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33 replies

When Do You tell the Coach

W windmill100+ posts
As I have mentioned in some of my previous posts, my son is an 06 RHP in SE PA. He is currently being "recruited/contacted/emailed/phone-called" , mostly by some local D3s, couple of D2s. And, unlike the multitude of unrealistic folks in the world, we know that this level is pretty much where he belongs - not that there is anything wrong with that!! He isn't getting a free ride, probably no $$ at all, and he won't be drafted, and he won't pitch against Zach Duke the next time the stinkin' Buccos come to Philly!! Frown. What he will do, hopefully, is pitch in college for 4 years and come out with a good education and a lifetime of memories.

As I also have mentioned, Junior suffers from Crohn's Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Both diseases are well under control, thanks to good docs and good drugs. His short-term future is that of any other 18YO kid - he is healthy, and you would never know by watching him, what he deals with. The long term prognosis is rather bleak [debilitating arthritis, excellent candidate for colon cancer, etc] - but that is way down the road.

Our dilemma, if you will: When do we tell a prospective/interested coach about his health issues? There is no reason to believe that any problems that he will ultimately experience, will occur during his college years, and other than his meds, there is no special care required - he takes proper care of himself. By no means do we plan to hide it from a coach, but when is the proper time to fill him in? If we tell him right away (Hi Coach, I'm Windmill Jr and I have Crohn's and RA") the interest level is sure to drop like a hot Moose [sorry, I just got off the Moose post!!]. If we wait until after the coach has seen him perform and has formed his opinion of Junior AS A BALLPLAYER and as a young man, not as someone with a couple of chronic diseases, then maybe it becomes more of an "Oh, by the way" type of thing.

As in most things in life, timing is everything. What say the experts on this site, particularly the coaches - how would you guys want to be informed? As always, I appreciate your wisdom.
Of all the things I've lost in life, I miss my mind the most!
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RHP05ParentRHP05Parent1,000+ posts
I'm glad that your son is currently doing very well and pray he stays that way for a very long while. I don't know if all schools do the same, but my son (college freshman this year) had to have a current physical and submit an extensive medical questionnaire before college started. So, not disclosing his condition until after arriving at school I doubt is an option. But when to do this during recruiting ... I think you need to wait until the serious recruiting conversations start and then I would talk about it with the emphasis on how symptom free he is now and has been for some time! IMO, the best fit would be where there is a sympathetic coaching staff. So if his condition is an issue with anyone, its probably not a good choice anyway. My best wishes to you and your son. Smile
Last edited by RHP05Parent
G gotwood4sale10,000+ posts
windmill:

I'm glad to hear that your son is into baseball and that he is doing reasonably well with his health concerns.

You've received some great advice already and I'm sure more will follow. My suggestion is to find a sympathetic coach as RHP05Parent advised, but be sure not to overlook the academic offerings at the schools that interest you.

If your son is decent in the classroom then there will be money available academically. There isn't much money out there anyway for baseball.

Moose success in your search. Keep us posted. If you have any other questions just ask.
B Bee>1,000+ posts
windmill, glad to hear your son is getting some attention

just having college baseball opportunities to choose from is itself pretty awsome

first - if your son has his doctor's clearance to play and his condition is primarily a future concern of your son's health, I think I'd consult with his doctor and pick his brain some as to the best way to proceed.

the University has a medical staff who's purpose it is to handle that kind of info, and advise the coach of any special considerations regarding his athletes

when interest is serious or offer iminent, I'd figure a way to convey some medical thoughts

BUT, what I'm trying to say is -
that for ME as a non-medical person trying to explain a "medical condition" to another non-medical person would not be a good situation

anyway good luck,

I don't usually talk about other players, but this kid is special
(to me anyway)

Tech's Trapani



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Last edited by Bee>
W windmill100+ posts
It never ceases to amaze me, what the kind folks on this site have to offer. I like everyting we hear. SInce the immediate future is no real concern [he plays varsity football, too!!] I guess we will just see how it goes, and when the time is right, the time is right.

I'm heading out right now, for a visit - we'll see!!

Thanks to all!
B BigWI1,000+ posts
I would tell them up front, if you pop it on them later they might wonder what else you might be hiding.

Just let them know that it is not anything that will affect him in college and the problems are quite a ways down the road. Good coaches will check it out, and when they verify that it will not be an issue, they will put it out of thier minds.

