I give Thanks to this young man

Since this begins the Thanksgiving season, I wanted to give thanks to a young man that has been an inspiration to me for many years. This is a thread devoted to this young man when he was in HS.

Tell me who this is?

I have written and mentioned this player's name many times, but I was thinking the other day that I haven't mentioned why I think he is simply the best.

There are so many areas to discuss about this young man, not only as a baseball player but as a person, but if I had to narrow it down to three areas it would be class, maturity and talent.

Class- he is one of the most respectful young men I have ever met..genuine, sincere and thought provoking. He is always positive when speaking of teammates or opposition players. This player never has "talked" about another person in a negative way. I asked him about dealing with pressure and his statement was " What pressure? My peers in Iraq are under pressure. Me....I don't have any pressure". He has been very helpful to my son in giving advice freely and without prejudice. My son has learned a great deal by just watching how he deals with baseball and life.

Maturity- I asked his Dad if perhaps he might be 25 not 18. He plays in a different era where players lived, ate, slept and dedicated themselves to their sport.."a gym rat" is an appropriate term. He realized early that if you are going to do something, give it your all...don't leave wondering what if? His work habits are well known, but his ability to get others to work hard is a leadership trait not commonly seen.

Talent- He can beat you with his physical talents, but he can also beat you with his intelligence. He plays the game like a Master chessman..always 2 steps ahead. If you are not thinking along with him, he already has you beat. He has a game plan on the mound and at the plate and you better have one also, when you play against him.

It's rare to see a player that can beat you with his physical tools and it's rare to find a player who can outsmart you with his intelligence, but there are rare occasions that you will find a player gifted with both. He is that player.

So tell me, who is it?

 

Freddy Suggs

Thank You for sharing this.

 

Welcome aboard Freddy. It's about time you signed up.

 

His name is Robert Woodard

 

I didn't see a thread that was titled "One of the best people you will ever meet?"

Coach Suggs good to have you on here. I played with on the Uwharrie Anglers in '02ish or so. I was a left-handed pitcher kinda tall. Do you remember me?

 

A excellant portrayal of truly gifted player/pitcher and an equally fine young man. Robert Woodard

 

Great post. I wish it was true of most athletes but we now live in the "me" generation. Give me the spotlight, get mine and the heck with you. I see it on a daily basis. The heroes of todays youth have about 10 pounds of gold and silver hanging from their neck, they are the trash talkers like TO or the cheaters like Bonds. We are losing a generation of athletes who have no work ethic, no self respect or respect of others. The Robert Woodards are few and far between. My hope is that this trend can be reversed.