd call and say Hi". We went on for a half hour talking about workouts, practice, the team, school, and whatever.

Baseball has been such a big part of our lives with so many special moments that blur the previous. When Fungo posted this question and the only thing that stuck in my head was the phone call.

Son #1: No hitter as a ten-year old in Little League Majors...meant nothing to him, he didn't even like to pitch!
Son #2: Never felt as good as older brother, but found his own nitch as a left-handed pitcher and is now feeling like the "big cheese".
Son #3: At eight, made a diving catch at second to rob a line drive; threw out runner at first from his knees. Coach yells "great catch, bud", and kid replies "that's my job, coach"!
Five minutes later, just as excited about the post game snack as the great play.

As a 12yo my son is pitching and loads the bases with no one out because of couple of errors and a walk. The coach slowly walks out to the line for a chat. I was the bench coach and asked him what he said when he returned. He told my son that all the kid's on the bench were betting that he couldn't strike out the side. I laughed pretty hard after my son struck out the side. His coach was/is a great psychologist.

My son is only 6, but he caught a fly ball this year and came running off the field and said, "See? I told you I'd play for your team someday!" Best moment by far!

Lots of special moments, but one recent one stands out.

14U Little League regional tournament, my son's team played tournament favorite Hawaii in pool play. I'd seen them play three games already... they ran like crazy. A bunch of fast kids and they were very aggressive on the basepaths. They ran with a certain arrogance, running on the first pitch almost every time, stealing third, and even squeezing two runners home on one play.

They had scouted us as well, of course.

In about the third inning of our game against them I realized: they hadn't attempted a single steal.

They had seen my son behind the plate in earlier games, and obviously decided not to run.

In the fourth inning they finally sent one guy to second. The base ump called him out (For the record, I thought he was safe) and the plate ump called batter interference!

They didn't run again. We ended up losing 2-0, but I will never forget the feeling, knowing that out of respect of my son's arm they gave up their outstanding running game.

It was the highest compliment they could have paid him.

I guess one of my more special moments occurred the first time my son took his 6-year-old sister out on the college field with him to run the bases after one of their home games. To see this 6'5" guy running the bases with his little six-year-old pony-tailed sister all decked out in his college team paraphenalia gave me one of those "ahhhhhhh" moments.

This is a great thread...It is so wonderful to share the love and pride of "baseball parents" everywhere.
My special moment was after this season, absolutely the worst of my son's entire career. He started out great, 6 HR in 12-13 games (I forget), then an odd, old and undiscovered injury flared up, on top of that: pitching staff had an usuually "wild" season, beating him up terribly (he's a college catcher). The pain became unbearable but he had to stay, no back-up...(that's a whole other story, but he was well taken care of medically) Anyway, at end of season, coach called my husband over to the fence and told him that our son was a "once in a lifetime" player and a great kid. Coach has been coaching a LONG time. At end of season exit interview, Coach gave my son 25% more scholly, told him he was going to build his program around his ethic and attitude.
Son had scope this summer and arm seems better than ever.

Son number 2, Little League as an 11 year old, pitching a perfect game through 5 and we're up by 12 (slaughter rule applies). I asked them if they want to keep playing and he yells louder than anyone else- "Yes!" He was due to lead off next inning and wanted to bat; phooie with the perfect game. Ended up with a one hitter.

CatSureMom:

Great story. Sounds like a tough kid. Great coach too. Congrats.

Many great stories on this thread....but gotta agree....CatSureMom....you should be very proud...what a wonderful compliment to your parenting...and your son's attitude toward life and the game.

There have been many special moments for me on the baseball field at practice and at games over the years. But last year has to be the best. My oldest son a sr on our team last year has never really excelled at baseball he is a freshman in college playing football where he excelled. During his HS career he won a total of 7 football games. He loved playing on the baseball team because he craved being on a winner. Last year he was a DH and a and Designated runner for our catcher my youngest son who was a freshman. My oldest son did not get many ab's 15 for the year. During a big conference game my youngest is in the on deck circle and tells Jake "Im going to hit a bomb and put this game away and your going to hit for me next time up". Well he gets an 0-2 fb inside and crushes it out of left field. Everyone is going crazy but not Jeff. With tears in his eyes as he comes back into the dugout he looks at Jake and says "Now its your turn Jake". One of the proudest moments in my life. By the way Jake did hit for Jeff in the 5th and drilled a dbl in the gap. No one was cheering as loud as his little brother. Great moment for pop's.

Neat thread. So many come to mind - 1st yr. he played minor league and the coach came over to the car to tell me he couldn't believe how natural a player he was. He was the youngest playing up on the team and he'd only picked him 'cause he had him in s*o*c*c*e*r and knew he was tough.
Last game before his final yr. of major league, he had told the coach he was going to be MVP of the league the next yr. Night before his final major league game, he was 12, the coach calls all the parents and kids over for a talk. Tells us all how Steve told him he was going to be MVP and he very well may be since he hadn't struck out the entire season. We hadn't even realized that had happened. The last game of the season, he's up against 1 of his good friends, struck out twice in that game. Won MVP though, and the smile on his face was so big, he was just beaming!
Jr. Legion Regionals, he won the Batting Award and he was so in the zone that wk. Everytime we'd go to the field you'd see the dads bowing down as we drove past. What a riot altho he did not like it at all! Too much attention for him. All the times he'd make a throw from CF and get a runner out at home. He did it so many times in one game, the coach was cursing up a storm and we beat our hometown rivals that night. So many wonderful memories!
As he went off to college, having him tell me that unlike some of his friends who couldn't wait to get away from their parents, that he really had no big desire to leave us - that one I'll treasure for ever.

