My son had over a dozen job offers. Some from top Fortune 500 companies. Not one cared about the school he went to. They all talked about playing D1 BB.
I think people over obsess about the prestige of a school. They all provide great education depending on what you put into it.
This is a great site. Obvious and different perspectives on the same game. I think that the "Dream" for most who are honest is to play at the collegiate level and then move on in life and work.
There are those here as well that achieving their dream requires playing professional baseball, and being a part of the game their entire lives.
I know for my middle son my dream, perhaps not his, was that he would play college ball. An injury has prevented that, and perhaps his "fire" is gone and may never play again. For my oldest son, His Goal is to play professional baseball. He doesn’t "dream" about it, he constantly prepares to do it. To him it is no longer a dream; it will be the outcome of his hard work.
Now I do not know if he will ever be given the opportunity, he has never been drafted after 3 drafts that could have selected him. But he is not dreaming, he is doing.
I think I am the only one who dreams about it anymore...
There are those here as well that achieving their dream requires playing professional baseball, and being a part of the game their entire lives.
I know for my middle son my dream, perhaps not his, was that he would play college ball. An injury has prevented that, and perhaps his "fire" is gone and may never play again. For my oldest son, His Goal is to play professional baseball. He doesn’t "dream" about it, he constantly prepares to do it. To him it is no longer a dream; it will be the outcome of his hard work.
Now I do not know if he will ever be given the opportunity, he has never been drafted after 3 drafts that could have selected him. But he is not dreaming, he is doing.
I think I am the only one who dreams about it anymore...
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I'm guessing if you show up without some sort of furry friend they won't let you in. In that event we can help. We have a litter of three month old cats that we adopted/rescued. You're more than welcome to borrow one for a weekend.
I would recommend you choose Daisy. He was named before we learned the fine art or science of determining a small kitten's gender. That was three months or so ago. Now it would be a snap...just run the kitten through the security checkpoint at any airport. Those TSA guys can call it in their sleep!
Let me know if you're interested. The Postal Service now has those E-Z Ship boxes and they're touting them before the Holidays. They haven't said anything about kittens, so I'm sure Daisy can be boxed up. I'll throw a little litter in with him. He likes that.
And if you're interested in all six I'm sure the Postal Service can accomodate.
...or...
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- "I think I am the only one who dreams about it..."
I'm guessing if you show up without some sort of furry friend they won't let you in. In that event we can help. We have a litter of three month old cats that we adopted/rescued. You're more than welcome to borrow one for a weekend.
I would recommend you choose Daisy. He was named before we learned the fine art or science of determining a small kitten's gender. That was three months or so ago. Now it would be a snap...just run the kitten through the security checkpoint at any airport. Those TSA guys can call it in their sleep!
Let me know if you're interested. The Postal Service now has those E-Z Ship boxes and they're touting them before the Holidays. They haven't said anything about kittens, so I'm sure Daisy can be boxed up. I'll throw a little litter in with him. He likes that.
And if you're interested in all six I'm sure the Postal Service can accomodate.
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Scrolling through the "Ask About Colleges" forum, I see there are many, many posters asking about the academics of particular schools. While it's true that there is so much valuable info in regards to baseball on this site, I do feel that a lot of student athletes (or their parents) visit this site to inquire about academics as well and receive great info. This is one of my favorite posts from the that forum and is very informative to say the least.
Posted by Ozone in regards to Swarthmore!
"My latest communication with the coach through my PREP program has these notes attached:
Academic Standards-- We look for kids who sit in the 1900-2400 range on the new SAT (there are obviously exceptions sometimes but for the most part, that is where we look) and at about a 32 on the ACT. Applicants are typically top 5-10 percent of their HS class with multiple AP courses.2011 needs: we are, like everyone, always looking for pitching. We will also be looking to bring in 1 catcher and an impact bat that can play the outfield. A 1B/3B guy would also be a fit for us.We do not look for anything specific in terms of athletic numbers, but guys who can run sub 7.1 are always good in the OF. We mainly look for quality athletes who can fit in to the type of game we play here.This summer we will have coaches at Columbia's summer camp, Browns Summer camp, Penn's summer camp, Princeton's camp, as well as Selectfest, Top 96 Academic East, Top 96 New York (at Fordham in July), Lehigh's camp, Headfirst Long Island in June, and both sessions of Headfirst on Long Island in August. Events we host: We will be holding a camp in October of '10.
