Why I Love The HSBBWEB

CD your friendship is something I will always be thankful for. I still read the site almost daily. I don't post as much for a few reasons. One reason is I don't enjoy negative threads and negative people. If I don't have something to say that I think is going to help someone why bother? And I sure don't have any desire to argue with people. From time to time I get the desire to share something on my mind. I hope when I do it helps just one player or parent. Have a great Christmas everyone!

 

I began my membership here a long time ago and found that I was addicted to reading about the great game of baseball.  I was coaching HS baseball at the time and was never blessed with a son.  I was blessed with a daughter who plays in college now and the membership has always been very kind to allow me to post updates once in a while.  I know Julie likes hearing about her.  I have formed great friendships off of this site.  I get to see Gotwood4sale, play baseball, and their family once a year now since our daughters play against each other.  That is really neat and I look forward to it.  I have talked to so many others over the phone.  It saddens me to know that some are no longer with us.  As I have said many many times, this site will be exactly what you want it to be.  I'd finish by commenting that I really enjoy following various member's sons playing at the collegiate or professional level.  It is neat seeing dreams come true. 

 

Take care,

 

Darrell

I love the site. As ClevelandDad and Coach May have stated, I'm not posting as much as I used to either, although I come to the site and read multiple times a day on the computer at work and on my cell phone a lot. I have gotten a little tired of the bickering that can go on and I really have made a decision not to be a part of it anymore. I know I have exacerbated things at times and I don't feel good about it. There are certain topics and topics with certain posters that I just won't get involved in anymore. I will contribute when I feel I have something valuable to add and then leave it at that.

My son is still playing after having been involved with the site for over 7 years - and I am very grateful for that. It is very interesting to see the mix of new people, the SUPER old timers, the mid old timers (like me) as well as to think about the people who have come and gone over the years. I often think about them as well. I'll probably continue to check in and contribute as long as baseball in general holds my interest - which I'm sure will be for a very long time.

Merry Christmas everyone.

I have been a member for about 3 years. Someone recommended I come here to help my son follow his dream of playing in college. I learned so much along the way, and as most of you know, this year he is a freshman in college getting that opportunity.

 

I read almost everyday, kinda of like CD it is my morning news paper and first website I go to several times a day.

 

 

I am still learning every day on here as his journey is still going and where it goes who knows but I have no doubts wherever that is someone elses son has been there and I can learn from and lean on them.

 

I like that i have something to actually contribute now versus just being a taker of information.

 

The wealth of knowledge so freely shared here is amazing.

 

When I started it was for very selfish reasons, my son's opportunity but along the way, I made friends.

One of two websites I check daily, usually multiple times. I started reading when my 2017 was a few years away from HS baseball. Great source of information and knowledge-sharing. I direct all of my HSBB friends here to read and learn.

I'm not sure when or how I found this site.  But I think it is awesome.  The information is priceless and even the "arguing" can be entertaining at times.  My kid just started his HS journey.  So I'll be here often in the coming years.  So thanks in advance for your hospitality.  Just 67 days until they officially start.   

I don't coach on the field anymore. I only get to coach here. Plus from a general baseball conversation standpoint, where else could anyone go to find so many knowledgeable, baseball conversant people in one place.

RJM - that is an interesting take - getting to coach here.  Perhaps we are all latent coaches   Happy Holidays!

I found this site after my son committed to his college. I come here everyday like others. I find myself posting off and on. It depends on the subjects. I talk to several parents through PM's. Mostly about D3 baseball. I enjoy the community, and avoid threads when the negativity starts. 

"I love HSBBWEB because........." I have learned a great deal about the recruiting process just from checking in and clicking on things that look interesting.  I'll be honest, I only learned about HSBBWEB because I was eavesdropping on a conversation two other baseball parents were having at a tryout.  I say "eavesdropping," but hey, if you don't want people to hear what you're saying SPEAK SOFTER!!  I couldn't help but hear this dad rave about some website called, "High School Baseball Web."  He kept talking and talking about it. 

 

So, when I got home to my laptop I punched it in and have been hooked ever since.  Like Cleveland Dad, HSBBWeb is part of my routine.  I check it daily and learn something new every day.

 

Unlike a lot of folks who stumble upon this site after their player has been through the process, mine is still in the early stages.  So the information passed along here has been very helpful and enlightening for this family.

