...when it's a close game, the crowd is in it, the four hole comes to the plate and the silence spreads across the stands................
Son is quiet and keeps his emotions in check.. A day after his last HS baseball game (played varsity 4 years) I walk into his room and see something on his closet door. Move closer to see it's a piece of very worn masking tape that has marked on it #11. He had removed it from the locker at HS field and carefully brought it home and placed it there. 3 years later... it is still there. Guess we can't paint that room...
There are some moments that transcend sports.....Newark Peppers thank you for posting that .........
There are days I come to the HSBBW for entertainment, days I come to provide service....and days I come to recieve a blessing.....
Today, I received a blessing.......
There are days I come to the HSBBW for entertainment, days I come to provide service....and days I come to recieve a blessing.....
Today, I received a blessing.......
Thanks Peppers.
Two moments. both in the last two months.
1. Senior blew out elbow May of 2004, forward to Labor Day weekend 2005. Flew out west for one day to see him pitch in his first start at short season. Tears in my eyes from first pitch to last. 6 innings, two hits, no walks, 12 strikeouts. The minute he left the field my cell rings and he asked me how did I pitch? Still in the tunnel when he called. Could barely get out the word "Great."
2.Made a trip to Iowa to the "Field of Dreams" with my 11yo. Had a catch. He asked questions for an hour after we left the field about his grandfather, my father. He never met the man and was named after him. I think he reads my mind.
Two moments. both in the last two months.
1. Senior blew out elbow May of 2004, forward to Labor Day weekend 2005. Flew out west for one day to see him pitch in his first start at short season. Tears in my eyes from first pitch to last. 6 innings, two hits, no walks, 12 strikeouts. The minute he left the field my cell rings and he asked me how did I pitch? Still in the tunnel when he called. Could barely get out the word "Great."
2.Made a trip to Iowa to the "Field of Dreams" with my 11yo. Had a catch. He asked questions for an hour after we left the field about his grandfather, my father. He never met the man and was named after him. I think he reads my mind.
Great post Peppers. Definitely puts things in perspective. Co-workers wondering why my eyes are suddenly watering.
Although we have four ballplayers in the family I'll relate a moment that I had with our oldest who is now a freshman in college and playing ball there.
When he was 11 he was playing in a District 9 Little League tournament in a nearby town...this local tournament has been in existence for over 40 years...so it is somewhat prestigious in our corner of the Chicago suburbs.
He was pitching in the late innings in a very tight game against a really good team when the batter got all of it and launched it out of the park and into the night sky...a two run homer and suddenly a tight game became less so.
In the last inning my son hit a shot past the first baseman and into right field...two RBI's...game tied again.
After the next inning, with the other team scoring, we came up short and we lost a very tough one.
On the ride home I asked our son "What do you think made me proud of you tonight?".
He replied "My double down the right field line in the sixth?".
"Nope" I offered.
"My turning a double play?" he asked.
"Not that either" I said.
"Well what was it then?" he queried.
To this I told him "Son, I was most proud of you when after throwing a pitch that the kid hit out of the park and thus breaking the tie, you threw a strike on the next pitch and eventually struck out the batter and those that followed. You took care of business out there and did not get dejected".
He responded with a huge smile...I learned alot about him that night ...and he learned alot about himself also.
Not a bad evening after all!
When he was 11 he was playing in a District 9 Little League tournament in a nearby town...this local tournament has been in existence for over 40 years...so it is somewhat prestigious in our corner of the Chicago suburbs.
He was pitching in the late innings in a very tight game against a really good team when the batter got all of it and launched it out of the park and into the night sky...a two run homer and suddenly a tight game became less so.
In the last inning my son hit a shot past the first baseman and into right field...two RBI's...game tied again.
After the next inning, with the other team scoring, we came up short and we lost a very tough one.
On the ride home I asked our son "What do you think made me proud of you tonight?".
He replied "My double down the right field line in the sixth?".
"Nope" I offered.
"My turning a double play?" he asked.
"Not that either" I said.
"Well what was it then?" he queried.
To this I told him "Son, I was most proud of you when after throwing a pitch that the kid hit out of the park and thus breaking the tie, you threw a strike on the next pitch and eventually struck out the batter and those that followed. You took care of business out there and did not get dejected".
He responded with a huge smile...I learned alot about him that night ...and he learned alot about himself also.
Not a bad evening after all!
Now this is the kind of thread I like...No controversy, no name calling...just alot of "feel good" postings. 
I'm just afraid I could get carried away...I have so many special moments...but for everyone's sake,I'll try to be brief. One of my most vivid memories (I can still see it as if it happened today)was in the LL Southern Regionals in StPetersburg,Fl.
Duke's team got beat first rattle out of the box by Florida...had to fight their way back thru the loser's bracket(beat 4 teams to make it to the quarterfinal game)...We are facing elimination in the bottom of the 6th...we are getting beat 6-4...we are at our 8,9,1 batters...( Duke is #3 hitter)first two batters get out, third batter reaches on an error, next batter walks...My heart is in my throat as Duke stops at the fence on his way to the plate and tells me "don't look so worried mom,I've got it here" as he patted his chest near his heart...(I always told him that not all the best players were always the most talented, some just had more "heart" and more love for the game than the rest)The count goes to 2-2...a couple of foul balls later I am ready to "expire"
..Finally Duke gets a hold of one...it must of went a mile high...it goes to dead center field...The centerfielder is playing right on the wall(Duke had already hit 4HRs in the tourny)I'm not sure it made it over until I see the CF throw his glove and drop to his knees...That's when I dropped to mine ,too 
...A walkoff HR to put his team in the semi finals...What a moment...The begining to many more...Thanks Fungo for starting this thread.
