As the Season gets started, please keep this in mind

After visiting this site for awhile, I saw this thread and just had to add my special memory. My son liked to play baseball but was never great at it. He wasn't talented enough to play high school ball but he played summer ball whether it was Little League or Babe Ruth, He never made any all star teams or such. He was just good enough to start. Most of all, he liked to play Babe Ruth ball with his friends. The boys just had a good time even though success was hard to find. During a Senior Babe Ruth game one night, my son was playing first and a fly ball was hit behind first into short right field. He turned and hustled to make an over the head catch that Willie Mays would have been proud of. I just stood there not believing what I just saw. I was in awe. Before I could make my way out of the dugout (I was on scorebook duty) to congratulate him, he had already returned the ball to the pitcher and was in stance for the next defensive play. With the next pitch, a ball was hit to second and he dropped a perfect throw at first. I told him when he came in how pretty the fly ball catch was and then asked him what happened on the throw from second. I can remember how fast his smile changed into a lowered head. To this day, I regret not making a bigger deal out of the great catch. And now I can't. My son was killed almost two years ago, months after making that catch. I responded to this thread so I could tell the dads out there to make sure you appreciate the memories you have and ones to come. Make sure your son has a smile on his face after the game. More importantly, make sure you do to. Always be positive and somehow forget the "bad". Believe me, winning or losing a baseball game just isn't that important anymore. I would give anything to see that smile again.

 

The last post is one of my all time favorites. After reading the message in the post, it has profoundly changed my relationship with my son. I hope it will for you too.

 

Your post was very moving for me. I too lost a young son when he was 12. He absolutely loved playing baseball. He died the day he turned 12 1/2 which also was the day he was supposed to be the starting catcher in his very first all star game. He had just got a uniform with his name on the back which was the first time he had gotten one with his name on it and he was so proud. He passed away in a tragic bicycle accident. He ended up wearing that uniform to be buried in. I wanted to share this because things like this do teach us a very valuable lesson in life to not let moments get away from us. Just a couple of weeks before his accident, our best friends were getting married and my son had an end of season tournament game and I was faced with the choice of going to the game or the wedding. I chose the game and we videotaped the game and he hit two homeruns and he was on top of the world. I now have that tape with him so happy and I cherish it now even after 22 years. I still miss him every day. If you ever have to make a choice between watching your child in a sport or school event, or "going to a wedding"...choose your child without a second thought. Thanks for letting me share my feelings. I am sorry for your loss ecu78. My heart is with you. There were many things left unsaid here too.

 

May he rest in peace

I lost one of my ex-little leaguers today as a high school senior. He simply died way way to young. The boy did live his short life with a constant smile on his face. May the Lord comfort the Wilson family of Rocky Mount.

 

I am moved to tears. I am so sorry for the losses faced here. May we all cherish the moments we have and pray for those that are survived and lost.

 

I've read that original post many times. It has been a big help to me. Here lately my son is working on a swing flaw. Instead of jumping his butt and pushing him I just try to encourage him and love him. I didn't always do that. These days are coming to an end for us sometime. I don't want to look back and have bad memories. I thank God for all the great times we have had.

 

This original post and the one that follows it can not be read enough times. I read it again yesterday and then went to my son's scrimmage. He didn't have the best game particularly at the plate. As I began to talk to him my mind went immediately to this post. Instead of asking him about his hitting or making suggestions I said "great play on that ball up the middle." He smiled and thanked me. Later last night, he brought up his hitting and we had a good conversation about it instead of a defensive one.

Every parent should print the original post and put it in their car or office. The parents pregame warm up should be to read it before every game until it is committed to memory.

 

Those are some great comments, DC. It's amazing when people embrace the wisdom of these two members how the relationship with your son will increase. Mine has!

and DC, let me share a story to you about your son. The Hot Stove dinner was the first time I had an opportunity to speak with him. I congratulated him on his recent signing and told him how much I admired the way he handles himself and respected the work he put into his summer and fall workouts. As I continued to discuss with him about his team's season, I sensed an inner pride and confidence in what he has accomplished. This comes about by a personal commitment.....and a support system that helps develop that confidence. In other words...good job DC. You are doing it the right way.

 

I am looking forward to that for sure. I just posted this link on my facebook page for all parents with kids in sports to read too.

 

Thanks BRAVES for reminding us of the important things in life!!