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The dream dies

RJMRJMHSBaseballWeb member since 2007
My son tore his MCL and PCL in the first showcase of the summer. He missed the entire summer and fall of the showcase season following his junior year. He was recently cleared to rehab, working hard and looking forward to three winter showcases. Today in a baseball agility drill he separated his shoulder. He's scheduled for surgery Thursday. He will now miss the entire year's showcase season which was his last chance. The doctor said he will not be ready to rehab until the baseball season starts. Therefore he won't be ready for the season. After an outstanding junior season of high schol baseball where he was the top hitter on a championship team the dream dies. He was considered a high end D3 to mid major prospect. He has not had the opportunity to get in front of ay college coaches. He's a senior. Since he's a very good student going through the academic motions at a JuCo for two years is not a solution. The top northeast colleges look down their noses at JuCo transfers. The college baseball dream dies.

I want to thank all of you for the great advice provided over the past few years even though it's use to this point will not come to fruition. It's amazing he never got injured playing football, s0ccer, and basketball. He gets injured twice at the most critical time in the sport with the least contact of the four. The advice here resulted in a lot of programs being interested in seeing him showcase. Good luck to everyone else and their sons.

Over and out.

** The dream is free. Work ethic sold separately. **

Last edited {1}
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Jimmy03Jimmy031,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by RJM:
My son tore his MCL and PCL in the first showcase of the summer. He missed the entire summer and fall of the showcase season following his junior year. He was recently cleared to rehab, working hard and looking forward to three winter showcases. Today in a baseball agility drill he separated his shoulder. He's scheduled for surgery Thursday. He will now miss the entire year's showcase season which was his last chance. The doctor said he will not be ready to rehab until the baseball season starts. Therefore he won't be ready for the season. After an outstanding junior season of high schol baseball where he was the top hitter on a championship team the dream dies. He was considered a high end D3 to mid major prospect. He has not had the opportunity to get in front of ay college coaches. He's a senior. Since he's a very good student going through the academic motions at a JuCo for two years is not a solution. The top northeast colleges look down their noses at JuCo transfers. The college baseball dream dies.

I want to thank all of you for the great advice provided over the past few years even though it's use to this point will not come to fruition. It's amazing he never got injured playing football, s0ccer, and basketball. He gets injured twice at the most critical time in the sport with the least contact of the four. The advice here resulted in a lot of programs being interested in seeing him showcase. Good luck to everyone else and their sons.

Over and out.


I don't have words I want to have.

I hope both you and your son have a wonderful future. Perhaps there will prove to be a reason for the pain.

Peace.
KrakatoaKrakatoa1,000+ posts
RJM, I'm sorry to hear about all of this. However, the dream does not have to die. Your son is a very good ballplayer. DIII's do not offer schollys, so they are open to looking at any kid who shows up on campus in the fall. I would guess, with his ability, that he would find a solid place to play baseball in college. It may not be the level you and he had hoped, but he CAN play college baseball, I am absolutely convinced of that, and get a first-rate education as well.

I hope evertything works out.
G gotwood4sale10,000+ posts
.

I agree with what the others have already said. Sound advice. Both of our sons went through some of the same things that your son has faced and what he will have to endure. It is frustrating for sure, but it is what it is.

Time will heal the wounds both physical and mental. Your son is a tough customer and you are as well. It is going to take all that you can muster to get back on track. But get back on track you must.

When this ordeal is over your son is going to be stronger. He will be more able to face adversity. It's a tough lesson to learn, but a valuable one. Fortunately most people don't get the chance to learn a lesson like this. Your son will be a different person after having faced and overcome all of this. Help him to be the very best he can be.

I'm not suggesting that anything will be easy, but stay positive and make the best of a bad situation. Opportunities will appear on the horizon. They will. Be on the lookout for them. I'm wishing you and your son the most success the two of you can achieve. Keep us updated. Not over and not out!