I'm just afraid I could get carried away...I have so many special moments...but for everyone's sake,I'll try to be brief. One of my most vivid memories (I can still see it as if it happened today)was in the LL Southern Regionals in StPetersburg,Fl.Duke's team got beat first rattle out of the box by Florida...had to fight their way back thru the loser's bracket(beat 4 teams to make it to the quarterfinal game)...We are facing elimination in the bottom of the 6th...we are getting beat 6-4...we are at our 8,9,1 batters...( Duke is #3 hitter)first two batters get out, third batter reaches on an error, next batter walks...My heart is in my throat as Duke stops at the fence on his way to the plate and tells me "don't look so worried mom,I've got it here" as he patted his chest near his heart...(I always told him that not all the best players were always the most talented, some just had more "heart" and more love for the game than the rest)The count goes to 2-2...a couple of foul balls later I am ready to "expire"
..Finally Duke gets a hold of one...it must of went a mile high...it goes to dead center field...The centerfielder is playing right on the wall(Duke had already hit 4HRs in the tourny)I'm not sure it made it over until I see the CF throw his glove and drop to his knees...That's when I dropped to mine ,too ...A walkoff HR to put his team in the semi finals...What a moment...The begining to many more...Thanks Fungo for starting this thread.
Like most of you, we have many; but three:
1 - My oldest daughter was in the band in HS. We went to a competition and Jr's uncle [from the musical side of the family] asked if Jr was going to be in the band when he reached HS - "BAND??? Nah, man, I'm a PLAYER!!" [8 years old]
2 - Soph yr, 2nd game of the year, first varsity start - scheduled starter takes a BP foul ball off the noggin, knocked out. Coach asks me if I think Jr is ready [imagine my answer]. He tells Jr that he has the hump, and asks him for 4 innings. First batter lines a single to left, next 15 take a seat. Gets the CG W 7-3, several hits, couple walks, 4-5 K's. But it was 40 degrees, windy as he11 and was sleeting during part of the game. The smile never left his face, and you would have thought it was 75 and sunny. My tears were freezing on my face as I kept the scorebook on the bench.
3 - that summer my 17 YO nephew was killed in a car accident. You can imagine our reaction when my dad called that morning. We spent an emotionally exhausting day at my brother's house. Near the end of the day, we were making noises about leaving; I told Jr I forgot to call his Legion coach to tell him he wouldn't be there [not a big deal - Jr was 15 not exactly an integral part of the team]. Junior asked if it was OK if he went to the game "I think I'd just like to be around the guys" Took him to the game, the team already knew what was going on. Most of them were 18-19 - not really his "friends". To see their greeting of him, and the way they paid a little extra attentin to him throughout the game. Coach even gave him an AB at the end, he got on on an error or walk, nothing special. Coach re-entered the regular guy to run, and the ovation from Jr's 'mates as he came back to the dugout, still chills me, Kids - they do the darndest things.
1 - My oldest daughter was in the band in HS. We went to a competition and Jr's uncle [from the musical side of the family] asked if Jr was going to be in the band when he reached HS - "BAND??? Nah, man, I'm a PLAYER!!" [8 years old]
2 - Soph yr, 2nd game of the year, first varsity start - scheduled starter takes a BP foul ball off the noggin, knocked out. Coach asks me if I think Jr is ready [imagine my answer]. He tells Jr that he has the hump, and asks him for 4 innings. First batter lines a single to left, next 15 take a seat. Gets the CG W 7-3, several hits, couple walks, 4-5 K's. But it was 40 degrees, windy as he11 and was sleeting during part of the game. The smile never left his face, and you would have thought it was 75 and sunny. My tears were freezing on my face as I kept the scorebook on the bench.
3 - that summer my 17 YO nephew was killed in a car accident. You can imagine our reaction when my dad called that morning. We spent an emotionally exhausting day at my brother's house. Near the end of the day, we were making noises about leaving; I told Jr I forgot to call his Legion coach to tell him he wouldn't be there [not a big deal - Jr was 15 not exactly an integral part of the team]. Junior asked if it was OK if he went to the game "I think I'd just like to be around the guys" Took him to the game, the team already knew what was going on. Most of them were 18-19 - not really his "friends". To see their greeting of him, and the way they paid a little extra attentin to him throughout the game. Coach even gave him an AB at the end, he got on on an error or walk, nothing special. Coach re-entered the regular guy to run, and the ovation from Jr's 'mates as he came back to the dugout, still chills me, Kids - they do the darndest things.
I'm in the Navy, and I was deployed a couple of years ago in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom to the Persian Gulf. My wife regularly sent me 'care' packages (books, snacks, etc...). She had emailed one day about my son's great day on the mound (11 year old LL game). A couple of weeks later a new care package arrived, and in it was the game ball my son was presented with. I openly cried for about an hour. To this day, I get a little choked up thinking about it.
IrishDad:
That was a touching story...we know why you couldn't be there to watch your son pitch...thank you so much for your service to our country.