 

Better than a Facebook or Google+ group of friends - it's a daily check of various well separated topics that interest me.  Like your favorite bar or church, you can come write and read about your favorite passion. It's educational and very rewarding when you start to see people give back after taking - it's a gift that keeps on giving for anyone that wants it and believes.  Following other people's children whom I don't even know go through the same process is super cool. Reading about a few people who's children have now graduated as I reach that point in time and knowing that although they may not contribute as much as they once did - they still check in let's you know how much of a community the HSBBWeb really is. Thanks to all the "old-timers" for making this site what it is!

I am newbie to this site and give Kudos to all the old timers who still post and advise on topics where they feel they can help others. I found the site earlier this year at the advice of another member on another board when inquiring about advisors. I read HSBBWEB daily along with the MDJ. I appreciate the legacy members who stick around and contribute as i believe it is a simple way to give back to the game.

 

Merry Christmas.

I love the HSBBW because of the people who contribute their thoughts here.  There are so many here that care about the game and care about the kids that play.  The combined experience of those that participate here just can't be found anywhere else. Each player and parent is an individual with a different path, a different story.  There is so much to learn by listening to those who have been there.  I know that I have learned a lot and plan to learn a lot more. To me, this is the most educational baseball site out there for baseball parents.

I have been here since 2006, when my son was entering his Sophomore baseball season. What a wealth of knowledge I found, and it directly impacted how my son prepared for each subsequent level of play.

 

Folks here shared in the Joy of my son making Varsity, getting recruited by Colleges, and ultimately getting Drafted. They shared in my grief as he was injured and released as well. And the joy again as he pursues Indy Ball for a time.

 

One of the biggest issues years ago was understanding the importance of Collegiate Summer Ball, and since my son went to a JUCO, the opportunities were limited. I took a direct approach, only because I was determined to make it happen after reading the Collegiate Summer Ball threads. He spent 3 years in Faytteville, this was the longest time he had ever been on the same team, and continues to be to this day! (he missed his senior year of HS due to an injury). He still keeps up with his Host family from those days. Fayetteville truly embraced him!

 

Over the years I have formed lasting relationships with many folks on this board, we have had our arguments as well, but I hope we have all moved beyond those disagreements by now. I have, and I count many friends over the years here, and have lost a few to death.

 

When my son was stranded in Chicago without gear earlier this year, it was the HSBBWeb that came to the rescue! At 2:00 AM!!!

 

There is no place like this anywhere else! I encourage all the newer posters and lurkers to understand and nurture the treasure that has been left to you!

 

And remember the best piece of advice I received all those years ago: Enjoy The Ride!

 

Good luck to all your son's as they prepare for another year of Baseball!

I've learned a lot.  Not sure if I/my son will need it, as he is only 13.  But compared to the BS I see and hear at the fields, it's nice to have "experienced"  and diverse views of dads, players, ex-players, coaches that are from different parts of the country.

So many reasons…almost everybody at HSBBWeb has the same love for the game as I do.  People usually want to have an intelligent conversation about some aspect of the game itself or the business of the game.  I will always listen to what they have to say.  I thoroughly enjoy opinions, experiences and perspectives.  Sometimes I’m helping someone or someone is teaching me something new.  There is always something new to learn as I did last night (over a couple….or twelve beers) about Rule 5 draft from a parent that may be affected by it.

 

Many years ago, I had some people on this site help me understand options and identify opportunities with my three baseball playing sons through high school and college.  I’ve been trying to pay it forward ever since as I’ve guided a couple dozen people through our shared experiences and the gauntlet of high academic baseball recruiting.  In turn, I’ve seen them return the favor.  That is what it is all about IMHO.

 

I love everything about the game, meeting new people, and watching players realize their dreams whether it is high school, college or professionally.   Last night I shared some laughs with a couple college players and a professional player who were every bit as eager to start the season as some of the high school players in the room.  Everybody wants to start the season today.

 

RJM reminded me in one of his recent posts that while my kids may be wrapping up their baseball careers there is always the hope of grandkids someday playing a sport I’ve always loved.  

I stumbled on this site while looking for information on baseball recruiting.  My son played for a great travel team all through HS, but they were not very good at informing players/parents on how to approach the recruiting process.  This site provided the information that we were looking for and so much more!  I appreciate all of the knowledgeable posters who took the time to respond to so many questions while we were  still trying to figure it all out.  My son is a college freshman now and still playing, I hope that I will be able to help a few players/families figure out the process now.

Top reason why "I really love this site"You guys allow me to cut thru all the B.S. that certain people try getting by with/ Try getting me to believe this is how things are done.

I came here as a parent of a HS player who desperately wanted to go to college to play baseball...With the help of this site he went on to have a 4 year NCAA career.

