This place is packed with terrific prospects, great teams, top-notch vendors, super parents, droves of MLB scouts, droves of college scouts/recruiters, old teammates/friends, excellent facilities, and most importantly, God is everywhere here. I could just feel the electricity in the air with so much at stake.
There are so many potential major leaguers, I can't even begin to give one prospect higher marks on any one day's evaluation. The 2011's and 2012's were something to see! They looked so seasoned! A lot of respect, yes sirs, no sirs, and plenty of 100% effort. It is apparent that these young men know what's at stake, and how they present themselves as gentlemen is just as important as their play on the field. I'm happy to say the players I have promoted, and watched grow these past few years, haven't let anyone down. The dads of prospects I have promoted exhibit a solid foundation, and it shows in their sons' character. The one's I spoke with today were really special!!!
What a beautiful day for baseball. In fact, I had the chance to speak to many people today. I even had the honor of seeing PG Jerry several times up in the pressbox while clocking pitchers on Blue Field 4 at the 10:20 game. The foul balls hit directly back went right over the pressbox when I saw Jerry. The game started a little late, and the team I was there to see, had just finished an 8:00AM game. The game started a little late, but well-worth the drive. I know how busy PG was, and didn't want to get in anyone's way. I wanted to thank these consummate professionals for the opportunity to see all these great prospects gathered in one place, so I guess this will have to suffice. GREAT JOB PG!!!!!! This is as close to paradise as it gets here on Earth.
It was also good to see one of my former college coaches, and reminisce about our college days together. Those minutes with one coach in particular meant the world to me. He even asked me to come up, and help with his camps. That was an endorsement I shall never forget. It pays to remain steadfast, and connected, to the one's who helped you in the character building process of becoming productive citizens because of the discipline to become the best one can be in baseball, and as academic scholars. Recipient of academic honors, is more important than what you do on the field. You can have a career ending injury, but if you receive a college education, you stand a much better chance to succeed in the long-run. I am thankful, and honored to this day, 21 years later, that I was fortunate enough to receive scholar athlete of the year in college I attended while playing baseball, and studying to become a school teacher. I advise all of you student/athletes to strive for academic excellence first, baseball second. You will be glad you did when your playing days are over. I know I am. I am thankful to have a full-time job in this terrible economic turmoil our country currently faces, and hit my knees frequently to express my gratitude to God. Every morning, and every night. May the powers that be bless each, and everyone of you warriors fighting the good fight out there. I know there are many of you. You will be rewarded for your valiant efforts to reach the pinnacle of success in whatever you end up doing if you stay the course. Just don't make the mistake so commonly made by the multitudes by putting all your eggs in one basket without a backup plan.
KUDOS TO PERFECT GAME AND ALL IT'S PARTICIPANTS THIS WEEKEND! I'm wearing a FL State baseball cap with a black lightweight Eddie Bauer jacket with blue trim and black pants. Holler at me if you see me today. I'm headed back now