- Side notes: Coach Exeter is one of the truly great people. The facilities are top notch for a DIII. The professor to student ratio is one of the best. The campus is beautiful and the academic reputation is wonderful. I would not however expect admissions to lower their standards for an athlete."
Posted by Ozone in regards to Swarthmore!
"My latest communication with the coach through my PREP program has these notes attached:
Academic Standards-- We look for kids who sit in the 1900-2400 range on the new SAT (there are obviously exceptions sometimes but for the most part, that is where we look) and at about a 32 on the ACT. Applicants are typically top 5-10 percent of their HS class with multiple AP courses.2011 needs: we are, like everyone, always looking for pitching. We will also be looking to bring in 1 catcher and an impact bat that can play the outfield. A 1B/3B guy would also be a fit for us.We do not look for anything specific in terms of athletic numbers, but guys who can run sub 7.1 are always good in the OF. We mainly look for quality athletes who can fit in to the type of game we play here.This summer we will have coaches at Columbia's summer camp, Browns Summer camp, Penn's summer camp, Princeton's camp, as well as Selectfest, Top 96 Academic East, Top 96 New York (at Fordham in July), Lehigh's camp, Headfirst Long Island in June, and both sessions of Headfirst on Long Island in August. Events we host: We will be holding a camp in October of '10.
- Side notes: Coach Exeter is one of the truly great people. The facilities are top notch for a DIII. The professor to student ratio is one of the best. The campus is beautiful and the academic reputation is wonderful. I would not however expect admissions to lower their standards for an athlete."
quote:There are a lot of parents here whose son's have had much worse injuries that could have been career ending, but it didn't stop them from being any less of a student or a player, and they found a way to get past the road block. They would have done what they needed to, to stay in the game, even if that meant not attending the best academic school.
I think that is what Coach May was talking about.
Yes..I agree with this. The player that breathes baseball 7x24 will do whatever it takes to get better, rehab, jump back on the horse and get noticed. And will do it on his own without a parent coaxing him or deciding what he should or not be doing. Certainly the parents should advise their kids so they can make educated decisions but in the end, it's up to the individual on whether to pursue something is what they want or they have something else in mind.
To play college ball, it does become a full time job and this is probably where 99% HS players (including very talented ones) hang it up because they know whether or not they want to play college ball or beyond. The ones who want it real bad and the work involved will be the ones most likely to play at that level. They have to love the game that much because if they didn't, they'll never hack it.
Originally posted by zombywoof:
I think this is what people lose sight of as well. People told me the same thing when I was in high school but still the true realization didn't happen until I lived it. College ball is more than the vocal prestige you receive from playing the game. It's more than the media accolades, or the fanfare. It's more than getting out there and turning a double play, throwing a curveball, hitting a single. It's more than wins and losses, standing and statistics.
The "Dream" is quite a subjective topic, as evidenced by this board. I have intently followed posts here and respect everyone's opinion and find everything to be quite insightful. Often times when following a board like this, I attempt to remove my own opinion from the topic and try to formulate my own view of things solely based on what others post. But I'll butt in here...
I'd like those that are still going through the recruiting process for their sons or for themselves to put aside academics, social life, future financial endeavors, costs of baseball, "other activities", etc. Go watch an NCAA tournament event. Doesn't matter what sport...baseball, basketball, football, hockey, track, golf, whatever. Watch the competition from beginning to end. Watch the effort the athletes put into the event, the desire they display, the drive they compete with. Watch the agony of defeat for those who lost, and the odyssey of victory of those who won. College sports goes well beyond the concrete, visible, tangible aspects that people see. People don't see the hours of practice, hours in the weight room, hours in the video room, hours in team meetings. People don't see the study hall days in the library, the late night studying. People don't see the comraderie of team sports, the brotherhood/sisterhood that is formed from an athletic event. We sweat together, we bleed together, we feel emotions for the game together. We are passionate together, we strive together. We win together, we lose together.
