At high school games I stand down the line with two other dads away from the stands and the parents (including former rec ball coaches) who think they know it all. As a former coach I don't like to be asked to second guess the coach. Sometimes I'll cruise over to the opponent's side to chat with a fellow travel parent.
I'm quiet. I'm analyzing the game. I'm more likely to cheer for another player's accomplishments than my son's. The only time I remember cheering for my son last year was a go ahead homer late in the game.
When I stopped coaching travel when my son was sixteen I sat in the stands or wherever we cluster lawn chairs. 17/18U travel parents have a different baseball knowledge base than high school parents.
I can't help it...I sit behind Home Plate whenever the field has room for my chairs or off to the side, but always around the backstop...
Not good for the blood pressure, but...
Not good for the blood pressure, but...
Where I can call the balls and strikes of course. 
Seriously, anywhere away from certain parents.
Also, if the game is tight, I have to pace behind the bleachers.
Seriously, anywhere away from certain parents.
Also, if the game is tight, I have to pace behind the bleachers.
I usually sit in my chair between the bleachers and the dugout. However, I am only in the chair for about 5 minutes and stand the rest of the game. Not sure why I bother bringing the chair in the first place 
Last year, one dad got a really nice chair for Father's Day. It had to be from Sharper Image. This thing was sweet. Plush upholstery, padded armrests, footrest, detachable sunshade... I'm not sure, maybe a back massager, too. No doubt, it was the Rolls Royce of lawn chairs. Even I liked it. (I don't sit in lawn chairs)
But, some people were jealous. This poor guy got so much grief for his "George Jetson" chair from the other dads, he never brought it again.
But, some people were jealous. This poor guy got so much grief for his "George Jetson" chair from the other dads, he never brought it again.
When Jr. was in high school I much peferred watching the game down the home team sideline away from parents. That way I could enjoy the play of both sides and stay away from the "moaners." My wife sat with the other wifes/moms but always scored the game so she had an excuse to really watch the game and not get caught up in all the chit chat.
I find College parents much different. There is little second guessing rather than when to take a pitcher out and small stuff like that, but little discussion about who is playing or how the Coach runs the team. I find their behavior refreshing and their experiences interesting.
Now when Prime Jr. gets a start I'm a little down the line so I have a good view of his outfield play and I like to watch him hit from different positions as I look for the one place where he gets the best results!
I find College parents much different. There is little second guessing rather than when to take a pitcher out and small stuff like that, but little discussion about who is playing or how the Coach runs the team. I find their behavior refreshing and their experiences interesting.
Now when Prime Jr. gets a start I'm a little down the line so I have a good view of his outfield play and I like to watch him hit from different positions as I look for the one place where he gets the best results!
quote:Originally posted by WinBuc44:
My wife sits in the top of the bleachers directly under the pressbox for the entire game.
I stand with a few of the Dads I've become friends with over the last couple years. But when my son is pitching...I spend time on the bleachers, behind the bleachers, by the gate, outside the gate, down the left field line just past the dugout,by the snack bar, standing in the opposing teams Dads(to overhear their take on the game), back in the bleachers, all in one game. One thing I do not do is yell instructions to my son or heckle the blue no matter how bad he may be. I let the coaches coach and I've never seen an ump adjust to someone else's idea of where the zone should be.
I'm with Win Buc...except I'm the mom that can't sit still when my son is pitching. Probably offer a few comments to the umps but we often know many of them personally and they just chuckle. My husband takes care of the scoreboard so when its cold in Ohio (as it often is at the beginning of the season) I'm in the press box with him!
BTW - this is a fun thread...enjoy seeing everyone's comments.
Most times on the visitors side/3B side where the opposing team and parents are.
Reason? Son is a lefty and I want to stay out of his line of vision when he is going thruogh his windup or looking at the runner at first.
He says wouldnt notice me if I stayed on the other side but I just wanna be sure.
Most time it is good, as i do not tell the folks on the opposing team who my son is. I get some very frank feedback about his efforts on any given day- good and bad!