That was a touching story...we know why you couldn't be there to watch your son pitch...thank you so much for your service to our country.
IrishDad... Thanks for the goose bumps. Thank You for your service.
USAF 83-91
USAF 83-91
What a great thread! Brought back alot of memories. Especially poignant as my son will be beginning his last year of High School ball in a few months. Tons of memories since he started playing baseball 13 years ago. The one that stands out for me...
My dad, living 5 hours away didn't get to see alot of our sons games, but had every cliping and tons of videos. He always talked about "getting there to see him play". Well dad was diagnosed with brain cancer. Very hard on the family, but he kept telling our son he was gonna beat it and see him play. Well, it just didn't work out. Dad passed away in May that year. As we were making the drive home after a week with dad and funeral, my son (14 at the time) said, "Mom, you know we have a game tonight". I couldn't imagine that he would feel like playing! I asked him if he was sure he felt like playing ball that night. He said "Mom there is no place I rather be, this will be the 1st game grandpa has gotten to see in a long time, I gotta make it a good one" Well he played that night...pitched a perfect game until a defensive error in the last inning and hit a HR BOMB to right center (he's not a big power hitter)as he's crossing home he points to the sky. His dad and I obviously had tears in our eyes as did most of the team and parents. Truely one of the most painful and wonderful moments in our lives!
My dad, living 5 hours away didn't get to see alot of our sons games, but had every cliping and tons of videos. He always talked about "getting there to see him play". Well dad was diagnosed with brain cancer. Very hard on the family, but he kept telling our son he was gonna beat it and see him play. Well, it just didn't work out. Dad passed away in May that year. As we were making the drive home after a week with dad and funeral, my son (14 at the time) said, "Mom, you know we have a game tonight". I couldn't imagine that he would feel like playing! I asked him if he was sure he felt like playing ball that night. He said "Mom there is no place I rather be, this will be the 1st game grandpa has gotten to see in a long time, I gotta make it a good one" Well he played that night...pitched a perfect game until a defensive error in the last inning and hit a HR BOMB to right center (he's not a big power hitter)as he's crossing home he points to the sky. His dad and I obviously had tears in our eyes as did most of the team and parents. Truely one of the most painful and wonderful moments in our lives!
txdad06:
USAF 83-91...thank you also.
USAF 83-91...thank you also.
gottaluvit:
Your dad brought you up right as evidenced by your son's character. What a nice story.
The story I posted earlier concerning my older son just happened to be the only game that my son's grandfather ever witnessed.
Your dad brought you up right as evidenced by your son's character. What a nice story.
The story I posted earlier concerning my older son just happened to be the only game that my son's grandfather ever witnessed.
gotwood:
It was my pleasure.
It was my pleasure.
txdad06:
I'm glad to hear that.
I'm glad to hear that.
From the first story on, I had tears in my eyes, vividly picturing all of these special moments, especially those about the young children. And then started reading Newark Peppers' story. I am teaching a class of 6th grade Social Studies, and tears stream down my cheeks. I am very sorry for this tremendous loss.
Thank goodness the bell rang. I keep reading. More tears for more stories, I just can't handle it.
I second piaa_ump--blessings abound.
Someone once told us that this is a "small baseball world." I would like to amend that by saying this is a "large baseball family." And we cry at our families' tragedies, and shed tears of joy for the happiness, and cheer for the successes and yes, even fight....
My special moment, I think, was the time when my oldest was 12, and in a very tough championship game in Omaha, pitched in relief, down by 5 runs, I think, and shut down the opponent...and our team scored 6 runs in the 7 for the win and the championship, the first one for the coach. In the little talk afterward, the coach, all choked up, mentioned only my son by name--with a new title, "Warrior."
Thank goodness the bell rang. I keep reading. More tears for more stories, I just can't handle it.
I second piaa_ump--blessings abound.
Someone once told us that this is a "small baseball world." I would like to amend that by saying this is a "large baseball family." And we cry at our families' tragedies, and shed tears of joy for the happiness, and cheer for the successes and yes, even fight....
My special moment, I think, was the time when my oldest was 12, and in a very tough championship game in Omaha, pitched in relief, down by 5 runs, I think, and shut down the opponent...and our team scored 6 runs in the 7 for the win and the championship, the first one for the coach. In the little talk afterward, the coach, all choked up, mentioned only my son by name--with a new title, "Warrior."
My youngest son really looks up to and is very proud of his older brother, who was/is a much better athlete. When my youngest son was 12 he had a very difficult year in LL and did not get the respect from his coaches or teamates that he saw his brother get when he was 12. At the end of his 12 year old season he didn't make the all-star team and was crushed. In addtion to being upset he was getting teased at school about not making the team and he didn't want to go back to school. His older brother, now in high school, took his prized LL all-star hat off his shelf and gave to his younger brother along with a nice note. My youngest son wore his "new" all-star hat to school everyday for the rest of the year and became immune to what the other kids had to say to him.
CollegeParent:
Has he got anymore of those hats? They sure would come in handy at times!
That was a very nice story. It appears you have some good kids.
Has he got anymore of those hats? They sure would come in handy at times!
That was a very nice story. It appears you have some good kids.
