I'll try one more time then go back to the scorekeeping thread.
My son has a college advisor, who provides us with advice on college recruiting. I've never considered the MLB draft anything he ever needed to worry about and certainly haven't hired that kind of advisor, only the kind to bounce college questions off.
I found out over the weekend that the Nebraska situation changed. I contacted his advisor and discussed ASU and U of A, the two other situations he has available. He said realistically, he has a 50/50 shot. Velocity hasn't really improved over the last two years, still mid 80's, "I don't know" is what he said.
I'm thinking, "Oh ****". The only options on the table he might not be good enough to exercise. I screwed up by not forcing him to look at more options. I'm feeling like a bad dad.
A few hours later, his pro scout coach, who is observing him for the first time since October (summer season just starting)says, "I bet if you raise your leg kick it'll fix that short arm thing your doing." It works and he's suddenly escaped the mid-80's and entered the low 90's in a span of two pitches. He repeated 92 three times, 91 four more.
Suddenly, I'm not so low and posted a questioning and admittedly (reading back) bragging post about a roller coaster. In the course of a day things had changed a lot. I probably wasn't real clear, I write like an engineer.
I didn't mean to confuse, insult, or make fun of anyone. I was just kind of shocked at how things changed so quickly and wondered if this was normal.
quote:Originally posted by JMoff:
My son has a college advisor, who provides us with advice on college recruiting.
If he is advising your son and family about college, I am sure that you are paying a fee for his services? If so, doesn't sound like you have gotten really good advice and have not learned as much as you should have because you let the advisor take over. It did appear that your son had offers, but now you say the advisor says a 50/50 shot at teh Pac 10? Which is it actually? This has become very confusing.
Suggestion, if your son is going to play this summer and get exposure, sit back and let it happen, if what you say is true, he will get lots of attention. Sit down beforehand and have a heart to heart with him and his mom about your expectations, your finances, and what his expectations are as well. Be honest, let him know how you feel and let him express himself. If your son liked Nebraska, contact whoever will take over.
A wise coach told me once that he found that most kids are very confused because the family never really confronts their feelings in the beginning and then it becomes even more confusing.
JMoff, I can certainly empathize with your situation. Although, our situation directed us towards the D3, NAIA path, I certainly have an understanding of the landscape of southeast valley baseball. I would suggest having some serious conversations with your son, to get him to prioritize what he wants out of baseball and his college aspirations.
This may be difficult as you probably have experienced in that he has his girlfriend, the advisor, high school coaches, scout team coaches, select team coaches, and his peers along with their parents. All of whom constantly talk about what scout saw who and what player is going where.
I have always seen this forum as place for parents to ask question and share their experiences. I appreciate what you had to offer about your situation and I am sure there are some parents in you same situation that found this thread helpful.
This may be difficult as you probably have experienced in that he has his girlfriend, the advisor, high school coaches, scout team coaches, select team coaches, and his peers along with their parents. All of whom constantly talk about what scout saw who and what player is going where.
I have always seen this forum as place for parents to ask question and share their experiences. I appreciate what you had to offer about your situation and I am sure there are some parents in you same situation that found this thread helpful.
TPM: Yes, we have a college advisor that I pay for, but we haven't really exercised him very much.
The offers came unsolicited and early. His advice then was that they were too early based on son's performance to date and that we should wait and see.
I did, through a very mediocre HS season which demonstrated no real improvement in his performance and maybe even a step or two back. Mechanically, he was a mess.
With the news on Nebraska, I reengaged our advisor. Partly because of the news and partly because the clock is starting to tick a little louder. If we needed to change the approach, we needed to get started. I'd also be needing more of his help in finding the right match.
I asked him his honest opinion of where he thought my son was and he gave it, based on a few appearances he saw during the HS season (when son was not throwing well). He's going to watch him again tomorrow night based on the recent mechanical changes. Obviously something is different, since the step was big (5-7mph). Could be broken radar guns, could be a mechanical fix, could be it never repeats.
I do plan on sitting back some more. His scout team coach emailed that there are still several other flaws they want to work on to get him "right" and that should help him some more.
