MN-Mom,
Thank you, it gets frustrating when people look at you like all you do is one thing. I received a somewhat disappointing (to me) email from someone I do not know. The message… That I should stick to talking about showcases rather than other stuff. Hope everyone takes the following the right way. I did have a life before ever hearing about showcases. And also had a life aside from showcases.
I do feel what we do is very important, but I hate to be recognized as a Showcase Organizer. It seems so small and insignificant in some ways! I didn’t spend 40 years involved in college and professional baseball so that I could some day become a Showcase Promoter. Not even sure how it ended up that way. Don’t get me wrong, I like what we do. It’s really fun and makes you feel good when people benefit from your efforts. I just don’t like the words Showcase Promoter.
On this great site, my only purpose is to add a voice that has a little experience and maybe help a few people along the way. Also, I have truly enjoyed getting to know a lot of good baseball people through this site. Most important is getting to know so many real nice people who share my passion for baseball and for helping the many young kids and older kids, who play or are interested in the game.
,
People like Fungo, OPP, njbb, justbaseball, Bee>, prepster, TPM, BaseballDad, bbscout, BigHit, Moc1, hsbaseballweb, MN-Mom, its, CoachMerc, infielddad, ramrod, TR, and so many others (way too many to name them all) these people don’t contribute here for the purpose of promoting anything. Their sons have accomplished what many others who post here are striving for. They don’t need to promote. Neither do I!
From a baseball parents stand point, I have some experience and don’t mind sharing if it could help others. If nobody wants it, I’d have no problem at all keeping quiet about it. I have made many mistakes and done some things right. I’ve always told my kids… Lots of people learn from their own mistakes… The smartest people learn from those mistakes that others make! Perhaps, that is what a few smart people might do right here on the HSBBW.
I had experienced a lot in baseball, been a player, been a college coach, been a scout, written manuals, etc., but being a parent of a couple baseball players was a new experience and one that no one could possibly fully prepare for. I had no problem teaching the game, but there is so much more involved in being a parent. Guess you just learn as you go and hope you say and do the right things. I have said and done some things the wrong way!
I’ve had two sons who played college and professional baseball. One of them actually pitched in the Major Leagues for three different clubs –Yankees – Diamondbacks – Brewers! He has been operated on, traded, released, drafted in first round of expansion draft, had many team mates and friends who are among the most recognized baseball names of the past decade. He has spent 12 years in pro ball, 6 of those years between Triple A and the Big Leagues. Some neat stuff, some huge disappointments, some highlights, some lowlights! He has had TJ surgery and shoulder surgery, in fact if it were me, I think I’d have called it quits a while back. In 2004 he spent most of the year in the Big Leagues. He spent 2005 rehabbing an injury and did not play. He wants to comeback and try it again this year. His main dream and goal since 12 or 13 years old was to be a professional baseball player. He has done that and it still isn’t enough to satisfy him. He wasn’t very good when he first started dreaming. I thought it was the impossible dream… He didn’t think so! I ended up learning something!
I’m not very smart, but I think I have a good feel for what other parents are going through. I’m no hotshot or self proclaimed expert and I’m aware that there is more than one way to be successful. I would like to think I have more to offer than just being a Showcase Promoter. I think it’s great that so many others who have experienced so much, contribute here and are willing to share their thoughts and opinions. It’s so obvious that these people share that passion for the game and the kids. For example consider “Bee>”… He has a very talented son and I’m sure Bee has had many good and not so good experiences in baseball. Doubt if most here even know that young “Bee” was a starting catcher at Georgia Tech. because Bee doesn’t mention it. Bet he would tell us all, just like many others on here, that he has learned a lot over the past 4 or 5 years. I don’t recall a single post that was only about his son, but lots of posts that could help others if they are paying attention! That’s the main reason most of us are here… To learn a few things and at the same time to help others when possible. And of course to have some fun and share a laugh once in awhile. Those who are on here for other reasons stand out like an Elephant in a Chicken Coop!
Please remember, it's not about age brackets, DI, DII, DIII, or Pro. It might be named the highschool baseball web, but baseball is loved at all levels and it is unselfishly shared by so many, right here.
Thanks for reading and thanks for all that I've been able to learn from so many of you. And thanks for all the laughs and the entertainment.