What can I do?

Find a team closer to you - try Renz in lilburn

quote:

Originally posted by catcher09:
Find a team closer to you - try Renz in lilburn

Funny you should say that, they were who I was going to play with. The practices are 30 minutes ro so away, and the games all vary. But I have no ride to anything, thats where the problem lies. Even if the team was 10 minutes away.

Isn't there some way to get a car? Buy a jalopy and learn auto repair. Mighty easy for kids to get a part time job these days.

Is it 30 minutes away by car, or 30 minutes on foot?

I knew a kid years ago who lived 6 miles from the nearest gym. He was a basketball player. He'd dribble the ball to the gym and back.

Later, he played many years in the NBA.

I take it there aren't other relatives or family friends that could lend a hand.

I sympathize with your position.

I take it there's not sufficient public transportation either?

jOsh2534:

Options for homeschoolers to play baseball?

Hmmm? I suppose the easy answer to that is to have a minimum of 17 siblings, all of whom can reasonably play ball. That's really asking alot of your folks. Not likely going to happen...besides you would still need an officiating crew. That's a tough one.

I would ask any of the members of that Renz team if they could assist you...perhaps you could offer to pay for the gas that would be involved?

Keep working at it..something will work out.

Get a bike. Get a Razor scooter - get anything. People have overcome way more serious hardships to realizing their dreams than not having a car in life.

Perhaps you could approach the coach and explain your situation and maybe there might be someone out your way who could assist you in getting to practice and games...where there is a will there is a way

jOsh2534,
There are options other than not playing baseball. You may have to "beat the bushes" a little. I’m with catchermom03 ... Where there’s a will there’s a way. There are many situations where players will stay with a teammate or a family for much of the summer and then come home during his off days. Coaches of select teams frequently get involved in these dilemmas. Be sure and ask them!
On being home schooled: Check with Georgia's state’s high school athletic association to find out opportunities and restrictions on home schooled students participating in high school athletics. I know in Tennessee home schooled students can participate in high school athletics.
Josh, This doesn’t pertain to your question but I’m curious; since your mother works during the day, does another family member home school you or does she check your work in the evening after she returns home?
Thanks and best of luck to you,
Fungo

quote:

I know in Tennessee home schooled students can participate in high school athletics.

I was wondering about that too. Are home schooled kids allowed to play HS sports in some places? I've seen one local Legion player whose school was listed as "Home" which puzzled me for a time. I thought that was the name of his school.

It would not be the first time a coach was a driver for his players---when I was 13 , obviously I did not drive, and played on a 16 and up team my coach picked me up for every practice and game.

Fungo brings up an interesting point that might give you some additional options. Under GHSA rules you should be able to play for the high school team where you are zoned. I assume that the high school is closer than the travel team. I hope that you can work it out where you could/would play for both.

Josh, Has your mom checked into all car-pooling opportunities. Often times there's a parent who can take (even if they have to drive a few miles to pick you up) if your mom can bring home their son later in the evening. I bet if you and mom sit and do some creative thinking, you can figure out a solution. Just make sure she knows how dedicated you are to playing.

In the states we have lived in....and there have been a few......home schooled kids had the right to participate in the public high school athletics....you need to check that out Josh....and if that's not the answer then you need to call the travel coach and ask about transportation....don't give up....not if you really want to play ball....

Here are links to three homeschool baseball teams in the Atlanta area:
http://www.atlantaknights.org/
http://www.ggcbarons.com/Baseball/baseball-team.htm
http://www.ncasports.net/

Here is a link to the Homeschool World Series:
http://www.hwsa.net/

I would contact one of these teams and see if the coach can help you with transportation.

Thanks alot everybody for the input, I really appreciate it.

I'm gonna try to answer all the questions as best as I can.

The home field is 30 minutes away by car, including highway travel.
Another car isn't a possiblity under current financial circumstances.
Gwinnett County doesn't allow homeschoolers to participate in high school events.
Transportation from team mates is possible, but the closest person to me, is about 15-20 minutes in the opposite direction of the home field.
I'm 15, and the maximum I'm legally aloud to work is 18 hours/week. Roughly $70-$80/week salary, and very limited positions available until I turn 16 (next August).
The Barons were the team I was going to play for.

As for my schooling, my entire curriculum is on the computer. All the work is scheduled, and graded automatically, leaving very little for my mom to do.

The biggest problem really, is money and limited time to find it. My dad is very willing to bring me to the practices and games, but for now we are unable to get transportation. We should have another car by the next season, but as of right now I'm not sure what's possible.

There may be a couple of people who could pick me up, but it's the opposite direction of the field.

All hope isn't gone yet, we're trying to find any options available.

Thanks again.

Looks like you're on the right track...checking out all of the possibilities.

It will happen...keep working at it.

Much success to you...keep us posted.

One last thing to consider - call Kevin Renz or Drew Cheney(sp). Tell them what your up against and see if they can assist. You never know......I would suggest calling but if you just cant do it go to the web site and get Drew or Kevins e-mail. Good Luck and I wish I could help more.

I think the next step is to let the team director know what's going. Hopefully we'll find some help there.

I'll keep things updated as things change.

If you are a church going kid...

Go to the nearest Baptist Church and meet with the minister there.

Tell him what is on your heart and let him know that you will attend every Sunday without fail.

Ask him to help you achieve your dream...by taking up an offerring to help your family and maybe they can help either with a ride to practice or even help get your Dad another car...or help you pay for a bike.

The community of church goers will help you.

If you have to walk, ride a bike I dont care what it is if you want to play bad enough do not let anything stop you. If you have to put an add in the paper do it. There is someone out there that will help you. Do not let something like this stop you from playing if you really want to bad enough. I used to coach football as well in HS. I had a player that had no ride home after school. He never asked for a ride from anyone. He rode his bike home after practice about 8 miles. His mom took him to school every morning but she worked second shift and was unable to bring him home after practice. She would put his bike in the back of the pick up in the morning and he would ride it home. Do what you have to do. As the saying goes "Where there is a will there is a way".

RR

Why does it have to be a Baptist Church?

TRhit

I lived in Atlanta, Georgia for three years was with Motorola, traveled all through the seven SE States, not many other type of churches in Gwinnett. My boss at the time was from Gwinnett. Very human kind of guy, wonderful dad.

The people in Georgia some of the best...loved the Varsity across the street form Georgia Tech, best hot dogs in America.

I care not

Just tell the kid to see his pastor, priest or rabbi for guidance

Sometimes I wonder about your supposed intellect!!!

TR

I see you're still working at those I.P.R. skills...

I do attend church every Sunday without fail, above any other plans. I have been praying about the situation also.

I think the practices are 20 miles away or so, with alot of highway travel.

There is a family, I've found who lives fairly close to me that might be a possibilty.

I believe my mom is calling the team tomorrow at some point to find out what options are available, and to let them know I have intrest in playing if at all possible.

Josh - I dont normally do this but - PM me if you want to throw some over the break with my son - he is a frosh at South (catcher). You both could help each other. Of course I would insist to meet your parent(s) first. And no offence TR, I attend a Baptist Church -

Guys,
josh cant ride his bike across major highways
(I-85) and major intersections.It sounds good, but the reality is, gwinnett co. has no public transportation,except to downtown atlanta.it isnt bicycle friendly either.everyday there's a kid getting hit by a car or a pedestrian walking out in front of a car on the major highways and intersections. good luck to u josh u try everyway u can to get there! if its meant to be ,it will be.