We've sat down and had the expectation discussion in the past. Basically, I committed to my father to fully fund the education of my children to repay my fully funded education. Son knows this. He also knows I'd be funding his education, not a baseball camp, 4 year party or a degree in something that results in a minimum wage job (best case) upon graduation. I'd list a few of these majors, but I've already upset enough people here today.
Your point is well taken though and it's time we sat down and had the same talk again. I was actually prepared to have the, "you need to rethink your whole approach" talk last night, before the 5-7 mph step in velocity that came out of the blue.
The offers came unsolicited and early. His advice then was that they were too early based on son's performance to date and that we should wait and see.
I did, through a very mediocre HS season which demonstrated no real improvement in his performance and maybe even a step or two back. Mechanically, he was a mess.
With the news on Nebraska, I reengaged our advisor. Partly because of the news and partly because the clock is starting to tick a little louder. If we needed to change the approach, we needed to get started. I'd also be needing more of his help in finding the right match.
I asked him his honest opinion of where he thought my son was and he gave it, based on a few appearances he saw during the HS season (when son was not throwing well). He's going to watch him again tomorrow night based on the recent mechanical changes. Obviously something is different, since the step was big (5-7mph). Could be broken radar guns, could be a mechanical fix, could be it never repeats.
I do plan on sitting back some more. His scout team coach emailed that there are still several other flaws they want to work on to get him "right" and that should help him some more.
We've sat down and had the expectation discussion in the past. Basically, I committed to my father to fully fund the education of my children to repay my fully funded education. Son knows this. He also knows I'd be funding his education, not a baseball camp, 4 year party or a degree in something that results in a minimum wage job (best case) upon graduation. I'd list a few of these majors, but I've already upset enough people here today.
Your point is well taken though and it's time we sat down and had the same talk again. I was actually prepared to have the, "you need to rethink your whole approach" talk last night, before the 5-7 mph step in velocity that came out of the blue.
JM,
I understand that most likely before you went to bed last night you tried to write down your feelings about the ride that your family is about to take (yes it's just beginning). I think I kind of understand what you were trying to convey, it may have just come out all wrong.
FWIW, the ride is similar for most of us here (obtain an athletic/academic scholarship to help pay for college costs and continue to play beyond HS) and we all want the same thing (for them to be happy). Some people go about it differently and some have different likes and dislikes about programs, but the bottom line is in the end it's very confusing.
Anyway, I understand, as after son made his decision and committed, a few months later we showed up for a HS scrimmage and the entire bleachers were filled with scouts, advisors, agents, etc. So began the difficult journey of the decision to go pro after HS. So consider this only part of the roller coaster ride, which by the way can continue for years to come, in this game it doesn't really end, even AFTER they are done playing.
I think that the sit down is a great idea, and should be something that is revisited a few times over the next few months, and when the player goes off to college. Keep reminding him as well that you are willing to fund his education and hopefully with help a scholarship, but he has to be willing to do his part. Also, don't expect him to know what he wants to major in, most have no clue, the reality is he will have to decide eventually, not at this time.
Don't worry, it will all work out, it usually doesn and just think that at this time next year you will be revisiting your journey to help others, hopefully.
I understand that most likely before you went to bed last night you tried to write down your feelings about the ride that your family is about to take (yes it's just beginning). I think I kind of understand what you were trying to convey, it may have just come out all wrong.
FWIW, the ride is similar for most of us here (obtain an athletic/academic scholarship to help pay for college costs and continue to play beyond HS) and we all want the same thing (for them to be happy). Some people go about it differently and some have different likes and dislikes about programs, but the bottom line is in the end it's very confusing.
Anyway, I understand, as after son made his decision and committed, a few months later we showed up for a HS scrimmage and the entire bleachers were filled with scouts, advisors, agents, etc. So began the difficult journey of the decision to go pro after HS. So consider this only part of the roller coaster ride, which by the way can continue for years to come, in this game it doesn't really end, even AFTER they are done playing.
I think that the sit down is a great idea, and should be something that is revisited a few times over the next few months, and when the player goes off to college. Keep reminding him as well that you are willing to fund his education and hopefully with help a scholarship, but he has to be willing to do his part. Also, don't expect him to know what he wants to major in, most have no clue, the reality is he will have to decide eventually, not at this time.