Reason? Son is a lefty and I want to stay out of his line of vision when he is going thruogh his windup or looking at the runner at first.
He says wouldnt notice me if I stayed on the other side but I just wanna be sure.
Most time it is good, as i do not tell the folks on the opposing team who my son is. I get some very frank feedback about his efforts on any given day- good and bad!
quote:Originally posted by RJM:
At high school games I stand down the line with two other dads away from the stands and the parents (including former rec ball coaches) who think they know it all. As a former coach I don't like to be asked to second guess the coach. Sometimes I'll cruise over to the opponent's side to chat with a fellow travel parent.
I'm quiet. I'm analyzing the game. I'm more likely to cheer for another player's accomplishments than my son's. The only time I remember cheering for my son last year was a go ahead homer late in the game.
When I stopped coaching travel when my son was sixteen I sat in the stands or wherever we cluster lawn chairs. 17/18U travel parents have a different baseball knowledge base than high school parents.
Hey RJM,
The last couple of years I stayed down the line or in rightfield. Like you, I didn't want to deal with parents and listen to complaints about playing time etc..so I stayed away...not to mention my wife kicked me out of my seat more than once.
I also had the same mentality with my son, as you do with yours. I rarely cheered him on, I was more likely to give encouragement to the other players. More than likely, due to coaching him all those years (as you did your son) and I never wanted the other parents or my players (his teammates) to feel that I was giving him any special treatment. Trust me, I heard it from my wife many times and had to sit him down at home on a few occasions to let him know how much I cared. I'm sure you've been in the same boat?
So now, it's his senior year, and I want him to have a blast. I root for him with just as much enthusiasm as the other players, and as I said earlier in this thread, I'm even hanging out near all the parents and having a good time! My wife and I have been taking pictures at the games and posting them on the team Facebook page that she started. I'm writing recaps (my daughter is the stat girl)of the games and posting them for family and friends that aren't able to attend...we're having fun with it. High School will be all over for my son and many of his friends/teammates in a couple months...so we're trying to end it on a good note.
If son is catching, usually between the base and home plate, and always away from "those" parents. Sometimes further down the baseline, always in my own chair. I get quieter ever year.
Sometimes my son asks me to videotape him, in which case I find a spot on the first base line side (he's a righty).
Sometimes my son asks me to videotape him, in which case I find a spot on the first base line side (he's a righty).
When my son is pitching, I can't sit still and move around inning to inning--like someone said: wherever the mojo is good. My preferred spot is behind the plate slightly off center, depending on whether the batter is a righty or a lefty. If he's in command, I'll move closer to the away bench, just so I can hear them bitching and moaning! When my son isn't pitching (he doesn't play in the field), I'll sit in the bleachers with the bulk of the parents.
Speed is now a HS Junior, I coached him since T Ball now the urge to try to "help" him with advice etc is almost overwhelming so now when he is either pitching or at bat I walk out of his line of sight and pace around like an expectant father.
why do parents get nervous?
My son only pitches. When he is not in, I love to sit in the stands and watch the game and the other players. When I see him get up in the pen, my stomach starts churning, my heart starts to pound and I have to get up and start walking around. I won't sit down again until he is through for the day. I wish I could enjoy it more....
"why do parents get nervous?"
I think (in my case) it is because I want so badly for him to be successful doing what he loves to do.
"why do parents get nervous?"
I think (in my case) it is because I want so badly for him to be successful doing what he loves to do.
I think the nervousness that Floridaball and I speak of is pronounced because our sons are pitchers. The rest of the team and the coach are relying on them to put them in position to come out victorious. It's the pleasure/pain pricnciple--it's enthralling but agonizing, exciting but anxiety-producing.
You live and die with each pitch and know, deep down, that there always exists a chance for failure and heartbreak. Now, I don't want to make it out like it's life or death--it's not and it is "just" a game, after all--but when your child loves something and is very good at it AND they're involved in every play, your stomach can tighten a bit!
