It's just not the same!

Well, I wanted to comment on the Rocky Mount-Fike rivalry, but I was too busy watching Barton blow an 8 run lead against Anderson, and the thread got locked before I could get to my computer! What's up with that? Did I miss something? Wanted to thank Southern for his comments about lil Grayben and the classic 4 games we (Fike) had against RM last year. The thing I noticed was it was a classy rivalry. Win or lose, these players congratulated eash other, slapped high fives, smiled or after our last game (cried), and I don't remember seeing any trash talking or anything like that. I miss those days!

But, my thread is more about how high school baseball goes way to darn fast. Players, parents, etc., enjoy every minute of it especially the rivalries like Fike and Rocky Mount. College ball is great, but it's not the same. If I could only turn back the hand of time. Oh well.........

Anybody know what I mean?

 

Yesterday, I watched the State Games tryout at Knightdale High School & it was pretty cool seeing how well the Rocky Mount and Fike players got along. They were all in the dugout telling baseball war stories to each other. They have played on the same travel teams & respect each others game. My son made the comment how humble a player Hobbs Johnson is, despite, you know, being one of the best high school pitchers we have ever seen, in these parts. It's a great rivalry, but when the games over, it's over. They are back to being friends.

 

That's because your son has some class and obviously so does Hobbs Johnson! Lil Karl must take after his mother as mine does!

Again, my thread is more about how college rivalries are good, but I think high school is the best!

 

Things have changed, Grayben.

When I was in high school, we were in some vicious rivalries. Basketball games were wars between some schools we played. When Elm City-Fike, Elm City-Saratoga, or Elm City-South Edgecombe played it was on. I think we all hated each other back then, but we're all friends now. That's the way it was back then. I'm trying my best to slow up my son's high school years. It's going by in a blurr. I miss the days when my son was following yours, so he would know how to act as a freshman at Fike.

 

I've seen your son play since T ball and he will certainly play college ball somewhere (royal blue would look good on him) and in less than 2 years, you are going to look back on this thread and say, yep, Ole grayben was right, college is great, but I sure miss the high school games i.e. RM vs. Fike, Fike vs. Hunt, etc.

I know that Southern, StrikeUMOUT, Braves, Coach 27, etc., have got to miss it too!

I was just trying to use this thread for a little hand holding and tree hugging therapy session since college ball is over for this year!

Where's my support?

Heck, if it's just gonna be me and you, Karl, I'll just drive 3 miles to your work and we can have lunch together!

 

Grayben, Grayben, Grayben....see what happens when you take vacations from the board. For years I've been saying that college baseball is a business. Its only similarities to HS is the diamond, the baseballs and the rules.

HS baseball is still pure (even though that is evolving as well.) The neighborhood rivalries between schools is unmatched at any other level. The wide-eye innocent personalities found with HS players tend to disappear with the college players as they age, mature and become more aware of the "ways of life".

The one thing college baseball will do is test a player's passion to continue to play the game. Each year, many players retire their spikes because they no longer have that passion that demands sacrifices. Actually, you will find the one's that fit this category either equals to or exceeds the number of players that continue to play the game out of a driven commitment. It ain't easy...it ain't for everyone...and for many, college baseball ends their childhood dream of becoming the next Cal Ripken.

 

Thanks Braves! Now there's the love and support I was counting on!

I totally agree on college baseball being a business. That part, I have no problem with. The harder the coach is on a player in an effort to make him a better player and prepare him for the real world, the better.

Just don't understand why after a tough loss, I can't give a hug to the college coach like I did in high school!

They say that's not cool.

Oh well, grand kids will come soon enough and the cycle will start over!

But seriously, I do miss the high school games, especially the rivalries.

 

After my son graduates, I'm thinking about adopting a 2-year old lefty. Is it wrong to hold tryouts during the adoption process?.

 

Just don't post his name on here..he'll be scooped up before the ink dries

 

Get me a little more criteria Karl, and I'll recruit one for you. You know I AM the best at it.