Don't worry, it will all work out, it usually doesn and just think that at this time next year you will be revisiting your journey to help others, hopefully.
.
Taking you at your word(s)...
No, you haven't. It's just that you have to understand first that some of use have become pretty tired of having people use the guise of a "playing dumb" question to announce or brag. For example, "My son just got drafted in the first round and got a $5m siging bonus, and I'm beginning to think that he should have gotten 6, is that a bad thing?".
Frankly the process is confusing and stressful no matter how you slice it...there are no easy answers...or if there seem to be they only lead to more questions. Reagrdless of what you may hear there are no perfect fits, even the best choices comes with some trade off's and struggle. Frankly in your case the trade off's are pretty small in comparision to others, again not to minimize your stress level...but the vast majority of us would have died and gone to heaven to have your current problems.
You have to understand that from our perspective you have grades, $, lefthandedness, velocity, offers, time...all HUGE advantages in this process...and at the same time those are the same things that are going to likely make the remainder of your ride a great deal more crazy in the next few months as it progresses...as it does it will help to remember that your are blessed with choices...and there are many out here who are not. Ride the wave, don't fear it...
44
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Taking you at your word(s)...
quote:Originally posted by JMoff: ...but I've already upset enough people here today.
No, you haven't. It's just that you have to understand first that some of use have become pretty tired of having people use the guise of a "playing dumb" question to announce or brag. For example, "My son just got drafted in the first round and got a $5m siging bonus, and I'm beginning to think that he should have gotten 6, is that a bad thing?".
Frankly the process is confusing and stressful no matter how you slice it...there are no easy answers...or if there seem to be they only lead to more questions. Reagrdless of what you may hear there are no perfect fits, even the best choices comes with some trade off's and struggle. Frankly in your case the trade off's are pretty small in comparision to others, again not to minimize your stress level...but the vast majority of us would have died and gone to heaven to have your current problems.
You have to understand that from our perspective you have grades, $, lefthandedness, velocity, offers, time...all HUGE advantages in this process...and at the same time those are the same things that are going to likely make the remainder of your ride a great deal more crazy in the next few months as it progresses...as it does it will help to remember that your are blessed with choices...and there are many out here who are not. Ride the wave, don't fear it...
44.
quote:Originally posted by observer44:
Ride the wave, don't fear it...
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Hmm, good stuff!
Thanks guys...
I'll be honest. I'm very afraid of this process. Why? I don't know.
I want the best for both my kids and this process is so much different than the, study hard, get good SAT scores, go to a good school, get a great job approach that I was raised into. Especially when this process can actually derail that result.
I did learn that you should never start a new thread when emotions are high... I've written that one down.
I'll be honest. I'm very afraid of this process. Why? I don't know.
I want the best for both my kids and this process is so much different than the, study hard, get good SAT scores, go to a good school, get a great job approach that I was raised into. Especially when this process can actually derail that result.
I did learn that you should never start a new thread when emotions are high... I've written that one down.
Jmoff,
I think that you have taken a bit of a beating, you seem to be more interested in stats and scorekeeping than bragging.
We've all been through it, and we've seen some people here with agenda's, I don't think you really had one and I don't think that you really will have a problem if your son has a good summer. It's an emotional time.
FWIW, my son HATED the entire process, once July 1 came he just wanted it over, and in the end came down to only 2 schools, one in state, one out of state.
People think that he had a choice, with offers pouring daily, not so, lots of inquiries and things to think about. I think that for him it was better (just a few that showed genuine interest), he had two solid offers and loved both places, but one more stuck out over the other, that's usually how it goes. His boyhood dream school didn't even make the cut.
I think that you have taken a bit of a beating, you seem to be more interested in stats and scorekeeping than bragging.
We've all been through it, and we've seen some people here with agenda's, I don't think you really had one and I don't think that you really will have a problem if your son has a good summer. It's an emotional time.
FWIW, my son HATED the entire process, once July 1 came he just wanted it over, and in the end came down to only 2 schools, one in state, one out of state.
