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25 replies

Would someone please pass the Kleenex...

R rfc310+ posts
It seems it was just the other day when "who brought the snacks?" was what was really important at the baseball field.

As we approach the end of what has been a long road from t-ball to the last time rfc3-#2son will walk onto his HS diamond, I can't help but reflect on the amazing ride.

14 years ago, he and I were gearing up for the first "real" game of his life. He gathered his Rockies hat, his bequeathed red and black Wilson glove (mine from 1973) and shiny new cleats, and off to the field we went. As the game unfolded, everyone cheered (for BOTH teams) and when it was over, it was time for me to address my new team. I tried my best to highlight a few plays, comforting the player who may have fallen and skinned his elbow, or maybe encouraging the one who missed a ground ball (while admiring the passing airplane). After a few games, I realized these post-game team meetings were an act in futility as the ONLY thing on these 4 and 5 yr olds was "who brought the snacks?". A passer-by would know exactly who the snack-parents were that day, by the stress on their faces, hoping beyond hope that they brought the right thing (we've all been there).

Fast-forward to April 2010, and I have been at just about every game rfc3-#2son played over the past 14 years (at least 500, maybe closer to 1,000), and have some very fond memories. He has played with or against just about every one of the players we all love to follow, highlight and critique, and has a bond with most of them. He has had some great coaches (and some not-so-great ones...ME!) and has made a number of life-long friends, and for that I am grateful.

As the final days of his HS career go by, Friday night will be his last home game. As the starting line-ups are announced, I will watch him sprint to his usual spot in center field for the last time, and I will most certainly shed a tear...

Would someone please pass the Kleenex?
Original Post

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Ken GuthrieKen Guthrie1,000+ posts
rfc3,

You sir, have acknowledged what is really important regarding your son and the game of baseball.

I will offer you this...as you watch your son and his memorable upcoming game, take the time to reflect on how your father/son relationship has grown with the journey you speak of.

Because years from now when you both are sitting back at a family function with his kids around, it's not the game itself you will be thankful for. It's what the game actually gave you that you will most cherish.

Enjoy it dad. It happens to players, dads, and coaches. It all ends sooner more often than later. Hopefully anyone graced with the ability to enjoy the game on the field or a far understands what you have pointed out in your post.

P.S. Not to hijack your thread but here is my 4 year old. I thought it was only fitting as his first team is the Rockies too...





Last edited by Ken Guthrie
B baseballdad13100+ posts
This post is bringing back many great memories. Picture is great, reminds me of my son.

You are right about this being the last home game for some seniors. We have 12 seniors on our team and it will be kind of sad. It has been an honor to watch these kids grow into young men.

Good luck to all 2012 Senior class and may your future be bright and full of fun and laughter.
Panther DadPanther Dad5,000+ posts
I cried with/for PS II in 2003 at Baylor Ballpark at the Regional Finals vs Roundrock.....I cried with/for PS III in 2008 in Rowlett. I probably cried in 2000 with PS I also....but that was a long time ago and I can't remember that year. Cool

PS II's daughter, my granddaugher, turned 4 on Friday....she is an amazing little girl. PS I's first daughter arrives in this world between tomorrow and April 28th......my boys are men. They continue to love baseball.....and that's pretty cool to me. I am blessed.

C catcher1,000+ posts
Great post from rfc3 who is a great Dad and a darn good baseball guy.

Ken, i hope you enjoy every second with your son. Let me know if you want to trade a doubleheader for a cheer competition or a 7:30am s****r game (tomorrow).

Newscout, funny.

Planocat- That kid looks like a "Big Tymer", old posters will remember the infamous "Big Tymers" baseball club.

Uncle Bubba, my dad says the same things to me.

I hope everyone enjoys the play offs. Best time of the year.

Last edited by catcher
R rfc310+ posts
Just over a year ago I posted the beginning of this chain and thought it would be appropriate to wrap it up.

#3 son has come and gone, a role player as a Freshman to #1 pitcher as a senior (ok, so we were skinny on the mound :-). He was not the best or the strongest, but worked his tail off and ended strong...I could not be more proud of him.

For those of you with younger sons, stop worrying about stats, wins and losses...they will all come. ENJOY the time you have as it will be gone before you know it. The enjoyment watching your son in the starting lineup, the subtle nod to his old man from the mound at the start of the game, the smiles and fist pumps, and experiencing, with him, the heartache of giving up the game winning hit. But nothing, I mean NOTHING compares to the hug after each and every game.

On the final day of the regular season, i found myself rushing to catch a flight, had to pay $300 dollars for the change fees, hustling through the wrong terminal at DFW, and could not find my car...all in an effort to call his last game...I got the nod AND the hug!

After a final loss to Rowlett in the 1st round, his time has come to an end, and with that, my time in the press box is over. For anyone who was entertained by the sounds of Richardson HS Baseball, I hope you enjoyed it, I certainly did.

