The Last Time

Thanks for sharing CD. So true! The “last times” are special ---but so are the “first times”. My son ended his baseball career this spring. He called this 4th of July on his way to a lake house in the mountains of North Carolina. Lake Norman I think. He seemed very happy when he said this was the “first time” he has been able to go on a non-baseball vacation. He learned to water ski and ride a tube which he had never done in his previous 24 years. I have enjoyed this summer as much as any. No baseball trips after 20 years of carrying or following my son around. At last I can do some “other” things ---- or maybe I’ll just do nothing. Those times were special and I agree with you that we need to never forget the last times and enjoy them while they “are”. However the memories become sweeter with age.
Fungo

CD

I know exactly how you feel. This may or may not be our last year to be baseball parents and it does feel a little sad to see this ride come closer to an end but I try to remember how lucky we have been to have been on the ride this long.

Right now I find myself already wishing that the spring was here and yet once it comes I'll want it to slow down and last forever. There is a chance that the college experience could last another year as Joe could qualify for a medical hardship. It is feasible that he could find a grad school looking for someone but I really don't know if that is a direction he will want to pursue once he graduates.

Not only do I hope I never forget the last time, I truly hope I can remember the whole time.

What beautiful reminders guys about the first and the last! We so often forget to appreciate both sides of the equation, don't we! We're so blessed to have such wonderful opportunities that we hate to see end.... yet those endings bring us new beginnings and new opportunities if we allow them to do so.

May all those boys who will play their last year on a college field soak up every minute! Mom and dad too! Regardless of what the future holds baseball wise, those years have brought priceless experiences to always be treasured.

CD - You can cry here anytime and we'll hand ya a tissue! Tyler has had a college career that all parents would miss and he's proven himself on and off the field. What more could a parent ask for.

We're all so very blessed around here!

quote:

May all those boys who will play their last year on a college field soak up every minute! Mom and dad too! Regardless of what the future holds baseball wise, those years have brought priceless experiences to always be treasured.

Very true Charlotte! Very great, and very wonderful experiences. As I approach our first college year since my son's collegiate career has ended, I emailed another mom who is a friend of mine and told her "isn't it STRANGE for classes to be beginning today at PSU and neither Joe or Brian are THERE?!?!?" I also told her I think I am in a serious case of "denial" and truly WON'T acknowledge that fact until I see a player behind homeplate this spring that ISN't #25! Yes....denial is a wonderful thing!

But the GREAT thing is...I have some "special" guys from this thread that I WILL be following, which certainly helps fill the void!

quote:

Originally posted by luvbb:

But the GREAT thing is...I have some "special" guys from this thread that I WILL be following, which certainly helps fill the void!

Honestly, I think as Fungo said, so much of how we adapt to changes (endings) is how we embrace what opportunities come our way. One of the good things I discovered this spring was being able to watch more baseball including friend's kids at all levels. I've gotten to do things I've wanted to for years!! Good things can happen!

CD and I were PM'ing about a week ago on this...it is amazing how time has flown...as it seems like yesterday we were engaging in a little "Liberty vs Coastal" trash talk in his son's freshman fall and wondering how it all will play out. CD's son is one who has worked his tail off to first get to where he wanted at a school...to working his tail off even harder to earn something not many freshman players get...and would not take "no" for an answer.

CD...and all the others gearing up for the "last time"...simply savor every moment you can this next year...and let the ride take you where it may.

Just to follow up on lafmom's comment, no crying or feeling sorry here. Gratitude is the word but good things seems to go by too quickly.

Fungo - we drive right through Lake Norman when we travel from Cleveland to Myrtle Beach. itsinthegame lives near there. It looks like one of the nicest areas in the country. I have always said it looks like the ideal water-skiing area. I can't recall a time we have driven by there and not seen several people out water-skiing. Also, FYI, it looks like a GREAT BASS fishing lake!

I dropped my son off yesterday about 1/2 hour away from home where he hopped a ride back to South Carolina with a teammate. That is the last Thanksgiving break while he is in college and soon he'll be home for his last college Christmas break.

We watched five Cavalier games together and spent much time with the larger family. He gained a few pounds while home so he was happy about that.

quote:

Originally posted by ClevelandDad:

We watched five Cavalier games together and spent much time with the larger family. He gained a few pounds while home so he was happy about that.

Well, to not totally derail this topic.... what are you going to think if you see your guy LeBron play for Cleveland a "last time"? I don't know if that's a serious possibility or not, but certainly been in the rumor mill hasn't it.

DOn't know if this will be "the last" college year of ball, but I am going to enjoy each game as though they are. "Time flies" is such an understatement. Really looking forward to the holidays with "little puma" and then to a great spring season.

quote:

Originally posted by puma1:
DOn't know if this will be "the last" college year of ball, but I am going to enjoy each game as though they are. "Time flies" is such an understatement. Really looking forward to the holidays with "little puma" and then to a great spring season.

All the best to Nick this year!