People think that he had a choice, with offers pouring daily, not so, lots of inquiries and things to think about. I think that for him it was better (just a few that showed genuine interest), he had two solid offers and loved both places, but one more stuck out over the other, that's usually how it goes. His boyhood dream school didn't even make the cut.
Jmoff,
Just take a deep breath my man..everything will fall into place. There will be lots of opportunities from Pros, D1, D2, D3, NAIA depending on what he really wants to do and what will make him ultimately successful. We, as parents, can only guide and support them through their quest and they will ultimately make their informed decision. What is meant to be will be meant to be.
Good luck my friend. I know where you are coming from and I wish you well in your journey.
RR23
Just take a deep breath my man..everything will fall into place. There will be lots of opportunities from Pros, D1, D2, D3, NAIA depending on what he really wants to do and what will make him ultimately successful. We, as parents, can only guide and support them through their quest and they will ultimately make their informed decision. What is meant to be will be meant to be.
Good luck my friend. I know where you are coming from and I wish you well in your journey.
RR23
Relax, JMoff. Don't jump out of the car. It ain't even started rolling yet.
Your are correct, many here have indeed seen more years of baseball than you, and, have also enjoyed all of the experiences that you are anticipating.
Nothing you are going to do can change a thing.
But, you do need to understand the process, so that when those processes start to happen for your son, you can react accordingly.
Your son needs to decide what he's going to do.
Does he want to play college baseball?
How much money will he require to give up the college dream and sign professionally?
You will need to get an idea of what round he might be drafted. You will be given clues, but you should familiarize yourself with about how much each round will pay based on prior year signing bonuses that are published.
You need to familiarize yourself with the adviser/agent process. There is a lot of information on this website about adviser's/agents, if you will search for it.
There is FAR more information here than keeping the stats and the scoring the game. Read the stories about Fungo's, OPP, bbscout, TPM, and Clevelandad's sons. All of them follow a similar pattern but are as different as night and day.
There are many here that have been through the process and will recommend agents if you need one.
Most players don't need an agent unless they are in the top 1-3, maybe 1-5 rounds.
But, in your case, you might prefer to have an agent to help your son and you.
I will also caution you that it is much better to listen and think, than talk..................
Your son's performance on the field will speak for itself, all you have to do is, uh, observe..........
Good luck to you and your son.
Your are correct, many here have indeed seen more years of baseball than you, and, have also enjoyed all of the experiences that you are anticipating.
Nothing you are going to do can change a thing.
But, you do need to understand the process, so that when those processes start to happen for your son, you can react accordingly.
Your son needs to decide what he's going to do.
Does he want to play college baseball?
How much money will he require to give up the college dream and sign professionally?
You will need to get an idea of what round he might be drafted. You will be given clues, but you should familiarize yourself with about how much each round will pay based on prior year signing bonuses that are published.
You need to familiarize yourself with the adviser/agent process. There is a lot of information on this website about adviser's/agents, if you will search for it.
There is FAR more information here than keeping the stats and the scoring the game. Read the stories about Fungo's, OPP, bbscout, TPM, and Clevelandad's sons. All of them follow a similar pattern but are as different as night and day.
There are many here that have been through the process and will recommend agents if you need one.
Most players don't need an agent unless they are in the top 1-3, maybe 1-5 rounds.
But, in your case, you might prefer to have an agent to help your son and you.
I will also caution you that it is much better to listen and think, than talk..................
Your son's performance on the field will speak for itself, all you have to do is, uh, observe..........
Good luck to you and your son.
Okay, I don't even know what the hell we're talking about any more so I'll change the subject based on this quote:
We played on a field with no fence once. One of our players hit a hard grounder through the second baseman's legs. It rolled for miles and he rounded the bases.
I was the team scorekeeper. Grandpa comes running up and says "that was a home run, right?!?!?!"
My response was, "not only was that not a home run, it wasn't even a hit!"
We're not friends.
quote:Originally posted by JMoff:
Parents will ask me to change errors to hits. I'll do it, because we're all a family.
We played on a field with no fence once. One of our players hit a hard grounder through the second baseman's legs. It rolled for miles and he rounded the bases.
I was the team scorekeeper. Grandpa comes running up and says "that was a home run, right?!?!?!"