The microphone is now silent and the score book has been put away. My work is done, signing off...

I think I need that hug...
PF Panther Fan100+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by rfc3:
Just over a year ago I posted the beginning of this chain and thought it would be appropriate to wrap it up.

#3 son has come and gone, a role player as a Freshman to #1 pitcher as a senior (ok, so we were skinny on the mound :-). He was not the best or the strongest, but worked his tail off and ended strong...I could not be more proud of him.

For those of you with younger sons, stop worrying about stats, wins and losses...they will all come. ENJOY the time you have as it will be gone before you know it. The enjoyment watching your son in the starting lineup, the subtle nod to his old man from the mound at the start of the game, the smiles and fist pumps, and experiencing, with him, the heartache of giving up the game winning hit. But nothing, I mean NOTHING compares to the hug after each and every game.

On the final day of the regular season, i found myself rushing to catch a flight, had to pay $300 dollars for the change fees, hustling through the wrong terminal at DFW, and could not find my car...all in an effort to call his last game...I got the nod AND the hug!

After a final loss to Rowlett in the 1st round, his time has come to an end, and with that, my time in the press box is over. For anyone who was entertained by the sounds of Richardson HS Baseball, I hope you enjoyed it, I certainly did.

The microphone is now silent and the score book has been put away. My work is done, signing off...

I think I need that hug...


Thats good stuff.
My son is a freshman and I am taking notes from you. thanks for the advice I will enjoy the next 3 years.
mj 8mj 8100+ posts
With tears in my eyes I reply to you all.
Thank you for the clarity of what's really important rfc3.

My son is a freshman currently. I remember the first tee ball season and the post season trophy presentation when his coach stated, " Brian set the standard for hitting." Man he was hooked then.

I've coached him and cultivated his love for the game ever since. He's now taken flight.

Will he play beyond HS? He has the potential, but who knows. I do know this, the next 3 years will be cherished and so very special. Thanks again rfc3.
M michelle3310+ posts
This also, goes to all the Mom's out there that has raised and watched their son play ball with out a husband or a dad around. I myself, has a son who has never once had his father come and see him play ball. Not One Game!!! Can you imagine? My son has loved the game all his life. I can remember him putting in the movie Sandlot lining the pillows 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and home. Hit the ball and slide into the pillow at home. He will now be graduating and going onto the next step. He will be playing JUCO at Navarro!! I am lucky to still be able to watch the game we both have loved!! However, I will truly miss watching him play with all of his high school players. They have been together for many years!! What a great Ride it has been! Now on to round 2 of the Playoffs!!!!!
SC Some call me the space doctor, some call10+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by michelle33:
This also, goes to all the Mom's out there that has raised and watched their son play ball with out a husband or a dad around. I myself, has a son who has never once had his father come and see him play ball. Not One Game!!! Can you imagine? My son has loved the game all his life. I can remember him putting in the movie Sandlot lining the pillows 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and home. Hit the ball and slide into the pillow at home. He will now be graduating and going onto the next step. He will be playing JUCO at Navarro!! I am lucky to still be able to watch the game we both have loved!! However, I will truly miss watching him play with all of his high school players. They have been together for many years!! What a great Ride it has been! Now on to round 2 of the Playoffs!!!!!


Attagirl!
T tmmbj10+ posts
Great job mom, thanks for loving your child and helping him to strive for excellence.
quote:
Originally posted by michelle33:
This also, goes to all the Mom's out there that has raised and watched their son play ball with out a husband or a dad around. I myself, has a son who has never once had his father come and see him play ball. Not One Game!!! Can you imagine? My son has loved the game all his life. I can remember him putting in the movie Sandlot lining the pillows 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and home. Hit the ball and slide into the pillow at home. He will now be graduating and going onto the next step. He will be playing JUCO at Navarro!! I am lucky to still be able to watch the game we both have loved!! However, I will truly miss watching him play with all of his high school players. They have been together for many years!! What a great Ride it has been! Now on to round 2 of the Playoffs!!!!!
N NtxMustangs10+ posts
My father passed away last year and as I was writing his eulogy it was weird how baseball kept popping into my thoughts. Had nothing to do with any achievement I had made on the field but just watching games together, the stops at DQ on the way home...simply the time we spent together doing baseball stuff.

my oldest son is now 6 and has been playing for a few seasons. He always asks me at the end of the game if they won. My response is "did you have fun?". When he answers "yes" then I tell him "then yes, you did win". I dread they day when the scoreboard determines if he had fun and won.
S sayhey10+ posts
Great post, Ntx.

Everyone, regardless of the level of baseball achieved, has to one day take the jersey off for the last time.

The great news though is that after that last game, everyone's most important baseball is still ahead of them....that being playing catch with your own kids and passing on to them your love of the game.

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