The Other Shoe Just Fell

Hey FrankF,

So sorry to hear about Josh being released.

It really does bring us out here, with kids still chasing the dream, to see so many brought full circle, back to the reality of the most likely outcome.

We will watch our kids last game, before either we or they were ready to bring it to a close.

It sounds as though baseball has given your son a wonderful and full ride with blessings that will last a lifetime.

It is so bittersweet. But you know that before long your son and his wife will be blessed with a son or daughter and you will be off to the ballfield all over again, and both of you will be in a very unique position to provide insight and advice to this new generation of players and their parents as they begin to chase whatever baseball dreams they may have.

I am sure that your son will find success with his degree, and the skills and moral terpitude that he has gained by virtue of his baseball experience.

God Bless.

So sorry to hear about Josh. I am sure his experiences and degree will serve him well.

Sorry to here that Frank. He has much to be grateful for and a bright future, but I'm sure it stings.

quote:

The wife and I were talking about this possibility last night and she stated "I hate baseball". I reminded her that without baseball he wouldn't have gotten into Dartmouth, wouldn't have met his wife, wouldn't have been Sidd Finch , been on Trading Spaces , met the people he's met, etc... It doesn't take away the sting or the pain we feel for our kids, but it is inevitable sooner or later for most. It's just sad that an injury caused a "what if?".

If you think about it, baseball is a love/hate game. When it is going good for you, and obviously there were many good times for Josh to have gotten as far as he did, it is a sport that is intoxicating with how good it makes you feel. When things go bad however, it seems like you are falling into the abyss with no clue how to find your way out.

Sometimes you can experience these feelings within the course of a game. Most times, these feelings are experienced over the course of a season and then over the course of a career. I know exactly what your wife means when she says she hates baseball. If only parents could ensure the type of outcome that they know their hard-working children deserve. It does not work that way unfortunately.

Frank - I am truly sorry to hear about Josh but his story is a positive one as demonstrated in the quote above. Hopefully, someday your wife will see how great the game has been to his life.

Like the other recent threads on this topic, I am going to bump this one into the general forum so that it has better visibility for our members. All the best to Josh and his family in the future.

Frank,

We've talked about the possibilities but like all dreams there was always a light at the end of the tunnel. In this case the light still shines but with a different reward. Josh has the best education that baseball could buy, his experiences are unique with an Ivy degree and professional baseball side note on his resume. Very few can carry that accolade, he is truly a winner in my book.

Frank F,
Tough spot. I wish nothing but bright skies and fair winds for Josh as he moves on.

I hate baseball too, ain't it grand?

Chip

Frank,

I'm so sorry to hear about Josh's release. He has achieved so much and I thought the baseball road would continue for him.

quote:

Got a Dartmouth degree in his back pocket which might help a little. As Mary Ann used to tell me, "God's in control."

Best wishes to Josh, and please do stick around.

Julie

Frank,
Sad news indeed, but like 20dad noted in earlier in another thread, another door opens now for Josh. Like everyone else here I'll keep pulling for your son. His parents have done a great job of raising him, and he's got a degree from one of the best colleges in the land. All the best.

I have empathy for Josh and for both of you. Our boys have been through such a wonderous experience all the way, with a grounding that will serve them throughout their lives.

As Fungo has said (that old sage ), there is real good in losing the uncertainty and disruption in their lives. But it will take some time to feel that. No matter how many times the statistics on release are quoted to us, it's still hard.

Would our boys (and would we) have missed this ride for any other? Heck, NO!

If you'd like to, please let us know where Josh goes from here; there are many on this board who care about him, and many who will face this in the future. Just like learning what to do next in baseball, all the families here will benefit in knowing what happens next in life.

FrankF:
While I suppose this is sad news, and I am sure Josh is not happy about it at all, I really do see it just the way you describe.

Just look at all the great things that have already become a part of his life due to baseball! Dartmouth, a wife, years of competition. The friends he made, the moments he will cherish forever.

I doubt we will have to worry much about JoshF!

Frank,
I am typing with so many mixed feelings since Josh and Jason had some parallels in their paths in Milb.
While I am saddened to read this news, I am posting with an almost ancillary pride through my awareness of the courage, the effort, the time, the sacrifice, and the fortitude Josh demonstrated to even get back on the mound for another ST.
This release has nothing to do with failure.
It surely has nothing to due with Josh.
In a sense, this day can be a relief because there finally is a decision and it allows Josh to move forward.
There can be little doubt his best days are in front of him.

Thanks everyone. He's had a great ride (so far) and is taking it better than I am. I doubt he has any regrets at least with the rehab and preparation part of it. I know he worked out like I never could have.

He told me his wife (flight attendant) was doing a charter today for soldiers headed to Iraq.

A 27 yo son of one of my co-workers is battling cancer.

He knows he's been blessed.

Frank,
Best wishes for Josh. Unfortunately, injuries are part of the landscape for pitchers. Thanks for all the help.

FrankF...I am so sorry to hear about Josh. Please know that you and your wife have raised a wonderful son who gave it his all. There is no defeat when you've done your best. I know that his future is bright. Please continue to let us know how he is getting along.

i've alway's thought of josh as a new englander, since his day's at dartmouth. following chris lapointe. it hasn't been an easy path for him. but there is some satisfaction in the process.

he's achieved more than most ever will.
our best wishes to them, things have a way of working out.

quote:

Got a Dartmouth degree in his back pocket which might help a little. As Mary Ann used to tell me, "God's in control."