You live and die with each pitch and know, deep down, that there always exists a chance for failure and heartbreak. Now, I don't want to make it out like it's life or death--it's not and it is "just" a game, after all--but when your child loves something and is very good at it AND they're involved in every play, your stomach can tighten a bit!
Slotty, you expressed exactly how I feel. My son, probably like most of our sons, just WANTS to be successful so badly.
Having been his Coach so long, being outside the fence I feel so helpless. Trust me I get that it's his game to play not mine etc etc. He's my third child and I have done just fine letting go of the other 2 as they have moved into adulthood. Maybe it's different because as they moved on to college into their individual majors/fields it was areas that never involved me so it was easy.
With baseball, this is what we always did together it's our Father & Son time so watching him go through it without me is difficult. So I walk away and pace out of his sight and allow him to grow up. Doesn't mean I won't get nervous watching.
Having been his Coach so long, being outside the fence I feel so helpless. Trust me I get that it's his game to play not mine etc etc. He's my third child and I have done just fine letting go of the other 2 as they have moved into adulthood. Maybe it's different because as they moved on to college into their individual majors/fields it was areas that never involved me so it was easy.
With baseball, this is what we always did together it's our Father & Son time so watching him go through it without me is difficult. So I walk away and pace out of his sight and allow him to grow up. Doesn't mean I won't get nervous watching.
I like to stand high behind the 1B dugout...under a big maple that is near the field. I can see everything hitter/pitcher and entire field. I don't like to be anywhere near my son, he is 17 and a big boy now. Colleges come to watch a lot...do you think they really want to see some kid and his helicopter dad 10 feet away..just my 2 cents..
I can't answer this. I never have. Whatever happens happens. I know he gave his best effort. I can't ask for more. The only thing that's happened is sometimes I'll see something and wish I was in the dugout to tell him. As a parent/fan I won't yell out instructions. It ticked me off when I was a coach and parents did it.quote:Originally posted by AntzDad:
why do parents get nervous?
quote:why do parents get nervous?
Empathy.
quote:Originally posted by slotty:
I think the nervousness that Floridaball and I speak of is pronounced because our sons are pitchers. The rest of the team and the coach are relying on them to put them in position to come out victorious. It's the pleasure/pain pricnciple--it's enthralling but agonizing, exciting but anxiety-producing.
You live and die with each pitch and know, deep down, that there always exists a chance for failure and heartbreak. Now, I don't want to make it out like it's life or death--it's not and it is "just" a game, after all--but when your child loves something and is very good at it AND they're involved in every play, your stomach can tighten a bit!
quote:Originally posted by slotty:
I think the nervousness that Floridaball and I speak of is pronounced because our sons are pitchers. The rest of the team and the coach are relying on them to put them in position to come out victorious. It's the pleasure/pain pricnciple--it's enthralling but agonizing, exciting but anxiety-producing.
You live and die with each pitch and know, deep down, that there always exists a chance for failure and heartbreak. Now, I don't want to make it out like it's life or death--it's not and it is "just" a game, after all--but when your child loves something and is very good at it AND they're involved in every play, your stomach can tighten a bit!
Also, the problem with being a pitchers parent is if they have an off day, they have to wait almost a week to get back out there- whereas, if a fielder goes 0-3 and has 2 errors one day,they can wash that bad mojo away the next day in most cases (unless those days become more than rare!
)Being a pitcher must be a lot like being a football player- if the football players do bad one week they wanna get right back out there but have to wait a week to take the field! Too much time to think about all that transpired.
In both instances, they have to learn to have short memories
I would get as far down the LF or RF line as possible. Being a former coach I wanted nothing to do with being in the middle of a group of parents & fans. It was bad enough when my sons grandfather (former college coach) would sit in the bleachers and curse every mistake a kid would make including his grandsons.
If all of us are sitting down the line to be away from the other annoying type parents, -how come we are always alone down the line?