My school's baseball team last year was one win away from the NCAA Division III College World Series. We lost in the 11th inning of the loser's bracket championship game on a walk off single. I sat on the bus ride back to school and cried into my hands for the majority of the ride, as did many of my teammates. There were 28 of us on that bus, and we all felt the same thing. We felt horrible that the seniors on our team, our brothers, would have to end their college careers (and for some presumably their competitive baseball career) the way it did. We felt lost, because our magical run of a season had quickly been stripped from us and things were quickly warped back into reality. We felt proud because of what we had accomplished. Hundreds and hundreds of emotions swarmed over us, an overwhelming feeling. And I cried for hours.
I am 20 years old and for the rest of my life I will never, ever forget those feelings I felt last spring. It serves as somewhat of an epiphany for me, the moment that I realized I truly LOVED the game of baseball. The memories I have of my past, current and future teammates will never leave me. The lessons I've learned from playing the game and experiencing all the things I've experienced will never leave me. The passion that I have for the competitive nature will never leave me. The sport will never leave me.
In my opinion, that's what playing college baseball is all about.
quote:To play college ball, it does become a full time job and this is probably where 99% HS players (including very talented ones) hang it up because they know whether or not they want to play college ball or beyond. The ones who want it real bad and the work involved will be the ones most likely to play at that level. They have to love the game that much because if they didn't, they'll never hack it.
I think this is what people lose sight of as well. People told me the same thing when I was in high school but still the true realization didn't happen until I lived it. College ball is more than the vocal prestige you receive from playing the game. It's more than the media accolades, or the fanfare. It's more than getting out there and turning a double play, throwing a curveball, hitting a single. It's more than wins and losses, standing and statistics.
The "Dream" is quite a subjective topic, as evidenced by this board. I have intently followed posts here and respect everyone's opinion and find everything to be quite insightful. Often times when following a board like this, I attempt to remove my own opinion from the topic and try to formulate my own view of things solely based on what others post. But I'll butt in here...
I'd like those that are still going through the recruiting process for their sons or for themselves to put aside academics, social life, future financial endeavors, costs of baseball, "other activities", etc. Go watch an NCAA tournament event. Doesn't matter what sport...baseball, basketball, football, hockey, track, golf, whatever. Watch the competition from beginning to end. Watch the effort the athletes put into the event, the desire they display, the drive they compete with. Watch the agony of defeat for those who lost, and the odyssey of victory of those who won. College sports goes well beyond the concrete, visible, tangible aspects that people see. People don't see the hours of practice, hours in the weight room, hours in the video room, hours in team meetings. People don't see the study hall days in the library, the late night studying. People don't see the comraderie of team sports, the brotherhood/sisterhood that is formed from an athletic event. We sweat together, we bleed together, we feel emotions for the game together. We are passionate together, we strive together. We win together, we lose together.
My school's baseball team last year was one win away from the NCAA Division III College World Series. We lost in the 11th inning of the loser's bracket championship game on a walk off single. I sat on the bus ride back to school and cried into my hands for the majority of the ride, as did many of my teammates. There were 28 of us on that bus, and we all felt the same thing. We felt horrible that the seniors on our team, our brothers, would have to end their college careers (and for some presumably their competitive baseball career) the way it did. We felt lost, because our magical run of a season had quickly been stripped from us and things were quickly warped back into reality. We felt proud because of what we had accomplished. Hundreds and hundreds of emotions swarmed over us, an overwhelming feeling. And I cried for hours.
I am 20 years old and for the rest of my life I will never, ever forget those feelings I felt last spring. It serves as somewhat of an epiphany for me, the moment that I realized I truly LOVED the game of baseball. The memories I have of my past, current and future teammates will never leave me. The lessons I've learned from playing the game and experiencing all the things I've experienced will never leave me. The passion that I have for the competitive nature will never leave me. The sport will never leave me.
In my opinion, that's what playing college baseball is all about.
Well after that what else can you say. 
Wow, that was one of the most poignant posts I have read on this site. Well done and well written JH.
Very nice JH-see you next summer!
JH - that was awesome. Obviously, academics are important to you or you would not be able to express yourself that way.
At the same time, the content and context in which you wrote was about baseball. It wasn't academics that drove you to tears, it was baseball.