Best of luck to your son, both now and in the long term
TRhitTRhit10,000+ posts
I am with BIGWI--put the cards on the table-- they see him as he is now--they like him and are calling-- thus why would it matter--it is all under control and he can give them 4 great years--your sons prognosis is solid so why worry

If it helps may I give you a personal example- me-- as a kid 11 to 21 I had menigitis 7 times and even missed my senior year of HS baseball due one of the attacks-- I still had offers from colleges and MLB teams--they were willing to gamble-- I turned them down, walked on at SJU as a Frosh when they had frosh teams and frosh did not play varsity-- Had another attack after that and it was case closed

I am still involved in the great game of baseball as you all know

Everything we did was upfront always--if fact the scout who wanted to sign me came up in 1994 to see my son play. That was some 35 years after I was playinmg for him

One never knows what the future will bring so play the cards right and all will be well
L lafmom5,000+ posts
Windmill, I agree with those that say you should tell them from the beginning. If they have a problem or concern over the health issues, better to know now than finding out when they perform the physicals. You want your son to be in the most supportive environment possible - stress only exacerbates his illness. Therefore, taking the mystery out of the equation is very important IMO.
B Bee>1,000+ posts
quote:
by TR: I am with BIGWI--put the cards on the table-- they see him as he is now--they like him and are calling
they're calling hundreds of guys


wndml, I don't see anyone suggesting anything other than honesty here -

it seems to be more a matter of timing and presentation

you could enclose a medical report w/x-rays, MRI & prescriptions with your intro letters as TR & BWI suggests
(oh, just the prescription note - NOT the pills) Wink

or wait for a rapor and interest to build with a few recruiting coaches on your SHORT LIST, then address as you deem appropriate

if you hit a coach right off with -

"son has this condition that few have heard of, and most don't fully understand . . .
but the good news is his dose of "orthomyoprozine" (made that up Smile)
has gone from 200mg 4 times a day to 1000mg every third day"

his eyes will glaze over and he'll likely go to the next guy on his list

jmo


ps-lafmom, no-one suggested with-holding the info untill the school physical
Confused


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Last edited by Bee>
T topdogfan100+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by Bee>:

I don't usually talk about other players, but this kid is special (to me anyway)

Tech's Trapani



.


Wow, great article.

My son also has Tourette. We told the first couple coaches we talked to, but they seemed to already know, so didn't mention it again on our visits. We assumed that whoever these guys were calling to get info on our son was telling them as it had never been a secret. How can you hide tics anyway biglaugh

A lot of kids with TS also have attention problems and obsessive/compulsive traits. Had a D1 coach ask son's HS coach about affect of ADHD on his academics - affected bigtime, so we/he chose a JUCO to get acclimated to college environment and he's doing pretty well. The attention problems have and still do cause problems for my son, but the obessive/compulsive traits are a definite advantage when training for any sport. Chris Jackson who was mentioned in the article had to keep shooting freethrows until he heard the 'perfect' swish - could only make him better, right? Also, Jim Eisenreich took time before a game in Cinci to meet us and talk to my son. One of the best things he said to him that my son took to heart was to not let TS get in the way of his goals, that he could do whatever he wanted in life - so inspirational! As rz1 mentioned, that inspirational player can be a real gift to any team.

Windmill - use your best judgement on what and when to tell them. You've dealt with this for a long time and you know best!! Good luck to you and to your son.
B Bee>1,000+ posts
tdfan, congrats to your son on the juco opportunity

that story is from spring of 04

btw, Trap a walk-on, redshirted as a freshman, now a rs senior studying post-grad, has completed his bachelor's degree last June - in 05 he was a captain, earned the starting job at 2b, and now seems destined to hold a mif starting job again in 06

if you get to Atlanta for a game make sure you chat with him, he's ALWAYS at the fence signing things and talking to kids post game

good luck

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Last edited by Bee>
R Ramrod100+ posts
I typed in search for baseball, hall of fame, players, Crohn's Disease, and Rheumatoid Arthritis

http://aolsearch.aol.com/aol/search?query=Baseball,%20H...ayers%20with%20Crohn's%20Disease%20and%20Rheumatoid%20Arthritis

After looking at the results I would have to say you really don't have much to worry about.

Seems to me that there have been a number of athletes that have had these conditions and seemed to be able to compete at a very high level.

Don Sutton is listed as on of those who suffers from the arthritis condition and is in the HOF.

In the scheme of things and because most people are ignorant of how to deal with medical conditions, it probably would smart of you to have at your ready the names of great athletes that have functioned and excelled with your son's medical conditions, and in spite of their perceived medical debilitation, how irrelevant it is to achievement.

As for telling the coaches about your son's medical history, it's none of their business. The only person that needs to learn of your son's medical records are the medical doctor's who are responsible for examining him and giving him a "release" as fit-to-play. If a doctor gives your son that release then his records beyond that release are private.

If your son wants to tell the coach then that is his own "personal" choice. But as far as I can determine from what I have read your son need not discuss this beyond explaining why he takes medication.

Good luck to your son. This game is hard enough as it is and the competition is very mean and tough. Try not to give them the ammo to eliminate your son.
G gotwood4sale10,000+ posts
windmill:

Put yourself in each of the coaches shoes and you'll know what to do. Each coach, like each HSBBW member, will respond differently to the same circumstance. I agree with everyone that the issue concerning your son's health should never come as a big, and disturbing, surprise.

Bee...thanks for your link to the article. It's an interesting article on an amazing young man. Topdog's son will likely be inspired by it.