 I choose to remain here to assist the members in the way I felt I can most help....as an umpire...At that time it was just me and Michael S Taylor here to answer most all the posts..... I am only trying to repay the debt I owe to many of the posters on the HSBBW who helped me with my son’s questions…..

I remain as a resource for those looking for the advice or opinions of a working umpire. I do not pretend to be a rules expert, but I am an active working umpire/umpire trainer .

I try to respond to all questions and treat the basic or complex question the same way. Along with the other umpires who frequent this board, I want no one to feel intimidated to ask questions.....

 

So:

I came here as a player’s Dad needing help.....and found it...

I post here as an umpire to provide help.....and hope I provide it.....

I stay here for the people I've met here.....

Why I Love the HSBBWeb?

 

I had lurked during my son's Frosh year of high school, and finally officially jumped on board December of 2008, during his Sophomore year.  I didn't necessarily begin posting for high school advice.  247-son was doing just fine on his own, and I was a parent that appreciated and respected his HS coach.  I actually was more interested in the college recruiting process and the work required physically & mentally to make that transition. 

I don't post much anymore, but I do check in occasionally.  I stick around due to the people on this site.  I've had numerous PM's/Dialogs with several members.  I've met BOF (3-4 times), fanofgame, Ryanrod23, JustBaseball, & PickedOff to name a few.  I follow JustBaseball & JH on Twitter.  Speaking of JH, Josh has to be one of the brightest young baseball minds I've encountered and hopefully he comes back in the near future.

* I miss the online disagreements between TPM & TRhit (RIP)...they were entertaining.

*I'm happy to see that Coach May recently chimed in with another excellent post, whether he knows it or not, he's needed on this site.

*I appreciate some of the "Old Timers" that stick around to give advice, many that have son's that have hung up their cleats and some of the "new" Old Timers giving excellent advice...those I've mentioned in this post already and PGStaff, CD, RJM, fenwaysouth, Dad04, CoachB25, infielddad, floridafan, cabbagedad, Prepster, MidloDad, Bum, Swampboy,redbird5, piaa_ump, SultanofSwat, HokieOne, Three Bagger,coach2709, Rob Kremer, 3FingeredGlove, trojan-skipper, Consultant, birdman14, YoungGunDad, jemaz, playbaseball, biggerpapi, bballman, MidAtlanticDad, BackfootSlider, 20dad, dad43, luv baseball, jp24, 08Dad, IEBSBL, JMoff, KyleBoddy, and many other great baseball people.

*I appreciate the fact that PGStaff (owner of Perfect Game) continues to lend advice on this site.  Jerry and other high profile baseball coaches/gurus frequently stop by and help players/parents on the HSBBWeb.

*I'm looking forward to seeing PickedOff again the first week of the season when our son's meet up to play in Mid-February.

*The next time I make a trip to New York I'm going to look up birdman14 and buy him a drink.  I've had several Dialogs with him over the years, and I appreciate his kindness.

That's just a few reasons "Why I Love the HSBBWeb".....thank you Julie MN-Mom for keeping this site going strong. 

Great stuff bsbl247.  I've followed your son and it is wonderful to see things finally turn around for him.  Injuries are agony for a player and his family and you've shown how to handle things with positivity and class.  I agree about birdman14.  I had a chance to speak with him recently on the phone and of course he was working behind the scenes helping another member.  Some people let their actions do their talking for them and birdman14 and the others you have listed fall into that category.

I agree with bsbl247, this place is an invaluable resource for parents and players working their way up through HS and (hopefully) beyond. There is really no other way to get this experience and knowledge. bsbbl247 did a great job of listing a bunch, but there are many others. Thanks also to Julie for keeping the site going. Hopefully I will be able to meet a few more members this year. I also look forward to continue following a number of players here this year.

 

As much as he used to drive me nuts I do miss TR and some of the crazy arguments/disagreements that used to pop up from time to time. The rotational/linear hitting, drop and drive vs tall and fall, and of course the Marshall mechanics drag outs were classic, the hitting forum used to be "enter at own risk".  The all time best for me is the the guy who wanted to know the best place to live so he could build a house and baseball field for his son next door. A classic. God help that boy. (if it was real) Gotwood also leaves a huge hole here.

 

Happy new year and best of luck to all in their 2015 baseball journey's. 

 

I have been here for a very long time. I first came under the name of baseonballs. I was looking for recruiting info back in 2002 and found this site via PG website.  I had a question, being the impulsive individual that I am, I didn't have time to think of a really good name at that point in time.