At the same time, the content and context in which you wrote was about baseball. It wasn't academics that drove you to tears, it was baseball.
Great stuff JH. Good Luck this season. The dream lives on....
JH, you obviously love baseball but I hope your calling is in journalism. I think you have a gift of articulation with conveyance of emotion.
Not many can do that.
Not many can do that.
quote:Well after that what else can you say.
Not much.That was an awesome post.
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Indeed it was!
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Indeed it was!
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Josh that was awesome. I appreciate you taking the time to post that for everyone. How great is a site where you can have a current college player post such insightful stuff for everyone to read? No matter what your take is on this topic you have to love that post.
JH - Excellent post, and excellent insights. Thank you for sharing those thoughts.
JH - I assume you get A's in English, you certainly know how to write very well. I don't know what will happen with your baseball career but anyone who can write as well as you is way ahead of the game. Good luck!
Although we have sons who are about the same age, let's just say RJM and I don't see eye to eye on several issues. I very much wanted to have something to say on this topic, but early in the string it would have come across as classless, and eventually it would have been piling on. JH's words said everything that needed to be said and more. No need for further comment IMHO.
It is amazing that this thread has stirred so many emotions - it is not very often that a thread stays alive 5 pages after the OP stops commenting.
It must be that a lot of us have not seen our dreams or our son's dreams fullfilled as we may have hoped or expected. I would dare say that no one here has had their dreams fullfilled as they visualized their goals, in as far as baseball goes.
Things can move along smoothly and progressively for years and then slam into a wall, usually to an injury, or perhaps academic qualifications. A dream school roster spot that finds you on the bench, for the first time in your life.
We can all relate on some level to a dream "dying"...
Things can move along smoothly and progressively for years and then slam into a wall, usually to an injury, or perhaps academic qualifications. A dream school roster spot that finds you on the bench, for the first time in your life.
We can all relate on some level to a dream "dying"...
quote:Originally posted by cheapseats:
It is amazing that this thread has stirred so many emotions - it is not very often that a thread stays alive 5 pages after the OP stops commenting.
That is basically because the thread had two different themes. The first part was everyone showing compassion for a young man and father missing the player's senior baseball year in high school. As a parent, it was easy to have empathy for the boy and his father. That has to be devastating considering the work, cost, and time that went into preparing for his high school career. We all feel sorry for them and wish the son a speedy recovery.
The second part of the thread was an effort to convey that by no means is the player's dream dead if he doesn't want it to be. Several contributors have provided stories about players overcoming larger adversities and still becoming successful, while others provided much more accurate examples of a dream coming to an end. The OP did not comment at this point as he did not appear interested in his son overcoming the baseball obstacles. It seemed that he was only interested in the sympathy.
quote:It must be that a lot of us have not seen our dreams or our son's dreams fullfilled as we may have hoped or expected. I would dare say that no one here has had their dreams fullfilled as they visualized their goals, in as far as baseball goes.
In a technical sense, you are correct. However, when taken as a whole, our dreams for our sons and baseball have been exceeded many times over. I enjoy living on the icing part of the cake as we have for the past 7 or 8 years...with both boys.
Maybe it depends on whether or not you look at the glass half full or half empty.
I can honestly say that I never in my wildest "dreams" thought my youngest son would play in the Major Leagues. But "his" dream came true!
I on the other hand was surprised many times as I watched everything unfold.
Will admit that I thought (not sure I'd call it a dream) our next youngest son might play in the Major Leagues. Looking back I'm not sure if it was his dream. He played one year in the Reds organization, got hurt and hung it up.
Me... My "dreams" revolved around winning the lottery.
I on the other hand was surprised many times as I watched everything unfold.
Will admit that I thought (not sure I'd call it a dream) our next youngest son might play in the Major Leagues. Looking back I'm not sure if it was his dream. He played one year in the Reds organization, got hurt and hung it up.
Me... My "dreams" revolved around winning the lottery.
PGStaff, with your life involved in baseball like it is, getting to see so many of our nations greatest players on their way up, you might have already won the lottery. 
Three Bagger, I don't want to get too far off topic, but it has been quite an experience.