My response was, "not only was that not a home run, it wasn't even a hit!"
We're not friends.
jmoff
you and your son should remember one thing. this is a very small piece of his life, the piece is large and looming right now.but still a small piece.
stay with things within your control. focus on the school aspect,the baseball part will be someone else's decision. only worry about things within your control.
there is a huge amount of recruiting info on this site, but i suspect you know that.i don't know of any school that wouldn't want a lhp throwing 90. we have many here in the northeast.
as a dad we all want our son's to be drafted, to validate the hard work they put in. i'm thinking a 6'+ lhp throwing 90 will be validated by many.
the bottom line is......enjoy these things that are happening now. it all goes by so quickly, too quickly. enjoy it.
you and your son should remember one thing. this is a very small piece of his life, the piece is large and looming right now.but still a small piece.
stay with things within your control. focus on the school aspect,the baseball part will be someone else's decision. only worry about things within your control.
there is a huge amount of recruiting info on this site, but i suspect you know that.i don't know of any school that wouldn't want a lhp throwing 90. we have many here in the northeast.
as a dad we all want our son's to be drafted, to validate the hard work they put in. i'm thinking a 6'+ lhp throwing 90 will be validated by many.
the bottom line is......enjoy these things that are happening now. it all goes by so quickly, too quickly. enjoy it.
biggerpapi - Too funny!! LOL
Now you are getting into tmi, some of us have been there and some will never, go with the flow and stop letting it eat you up.
In other words, get up everyday and act just like it is the same as it has been, and you know what if your son does a great job one day and s ucks the next you better get used to it, REAL fast because that is how it is dad. Stop protecting him and let him face what is in front of him, his way, if he can't, well then you know he's not ready to go to work after he graduates HS. I would strongly suggest that you do not compare your son to anyone else and get through the college process first.
If your son is expected to get drafted in a good place, you'll know about it and get calls from agents wanting to advise you, try to enjoy his last HS season, because it will be gone before you know it and you will be sorry that you let it consume you. People get too wrapped up in it and when it's over you will feel lost, you know it's like a wedding, then next day you wake up and every thing is over and you forgot to enjoy the moments you were supposed to.
JMO.
In other words, get up everyday and act just like it is the same as it has been, and you know what if your son does a great job one day and s ucks the next you better get used to it, REAL fast because that is how it is dad. Stop protecting him and let him face what is in front of him, his way, if he can't, well then you know he's not ready to go to work after he graduates HS. I would strongly suggest that you do not compare your son to anyone else and get through the college process first.
If your son is expected to get drafted in a good place, you'll know about it and get calls from agents wanting to advise you, try to enjoy his last HS season, because it will be gone before you know it and you will be sorry that you let it consume you. People get too wrapped up in it and when it's over you will feel lost, you know it's like a wedding, then next day you wake up and every thing is over and you forgot to enjoy the moments you were supposed to.
JMO.
Have enjoyed reading this thread...but it seems more appropriate for a journal than this forum....Have you found what you were in search of?
I will sometimes tell people I change errors to hits to make them go away, but I rarely actually do it. On ground balls through the legs I don't even pretend.
I deleted the TMI post.
I think the journey is just starting. Not the one I really wanted to take, but it's not my journey. I just have to help him get through it.
I deleted the TMI post.
I think the journey is just starting. Not the one I really wanted to take, but it's not my journey. I just have to help him get through it.
I'm like BigPapi. I have become so discombobulated by this post that my head is spinning. 
1000 of you have basically told him the same bit of advise - CHILL.
I know that many of us went through recruiting anxieties to a degree. I can say that my son was not a draft potential out of high school so I can't relate to any of what JMoff is feeling.
But if there was one thing that I could do over (especially having been told from folks like you to do so) it would be to savor and enjoy the Senior year with every ounce in my body. I'd just about give anything if I could.
After reading all his posts I honestly don't think he is capable of relaxing. He gives new meaning to "over the top". What more can anyone else say that will cause the advise and words of wisdom to sink in? If you were nearby and could grab his shoulders and shake him to stop and smell the roses, I'm not sure that even THAT would work.
