quote:Originally posted by birdman14:
Maybe the personalities should stay out of it!
Steps taken.
Steps taken.
Steps taken.
I learned from my son when he was eleven. He made three errors in a LL game. Walking to the car he laughed and said, "I $ucked today!" I asked him if he wanted some extra practice. He responded, "I said I $ucked today. I didn't say I $uck."quote:Originally posted by MN-Mom:
RJM,
I really like the simplicity of this advice:quote:And if he gets plugged, after the game you tell him, "Hang in there. You can do this."
Thinking back to my son's early college years and a few times when he didn't have his best outings on the mound, a very simple and brief "Hang in there. You can do this." seems very appropriate. Now let's talk about the homerun your teammate hit, or what a cool ballpark this is, or even which class you're enjoying most this semester.
Julie
Someone my wife used to work with supposedly went to virtually every game his son played while he was in college including roadtrips and some overseas games. Now that's dedication or my wife got the story wrong or I heard it wrong.
quote:If your athlete son or daughter wants to talk - you will know it. Otherwise - stop yapping about things you dont know.
If I stopped 'yapping about things I don't know' I wouldn't have anything to say at all.
RJM, that one is priceless!
I live in the Pacific NW and my freshman son plays
for a team Mississippi. I as many of the others here
saw virtually every single game he every played from T-Ball on. Not being there is just about killing me but the wife and I have planned a 8 game trip in March to watch the team and him play. I can't wait to see him on the field for the first time in that college uni. He has worked his tail off in the classroom and on the BB field to realize his dream of
playing at this next level. We could not be any prouder.
for a team Mississippi. I as many of the others here
saw virtually every single game he every played from T-Ball on. Not being there is just about killing me but the wife and I have planned a 8 game trip in March to watch the team and him play. I can't wait to see him on the field for the first time in that college uni. He has worked his tail off in the classroom and on the BB field to realize his dream of
playing at this next level. We could not be any prouder.
quote:can't wait to see him on the field for the first time in that college uni. He has worked his tail off in the classroom and on the BB field to realize his dream of
playing at this next level. We could not be any prouder.
Congrats!! I love to see heart felt comments like yours as it confirms that there "are others out there like me!"
quote:Originally posted by Luckydad:
I live in the Pacific NW and my freshman son plays
for a team Mississippi. I as many of the others here
saw virtually every single game he every played from T-Ball on. Not being there is just about killing me but the wife and I have planned a 8 game trip in March to watch the team and him play. I can't wait to see him on the field for the first time in that college uni. He has worked his tail off in the classroom and on the BB field to realize his dream of
playing at this next level. We could not be any prouder.
You will learn to really appreciate the games that you attend in person very much. I hope that you will get broadcast of your son's games, that helps but it's not easy. Reality is that for many of us, our son's will travel very far from home to play, and you will manage to get through it, just as he will manage for you not to be there at every game.
I cried when I first saw son in his college uni, so be prepared!
Lucky Dad-- I think our sons may be teammates possibly.
Three Bagger, my son plays for Delta State.
Luckydad, my son is also a freshman at Delta State, #12 on the roster. I know my son has gotten to be good friends with yours and hang out in the same group. He says your son is a really good ballplayer. Actually they are about the same size and both lift weights together a lot.
Cool ... what are the odds of that? You guys will have each other to talk to at games!
Now that is really cool!
quote:Originally posted by Coach_May:
Now that is really cool!
I will second that....one of the many great things about the HSBBW...
.
Yes, only on the HSBBW! I hope Luckydad and I can meet although more than likely neither of us will get to go to too many games since both our sons are far from home. By the way welcome Luckydad, to the best resource for high school and college baseball I've seen. This thread makes me feel I'm not the only one who appreciates the limited times I will now get to see my son play. But so far the ride has been a great learning experience.
Pop up starts playing this Friday, I sure wish we could go, but its a long way off and we have the house to put back together (new carpet). I enjoy photos too, but I think video is even better. Watched a HS game from last spring and ole Pop up hit one so high straight above the infield, 4 fielders couldn't catch it. Very humorous. I told son today he would be the best pop up hitter in college ball, he said "Thanks Dad". Starting this year, I'll be able to listen to home games on the internet, and we'll make some important series.