Actually some of the kids I remember the best weren't the very best prospects. A few that I liked the least were among the best prospects. And then there are many like Posey, Heyward, Votto, Greinke, Fielder, and many others, who left a lasting impression in every way.
It has been like winning the lottery, except without the retirement party.
Actually some of the kids I remember the best weren't the very best prospects. A few that I liked the least were among the best prospects. And then there are many like Posey, Heyward, Votto, Greinke, Fielder, and many others, who left a lasting impression in every way.
It has been like winning the lottery, except without the retirement party.
Yes Votto is a shock to us who knew him !!!
He blossomed under a certain scout/coach !
He had been suspended twice on a team for acting a fool.
He showed some power !
He blossomed under a certain scout/coach !
He had been suspended twice on a team for acting a fool.
He showed some power !
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Retirement party? Oh my gosh! I'm in charge and I forgot!
"Hello,Maid-Rite?"
"You cater?"
"Great!"
"I dunno'...something baseball themed. It's a retirement party for a guy who knows a thing or two about baseball. And not much about loose meat sandwiches."
"I thought you'd like that."
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- "It has been like winning the lottery, except without the retirement party.
Retirement party? Oh my gosh! I'm in charge and I forgot!
"Hello,Maid-Rite?"
"You cater?"
"Great!"
"I dunno'...something baseball themed. It's a retirement party for a guy who knows a thing or two about baseball. And not much about loose meat sandwiches."
"I thought you'd like that."
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Guess we never saw the acting like a fool part, he was anything but a fool around us. I really liked him as a kid, maybe even more so than a player.
We didn't know who he was. He went to one of the Sunshine Showcases we did in Florida and stood out. Based on that, we invited him to the National Showcase the following week at Tropicana Field. He told us he didn't think he could make it back from Canada but was honored by the selection. Then two days later, he called me and said he found a way if we still wanted him there. I told him we had filled all the roster spots. He said he understood and apologized for not letting us know sooner. Anyway, we got him in!
Joey Votto
Not sure who the certain scout/coach is you refer to, but he sure did a great job with this kid.
We didn't know who he was. He went to one of the Sunshine Showcases we did in Florida and stood out. Based on that, we invited him to the National Showcase the following week at Tropicana Field. He told us he didn't think he could make it back from Canada but was honored by the selection. Then two days later, he called me and said he found a way if we still wanted him there. I told him we had filled all the roster spots. He said he understood and apologized for not letting us know sooner. Anyway, we got him in!
Joey Votto
Not sure who the certain scout/coach is you refer to, but he sure did a great job with this kid.
GW4S,
You can be in charge of the retirement party, but it's looking like a combo retirement/funeral party.
You can be in charge of the retirement party, but it's looking like a combo retirement/funeral party.
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That's good PG! Your sentiment is similar to mine.
When I first broke into the lumber business here in the Chicago area, after having worked in the forest for ten years, I would kid with my co-workers and customers that "the last lumber order I sell will be for the pine boards for my coffin."
It was a reasonably funny line and I never thought it would come true, but it sure seems to be. My only problem is that I won't be able to afford them!
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That's good PG! Your sentiment is similar to mine.
When I first broke into the lumber business here in the Chicago area, after having worked in the forest for ten years, I would kid with my co-workers and customers that "the last lumber order I sell will be for the pine boards for my coffin."
It was a reasonably funny line and I never thought it would come true, but it sure seems to be. My only problem is that I won't be able to afford them!
.
PG
David Davidson has hung up his pro career ! I talked to him over the summer and he says it is over. He played senior ball and really enjoyed it.
David Davidson has hung up his pro career ! I talked to him over the summer and he says it is over. He played senior ball and really enjoyed it.
I've enjoyed all the responses whether I agree with them or not. When I post I say what's on my mind. My posts and opinions in this thread related to my son. I wasn't trying to put anyone down. One size doesn't fit all. Thanks to those who were supportive. To everyone else I respect your opinion even if I disagree.