JMoff, I'm not sure you will hear what I am about to say but I'm going to attempt to try. If you don't get a grip on all this, your anxieties, pressures, fear, indecisions, etc. I can PROMISE you that you will make this Senior year for your son a most miserable year. And you will regret that.
Good luck with your multitude of choices.
1000 of you have basically told him the same bit of advise - CHILL.
I know that many of us went through recruiting anxieties to a degree. I can say that my son was not a draft potential out of high school so I can't relate to any of what JMoff is feeling.
But if there was one thing that I could do over (especially having been told from folks like you to do so) it would be to savor and enjoy the Senior year with every ounce in my body. I'd just about give anything if I could.
After reading all his posts I honestly don't think he is capable of relaxing. He gives new meaning to "over the top". What more can anyone else say that will cause the advise and words of wisdom to sink in? If you were nearby and could grab his shoulders and shake him to stop and smell the roses, I'm not sure that even THAT would work.
JMoff, I'm not sure you will hear what I am about to say but I'm going to attempt to try. If you don't get a grip on all this, your anxieties, pressures, fear, indecisions, etc. I can PROMISE you that you will make this Senior year for your son a most miserable year. And you will regret that.
Good luck with your multitude of choices.
Thanks for taking the time to express your thoughts here JMoff.
Edit: Now I see that some of the overbearing posters have convinced you to delete your post. That's a shame. You are going through what each of them went through at the time, but you were brave enough to express your feelings here for all to see.
Edit: Now I see that some of the overbearing posters have convinced you to delete your post. That's a shame. You are going through what each of them went through at the time, but you were brave enough to express your feelings here for all to see.
Hi JMoff,
A little over 10 years ago we were in your same situation. Little did I know that the baseball roller coaster ride was just beginning. It ended last year when our oldest son retired from pro ball at 28, with a wife and child to support ...and no college degree. It was our worst fear back then, too.
However, now that's its happened, its not nearly as bad as we had feared. He is happy, doing well in college, and has a ton of amazing MLB memories. In addition, baseball prepared him well for life in the real world. He developed nerves of steel, a strong work ethic and competitive drive, a nice savings account to support his family during this time of career transistion, and some impressive references.
Both of his college roommates entered professional careers immediately upon graduation...one an engineer and the other a chiropractor...and I suspect both would trade places with him in a minute. He may be a few years behind them in the work force, but is catching up quickly.
My best advice to you is simple...don't worry! It will rob you and your son of everything that is good. I know it’s easier said than done, but it’s worth the effort. Make a conscious decision to take a deep breath and trust that everything happens for a reason...both the good and the bad. Let your son's life unfold freely, open to any adventure. Allow him to discover his destiny and enjoy every moment with him. Ten years from now, you'll be glad you did.
Finally, always remember that God put your son here for a reason and will always love and guide him. You are not alone in this journey ... and neither is he. There is nothing to fear.
A little over 10 years ago we were in your same situation. Little did I know that the baseball roller coaster ride was just beginning. It ended last year when our oldest son retired from pro ball at 28, with a wife and child to support ...and no college degree. It was our worst fear back then, too.
However, now that's its happened, its not nearly as bad as we had feared. He is happy, doing well in college, and has a ton of amazing MLB memories. In addition, baseball prepared him well for life in the real world. He developed nerves of steel, a strong work ethic and competitive drive, a nice savings account to support his family during this time of career transistion, and some impressive references.
Both of his college roommates entered professional careers immediately upon graduation...one an engineer and the other a chiropractor...and I suspect both would trade places with him in a minute. He may be a few years behind them in the work force, but is catching up quickly.
My best advice to you is simple...don't worry! It will rob you and your son of everything that is good. I know it’s easier said than done, but it’s worth the effort. Make a conscious decision to take a deep breath and trust that everything happens for a reason...both the good and the bad. Let your son's life unfold freely, open to any adventure. Allow him to discover his destiny and enjoy every moment with him. Ten years from now, you'll be glad you did.
Finally, always remember that God put your son here for a reason and will always love and guide him. You are not alone in this journey ... and neither is he. There is nothing to fear.
.
Excellent response TxMom! I'm wishing continued success to your son and his family.
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Excellent response TxMom! I'm wishing continued success to your son and his family.