Let the chips fall where they may

This has been kind of a running blog so I thought I would update it. Fast approaching that last spring workouts leading up to the season. Spring intrasquads are now underway.

Mine has had some health issues to deal with since Christmas break. He had his wisdom teeth pulled over break and that caused him to lose 10 pounds at least. A few weeks back he contacted a severe strep throat infection. He went to the doctor and got two shots and a prescription for antibiotics and steroids. After about a week, he was still waking up with a severe sore throat so they sent him to an ear, nose, and throat specialist. He was subjected to some very painful procedures and they put him on very powerful antibiotics and steroids. He lost another 7 or 8 lbs with that episode.

Now the strep seems to be under control he still has been bothered by his wisdom teeth. He was sent to an oral surgeon in MB yesterday who said his cavities where the teeth were removed still have not healed completely and he still has an infection. They put him on more antibiotics and gave him a syringe for a vigorous cleaning regimine. If it weren't for bad luck, he'd have no luck at all this spring

Sorry to hear about the problems, CD.

And, I can't believe he's already finishing up.

Seems like he was a freshman just last spring.

Thanks FO - I really appreciate all your support over the years. I cannot believe it either and kind of why I started this thread.

I have always appreciated your humble attitude about things and tend to see the college experience the same way you have. There are some risks out there but the rewards have been unbelievable. All the best to Matt this spring/summer as I have always followed his career closely.

CD

Sorry to read of son's difficulties. Being on antibiotics like that can really wear you out physically. It might be helpful if he were to eat yogurt with "live active cultures" to help his body restore the helpful/normal bacteria to his body that inevitably has been effected by the antibiotic treatment he has received.

Hopefully drs have gotten to the "root"/source of the infection now and it will be fully irradicated.

Prayers and well wishes for a healthy senior season with many positive memories.

Holy mackeral, CD...that is A LOT going on with young TB. Praying for a full recovery.

CD - Tyler is one of those kids who always seems to battle against the odds. It doesn't matter if someone tells him he can't do something, if someone thinks he's not tall enough, if his hamstring continues to be symptomatic, or if he has these current challenges. He's one of those kids who just battles and proves he can do whatever he sets his mind too. I have no doubt that he will fight on for a terrific senior season. He's one of my all time favorite players!!

Oh, BTW CD and puma1, I'm picking CC to beat UK!

Thanks lafmom!! We truely appreciate your support! I'll be there, cheering my heart out for those that can't make it.

quote:

Originally posted by Still Learning:
CD

Sorry to read of son's difficulties. Being on antibiotics like that can really wear you out physically. It might be helpful if he were to eat yogurt with "live active cultures" to help his body restore the helpful/normal bacteria to his body that inevitably has been effected by the antibiotic treatment he has received.

Hopefully drs have gotten to the "root"/source of the infection now and it will be fully irradicated.

Prayers and well wishes for a healthy senior season with many positive memories.

Still Learning - thank you very much for that tip!!! He has been suffering from an upset stomach and nausea to a lessor extent. He was thankful when I called him and told him about that remedy. I recommended Activia Yogart as my wife uses that product and it says right on the side of the label "live active cultures" Thanks again for the advice.

Poor Tyler! Crazy, unexpected health issues can certainly bring you down! Needs Grandma to come take him out to dinner and fatten him up a bit. Hope he feels better soon. I look forward to seeing him play in a few weeks...from today!

CD

Glad to pass along the information. It's amusing to me that the Marketing folks have latched on to the long time benefits of eating yogurt with "live active cultures" a/k/a "Probiotics" and have created an entire Advertising Campaign and Product line around them. No need to spend more money for marketing just look for the seal that says "live active cultures" and choose by taste/calorie preference. For folks that don't like yogurt, regular grocery and health food stores sell the same stuff in capsules (Probiotic supplements).

I'm looking forward to reading good things about TB and his team this season.

lafmom...is a traitor! How can you not pull for the Cats? I will be in Myrtle Beach watching BS and the Cats come home with 4 big wins to start the season! CD I hope Tyler gets health so that when UK takes two games from CC they are at full strength. UK is going to be a little tougher than what they are getting credit for so far but that is ok because I love rooting for the underdogs! It's all about pitching and UK is loaded! Less than two weeks!

quote:

Originally posted by BuckeyeCat:
lafmom...is a traitor! How can you not pull for the Cats? I will be in Myrtle Beach watching BS and the Cats come home with 4 big wins to start the season! CD I hope Tyler gets health so that when UK takes two games from CC they are at full strength. UK is going to be a little tougher than what they are getting credit for so far but that is ok because I love rooting for the underdogs! It's all about pitching and UK is loaded! Less than two weeks!

Where and the he-ll have you been?