My brother was playing tball @ ss and he got the ball hit to him he runs to 2nd and tags the kid(who is safe by a mile)the ump calls him safe.Boo says "no he's out I tagged him".Unp says son he's on the base.Next thing we know the kid gets knocked down and Boo tells ump"He's off the base he's out"He was 5 @the time.
The day he tried out for a travel and missed a bday party instead of leaving tryouts early he said "No I'll miss the party I dont want them to think I'm a half wayer".He was 10 @ them time
And finally He went to work with me at a retail store(he's15 now and spoiled by me)I figured he would just hang out.While I was assisting someone he disapeared on me.I found him working putting up stock,then he went to help some customers to their cars.My employees were goofing off and I found Boo in the back working his tail off.He said "sis I think we are the only ones working".He was right.He said I'll finish this up you go find them and do what you have to do.I knew right then that no matter what happens with baseball.His future will be okay because he understands that when u have a job u do it to your best.And I know now that he is a Hard worker off the feild as well.
The day he tried out for a travel and missed a bday party instead of leaving tryouts early he said "No I'll miss the party I dont want them to think I'm a half wayer".He was 10 @ them time
And finally He went to work with me at a retail store(he's15 now and spoiled by me)I figured he would just hang out.While I was assisting someone he disapeared on me.I found him working putting up stock,then he went to help some customers to their cars.My employees were goofing off and I found Boo in the back working his tail off.He said "sis I think we are the only ones working".He was right.He said I'll finish this up you go find them and do what you have to do.I knew right then that no matter what happens with baseball.His future will be okay because he understands that when u have a job u do it to your best.And I know now that he is a Hard worker off the feild as well.
.
This is a really, really great thread. Not only has it elicited a number of great posts from both regulay AND seldom heard from posters but it is full of humor, inspiration and character.
Gave this a great deal of thought....
Got a million special athletic moments but the ones that really shine for me personally involve character...
- Giving his all tourney trophy to another player who he felt performed better than he did
- the long, long, teary eyed look he took to the sky after homering in his first at bat after hearing that a former coach had died young in a tragic accident.
- The amazing words of comfort and encouragement he offered to his brother as the younger was cut out of a car with the jaws of life and airlifted away.
- Making absolutely sure that every player on every team he ever played on felt valued and included.
This is a really, really great thread. Not only has it elicited a number of great posts from both regulay AND seldom heard from posters but it is full of humor, inspiration and character.
Gave this a great deal of thought....
Got a million special athletic moments but the ones that really shine for me personally involve character...
- Giving his all tourney trophy to another player who he felt performed better than he did
- the long, long, teary eyed look he took to the sky after homering in his first at bat after hearing that a former coach had died young in a tragic accident.
- The amazing words of comfort and encouragement he offered to his brother as the younger was cut out of a car with the jaws of life and airlifted away.
- Making absolutely sure that every player on every team he ever played on felt valued and included.
Great stories everyone. This is a great post.
Keep 'em coming.
Keep 'em coming.
Lets See:
First Homerun as a 10 years old in the all star game;
going 4 for 4-all doubles-in high school game, first inning pitched in Legion ball,
first homerun in legion,
State championship in Legion ball;
Signing his NLI;
College Freshman first inning pitched-against South Carolina Gamecocks - I was so nevious I thought that I was going to throw up- he was fine;
The whole Cape Cod summer pitching for the Chatam A's;
the June day he was drafted;
the first inning as as a professinal pitcher; And then the all star game thing again as the starting pitcher for the NY Penn League All Star game;
I think every moment that I have had with my son has been special.
Just another note: I have been away from HSBBW for a few (4 or more) years now, I was one of the first 100 on the original board. I think that this is still the best baseabll board on the web and I have been to 100's of sites. Thanks for carrying the torch onward! I recognize many of the "older: posters TRHIT, FUNGO and and others- in fact while catching up, I think that FUNGO's son and my son crossed paths this summer in the minors. Anyway, thanks to all of you for still being here.
First Homerun as a 10 years old in the all star game;
going 4 for 4-all doubles-in high school game, first inning pitched in Legion ball,
first homerun in legion,
State championship in Legion ball;
Signing his NLI;
College Freshman first inning pitched-against South Carolina Gamecocks - I was so nevious I thought that I was going to throw up- he was fine;
The whole Cape Cod summer pitching for the Chatam A's;
the June day he was drafted;
the first inning as as a professinal pitcher; And then the all star game thing again as the starting pitcher for the NY Penn League All Star game;
I think every moment that I have had with my son has been special.
Just another note: I have been away from HSBBW for a few (4 or more) years now, I was one of the first 100 on the original board. I think that this is still the best baseabll board on the web and I have been to 100's of sites. Thanks for carrying the torch onward! I recognize many of the "older: posters TRHIT, FUNGO and and others- in fact while catching up, I think that FUNGO's son and my son crossed paths this summer in the minors. Anyway, thanks to all of you for still being here.
Welcome back Doubledad! It HAS been a while. I did a little research and our sons did cross paths this summer in the minors...Small world. To all the other posters. I never realized there were so many "special" moments in baseball. Lots of smiles and tears.
Thanks for sharing,
Fungo
Thanks for sharing,
Fungo
I guess I would like to add a few from my son's experiences, just one at a time, though.