Someone commented my son wouldn't want to skin his knees playing ball if education is a priority. I don't think there's been a moment since my son started playing sports where he hasn't worn a bump, bruise or scrape. He usually comes off the field with the dirtiest uniform. His knee injury occured scoring on a short passed ball. He shocked the pitcher. He had a train wreck with the catcher while scoring. Unfortunately most of the catcher's weight went into my son's knee. He injured his shoulder in a freak fall doing agility drills rehabbing his knee. As a s0ccer goalie he once dove head first for a save only to have the shooter drill him in head and knock him unconscious. His reasoning was the game was on the line (last few minutes). We've taught our kids to have balance. The emphasis has been on faith, family, education, fitness/sports and community.
Contrary to the allegations I don't drive a Mercedes. Many of my neighbors do or drive comparable cars. I drive a 2004 Cherokee with 150K miles. It's clean and runs well. I'm not into spending money on expensive, unneccessary depreciating assets (probably just ticked off all the Mercedes owners). We're the talk of the neighborhood for having three and six year old American cars.
I don't manage my kid's lives. I do point them in certain directions. I have veto power over unwise decisions. They don't make many bad choices since they've been making personal decisions since they were little. I believe in allowing kids to make bad decisions they will learn from that don't involve long term damage. But mostly the choice is up to them. So far my kids have made good choices I wouldn't have expected regarding education.
The reason I have money to pay for college is good long term planning, hard work and sacrifice. It didn't hurt the oldest had a 75% ride between academics and sports and the kids are five years apart in age.
I did ask my son about attending JuCo. He's as competitive academically as athletically. He said no. He said when when his college is announced at graduation it's going to be in line with the kids he's competing with in the classroom. We did discuss attempting to walk on at mid major where his coaches know the college coaching staff. I don't believe he could walk on at the other two likely choices. I told him he could keep rehabbing his freshman year and transfer if another college is interested. All he'll lose is the fifth year to play four. There's also been a couple of offers to play on teams in showcases this summer. He can always get college settled academically and continue to pursue baseball options. Then I suggested we discuss it further when he's not stoned on Vicodan.
Am I disappointed he lost the opportuity to chose the top academic college of his choice? Yes. Am I disappointed he's missing his entire senior year of sports? Yes. It's why I reacted the way I did. But it's not my education. There are other very good academic opportunities. If baseball fits into the mix, great. As far as the JuCo debate goes, we'll just have to disagree. Sorry if I upset anyone on the subject.
Someone commented my son wouldn't want to skin his knees playing ball if education is a priority. I don't think there's been a moment since my son started playing sports where he hasn't worn a bump, bruise or scrape. He usually comes off the field with the dirtiest uniform. His knee injury occured scoring on a short passed ball. He shocked the pitcher. He had a train wreck with the catcher while scoring. Unfortunately most of the catcher's weight went into my son's knee. He injured his shoulder in a freak fall doing agility drills rehabbing his knee. As a s0ccer goalie he once dove head first for a save only to have the shooter drill him in head and knock him unconscious. His reasoning was the game was on the line (last few minutes). We've taught our kids to have balance. The emphasis has been on faith, family, education, fitness/sports and community.
Contrary to the allegations I don't drive a Mercedes. Many of my neighbors do or drive comparable cars. I drive a 2004 Cherokee with 150K miles. It's clean and runs well. I'm not into spending money on expensive, unneccessary depreciating assets (probably just ticked off all the Mercedes owners). We're the talk of the neighborhood for having three and six year old American cars.
I don't manage my kid's lives. I do point them in certain directions. I have veto power over unwise decisions. They don't make many bad choices since they've been making personal decisions since they were little. I believe in allowing kids to make bad decisions they will learn from that don't involve long term damage. But mostly the choice is up to them. So far my kids have made good choices I wouldn't have expected regarding education.
The reason I have money to pay for college is good long term planning, hard work and sacrifice. It didn't hurt the oldest had a 75% ride between academics and sports and the kids are five years apart in age.
I did ask my son about attending JuCo. He's as competitive academically as athletically. He said no. He said when when his college is announced at graduation it's going to be in line with the kids he's competing with in the classroom. We did discuss attempting to walk on at mid major where his coaches know the college coaching staff. I don't believe he could walk on at the other two likely choices. I told him he could keep rehabbing his freshman year and transfer if another college is interested. All he'll lose is the fifth year to play four. There's also been a couple of offers to play on teams in showcases this summer. He can always get college settled academically and continue to pursue baseball options. Then I suggested we discuss it further when he's not stoned on Vicodan.