All the best to BS and the Cats! If the Cats take all 4, it won't be because my son is under the weather, it will be because they are the better team. I know when Alabama came into Coastal last year, they thought they were going to womp us because they were from the SEC. I am pretty sure the conference affiliation does not guarantee a victory however. Moreover, I agree that baseball is all about pitching and Kentucky has great pitching. Do you think the freshman sensation Meyer will start one of those games?

quote:

Originally posted by BuckeyeCat:
lafmom...is a traitor! How can you not pull for the Cats? I will be in Myrtle Beach watching BS and the Cats come home with 4 big wins to start the season! CD I hope Tyler gets health so that when UK takes two games from CC they are at full strength. UK is going to be a little tougher than what they are getting credit for so far but that is ok because I love rooting for the underdogs! It's all about pitching and UK is loaded! Less than two weeks!

LOL I knew that would come back to bite me! Although I'm rootin' for another team, I'm still watching and supporting BC Jr! I hope he has a phenom game regardless of the outcome. I know a bunch of UK players and would love to see them all do well. I'm just a fan of the Coastal kid and you know this is his senior season!

Seriously, I am going to try and catch some of this series on line. Should be fun!

CD...been keeping a low profile! lafmom I knew my reply would get yea! UK won't come in thinking that because they are SEC they will roll over everyone. They aren't getting a lot of love in the SEC so they have a lot to prove and winning at CC will be a good start. Yes you will see Meyer pitch. He is going to be a stud but he will find out quickly that he will need to throw strikes and let the D work for him. Should be a great weekend and just hoping to get out of Ohio and find some 60+ degree weather!

GO Cats!

I'm not sure what the temp is here today, but it's got to be in the 60s! Beautiful baseball weather!

Wow, CD. That's too weird. Bags was very sick over Christmas break with a very sore throat and a 103 fever for about ten days. He missed out on New Years, lost 13 pounds and couldn't swallow for a few days. He's just now getting his strength back. Looking forward to going to Florida next week to start the season. He's starting at first base. We're hoping for as exciting a season as last year, just a little bit more.
Sorry to hear about Tyler. I'm sure he's feeling better by now and will have another great season.
Can you believe they're Senior's?!
Good Luck to everyone on this site!
Baseball is back!!!

CD,

Thought I would drop in and say hello....Sorry to hear about Tyler. Your post about "Last Time" is so true, but whether it is or isn't his last season, that young man has given you a life time of memories that will be with you and your family forever. I wish Tyler and all the other young men playing the game we can't anymore all of the best; have a great season.

Mike

Tyler certainly hasnt missed a beat on the field or at the plate. He looks great.I love him at second base. He plays there like he has been there all his life. He's so comfortable out there. Lots of huge young talent on this team...Should be a very exciting season.

quote:

Should be a great weekend and just hoping to get out of Ohio and find some 60+ degree weather!

I think I shed one of my layers of clothing/coats/blankets for Sundays early game against KU. Sunday PM we concluded at 28 degrees. Had to come home to Florida to thaw out!!

quote:

Originally posted by DADDYBAGS:
Wow, CD. That's too weird. Bags was very sick over Christmas break with a very sore throat and a 103 fever for about ten days. He missed out on New Years, lost 13 pounds and couldn't swallow for a few days. He's just now getting his strength back. Looking forward to going to Florida next week to start the season. He's starting at first base. We're hoping for as exciting a season as last year, just a little bit more.
Sorry to hear about Tyler. I'm sure he's feeling better by now and will have another great season.
Can you believe they're Senior's?!
Good Luck to everyone on this site!
Baseball is back!!!

I cannot believe they are seniors!!!

Seriously, all the best to Bags - I will be following the 'Berg closely and praying they can go all the way this year!

orioles42 and puma1 - than you for your kind support as well

We are heading down south this evening for my son's final home games of his career. I am getting emotional just thinking about it

My son is also anxious for us to do some bass fishing so looking forward to that as well. My wife and daughter are assigned to apartment cleanup detail while we are busy fishing j/k I am sure they will spend ample time either at the beach or the pool in addition to their "other" activities.

Safe travels and enjoy the moments Dan

quote:

Originally posted by luvbb:
Safe travels and enjoy the moments Dan

Ditto!

Win or lose, last home game is a tough one.
Have fun and enjoy.

Thanks for the good thoughts!

Coach Gilmore got his 800th win last night and the college had a little ceremony after the game for him. He proceeded to come up in the stands and personally thank each person who was there at the game. When he got back out to the post-game meeting in left-field the players had a little surprise for him by dumping the ice-water bucket over his head

800 wins for Coach, and 40 wins for the Chanticleers - their ninth 40+ win season over the past 11 seasons, that is amazing!

Best wishes to Coastal for the rest of the weekend, and have a wonderful time, CD!

Julie

Beautiful tribute to Tyler by Coach before the game n Senior Day. Had to listen to it over the internet and could not catch it all, but he hit the nail on the head when he said that Tyler was what Coastal Baseball is all about. Hard-nosed, hard-working, blue collar, whatever it takes baseball. Tyler has successfully played every infield position outside of first base and has excelled at whatever he was asked to do. He's hit almost .500, he's had clutch bunts and homeruns. He has never been out-worked and he will be missed. Congrats Tyler on a great regular season and congrats CD and Karen on raising a fine young man!