Yes, enjoy every minute, try to make every game.
Yes, enjoy every minute, try to make every game.
So that's how you got your HSSBBW name. How far off did your son end up in miles? Mine is about 582 miles. I hope to be able to catch the games on video or radio as well as see maybe three or four series.
We were fortunate to be within 4 hours driving distance and attended almost all of the home games and many of the away games during son's 4 years of college. A lot of driving but Priceless memories.
As parents, this is an important thing to help your son with and that's to leave it on the field and separate baseball performance from who they are. College baseball is now a "job" for these young men and the competition bar has been raised significantly for most players. Their mental attitude will be a major component to a successful college career.quote:RJM .... I learned from my son when he was eleven. He made three errors in a LL game. Walking to the car he laughed and said, "I $ucked today!" I asked him if he wanted some extra practice. He responded, "I said I $ucked today. I didn't say I $uck."
The reality of college baseball for me was the letting go in total and complete fashion---I never made a game--he was in Las Cruces NM and I was overseeing building construction in the NYC Region. That makes it kind of tough when you have a day in the air out and a day in the air coming home.
His school had the games on the internet and that was fine by me--if I was in the office I could get the games while I worked--if I was at home I did the same
The true reality is that the college baseball situation is the time the son gets off on his own--it is time for MOM and DAD to cut the cord--let them go--my guy had no problem with me not being there --he knew the travel situation--heck he didn't come home Thanksgiving because it was a two days our of the 5 day weekend he was traveling---reality does set in
His school had the games on the internet and that was fine by me--if I was in the office I could get the games while I worked--if I was at home I did the same
The true reality is that the college baseball situation is the time the son gets off on his own--it is time for MOM and DAD to cut the cord--let them go--my guy had no problem with me not being there --he knew the travel situation--heck he didn't come home Thanksgiving because it was a two days our of the 5 day weekend he was traveling---reality does set in
Hi Three Bagger, I spoke with my son last night and i mentioned the conversation we had on this site. I said the player we were discussing was from Texas and he said yes Dad he and I work out all the time. Small world. I have made travel plans to see some games in March so if you happen to be there please stop by and say hi.
Also I have been lurking on this site for the better part of 4 years now and I have learned so very much from all the very knowledgeable people here.
Also I have been lurking on this site for the better part of 4 years now and I have learned so very much from all the very knowledgeable people here.
Luckydad, I will certainly stop by and say hello if we are there at that time. I have only been to Delta once in the fall since we dropped my son off. I was there for the alumni festivities but the green and white game was rained out. My wife did get to make 2 of the Green and White games as well as two other trips.
TRhit, I tend to agree about letting the guy go. My trouble is that my favorite activity in life is watching my two sons play baseball so I can't stay away when I get the chance to go. I've definitely stepped back from the coaching aspect and just sit back and enjoy the show now. Luckily with the internet we have other options most of the time.
TRhit, I tend to agree about letting the guy go. My trouble is that my favorite activity in life is watching my two sons play baseball so I can't stay away when I get the chance to go. I've definitely stepped back from the coaching aspect and just sit back and enjoy the show now. Luckily with the internet we have other options most of the time.
Different strokes for differnt folks as far as attending son's games. Our son is an hour plane ride away so we don't make all the games, probably saw about half of the series last year. One series, far from campus, my husband and I were the only parents or fans attending. The boys do notice and appreciate the support. Great way to get to know the team too. They all stopped by in the hotel lobby to introduce themselves.
And as Observer 44 says they do love being taken out to dinner so they can save their per diem travel money. Another great way to meet the players is to invite them along to dinner too.
My son is very independent and loves being far away from home but is also very happy to see us. We love attending the games whether or not he is playing. This summer he's playing on the opposite side of the country and we'll probably only see him for a week. So basically he won't be home for 8 months and then only for a week before school starts. More reason for us to try to see more of his games this season.
I agree with 3 bagger, it's great to just sit in the stands and enjoy the show, win or lose.