When he was 16 he pitched a complete game (7 innings), throwing just 61 pitches. He had ten strikeouts, no walks, gave up two hits (on consecutive pitches in the third inning). He threw 50 strikes and 11 balls.....that is less than two balls per inning. It was pretty cool for me to see from the stands.
This was in his team's first game in the Beast of the East tournament in Wheeling, WV in 2001.
When he was 16 he pitched a complete game (7 innings), throwing just 61 pitches. He had ten strikeouts, no walks, gave up two hits (on consecutive pitches in the third inning). He threw 50 strikes and 11 balls.....that is less than two balls per inning. It was pretty cool for me to see from the stands.
This was in his team's first game in the Beast of the East tournament in Wheeling, WV in 2001.
The year of the baseball strike....my son was 8. We were living in JetHawks country, California. We had tickets for the first Dodgers game that year.....which didn't happen....but right after the strike did settle...we got a call from our City's recreation dept.....the Dodgers were asking 9 Little Leaguers from around LA county to be part of the openning day ceremonies.....my son was asked to represent Lancaster.....and was going to take the field, opening day game, with a Dodger player.
We had one excited kid on our hands....the Dodger's treated them royally....in the dugout he got a uniform....autographed ball.....but the best part for me was when they announced his name....and my little guy out in left field, standing with Billy Ashley, waved and waved....and up on the big Dodger screen....I could see his smile.....a mile wide.....a very special moment for him...and us.
We had one excited kid on our hands....the Dodger's treated them royally....in the dugout he got a uniform....autographed ball.....but the best part for me was when they announced his name....and my little guy out in left field, standing with Billy Ashley, waved and waved....and up on the big Dodger screen....I could see his smile.....a mile wide.....a very special moment for him...and us.
As a 14 y.o., Pitched his first complete game this summer in a 16u tournament.
Didn't win but that hardly mattered, it was a great game to watch and I was happy for him.
Didn't win but that hardly mattered, it was a great game to watch and I was happy for him.
I know for me there is one weekend that stands out for me. During the city tournament this past season:
1st game of the tournament, 13K 1 hit shutout against the #2 team in the city. knocks in both RBI's to win 2-0.
Next game postponed in the 3rd inning because of lightning, team down 4-0. Talking to the coach a couple hours later, he guaranteed me that T.O. (boys nickname) would homer in the 1st at bat the next morning and they would win. He stroked the 1st pitch deep center, went on to hit another homerun in his next at bat and pitched a 1 hitter to win the game 5-4.
Next game of the tournament, against most "hated" rival, coach of the other team has walked my boy every chance he could get in the 1st 2 meetings. Comes up in the 1st with the bases loaded, I was told later they thought about walking him anyways, but they didn't and he hit the longest HR he had ever hit for his 1st grandslam, that ball is still his most prized posession.
Ended up beating the 1,2 and 3 seeds to make it to the final, ran out of pitchers and took 2nd. His mom had to miss the tournament, I have never seen her cry so much as when she found out all that she had missed.
But above all of the things T.O. has done on the field, the most special moment in his baseball "career" and his life is that every single pitch of every single game, he steps out ouf the box, looks at the coach and does nothing until he is given a sign. He has never been given 1 sign but swing away, but he waits and does what his coach tells him. It's the character things like that that will stay with him and me forever.
Great thread guys
1st game of the tournament, 13K 1 hit shutout against the #2 team in the city. knocks in both RBI's to win 2-0.
Next game postponed in the 3rd inning because of lightning, team down 4-0. Talking to the coach a couple hours later, he guaranteed me that T.O. (boys nickname) would homer in the 1st at bat the next morning and they would win. He stroked the 1st pitch deep center, went on to hit another homerun in his next at bat and pitched a 1 hitter to win the game 5-4.
Next game of the tournament, against most "hated" rival, coach of the other team has walked my boy every chance he could get in the 1st 2 meetings. Comes up in the 1st with the bases loaded, I was told later they thought about walking him anyways, but they didn't and he hit the longest HR he had ever hit for his 1st grandslam, that ball is still his most prized posession.
Ended up beating the 1,2 and 3 seeds to make it to the final, ran out of pitchers and took 2nd. His mom had to miss the tournament, I have never seen her cry so much as when she found out all that she had missed.
But above all of the things T.O. has done on the field, the most special moment in his baseball "career" and his life is that every single pitch of every single game, he steps out ouf the box, looks at the coach and does nothing until he is given a sign. He has never been given 1 sign but swing away, but he waits and does what his coach tells him. It's the character things like that that will stay with him and me forever.
Great thread guys
All slept out for the night, so I'm catching up and wanted to say - Thanks for sharing. Great stories. I'm glad my husband is still sleeping or he'd wonder why I'm wiping my eyes my minute and chuckling the next. Keep the stories coming. I'm really enjoying this thread.
Reading this thread brought a flood of memories along with the tears......
Mine, too, has had a lot of notable plays and games but, for me, the special moments:
My son went to his first baseball game when he was three. We were visiting my husband's family and went to his hallowed Yankee Stadium where they were playing our hometown Texas Rangers. He...and everyone else...loudly supported the Yankees while I valiantly cheered the Rangers on. Our son was enraptured by the game and jumped up and down yelling for both sides. His face lit up everytime the ball was hit or a bang-bang play took place. He had everyone around us laughing with the pure joy in his eyes as he clapped and danced for every ball player on the field. (My son has long since converted to the dark side and loves the Yankees as much as his dad with the Rangers a lowly second.)