.
Last edited by gotwood4sale
FungoFungoHighly Regarded and Beloved Old Timer
The dream dies, reality sets in, and life goes on..... that's the way it happens for 99% of all athletes. MANY players (my son included) suffer injures that alter and eventually end their baseball "careers". It's that part of the game that we try to push back and ignore but it rears it's ugly head at the most inopportune time --- almost always on the way to the next level. Baseball, they say, is a game of averages and statistics. In a way that could describe a players odds of being able to endure the rigors and dangers of the game until he reaches his full potential. It's sad when you take one player and focus on his situation but when we look at the overall game we accept it as just another "part of the game". Hopefully the long term effects of his baseball injuries will be minor and his memories of the game be good.
Fungo
hokieonehokieone5,000+ posts
RJM,

If he gets fully healed, D III's have open tryouts every fall. Both of my sons played D III and thoroughly loved the experience. While Omaha and Rosenblatt would have been nice, I honestly wouldn't change a thing about the experience my guys had, except maybe giving son #1 more playing time. It was a truly wonderful ride. Smile

If he goes to a D III that he likes, the opportunity may still be there. You'd also be amazed at the number of D I signees who two years later are transferring as things didn't work out like they planned (see: Playing time).

They all play their last game some time or another, but if he's still interested, he should keep his options open.
Last edited by hokieone
PD PA Dino500+ posts
Let me preface this. I do not mean to offend you, only inspire a different thought process:


A true dream never dies. A true dream is unconditional. It is not reliant on an incident or single outcome. A true dream is perceived as subject to fulfillment at any point along one’s lifespan no matter how unlikely or improbable. Nurturing a dream is about freedom. A dream is not owned or possessed and therefore can’t be discarded. It is to be celebrated. A dream allows us to live here now without taking away from our moment. Our dreams make us aware of ourselves and we become creative. Dreams are never gone, over or out! So what? You prove them wrong!
Baseballdad1228Baseballdad1228500+ posts
I'm very sorry for the badly timed injuries. However, he's a HS senior and there's a world of opportunities out there if he's willing to breathe life into his dream. While he's getting well, he can find a great school that meets his academic requirements and that has a baseball team he would match with. There are so many great academic/baseball schools out there, many in the Centennial Conference - Hopkins, Franklin & Marshall, etc. - that could use a kid who, when healthy, projects as a mid-major player.

Best wishes and prayers his way. Good luck.
biggerpapibiggerpapi5,000+ posts
I can only imagine the pain (physical and emotional) in the RJM house right now.

Is it possible for a player to take off his HS senior year due to injuries, go to JUCO as a freshman, get healthy and then be recruited by the schools he was looking for in the first place?

I'm just trying to be positive and not assume that it's all over.

We're praying for your son.
rz1rz15,000+ posts
RJM,

I so sorry to hear that news. While I know that you understand the situation and cast of characters better than any of us, I would still dangle that carrot in front of your son and challenge him during his rehab. In reality, maybe the next level of sports will not be in the end picture, but the challenge will make everyone stronger.

-z-
Last edited by rz1
Dad04Dad045,000+ posts
RJM I am really very sorry to hear about the bad news. It is a setback on top of a setback. Kids have a unique ability to adjust to circustances, smart kids especially. Fungo is absolutely correct about the fact that many, if not nearly all, careers are derailed by physical setbacks.

My own had a very nice sophmore year with a 2.07 ERA with 100+ innings, five complete games, two shutouts. He came back junior year only to get in a fender bender in the fall, suffering muscle tears behind his throwing shoulder and was never the same again, inspite of rehabs, treatments, etc. There was nothing to cut on, so that wasn't an option.

He moved on finishing his degree, works in commercial lending, having the time of his life.

There were some sad nights though, like trying to "pitch around" his bad neck in a regional at TA&M, losing 10 mph off his FB after two innings, in front of 8,000 aggie hooligans.

He is satisfied though...because he knows he left every ounce on the field....as yours has. Good luck.

John
Last edited by Dad04
observer44observer441,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by gotwood4sale:
.
....Time will heal the wounds both physical and mental. Your son is a tough customer and you are as well. It is going to take all that you can muster to get back on track. But get back on track you must.

When this ordeal is over your son is going to be stronger. He will be more able to face adversity. It's a tough lesson to learn, but a valuable one. Fortunately most people don't get the chance to learn a lesson like this. Your son will be a different person after having faced and overcome all of this. Help him to be the very best he can be.