This is a thread that is the backbone of the HSBBW.Awesome posts by everyone, I do not know Josh but he sounds like a accomplished young man and you have a lot to be proud of. Best wishes andI agree with Mary Ann, God is in control. God Bless
i

Frank,

At least Josh "felt" it coming and he was not blind-sided by it. You are fortunate to have your son prepared for getting after the next phase of his life with a great degree and wife to boot...I bet he bounces high!

Frank,
So sorry to hear the news, wow, it just seems like a lifetime since we have been talking baseball with each other regarding our sons journey.
Your son has been on an incredible journey, and it won't stop here.
Don't let this stop you from posting here. Josh will be fine, and you will be too.
FWIW, tell your wife I can relate.

Best wishes to Josh in whatever he decides to pursue next.

Best wishes to your son and family.

quote:

Thanks everyone. He's had a great ride (so far) and is taking it better than I am.

He has had a great ride he will cherish sometime down the road, but rest assured the kids get over it alot faster than their parents. Not sure if that is good or not.

I hate to observe these things...........

Best wishes for you and your son FrankF!

Frank,

I'm sorry to read this...I know how this whole waiting game feels. From our son's accident a few years ago, I also know how it feels to abruptly stare a possible end to the playing days in the face.

You are right, our sons handle it better. But it still stinks for all.

We're all proud of your son. There's no question he's a great young man who has accomplished a lot. My very best to him...and to you, his parents, my very best to you too. We all know its coming at some point...but it ain't any eaiser.

quote:

The wife and I were talking about this possibility last night and she stated "I hate baseball".

Trust me when I say I know that feeling all too well. Your wife is in good company!

Peace, my friend. Let us know how Josh is doing and where his life travels next.

Best,
JBB

Frank,
We've shared a lot of these baseball "experiences" over the years. It's been terrific and this one will be no different after the dust settles. I doubt there will be any regrets. What your Josh has gained over his long baseball career is impossible to understand at this point in his life. He has gained much. But he has missed much too. He has been so focused on his baseball carer that it will take a while for everything around him to settle into a proper perspective. You'll notice him saying little things about "new" experiences he missed because of baseball. With my son it's been countless things from water skiing, teaching his dog a new tricks, to learning how to motivate a young high school baseball player, to snorkeling in the ocean and finally what course of study he wants to pursue for his masters degree. We "hate" for their careers to end but as one door close so opens another.
Good Luck to Josh,
Fungo

FrankF I was very saddened to read your news. It sounds like your son has many options thanks to his academic choices and I wish him the best. Having followed your threads over the years, you should be very proud of the advice and guidance you provided over the years. Thank you for sharing. I will be very interested in following his story from this point forward. Good luck Josh, FrankF and Josh's mom.

I'm sorry, too.

But you did put it in perspective, didn't you....



I think many of us feel like we have a million feet, with so many other shoes falling all around.....and I thank you for helping me to understand, again, that we are truly blessed. Thank you.

Best wishes and good luck to Josh and your family.

And to all of us who are losing shoes to gravity.

Sounds like Josh has plenty of support from loving parents. I am sure he will be a success so matter what road he chooses. My hs senior son has just about decided not to play college ball and give 100% to his college studies. It is a mature decision but a surprising one at the same time. Everything happens for a reason. Good luck to Josh and his family.

Frank,

If we are trying to educate young baseball players, Josh is the poster boy for success.

Most of us don't know Josh personally, but his story is a great one. The traits he has displayed and his accomplishments in baseball and academics are sure to lead to big success.

We need a lot more young people like Josh.

Frank, I hope you do stay around here. You have no idea just how important your voice can be and how many you might help. The initial sadness will subside and then be replaced by all the proud memories. You and Josh have so much to be proud of and so much experience. Your way of giving back is to use that experience and knowledge to help others who haven’t been there yet.

Best of luck to Josh, I for one would be very interested in hearing the next chapter. That’s really the most important chapter for most everyone… “After Baseball”… It’s something we don’t talk about enough.

quote:

Originally posted by PGStaff:
Frank,

If we are trying to educate young baseball players, Josh is the poster boy for success.

Most of us don't know Josh personally, but his story is a great one. The traits he has displayed and his accomplishments in baseball and academics are sure to lead to big success.

We need a lot more young people like Josh.

Frank, I hope you do stay around here. You have no idea just how important your voice can be and how many you might help. The initial sadness will subside and then be replaced by all the proud memories. You and Josh have so much to be proud of and so much experience. Your way of giving back is to use that experience and knowledge to help others who haven’t been there yet.

Best of luck to Josh, I for one would be very interested in hearing the next chapter. That’s really the most important chapter for most everyone… “After Baseball”… It’s something we don’t talk about enough.

PG - those are nice thoughts indeed!

One other thing I would like to add, is that even though Josh's playing career may be over, it does not necessarily mean that his baseball career is over. There are literally hundreds of ways to continue his love of the sport and be actively involved. Even if he pursues a lucrative Wall Street job or something like that, he can still help out a local high school team with his vast experience. Think about it, how many teams would love to have a former D1 player and pro player instructing their kids! If coaching is not in his blood, perhaps scouting or some other noble pursuit can be achieved if he so desires.

Hmmm...PG, you might be on to something. What about an "After Baseball" Forum and limit it to those who actually made it to the pros, either Minor League or the Big Show.

From what little I can tell, less baseball = more fishing.

quote:

Originally posted by Dad04:
From what little I can tell, less baseball = more fishing.

Awesome picture!

My son and I both love Bass fishing as well!

Pretty Fish

Four pounder ?

You could guess weights at the fair. His 2-man team placed 2nd of 5 in his club tourney with 52 pounds, I think. There is life after baseball.

How much do you pay for that bait?

Bait? They just jump in the boat.

DAD

It is not guessing---when you have seen enough bass you can tell the weight pretty surely

There is a reason they are called fish stories.