 

After son began his college career I was tired of being called base or balls so I switched to Tiger Paw Mom in honor of that infamous Orange Clemson Paw.  When DK was drafted by the redbirds I decided to cut it down to TPM. Six years later  son signed with the Tiger organization for 2 seasons so it was appropriate.  Now it seems that once again I will be a Tiger Paw Mom.

 

Due to the rules of the ML scholarship program DK has to go back to school by next fall so that he will not lose the money that the cardinals/son agreed upon when he was drafted.  If he is picked up by an affiliated team the clock stops again, but it really doesnt look like that will happen.  So if all works out he will join the baseball team as a student coach and work with the pitchers on a daily basis and work under Jack Leggett.

 

BTW for all of those who have players in college that might get drafted with semesters left, you must be very careful and specific in the agreement that is made. if anyone has questions shoot a pm. This might pertain to those drafted out of HS as well.

 

My husband and I are actually pretty excited about becoming college parents again, though not as a parent of a player, but IMO the best of our baseball memories come from college baseball (which I love most of all).  Just think, possibly another trip to Omaha.......

 

Anyway, even though sons recruiting days and most likely  pro days are over, I try really hard to see how many people that I can still help out here on the HSBBW.

 

I am very proud of so many of you that come here on a regular basis to help others out.  

This place would not be the same if not for the help of old timers BOF, Infielddad, fenwaysouth, Swampboy, CoachB, Birdman, bsbbl247, Coach May, fanofgame, Clevelanddad, justbaseball, jerseydad, PGStaff, Prepster, RJM, bulldog19, Bishopleftiesdad, PIS, piaaump,and many others I have missed. Of course there are many that I learned a lot from back during sons recruiting days, who don't come here anymore, but I still keep in touch with on FB. Many of their players are now married with children.  

I miss Fungo (Luke Bell) most of all.

Baseball is a small world, so many of the names that I have mentioned I either know or there is a connection. As your player moves forward you will understand what I am talking about.

 

Of course many kudos and thanks go to Julie for keeping this site going year after year.

 

I want to take this time to apologize for being a pain in the rear at times, but many times vinegar gets the point across rather than sugar.  That's just me, and that is how I do it.

 Missed  this thread probably due to holidays. Had my kids home and hadn't seen my daughter in a year so was a  special holiday.

I came to this site for advice for my son to make his has frosh team.Had no idea about college or wasn't even thinking of past making his team.

The people mentioned in above threads and many more were so helpful and meant a lot to me over the years.I miss the older days and some of the people.

I check in occasionally and love to help anyone who needs or asks.

 

I was not sure how life would be away from the game. I think because my son adjusted so well we just followed. I miss many aspects.

 

This site is such a great site to have for parents and many thanks to those that maintain and run it and monitor.I haven't always agreed with people and I like Coach Mayan others have stated don't like the negative or ugly threads.Been nipped faster lately.

 

I agree with Tpm that college was the best. My son has such awesome friends from school and baseball. His alumni is so awesome and he loves being part of the tradition of such a great school.

 

This site and the people were so helpful to our family. Thanks fan

 

 

 

 

 

 

This site is the BESTEST

Like Fan, I missed this thread when it was started.  I joined several years ago because we have two boys that play ball and both want to keep going, figured I'd better learn something about the road to come.

 

I love this sight because it provides infinite wisdom and many view points on everything baseball.  This is a rocky process, even for the most talented (not that we are!), and I need every bit of guidance around. 

 

LHP 2016 begins tryouts for his junior year in the next week or so (a formality, really), and I can't believe it's here already.  We have talked to coaches, visited campuses and eliminated a few places.  His grades are where they should be and he takes SAT for the first time as a HS kid this month.  We are now calmly looking for the "right fit" as so many of the wise oldtimers have suggested.

 

2019, also a lefty, is still trying to choose between catcher and pitcher.  He will play this Spring and then tryout for the HS Fall team.  So hard to believe they will be playing together next year!

 

This place has been a huge blessing and I am grateful daily for the information & advice I find here.  I am grateful for those that have answered PMs and recieved phone calls with intelligence and patience.  I have used timelines and read articles and scoured posts. I don't post a lot because I'm pretty sure that others are wiser and further in the process and have better advice.

 

I haven't knowingly met any of you in person or seen your boys play, but I live in the DFW area, so I'm pretty sure I've come across some of you without knowing.

 

I appreciate everyone here and I will be here everyday until they're done playing...and then I probably still will!