13 year old all star tournament-
I left the field to pick Dad up at the local train from work. I hustled back across to the field with the eyes off all the staring parents.
The chatter of different parents telling me that "I MISSED it- my kid sent it out over the scoreboard" was devastating.
Glancing up, I saw my kid "in-the hole". Not being able to handle the guilt, I approached the fence, and called out to him -"Son, I'm sorry!". He turned and smiled, and called back-"It's okay, Mom- I'll just have to do it again for you" And---
The crowd jumped to it's feet as we watched it go sailing....

Wow, this is a great topic.

My son was in LL majors as a 10 year old and had really struggled all season to hit. Late in the season we were playing the first place team and it was 1-1 in the bottom of the 6th and our best player was on 2nd. My son hit a ground rule double over the fence to win the game. It was one of his 3 hits on the year. The best thing though was when our manager gave him the game ball. It was the only game ball he passed out that year.

Son #1 didn't play baseball, but at 19 had a hole-in-one, which is one more than "Pops" has. I informed him that since I taught him the game, I'm claiming HALF of that hole-in-one. He argues to this day, while we both get a good laugh, that he wants his other half back.
And he recently told me that my first Grandchild is due in May, which is even better.

Son #2 The best experience was his Senior year. He was VERY CONCERNED about playing time. His HS was very good for a small rural school, going 17-3, 14-7, and 17-4 his three years there...and never making the playoffs. His BA as a junior in limited play was a whopping .100. We worked hard in the cages that fall and he improved greatly, but still wondered how and where he could get into the lineup.
I continually told him "If you don't remember anything els, remember this: Just hit the ball, they'll find a place for you." Repeated it every time we went to hit and it sunk in...and his coaches noticed. He was backup C, platooned at 1B, and DH'ed (mostly) his Senior year. He ended the season hitting .462, made All District DH, and was named "Most Improved" at the awards banquet. Said that was his goal, he expected it, and if he didn't get it, there was gonna be trouble. Said that was for me. Big Cheshire-Cat smile and goose bumps for Pops.

Son #3 16Y/O, far & away the best baseball player of the bunch. Beautiful swing...looks more and more like he could have a future beyond HS.
Favorite moments are numerous (and fresher in an old man's mind).
1) At 12, took a bad hop shot off his jaw/cheek that went on to the fence, but he kept playing, no one realized it hit him hard. He came to the dugout at the end of the inning and showed me two teeth hanging loose. I called the Dentist, who's Tuesday hours were 1-8 thankfully, at 7:40 and said please stay open, we're on our way.
2) As 14 Y/O All-Star, pitching. His team kept making errors and giving up runs. Said he couldn't understand why Coach (former pro) kept him in, giving up those runs. Told him Coach knew what he was doing, which son doubted. Explained his job was to throw strikes and get ground balls. "He kept you in because YOU were doing your job. You can't control anything beyond that." Another Lesson learned. That coach became his favorite and has his 100% total respect. He works with him to this day.
3) After 8th grade season, took him to the 5A playoff to see two D-1 signees face off. Wanted to see what he thought of "Big Time" power pitching. His response was "What's the big deal? I see this everyday." Now I know nothing scares him.
4) As Freshman-Starting Varsity RF, hit .347 and made All-District. He was becoming "one of the guys". Soph season was even better...becoming a "leader".
5) This past Fall Wood Bat League's final weekend Double Header: Game One-faced one of the better SR's in the state, who had No Hitter thru 5. After an error and a BB, son laced a 3-2 Triple to the RCF gap to tie it up. In Game Two-Hit HR, the only one on his team to do so all season. Was on deck when the game ended and would have represented the tying run. "I just wanted him"; to face their ace closer with 92-93 MPH FB, who he knew they'd bring in.
Sometimes it's hard to remember he's just 16.

Just talking baseball with all 3 of them over the years has been great.

Kids are God's greatest gift.

WOW...so many great moments that mine will seem silly (it is!).

My kid was 9 playing with older kids because they needed a body (not because he was good enough). First game he's on 1st (probably hit by pitch or walk).

Next man hits it to the fence and my guy is flying...it'll be a triple at least and my little guy needs to go all the way home.

As he rounds second, his helmut flies off and bounces into left field. Without hesitation, he runs back, picks it up, tucks it under his arm like a football, and runs all the way home. I was embarrassed, but the crowd gave him a standing ovation.

He's a sophomore now and I still worry he'll do it again if his helmut flies off.

Yeah...that's my kid alright.

Add another; Watching him sit down at 7:30AM this morning, sign his NLI lean over and say "Thanks Dad" then hug his Mom. His younger brother in his Illinois hat and sweatshirt watching....Only a few years away for him.

Thanks to all who shared. A few brief special
moments.
Son was on 13 prep team playing in league championship. Down 3-0 he comes on in relief and shuts them out for 4 innings. Best part was seeing how he handled a lead off triple in the bottom of the 7th with no outs. Strikes out
the first, gets the second to pop up and the third on a grounder to short. They win 5-3.
The ride home we stopped for a milk shake - couldn't wipe the smile off of both of our faces!

Just last week - now a 14 year old and very small (5 feet and 100 lbs). Doctor wanted to do a bone age test. They think he will max out at 5'7". I ask him if he is ok. He says "Yeah" and heads up stairs to his room. A few minutes later I check in on him. He is looking through his baseball card collection. I ask him what he is doing. "Pulling out all the players who made the major league who are 5 feet 7 inches." I just smiled. So did he.

Final one. Very special memory of returning with my wife from a cancer center in 1999 when her leukemia was discovered to have relapsed. He was 8 and pitching. He waved to us with a huge smile and both she and I knew then that she would not see him grow up. Two months later she passed. I'll never forget seeing her look at him with such joy and pride watching him do what he loves.

Thanks for letting me write.