I'm not suggesting that anything will be easy, but stay positive and make the best of a bad situation. Opportunities will appear on the horizon. They will. Be on the lookout for them. I'm wishing you and your son the most success the two of you can achieve. Keep us updated. Not over and not out!



.



GWFS has said it much better than I can.

The future and the fates are what they are...and we and our sons will persevere to honorably and fully execute the path before us, through good times and bad, in baseball or beyond it. That is part of what baseball teaches.

While in the toughest of times the fates may seem cast/dark...Passion and talent can burn a light though the darkest of nights, be it baseball or otherwise...the game may, or may not be over...the baseball metaphore is to take it one pitch at a time...beginning with rehab...and see where it goes.

Be baseball or otherwise stuff happens, fates collide...the thrill ride, and the challenges never end. Thoughts and prayers RJM...may the fates be kind and open a new chapter be it an amazing inspirational comeback or an exciting new chapter beyond the lines.

Cool 44
.
Last edited by observer44
piaa_umppiaa_ump5,000+ posts
When I look back over the years I have been here, I am reminded that of all the posters that come in when their players are young and how we follow on with them as they travel the baseball road....

The road for all ends someday....it does not kill the dream, but it does end for all...and it made me go back and find the post that I made when it was clear the baseball road was ending for my son....and it was injury that cut short his dream, as I believe that of many others......

RJM, you posted in that thread…

“It's ironic this topic came up. I was at a game Saturday when a dad mentioned due to an injury he may have already watched his son's last game. He said he wished he had known when he was watching it.

Then I thought about what it would be like to have the youngest finish playing. I guess you go from watching his games to attending pro games together. Then before you know it you're placing a glove in your grandson's crib”

It was an insightful comment…. We all, players and parents, come to the end of the baseball road…..some at a young age, some before they get a full chance…but it comes for all of us….It’s the nature of all things..

My best wishes for his speedy recovery and ultimate success…

I also hope that the old Bouton addage "You see, you spend a good piece of your life gripping a baseball and in the end it turns out that it was the other way around all the time." turns out to be true for your son as well....
P Prime91,000+ posts
quote:
Hopefully the long term effects of his baseball injuries will be minor and his memories of the game be good.


RJM; I join the ranks of those expressing condolences for both the injuries and the timing. It is unthinkable that he will miss these last High School years.

I also echo the many who advise support in helping your Son stay positive. God may have a bigger plan for him and you can't say for sure that it might not be yet another baseball opportunity, currently unforeseen, somewhere down the road.

ALL the best and thank you for all the good input you've contributed to many...
Last edited by Prime9
playfairplayfair500+ posts
Rjm, As parents there is a day we all will face the last game our sons play. I am sorry you are facing your boy's now.

But even if he chooses to not play any longer that does not mean he cannot have an active role in baseball or even a career in baseball if he chooses.

You should listen for the sound of a door opening.

Good luck to you and your son. I hope this does not mean you wont be contributing here any longer. You still have lots to give.
SdleftySdlefty500+ posts
RJM, this is a tough one but may be a huge positive experience for you son. He may be a great coach in the future, has he considered that.

My eldest has had his issues with shoulders also, so I can feel what you are going through. He is currently rehabing his left shoulder from a fall ball incident.

Your son sounds like a great kid, he will figure it out.

Left
Keep swingin it...
BaseballmomandCEPBaseballmomandCEP1,000+ posts
That is a tough situation, no doubt. So sorry.

Can I make a suggestion from 'out in left field'? (pardon the pun!)

If he is a strong student, and if family budget allows, could he consider a gap year or gap semester? Its pretty common in other cultures, and is catching on in the US.

There are so many programs abroad and in the US, that offer experiences highly valued by the colleges. Just to name 2, City Year and Dynamy are two excellent organizations that run domestic gap year programs for HS grads who ---for many valid reasons --- need a year off to do something else with their lives before returning to the academic grind. In that year (or semester) he can gain volunteer / community experience, give his body (and soul!) time to heal, and learn a lot about himself. The gap year experiences are viewed VERY favorably by selective colleges, because students who take time out before college often are better students and more motivated, engaged members of the campus community.