And as Observer 44 says they do love being taken out to dinner so they can save their per diem travel money. Another great way to meet the players is to invite them along to dinner too.
My son is very independent and loves being far away from home but is also very happy to see us. We love attending the games whether or not he is playing. This summer he's playing on the opposite side of the country and we'll probably only see him for a week. So basically he won't be home for 8 months and then only for a week before school starts. More reason for us to try to see more of his games this season.
I agree with 3 bagger, it's great to just sit in the stands and enjoy the show, win or lose.
quote:So basically he won't be home for 8 months and then only for a week before school starts. More reason for us to try to see more of his games this season.
I know, same here.
Attending your sons games has nothing to do with letting go, that is a preference and your sons will love the fact that you come, whether you come to every game or only a few. Whether they are playing or not.
Our son loved it when we came, not often but when we did he spent as much time with us that allowed for a short weekend, That of course usually included meal time.
There were a few parents that actually moved to Clemson for the season, now that is, IMO, not letting go.
Now if we were to attend every game, doubt we would see him as much, I wouldn't expect that and would just be a fan in the stands like all the other fans and go home after the game.
What they really like is when you come on road trips, they get to pocket their meal money while you take them out to dinner.
And they appreciate the fan fan extra support.
Way to go with parents discovering their sons are teammates, how cool is that!
Our son loved it when we came, not often but when we did he spent as much time with us that allowed for a short weekend, That of course usually included meal time.
There were a few parents that actually moved to Clemson for the season, now that is, IMO, not letting go.
Now if we were to attend every game, doubt we would see him as much, I wouldn't expect that and would just be a fan in the stands like all the other fans and go home after the game.
What they really like is when you come on road trips, they get to pocket their meal money while you take them out to dinner.
And they appreciate the fan fan extra support.Way to go with parents discovering their sons are teammates, how cool is that!
Funny, there's a recurring theme here with taking the kids to dinner so they can save their meal money. See how quickly they learn new things in college!
Any of you have a son going to the Valley League this summer? Or playing in the OVC?
Three bagger, son is 729 miles away, 12 hours by car.
Son called yesterday, reminded me we were at all his first games from t-ball to HS and that we were not going to be at his first college game. I said, we watched his first college fall ball game. Evidently he does like us at his games. When you only have one son, its tough to let go.
Pop Up Hitter Dad - I have a different dilemma. I have two sons playing their first game on Feb. 19. They are both playing a three game series that weekend. They are both playing 10 hours south from where I live. Their games will be played only be two hours apart from each other, but unfortunately they are scheduled at exactly the same time.
My sophomore son is the starting third baseman for the juco team in my county. My freshman son will be in his first D1 game for his school that is over six hours from my house. He will be used as a lefty relief specialist to start the season.
The sophomore son will definitely play. The freshman son will be used if the situation calls for him to come in relief. Who do I go see play on opening day?
My sophomore son is the starting third baseman for the juco team in my county. My freshman son will be in his first D1 game for his school that is over six hours from my house. He will be used as a lefty relief specialist to start the season.
The sophomore son will definitely play. The freshman son will be used if the situation calls for him to come in relief. Who do I go see play on opening day?
I would think that is your decision---
Suggestion:--send wife to one game and you to the other
Suggestion:--send wife to one game and you to the other
We are a baseball family, but a family first. With that being said I am amazed with the people on here that say "let em go," "cut the strings." We love our son more then anything and love to watch him compete. We understand he is almost 20 and growing everyday into a fine young man. We talk almost everyday. He calls me to see what's up Dad and to tell me about his day. I cherish those calls. We have asked numerous times if it bothers him that we come to a lot of games. His answer has always been, I love it when you and Mom are at my games. I say that to say this. I lost my Mom 14 years ago in a car accident. I long to talk to her. I want to always have that kind of relationship with my Son.
williekc
There are different strokes for different folks especially in different parts of the country---people thought I was crazy because I allowed my boys to go to games at Madison Square Garden on their own--never had an incident and they grew up rapidly, trust me--this served them well when they went away to college
There are different strokes for different folks especially in different parts of the country---people thought I was crazy because I allowed my boys to go to games at Madison Square Garden on their own--never had an incident and they grew up rapidly, trust me--this served them well when they went away to college
quote:Originally posted by TRhit:
I would think that is your decision---
Suggestion:--send wife to one game and you to the other
My wife can't go due to work. Trust me. We have been doing tag team for all of the kid's lives. I realize it is my decision but I can't make up my mind obviously, so I was asking, based on this information, what others would do.