Am I disappointed he lost the opportuity to chose the top academic college of his choice? Yes. Am I disappointed he's missing his entire senior year of sports? Yes. It's why I reacted the way I did. But it's not my education. There are other very good academic opportunities. If baseball fits into the mix, great. As far as the JuCo debate goes, we'll just have to disagree. Sorry if I upset anyone on the subject.
RJM - Nicely said! 
GED10DaD
RJM Have a happy Thanksgiving. Sounds like you have a lot to be thankful for.
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I agree...nice post RJM.
And I'm proud to say we have you beat...
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My ol' Chrysler LHS. A little fuzzy, but you can see that I've got the manual A/C working. And, I'm proud to say, I've got it centered in the proper lane...and going the right direction.
The kids' car. The dents/rust hidden by the van's innate splendorous good looks. And oh yeah...the fog lamps were history a long time ago. Victims of crusty snow piles and plenty of inattentive drivers. Myself included.
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The boss' car. It's boss! Or so I'm told to say.
Tally so far for our fleet? A cool 340,000 glorious 'Worn in the USA' miles. "To the moon Alice...and a good ways back again!"
And our neighbors talk about us too. Our cars are never mentioned anymore. They've gotten beyond that...on to other stuff!
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I agree...nice post RJM.
And I'm proud to say we have you beat...
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My ol' Chrysler LHS. A little fuzzy, but you can see that I've got the manual A/C working. And, I'm proud to say, I've got it centered in the proper lane...and going the right direction.
The kids' car. The dents/rust hidden by the van's innate splendorous good looks. And oh yeah...the fog lamps were history a long time ago. Victims of crusty snow piles and plenty of inattentive drivers. Myself included.
.
.
The boss' car. It's boss! Or so I'm told to say.
Tally so far for our fleet? A cool 340,000 glorious 'Worn in the USA' miles. "To the moon Alice...and a good ways back again!"
And our neighbors talk about us too. Our cars are never mentioned anymore. They've gotten beyond that...on to other stuff!
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Nice post RJM. I think that post clears up many of the questions I had. I apologize for the skinning knees thing I put in my post. Sometimes I start talking and the passion comes out in me. I was a undersized line backer who had to overcome a lot to be the player I was. When I start talking about baseball and fighting for what you want I can get a little crazy. If your son wants to play at the next level I hope he does. I dont want him to look in the mirror when he is 30 and say I could have , should have , would have. I am sure your boy gets after it and I am sure he lays it on the line. I wish you and your boy all the luck in the world and I hope everything works out for the best. And the bottom line for me is if he wants to play in college I hope he does. Best wishes.
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That's the spirit Coach!
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That's the spirit Coach!
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Very nice post RJM.
quote:Then I suggested we discuss it further when he's not stoned on Vicodan.
Am I disappointed he lost the opportuity to chose the top academic college of his choice? Yes. Am I disappointed he's missing his entire senior year of sports? Yes. It's why I reacted the way I did. But it's not my education. There are other very good academic opportunities. If baseball fits into the mix, great. As far as the JuCo debate goes, we'll just have to disagree. Sorry if I upset anyone on the subject.
This is a nice post. Everyone on this thread has always wished the best for you and your son.People disagree, that is life.I hope the best for your son.he sounds lie a real awesome young man.
Have a great Thanksgiving.Best wishes ,FAN
* If you go as far as you can see, you will then see enough to go even farther. *
RJM - that was a wonderful post. Not sure at all why that wasn't your first post but it explains a lot in a way that is personal to your own circumstances yet not dismissive of someone elses and that is frankly what I reacted to.
In view of your last post, I retract what I said in my previous posts as well. Sorry about that.
The four years to complete five makes lots of sense. If your family can afford that, then your son's athletic dreams may still have a chance. The key obviously is to get healthy first. Everyone who has read and posted in this thread is hoping for that.
In view of your last post, I retract what I said in my previous posts as well. Sorry about that.
The four years to complete five makes lots of sense. If your family can afford that, then your son's athletic dreams may still have a chance. The key obviously is to get healthy first. Everyone who has read and posted in this thread is hoping for that.