What do you say?

This situation occurred several years ago, but I would like to bring it back up.
A young friend of mine attends a quality college on a baseball scholarship. He is an extremely talented young man that always gave it his all. But he has reached a point where he feels he no longer has the passion. He decided that he wants to become a full time student vs student athlete.

Should I give a motivational speech believing that he is just going through a tough period or should I support his thinking that he is "tired" of playing?

I'll preface this by saying he is not normally impulsive and usually thinks things through well before acting...and he is terrifically talented.

 

There is more to life than baseball.....

If they are not going to make a career out of playing it is probably best to let them invest all their energy into whatever passion they are following as a student as I personally think the long term dividends will be much more rewarding. I thought I would never get over seeing my son stop playing BUT I now see that making the Dean's list and working a job while staying away from trouble is much better for both of us than the occasional joy of the base hit or the nice play or getting the win on the mound!!

 

Did I mention he was receiving a very nice athletic scholarship? If he chose to walk away from that, his parents/himself would have to make up the difference.

 

A good lesson in the making

If he wants to make that kind of decision then it should be his responsibility to make up the difference?

 

Tell his coach to call my boy. He will take it if he does not want to play anymore. Is he a pitcher? No worries mine can learn.

 

what to say......

It sounds like this young man actually has a good head on his shoulders and has spent some time thinking about his decision. Just ask him if in his heart that he feels this is the right choice for him, if he says yes, support his decision, no speeches. We always wonder what would have been about certain choices we make, but in the end, it is pretty amazing that we tend to make the correct decisions in the long run.

I know where this young man is coming from, I gave up a college sport up to marry my wife, against my father's wishes. My father felt I was wasting my ability and life, and at the time, he was probably right. My heart told me my choice was right, and 21 years of marriage and 2 kids, I have no regrets. My son doesn't understand the choice I made years ago and thinks I quit, but all I have to do is look at him, his sister and my wife and know that I never failed, and given all possible outcomes, I made the right choices. He will too!!!!!!

My opinion based on my experience, it may not be right for everyone.

 

Parental duties

Do what Sarah Palin did!!!

 

Good point, Kevin. But as an older adult, our experiences are greater. Shouldn't we counsel him that his feelings may be shortsighted? That fulfilling one's athletic potential can play a role in their future.

 

She chose to play baseball?

 

Not a bad choice

NO...she quit being a hockey mom so she could be Vice President.