Since I have a high school senior who will be playing at a college 764 miles away (approximately), my college reality perspective is a bit different. The college reality I see is something that is still on the horizon but coming up very fast. I have heard stories of old high school and travel teammates who have made college teams, got cut from them, didn't make travel squads, transfered from one school to another for various reasons, even got arrested. It's a reality that tells me that kids this age are moving from a pretend adult world into a real one. I think the key is to embrace the change and uncertainty that makes up this new reality and not fear it. I'm certain he's ready and I hope I am.
The present is full of moments like driving to and from winter workouts being fully aware that the seemingly meaningless talks in the car are not meaningless, but in fact, priceless and fleeting.
It's a strange and wonderful time.
The present is full of moments like driving to and from winter workouts being fully aware that the seemingly meaningless talks in the car are not meaningless, but in fact, priceless and fleeting.
It's a strange and wonderful time.
quote:Originally posted by RRF8:quote:Originally posted by TRhit:
I would think that is your decision---
Suggestion:--send wife to one game and you to the other
My wife can't go due to work. Trust me. We have been doing tag team for all of the kid's lives. I realize it is my decision but I can't make up my mind obviously, so I was asking, based on this information, what others would do.
RRF8 - See if either of the series are avaiable electronically. If these are road games, go to the home sites and review their broadcast schedule or call the athletic department and check if they may have plans for a broadcast. Most broadcasts can be reviewed for sometimes weeks after the game has been played. Chances are, the juco games will not be broadcast but I would still check.
If one of the series is broadcast on the Internet and the other is not, perhaps that is how you decide which one to attend. Thus, you might be able to arrange so you don't have to miss any of the action even if you cannot physically be there for both games. If you have a PDA, you might be able to listen to one game while watching the other.
.
RRF8...
We have about the same issue, both playing 10 hours away, 3 hours apart the first weekend, first DI for I, last DI for another, one fielder/reliver, one Reliever...and so it will go for the entire season.
I like CD's suggestions, at DI there are a lot of options for catchng the games. You can also get reports from parents as you get to know them.
though it its none of it is the same as being there.
So unless you have a private jet...
Frankly Priorities/decisions have to be made. Frankly first weekend I'd go the starting position players game on Friday becasue that PT is a known quantity, you know he will play. I'd then drive and catch the other two games for the pitcher hoping that the releiver didn't get thrown in the first game. Beyond that as the season progresses, I look for clues to see who is getting and likley to get innings, and what schools they are playing and how far the travel is.
44
.
RRF8...
We have about the same issue, both playing 10 hours away, 3 hours apart the first weekend, first DI for I, last DI for another, one fielder/reliver, one Reliever...and so it will go for the entire season.
I like CD's suggestions, at DI there are a lot of options for catchng the games. You can also get reports from parents as you get to know them.
though it its none of it is the same as being there.
So unless you have a private jet...
Frankly Priorities/decisions have to be made. Frankly first weekend I'd go the starting position players game on Friday becasue that PT is a known quantity, you know he will play. I'd then drive and catch the other two games for the pitcher hoping that the releiver didn't get thrown in the first game. Beyond that as the season progresses, I look for clues to see who is getting and likley to get innings, and what schools they are playing and how far the travel is.
44.
O44, maybe you could get text updates from another parent...
My junior son is playing D2 ball 16 hours away by car so we are lucky if we make 3 - 4 weekend series. Also we have another son at home that has events we want to support so my husband and I do divide conquer when we can.
Our son's school did not have live stats or radio feeds for the last two years - we do this year - YEAH! (That poor sports information director is tired of me emailing him about it - I have sent him a thank you email!) We would always look at the opposing teams website to follow on their websites if available. We do use our I-phones for the live stats if we are at our other son's events - love it!