Fast forward to age 7 or 8. We had gone to see the Rangers. He came with his team jersey and hat on and glove in hand. He watched everything the players did and commented on good plays and bad. After a play....I don't even remember what happened....he dropped back into his seat with his glove still on his hand and staring out at the field murmured with a sigh, "Mommy, I just love baseball."
Mine, too, has had a lot of notable plays and games but, for me, the special moments:
My son went to his first baseball game when he was three. We were visiting my husband's family and went to his hallowed Yankee Stadium where they were playing our hometown Texas Rangers. He...and everyone else...loudly supported the Yankees while I valiantly cheered the Rangers on. Our son was enraptured by the game and jumped up and down yelling for both sides. His face lit up everytime the ball was hit or a bang-bang play took place. He had everyone around us laughing with the pure joy in his eyes as he clapped and danced for every ball player on the field. (My son has long since converted to the dark side and loves the Yankees as much as his dad with the Rangers a lowly second.)
Fast forward to age 7 or 8. We had gone to see the Rangers. He came with his team jersey and hat on and glove in hand. He watched everything the players did and commented on good plays and bad. After a play....I don't even remember what happened....he dropped back into his seat with his glove still on his hand and staring out at the field murmured with a sigh, "Mommy, I just love baseball."
#1 Son: Had a good high school year, this year, but finsihed sick...losing 10 lbs in two weeks. Dr. thought he had mono, but he never tested positive for it. However, even though he never really recovered his strength/stamina during the summer season, he played every inning of every summer game save one. Didn't get to pitch much, though. Finally, played in the "Road to Omaha" tournament and closed the last inning of the last game. Struck out the first batter. Error on a soft roller allowed a runner, who he promptly picked-off first. 1-2 on final batter. Throws the only curve he threw that inning, jogging off the mound after delivering it. He was almost to the first base line when the umpire calls strike three. On the way home, I asked him how did he KNOW that the batter wouldn't swing? He responded, softly, "Dad, it wouldn't have made any difference."
Son #2: At 9 years old (now 13), he was on a good team that hadn't won much in the early part of the season. Behind by two runs in the last inning, with two on base. 2-2 count and he golfs one WAY over the left fielder's head for a home run. His mom is so excited, she's screaming and runs into the dug out to meet him when he comes back. He has big grin and hugs her in the dug-out for a long time. Then, he leaves her and comes into the stands to hug me! That was the turning point for his team...which went 19-2, thereafter.
Son #2: At 9 years old (now 13), he was on a good team that hadn't won much in the early part of the season. Behind by two runs in the last inning, with two on base. 2-2 count and he golfs one WAY over the left fielder's head for a home run. His mom is so excited, she's screaming and runs into the dug out to meet him when he comes back. He has big grin and hugs her in the dug-out for a long time. Then, he leaves her and comes into the stands to hug me! That was the turning point for his team...which went 19-2, thereafter.
My son just had a special moment this fall - one that I won't forget.
He is 12U. Bases loaded...he comes up to bat against apitcher who had shut us down all day. We are down 2 runs. First pitch, he fouls off his face...busts open his lip and his nose is bleeding. A few of his teeth are even loose.
We take him into the dugout to clean him up and his asst. coach asks him if he wants to come out of the game. He looked him squarely in the eyes and said "You aren't taking me out. I need to finish my AB." Our team doc checks him out and says he is OK to keep playing.
He works it to a full count and then fouls off 8 straight pitches (an ssortment of FB, CB and CU). Finally, the pitcher throws a FB middle-in and he drills it into LCF for a 3 run triple.
He looks at me from 3b, smiles and all I see is a few teeth spattered with blood.
I am proud that he stood tall when adversity punched him in the mouth.
He is 12U. Bases loaded...he comes up to bat against apitcher who had shut us down all day. We are down 2 runs. First pitch, he fouls off his face...busts open his lip and his nose is bleeding. A few of his teeth are even loose.
We take him into the dugout to clean him up and his asst. coach asks him if he wants to come out of the game. He looked him squarely in the eyes and said "You aren't taking me out. I need to finish my AB." Our team doc checks him out and says he is OK to keep playing.
He works it to a full count and then fouls off 8 straight pitches (an ssortment of FB, CB and CU). Finally, the pitcher throws a FB middle-in and he drills it into LCF for a 3 run triple.
He looks at me from 3b, smiles and all I see is a few teeth spattered with blood.
I am proud that he stood tall when adversity punched him in the mouth.