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quote:Originally posted by ClevelandDad:
A suggestion for some of you - please refer to your son as your son and not screenameJR... The third person JR stuff is annoying and very difficult to read.
LOL! I used to hate typing Leftysidearmson or LSASon but it seemed that others referred to him as that so I naturally thought it was protocol. Always thought it was confusing to read. No more of that!
There you go JMoff. Print TxMom's post and put it on your nightstand. Read it every night as you rest your head on your pillow and dream of all the opportunities open to your son because of his talents and smarts. Sleep well fellow baseball parent!
TxMom - Thank you and I'm glad it all worked out in the end. Gives me some hope...
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There's plenty of good advice surfacing here. I especially liked 20dad's...
And papi...I loved your post. We've had all four of our kids play HS baseball and softball. None of them have ever benefitted from the mom or dad scorekeeper padding their stats. Most years a few of the players, the chosen ones, did indeed benefit.
Over the years I've taken an interest in tracking the chosen ones' progress on the field in college. Their stats always plummet...no mommy or daddy plumping them up.
I firmly believe in the adage "you get what you earn" and it really is sad to witness some athletes being robbed of the opportunity to "get what they have earned". Their own scorekeeping parents are inflating their stats and are setting them up for failure in the future.
In my book confidence is king and must be genuinely earned. Athletes who have benefitted from inflation always have to suffer from deflation at some point. Overly generous scorekeepers do much more harm than good.
You did it right papi with the book!
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There's plenty of good advice surfacing here. I especially liked 20dad's...
- "stay with things within your control. focus on the school aspect,the baseball part will be someone else's decision. only worry about things within your control."
And papi...I loved your post. We've had all four of our kids play HS baseball and softball. None of them have ever benefitted from the mom or dad scorekeeper padding their stats. Most years a few of the players, the chosen ones, did indeed benefit.
Over the years I've taken an interest in tracking the chosen ones' progress on the field in college. Their stats always plummet...no mommy or daddy plumping them up.
I firmly believe in the adage "you get what you earn" and it really is sad to witness some athletes being robbed of the opportunity to "get what they have earned". Their own scorekeeping parents are inflating their stats and are setting them up for failure in the future.
In my book confidence is king and must be genuinely earned. Athletes who have benefitted from inflation always have to suffer from deflation at some point. Overly generous scorekeepers do much more harm than good.
You did it right papi with the book!
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quote:Originally posted by SultanofSwat:
Thanks for taking the time to express your thoughts here JMoff.
Edit: Now I see that some of the overbearing posters have convinced you to delete your post. That's a shame. You are going through what each of them went through at the time, but you were brave enough to express your feelings here for all to see.
No one forced him to delete his post, I just thought that he was perhaps sharing too much stuff at this point. The comment about overbearing was out of line. There is a difference between expressing feelings without the details. Why don't you add something of value to the discussion instead of kicking up some dust?
No problem with protecting your son, that is what should be done with HS players, especially when scouts come around, the parent should be involved in this process and learn all they can about the draft, bonus, and where the player will go straight out of HS for each team they speak to (it's all different).
I suggest one thing, don't worry about the pro possibilities at this moment, work on the college options first, because believe it or not, that may strongly affect the next step. Stay focused on the next step of the journey, yo uwill havenext season to focus on other stuff.
A lot of good players don't get opportunities their freshman year. Or they don't ever pan out (at that school) and transfer. Your son won't know until he goes and competes. A recent state Gatorade Player of the Year was hitting .118 when his major program college coach gave up on him causing him to transfer. You never know until he gets there.quote:What I don't want is for him to get big eyes, go to the big school filled with delusions of grandure and end up holding the radar gun for the real pitchers his freshman year and asked to leave after that.
If you think he's aiming too high with his choices have a realistic talk about the situation. Is he looking to become a pro pitcher? Or is he looking for a quality college baseball experience while getting a quality education?
The reality is you're going through the stress many of us have gone through. You can face it or run from it. With my oldest is was easy. With my youngest we've had to consider all the options. The youngest is more talented. He got injured junior year. Life isn't always fair in the moment. But there are always options. It's what makes life fair.