(Harvard's admit letter used to encourage this!I think it still might.)

Just a different perspective. This could be a 'dream deferred' not a dream denied. FYI, if you go down this road, he would want to get an admit / defer status at a college he loves 1st, as an assurance that he has a college to call home in the following year.

Good luck - I can't imagine my son in that situation.
bsbl247bsbl2471,000+ posts
RJM,

I'm sorry to hear about your son's shoulder. I know it was a rough summer and fall, and after many months of rehab, this was the last thing you wanted to happen. If your son has the same passion that you do for the game, he'll be fine. There's no doubt it's going to be a tough road, but you can help him get through this. I don't know what the timeline for his shoulder rehabilitation will be, but I have to assume that he may have a chance to play some ball his senior year? I would focus on the positives and everything he can control over the next few months. You're very lucky that he's a bright young man with excellent grades. He'll have other ways of attending a good school and ultimately will get an opportunity to showcase his abilities again on the baseball field...but now he needs your help more than ever to keep his spirits up!
MadDogPAMadDogPA100+ posts
I scanned through the thread looking for great ideas, but there is one that was perhaps overlooked.

While this may not be a perfect fit for your son's situation, I know athletes who have done a post-graduate year at a prep school and deferred college for a year. In fact, my son was hosted by a kid at a top D3 in CT, who did just that due to an injury...just a thought!

Best wishes to your son for a speedy recovery,

MD
fenwaysouthfenwaysouth10,000+ posts
RJM,

Very sorry to read through your thread. I'm sure your family is feeling discouraged and frustrated right now. My hope is that your son can rehab, find his baseball mojo, and walk onto a program that needs him and wants him. You considered him a high end D3 to mid major prospect. I'm willing to bet some very smart D1/D3 coach will take a chance on him when he is healthy, and ready to play again. Best of luck to you and your family. I have enjoyed your wisdom and the PMs we've shared.
southpaw_dadsouthpaw_dad100+ posts
RJM,

Not a lot to add in the way of insights and wisdom. some very wise thoughts have been shared by others. Our best wishes go with your son, and your family, as you move through this time of great physical and emotional pain.

I do believe that every defeat has within it the seeds for even greater success. My prayer is that whether your son can resucitate his baseball dreams, or he moves on to new dreams, that the passion and drive that made him a successo n the ball field will propel him to success in whatever passions he pursues.
TPMTPMHSBaseballweb Member since 2003
RJM,
So sorry to hear this, was just wondering the other day how things were going.

Just a suggestion, not sure how it happened (did he fall), but you might want to inquire why he is so prone to injury lately.

Consider an opportunity where he could walk on, he can work his butt off (if all is ok) and be in great baseball shape for next fall, perhaps club baseball. Find a good summer team to play on, you might be surprised, if all goes well, he just might get interest summer and next thing you know headed off to play baseball in the fall. It happens every summer.

You are a smart guy, I am sure that you can figure it out. I think with your persistance, we won't be hearing the last of your son.
M MHC7710+ posts
RJM,

Reading your post makes my heart ache. I can truly sympathize with the worry and pain. My son missed his entire freshman (HS) season due to injury, and it was tough...but NOTHING in comparison to what you're facing with your son as a senior. What I can tell you is that experience put my son on a new path -- still focused on baseball -- that has changed his life immensely and which we never would have pursued otherwise. Once you regroup from the shock, you and he will come up with a plan, if that's truly what he wants. My dad used to say that some things are a blessing in disguise. We'd roll our eyes, of course, but turns out he was often right. I'll say my prayers for your son and your family.
VectorVector1,000+ posts
I have not read the other posts, but I suspect most are suggesting the following;

Get your son the best surgeon you can to get the repair done correctly the first time. Once he has recovered enough to rehab, get a top PT to work with him to rehab not only his body, but his spirit as well.

Once that has been accomplished, then consider the fact that many people have come back much later in life to achieve their goals. I suspect both you and your son are very down right now, but the future will be brighter no matter what it holds as long as you get him healthy again.

So keep your chin up as best you can because you will be an integral influence on his future outlook. He has his whole life ahead of him, and it might include baseball as long as he gets healthy.
Last edited by Vector
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