Travel all over. If there is negative talk i will walk far and fast. Had a father ask what i thought was wrong with my son (he was pitcher and opposing team just scored a few runs--all unearned as our team had committed 3 es in inning) I said i thought he looked fine and quickly made my way down to lf 
For summer baseball, most of the games I watch are from the dugout and base coaches boxes, always a great view. For most high school games, I'm watching from the inside slot between the batter and catcher, best view in the house (except for last night when a foul ball got my toe (and yes it hurt even with steel toe plate shoes on) and then two pitches later I get a foul ball off my mask!). When I'm in the stands watching a game, I make a lousy spectator, I'm usually in 5 or 6 different places over the course of a game. Behind the plate a lot, but also over each dugout watching the front of batters and pitchers. I'm no fun to be with when watching a game, just ask my wife!
Think like a pro scout or Rich Jefferies, father of Gregg Jefferies *NY Mets and BA minor league player of the year twice w/ a SSK bat].
Pro scouts will focus on one or two players watching from the foul lines, behind home plate.
Rich watched his son [a switch hitter] first AB from the front side, then the second AB from the home plate and third time from the backside.
During our 1st year, 1984 in Japan, he watched from the stadium press boxes at ground level.
Currently, I do not watch the game, but visit w/ the scouts and discuss with the parents their goals for their son and the son's goals.
Bob
Pro scouts will focus on one or two players watching from the foul lines, behind home plate.
Rich watched his son [a switch hitter] first AB from the front side, then the second AB from the home plate and third time from the backside.
During our 1st year, 1984 in Japan, he watched from the stadium press boxes at ground level.
Currently, I do not watch the game, but visit w/ the scouts and discuss with the parents their goals for their son and the son's goals.
Bob
quote:Originally posted by Baseball Dad 46:
Had a father ask what i thought was wrong with my son (he was pitcher and opposing team just scored a few runs--all unearned as our team had committed 3 es in inning) I said i thought he looked fine and quickly made my way down to lf
That's funny! I've had that happen a few times too! And then some times our kids pitch like cr@p but everything goes their way and they throw a shut out. So then everyone talks about how great they pitched when they actually stunk but were lucky!
We sit wherever they give us tickets.
Good one Innocent Bystander! 
quote:Being a former coach I wanted nothing to do with being in the middle of a group of parents & fans.
I did it once and all I heard was whining why the coach did this or why a kid was playing OF instead of 3b or God forbid not in the starting line up. As my head was ready to explode I found a nice place way down the foul line.
quote:Originally posted by Will:
I did it once and all I heard was whining why the coach did this or why a kid was playing OF instead of 3b or God forbid not in the starting line up. As my head was ready to explode I found a nice place way down the foul line.
The thing I found most surprising was that in my experience, the ones that complained, questioned every move and freely called the coach an Idiot were the youth coaches I'd been defending when THEY were the ones being criticized! I thought if anyone would understand and be supportive it would be them...
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Ahhh...to be so innocent! I've rounded up most of those guys. Do you recognize any of them?
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Ahhh...to be so innocent! I've rounded up most of those guys. Do you recognize any of them?
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Those are the ones by gum, those are the ones!
The two in center facing the camera and front far right. BY GUM if those aren't the ones...
The two in center facing the camera and front far right. BY GUM if those aren't the ones...
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Glad to help...by gum!
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Glad to help...by gum!
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As the father of a former pitcher, it was always my choice to stand (not sit) as far down the baseline as possible. No only would this keep me out of earshot of many casual fans; but, it would also keep me out of my son's sight.
As an aside, it often gave me an opportunity to provide a certain amount of "advice and counsel" to the base umpires. For this, I am certain they were very grateful.
Meanwhile, old habits seem to die hard. Now that my son is a coach, I find that I still prefer the baseline perspective.
As an aside, it often gave me an opportunity to provide a certain amount of "advice and counsel" to the base umpires. For this, I am certain they were very grateful.
Meanwhile, old habits seem to die hard. Now that my son is a coach, I find that I still prefer the baseline perspective.