Windmill...keep us posted with any good moose that comes along!
infielddadinfielddad10,000+ posts
Windmill, congratulations to your son. Here is hoping for the very best for him on the field and especially off the field.
Some suggestions: with the concern you have expressed, I would have the treating physicians for your son write a short report which would merely indicate he is under care and is cleared to compete without restriction. Would not mention anything about the conditions involved as they are not relevent. It is his ability to play that needs medical assurance.
I assume that your son has to provide something similar/pass a physical for high school and this would be a guideline for college also. I would be proactive and have the letter available.
From a parental standpoint, with your son some distance from home while in college, you do want to make sure any flares he might have are properly recognized and cared for. When your son is accepted and makes his choice, I would then contact the health services group for the college. Most everyone has one. Would also then speak with the trainer at school, provide the treaters contact information and provide a letter from the treating doctor inviting any questions to come to the doctor so the physician can work with the trainers/medical staff of the college if that is necessary.
The schools I am familiar with also require proof of health insurance coverage, a medical questionaire and medical clearance before the student is allowed to compete as a freshman. I would have that in order.
For what it is worth, there is plenty of competition. I have not found it to be "mean and tough." College baseball is a thrill on the field and with your teammates.
W windmill100+ posts
AS I expected, nothing but great food for thought here. And that story on Trapani was incredible - the kid is pretty amazing. Esienreich played in Philly a few years - very inspirational and very accessible to fans and fellow TS sufferers. Side note: a kid on my son's HS football team has TS; in his profile, under nickname, he lists "TWITCH" !! Looks like he is dealing with it in a good way.

For those who asked, the visit went very well today. Coach seems very organized, hard working, and he has a plan that the players buy into. He is successful, campus is nice, players seemed like good guys. He is coming out to watch Junior pitch on Sunday morning [here's hoping the football game isn't too physical on Saturday!] The opportunity didn't necessarily present itself to bring up the health issues. Based on all I have read here, I think I will make sure I talk with him, at least briefly on Sunday, and bring it up in the conversation. When we left the school today, I asked Junior if a) he could see himself going to school there, and b) could he see himself playing for that coach. His answer to both was a resounding YES. WE will see how coach's interest level is after Sunday.

Thanks again to all.
Last edited by windmill
dadchs20dadchs20100+ posts
Windmill, we have always live by the "honesty is the best policy" rule. Each and everyone of us wants coaches, recruiters, scouts to be perfectly honest with us, so why should they expect anything less. We are what we are. I am sure that coaches will want your son besides his physical issues. They are completely under control, so it wouldn't be a problem in my eyes. I just think you should be honest with the recruiters, and let them know as soon as possible. That way there is no worrying about "them finding out" on their own. There is no reason to believe he will have problems during his college years, just like any pitcher doesn't expect to have "Tommy John" surgery in his college years. We can't forcast the future, and neither can college coaches. They are recruiting him the way he is performing today on the baseball field and in the classroom. Good Luck, and I hope everything works out.
W windmill100+ posts
Come to think of it, Jr's fall coach mentioned it to the coach at the school Jr visited in August [aside from any privacy issues, the coaches are friends, and the local newspaper ran an article on Jr back in the spring]. I had no problem with the coach "spilling the beans". That coach's interest level has not waned - he calls every week, he has gone out to see him play on the weekends and even went to his football game on Friday night - I guess you don't get any more interested than that. He has flat out stated in an email h3e sent him today, that "we want you here and you can help us out on the mound right away" - he has additional interest in him at 3B. AT the very least, he knows he has a plce to play, not too far from home, that is a good fit academically, near excellent hospitals if needed, and 15 minutes from my twin sisters!!. I guess it doesn't get much better than that.
Last edited by windmill
B Bee>1,000+ posts
wndml, again kudo's on how things are falling together for jr -
keep us posted



btw, the game mentioned in the article was a FOX TV game and
(of course) the cameras zoomed & caught the action & coach's reaction -

Trap was 3 for 3 with a couple rbi laying the groundwork for the 2nd consecutive series sweep in as many years of a very good #9 FSU club -
and marking the first time the Seminoles have lost six straight games to a conference opponent since joining the ACC in '92.



sorry to bring it up SoxNole Roll Eyes



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Last edited by Bee>
W windmill100+ posts
Unfortunately, the young ladies don't know the difference between a curve ball and a hair ball. Once in a while they'll show up at one of Junior's baseball or football games with their kids - I can't sit near them because of the wackiness of the questions and comments [that's nice - you scored 3 points that inning - but I don't see the 3 point line]. My other 2 sisters are the same - you would think with 5 older brothers who played every sport there was, that they would have absorbed something - NADA!!
T topdogfan100+ posts
gotwood - finally came up with a copy of that issue of SI. I will share with my son when he comes home next weekend. Though he has some mild OCD tendencies it is not nearly as drastic as Pierzynski's - he will be able to identify with it Big Grin

I once went to a seminar on TS where a surgeon with TS (yes, a surgeon Eek ) spoke. He was also a pilot, and when he locked up his plane had to go through the same routine each time and if he messed up had to start all over. The man's tics were all over the place, but he said once he enters the OR he just knows he will be able to control them. I'm not sure I'd take my chances on him being right about that Roll Eyes

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