We also have gotten to know some of the parents who will text us during games. One senior mom who took pictures found out our email our son's freshman year and would send us links to the pictures she took that made us feel more connected. Sad that her son graduated....
JMHO - I have learned to be very careful what I say during games to the other parents. Even with the best of intentions - a "Hang in there Mom" can sound condescending to someone whose son is not playing and vice versa. The weather is a great topic! Some parents aren't there to make friends - that's fine - we are all there to watch our sons. We have to constantly warn my father-in-law to be careful with his comments during the games because the player's parents may be sitting right by us.
When we are not there - we cannot wait to talk about the game with our son. Especially the freshman year - We have learned that he cannot talk in depth about the game until he can find time to be alone. (Of course that sounds obvious now but it took us a while to figure it out!) He'll now call or text quickly after the game to tell us who won and then later that night he'll call back (if he can) and talk about what all happened. If it is a long bus ride, we'll communicate by texting about the game. You never know if the person who gave up the winning home run is standing right there beside him. Yes, he does still love going over the whole game with his father (I listen also!).
I absolutely got chills and cried the first time I saw him in his uniform and the first time I saw him on the mound! We went his freshman year to an out of town trip knowing as a relief pitcher - he might not get in at all and yes - he was a freshman and lucky to be on the team. It was a 4 game series and he finally got in during the 4th game and held his own! What a thrill!
I do know we talk more to our son during the spring season than we do in the fall - love that baseball keeps the communication flowing! Although it's hard not being at all the games - we've adjusted and love having both our laptops going!
Have a great baseball season everyone! Freshman parents - take a deep breath and enjoy the ride!
Our son's school did not have live stats or radio feeds for the last two years - we do this year - YEAH! (That poor sports information director is tired of me emailing him about it - I have sent him a thank you email!) We would always look at the opposing teams website to follow on their websites if available. We do use our I-phones for the live stats if we are at our other son's events - love it!
We also have gotten to know some of the parents who will text us during games. One senior mom who took pictures found out our email our son's freshman year and would send us links to the pictures she took that made us feel more connected. Sad that her son graduated....
JMHO - I have learned to be very careful what I say during games to the other parents. Even with the best of intentions - a "Hang in there Mom" can sound condescending to someone whose son is not playing and vice versa. The weather is a great topic! Some parents aren't there to make friends - that's fine - we are all there to watch our sons. We have to constantly warn my father-in-law to be careful with his comments during the games because the player's parents may be sitting right by us.
When we are not there - we cannot wait to talk about the game with our son. Especially the freshman year - We have learned that he cannot talk in depth about the game until he can find time to be alone. (Of course that sounds obvious now but it took us a while to figure it out!) He'll now call or text quickly after the game to tell us who won and then later that night he'll call back (if he can) and talk about what all happened. If it is a long bus ride, we'll communicate by texting about the game. You never know if the person who gave up the winning home run is standing right there beside him. Yes, he does still love going over the whole game with his father (I listen also!).
I absolutely got chills and cried the first time I saw him in his uniform and the first time I saw him on the mound! We went his freshman year to an out of town trip knowing as a relief pitcher - he might not get in at all and yes - he was a freshman and lucky to be on the team. It was a 4 game series and he finally got in during the 4th game and held his own! What a thrill!
I do know we talk more to our son during the spring season than we do in the fall - love that baseball keeps the communication flowing! Although it's hard not being at all the games - we've adjusted and love having both our laptops going!
Have a great baseball season everyone! Freshman parents - take a deep breath and enjoy the ride!
quote:Originally posted by TRhit:
williekc
There are different strokes for different folks especially in different parts of the country---people thought I was crazy because I allowed my boys to go to games at Madison Square Garden on their own--never had an incident and they grew up rapidly, trust me--this served them well when they went away to college
TR- I had season tickets to the Rangers when I was 13 years old and took the subway with my buddies to MSG a few times a week every week- and now I am nuts! -but, I think that has more to do with the bad street hot dogs !
curveball07 - that was a great post!