Well, I have had many special moments with my son concerning baseball, the games, the travel and conversations are all special, but my favorite (not special) moment had nothing to do with my son. We had an autistic kid on our intown travel team, great kid, could not play a lick,but was convinced he would someday play centerfield for the Boston Red Sox. No glove. No bat. No speed. No arm. But he would know the count, the number of outs, what the kid at the plate did the last time he was up, what the count was when he did it, where he hit it and on what type of pitch he hit it. Anyway, league had minimum playing time requirement, bottom of last inning, we are leading 4-3, 2 outs, bases loaded, 4 hitter up, this poor kid is in right field and wouldn't you know it the batter hits a laser to right, he puts his glove up and wouldn't you know the son of a gun caught it. (I could have hit him the exact same ball 100 times and he would have never touched it) Well the joy he showed and the swarming of his teammates around him was something I will never forget. My son is a very good player but everytime I start to think I am becoming a "baseball" Dad I think of that moment, its not the paper write ups, the awards or the medals that make this game so great, its the human spirit, the perserverance, the dream that you may be the one to make the great play. Lets not forget that baseball is basically a game of failure. To play this game and enjoy it takes someone with a very special inner strength, something that goes beyond baseball and reveals the soul of a person whether a great player or not.
quote:Originally posted by Polemecist:
its not the paper write ups, the awards or the medals that make this game so great, its the human spirit, the perserverance, the dream that you may be the one to make the great play. Lets not forget that baseball is basically a game of failure. To play this game and enjoy it takes someone with a very special inner strength, something that goes beyond baseball and reveals the soul of a person whether a great player or not.
IMO - It is so refreshing to read such a genuine post.
In this day and age of endless hype and marketing - it is great to read something like that every once and awhile.
Thanks you for that very true and sincere post.
There are so many special moments good and bad. I pick these four as special:
#1 He signs his NLI in November, 2004 and I am more thrilled than he is as he surpasses dad (walk on then walk away).
#2 He knows he has to leave a summer team but he waits for the end of the year (NEVER walk out in the middle of a season) and then he handles it himself, as a gentleman, without me even in town.
#3 He's pitching a shutout in HS when an opponent knocks our second baseman into left field. Next time up, it's drill time but in the ribs (NO head hunting). NEVER pick on his teammates.
#4 His college coach CALLS ME after the fall, 2005 season (I never call him) to tell me how hard he's working and how much he knows about the "unwritten" rules of the game.
MOST OF ALL, I am able to sit back and retire as a coach knowing that I was lucky enough to be a part of his life instead of just watching it happen.
#1 He signs his NLI in November, 2004 and I am more thrilled than he is as he surpasses dad (walk on then walk away).
#2 He knows he has to leave a summer team but he waits for the end of the year (NEVER walk out in the middle of a season) and then he handles it himself, as a gentleman, without me even in town.
#3 He's pitching a shutout in HS when an opponent knocks our second baseman into left field. Next time up, it's drill time but in the ribs (NO head hunting). NEVER pick on his teammates.
#4 His college coach CALLS ME after the fall, 2005 season (I never call him) to tell me how hard he's working and how much he knows about the "unwritten" rules of the game.
MOST OF ALL, I am able to sit back and retire as a coach knowing that I was lucky enough to be a part of his life instead of just watching it happen.
The one that sticks out in my mind is a decision my son made at the beginning of his senior year of HS, that his baseball team would beat their arch-rival the coming spring. They had not beaten them in the 3 previous years he had played, but he was absolutely certain that he would pitch against them for a win that year. All winter he looked forward to it with determination and absolute certainty. That spring, by the day of the big game, his teammates believed it too, and sure enough, he pitched a shutout win. The school AD came up to me after the game and told me it was the first time our school had ever beaten the rival school in ANY sport in the 9 years he had been there. I guess the reason this one sticks out most for me is not because of a single day's performance on a field, but the power of setting a goal, working toward it, and remaining confident.
Funny how the old and new stories share a special space in our memories.
I can still remember the time one of his team mates in coach pitch got his first hit ever (pretty late in the season no less). Robin cheered for the kid so loud you would have sworn that little dribble was a grand slam.
Still one of my favorites, is very recent. His senior year of college, his team has just won the final game in the super regionals, giving them a berth in the world series. A game in which he hit for the cycle.
I have the most awesome picture of him reaching down to catch the first of two - half terrified, half excited two year olds running through the crowd to reach him. The smile on his face is forever etched in my memory.
I can still remember the time one of his team mates in coach pitch got his first hit ever (pretty late in the season no less). Robin cheered for the kid so loud you would have sworn that little dribble was a grand slam.
Still one of my favorites, is very recent. His senior year of college, his team has just won the final game in the super regionals, giving them a berth in the world series. A game in which he hit for the cycle.
I have the most awesome picture of him reaching down to catch the first of two - half terrified, half excited two year olds running through the crowd to reach him. The smile on his face is forever etched in my memory.
In my son's 12U all star tournament (which is played at Alpenrose, where the LL Softball world series is played) elimination game - loser's tournament life is over. Son starts as pitcher. First inning, one man on, batter hits slicing fly ball to right, curves just foul, bounces off a railing in foul territory.
Home plate ump calls it foul. Before next pitch, the 2nd base ump calls time, calls the home plate ump over, and talks him into changing the call.
My son didn't visibly react, but I could see him burn on the inside. I was proud that he kept his composure....
Later in the game, fifth inning, son is now catching, the other team is rallying and we are down by three runs. Their pitcher is on third, two outs.
Things were not going well, and I could see from my son's body language that he was burning inside.
Our pitcher would take the return throw and turn his back to walk to the mound. The pitcher/runner on third notices this, and I see him whisper to the third base coach, who nods.
Sure enough, next pitch the kid takes off to home. My son yells, our pitcher wheels and throws, and the ball beats the runner by ten feet. My son is up the line a few feet.
The kid comes in hard, and my son is moving towards him. Runner slides a little late, they meet helmet to helmet in a violent collision, end up with my son on top; basically looked like a linebacker form tackling a fullback.
