Whats Important?

You know there is no way to have a good what.

 

Ok

I must add my two cents. Was contemplating which thread to post under - either this one or showcase v. travel - and opted for this one.

It is a given that we all derive great pleasure in watching our boys doing what they love to do. And maybe there are some that would argue, but who doesn't love sitting at the ballfield, listening to the sounds of the games, watching some good, great and not so good plays on the field, but undoubtedly, just enjoying the atmosphere and the energy from being at the fields? ok ok..there are some that might see me glum on occasion, But...I really do love being out there, no matter how long, no matter how far I have to drive, no matter how we do, but I digress.

Under the right direction, baseball truly is the place where our boys do learn to be the best that they can be. Polite, respectful, earnest, happy and healthy men. I think - if they don't turn out that way? they are likely not to succeed. I am so grateful for the opportunities my son has been given and I am convinced that his passion and commitment to the sport of baseball has kept him focused and motivated to excel and in doing so has kept him pointed in the right direction and kept him commited to staying on the right path. Not that he has that "trouble" gene, but...I thank goodness that he is so blinded by his passion for the sport that he doesn't WANT to do anything else - good, bad OR indifferent. I can remember him at 7 years old going to one of his first On Deck camps and how much he loved it and how he always dreamed that he would one day become an "On Deck O." He is living his dream - through On Deck and a wonderful high school program - the kid has to be one of the luckiest on earth!

I am indebted to a lot of people - A LOT - people that looked out for me, wanted the best for my boy, gave me great advice and have truly helped to mold my son into a really nice kid. Let's face it...when your kids spend more than half of their lives practicing the game, playing the game and thinking about the game, the coaches (all of them) really do deserve a LOT of the credit for the people that our kids become. It is a testament to the good programs that ARE out there, that really do work and that have really made this ride a whole lot of fun for me and my boy.

Anywho...just thought I'd share my thoughts.

 

Outstanding!!!!! instead of your son being embarrassed that you post on here, he should be proud

 

shhhhh...i'm sneakin' on here!

 

What's important for my son is just to go play. Don't get caught up in what everyone else is doing. What works for one doesn't work for everybody. He now sees what his shortcomings are and he trains himself to improve in those areas. he has a clear understanding what his HS team will need from him this year and he has a plan to work on those areas for the benefit of the team and ultimately himself. One thing that is true to some extent is if your HS team does well, there is also some individual benefit.

When he was freshman and we discovered all this showcase stuff we were not thrilled. I realize that may not be politically correct to say that but it's the truth. He was ready for a break from travel baseball and he wanted to focus on multiple school sports and enjoy his High School years. When his HS coach told him to attend an ID camp just so he could get a taste of what one looks like, he was not thrilled. He was not ready to commit to showcase at the time because he wanted to enjoy school sports and playing multiple sports with his best friends.

He is now a JR. and has found a showcase situation that is a good fit for his needs. Good people, good coaches, good boys, and a schedule that allows him to also play football. It also helped when I chilled out and just let him play. My son knows most of these kids playing for some of the better showcase teams. He went to several events before he started showcase. After spending some time around some kids he told me he didn't want to spend time with those kids and asked me not to push him in those directions. Since I backed off he has been much happier.

He sees his weaknesses and his strengths. He sees where he can compete and where he needs work. What is funny is once I backed off he sorted it out by himself. He fell back in love with the game, became comfortable with what he wants and not following the crowd, became comfortable with his own talents, and realized everyone doesn't have to follow the same path. His baseball improved when he quit getting pressure from me. Now we just focus on positive stuff and training in the areas where he needs work. We found that by keeping it positive, working hard, enjoying time with each other, that he is much happier and more productive. Life and death doesn't hang in the balance with every at bat, every inning, every pitch and even every game. It's hard to admit but when I backed off he became a better player and everyone is having more fun. Afterall, it is a game.

 

Great Post Putt

Everything I hear is your son is definitely on the right track. He plays for one of the best HS coaching staffs in the state and in one of the best HS programs in the state. Consider yourself very lucky to have a kid in a situation like this. There is no one way for everyone. The most important thing is to enjoy what you are doing. And that also goes for the parents. Its alot more fun when you sit back and let go of the reins and allow them to find their way. The fact is when you let them they will. Good Luck

 

That D'Backs is a Funny Person.

 

Thanks. He's the happiest he's ever been. He's having fun. That's worth a bunch. Plus he seems to play better. He had a good summer. It seems to feed on itself.

I commented in another thread about how some coaches don't go to the extent as Hignight, Bagwell and others to help their kids. Fortunately that is not our coaches. You may not always agree with them but they work their fannies off and help the kids. Hard to ask for much more.

 

Your never going to

always agree with them. But it doesnt matter. As long as your son is getting great coaching and in a quality program like he is he can count himself as being one of the lucky ones. Believe me there are a ton of great kids out there that would gladly trade places. Good luck

 

We should feel lucky to have such great insight. Great follow up post.