The runner/pitcher got up very slowly, nose bleeding, shaken up. They tended to him in the dugout, and to the kid's credit, he came out and pitched the next half inning, cotton stuffed up his nose.
But he was shaken. Gave up five runs, walked a bunch, we took the lead and won.
To this day the parents recall that play, credit it for keeping us alive in the tourney. It was immortalized on video - we take it out and laugh now and then.
Still don't know what the third base coach was thinking. Sends his pitcher to steal home with a three run lead?
And the poor kid..... he was met with all the pent up fury my son had been holding in since the first inning.
Home plate ump calls it foul. Before next pitch, the 2nd base ump calls time, calls the home plate ump over, and talks him into changing the call.
My son didn't visibly react, but I could see him burn on the inside. I was proud that he kept his composure....
Later in the game, fifth inning, son is now catching, the other team is rallying and we are down by three runs. Their pitcher is on third, two outs.
Things were not going well, and I could see from my son's body language that he was burning inside.
Our pitcher would take the return throw and turn his back to walk to the mound. The pitcher/runner on third notices this, and I see him whisper to the third base coach, who nods.
Sure enough, next pitch the kid takes off to home. My son yells, our pitcher wheels and throws, and the ball beats the runner by ten feet. My son is up the line a few feet.
The kid comes in hard, and my son is moving towards him. Runner slides a little late, they meet helmet to helmet in a violent collision, end up with my son on top; basically looked like a linebacker form tackling a fullback.
The runner/pitcher got up very slowly, nose bleeding, shaken up. They tended to him in the dugout, and to the kid's credit, he came out and pitched the next half inning, cotton stuffed up his nose.
But he was shaken. Gave up five runs, walked a bunch, we took the lead and won.
To this day the parents recall that play, credit it for keeping us alive in the tourney. It was immortalized on video - we take it out and laugh now and then.
Still don't know what the third base coach was thinking. Sends his pitcher to steal home with a three run lead?
And the poor kid..... he was met with all the pent up fury my son had been holding in since the first inning.
Itsinthegame,
Thank you for your post, I really appreciate it, I was hesitant to send it in because of the general atmosphere here. It seems to me that alot of the people posting on this site lose focus on the real benifits of the game of baseball. If my son becomes a D1, D2, D3, college, JUCO or proffesional baseball player that would be great, however I have no illusions, there are 750 MLB players, not good odds considering the number of kids/ parents putting so much effort/ money into it. It seems to me that too many people are relating thier childs worth to thier accomplishments on a baseball field. I like the fact that my son has set a goal, this goal keeps him out of trouble, has impressed upon him the importance of school, that success does have a relationship to being prepared, that hard work does "pay off". There are alot of CEO's of major corporations making alot more money than the best paid baseball player and the odds of attaining that goal are alot better than becoming a superstar in baseball. There is alot of natural talent out there, something that has nothing to do with posting on a website, don't get me wrong, I enjoy the site in many ways, the information given is wonderfull, the knowledge shared is extraordinary. But I would suggest that people go with the odds and let thier sons enjoy the game and the benifits it provides that have nothing to do with their success in a particular game or season. So much of it appears to be dumb luck, Wade Boggs spent 2 extra years in the minors because Carney Lansford was the starting 3rd baseman for the Red Sox, could he have played somewhere else, absolutely, how many great players have been passed over due to bad timing, no fault of thier own.I feel that if they put this kind of time and effort into attaining a good education for thier kids it would be money and time better spent.
Thank you for your post, I really appreciate it, I was hesitant to send it in because of the general atmosphere here. It seems to me that alot of the people posting on this site lose focus on the real benifits of the game of baseball. If my son becomes a D1, D2, D3, college, JUCO or proffesional baseball player that would be great, however I have no illusions, there are 750 MLB players, not good odds considering the number of kids/ parents putting so much effort/ money into it. It seems to me that too many people are relating thier childs worth to thier accomplishments on a baseball field. I like the fact that my son has set a goal, this goal keeps him out of trouble, has impressed upon him the importance of school, that success does have a relationship to being prepared, that hard work does "pay off". There are alot of CEO's of major corporations making alot more money than the best paid baseball player and the odds of attaining that goal are alot better than becoming a superstar in baseball. There is alot of natural talent out there, something that has nothing to do with posting on a website, don't get me wrong, I enjoy the site in many ways, the information given is wonderfull, the knowledge shared is extraordinary. But I would suggest that people go with the odds and let thier sons enjoy the game and the benifits it provides that have nothing to do with their success in a particular game or season. So much of it appears to be dumb luck, Wade Boggs spent 2 extra years in the minors because Carney Lansford was the starting 3rd baseman for the Red Sox, could he have played somewhere else, absolutely, how many great players have been passed over due to bad timing, no fault of thier own.I feel that if they put this kind of time and effort into attaining a good education for thier kids it would be money and time better spent.
Missed this earlier.
And yow, I know its already quoted it,
but that's an outstanding post..........
quote:its not the paper write ups, the awards or the medals that make this game so great, its the human spirit, the perserverance, the dream that you may be the one to make the great play. Lets not forget that baseball is basically a game of failure. To play this game and enjoy it takes someone with a very special inner strength, something that goes beyond baseball and reveals the soul of a person whether a great player or not.
And yow, I know its already quoted it,
but that's an outstanding post..........