Today My Son...

Only Got to See Kyle Once, Had the Pleasure of Seeing Cody

I only got to see Kyle play one high school game during South Mecks run, but I have had the pleasure of watching Cody for several years and could not agree with Braves more. Cody has worked hard and become a top flight player while still maintaining the joy of playing the game. Its fun to watch a kid play and compete at that level but still enjoy the game and share that joy with those around him helping them to play their best by not getting wound so tight.

I got to see Kyle play some at Carolina which was a real treat, and I look forward to watching Cody play for Wingate and help them continue to build a great program. He has a lot of ball ahead of him, it will be fun to watch !!

Congrats on raising two great young men - quite an accomplishment in the world these days - but to have them also accomplish what they have on the field is a real testimony to great parents and great kids.

 

My Son Played His Last Official Game

His college career ended today and he will be going pro in something other than sports. Fittingly, he was on the mound for his team's final inning of the season. After giving up a long homer to the leadoff hitter, he set down the last three in order.
As I watched the last outs wind down, I reflected on the long, strange road his baseball career took. The twelve years of organized ball took our family on a wonderful journey through big cities and small towns. College ballparks and fields carved out of farmland. I think he played on every field in the Eastern US. He through perfect games in both Dixie Youth minors and majors. He led his AAU team to two straight South Carolina state championships. He set the career wins record at Lumberton High School and led them to a 27-3, #3 in the state record his junior year. He was all-state his senior year, and also valedictorian of his class. He signed to play for Davidson College because it fit his academic needs. He suffered a torn UCL after five marvelous starts his freshman year, had TJ surgery, and never regained his dominating command. But in the meantime, he graduated with honors from a one of the best schools in the country.
So I will admit to a being melancholy tonight. But I look forward as much to the next challenges in his life. He is well-equipped to achieve greatness at whatever he chooses. I will miss the competition. I will miss seeing the joy with which he went about his business on mound. But I will forever be thankful for the countless hours we spent sharing the game of baseball.

 

Bonding between father and son

To me this is why the GAME is so great. Congrats.

 

When I look back at all those "road trips", there were a few games that stand out, but most of it is becoming blurry. However, what I will always remember are the times we were together not discussing the last or next baseball game, but talking about life and the lessons learned. Driving to Jupiter gives you a lot of time to discuss many things.

I was lucky. He could have been a "mall rat" and I would never had the opportunity to shape his mind and thoughts. Instead he was with his friends that I knew and families that I trusted. You know the old story "It takes a village......." I'd like to update that to "It takes a good character travel team...."

 

Great teams are made of great teammates

k

 

made public his college commitment

http://blogs.citizen-times.com/blogs/index.php?blog=15&p=10778&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1

There were a lot of "today, my son" kind of days that only a mom could dream about for a senior year, besides being a great kid: Reaching base 13 consecutive times and 18 out of 20 plate appearances; his 4 for 4 night against UNC-Asheville recruit Eli Miller and McDowell. The all-tournament team at Forest City's Easter Tourney, where at one point he was intentionally walked even though first and second were occupied; his 4.9 GPA and taking AP classes in English IV, U.S. Government, and Calculus in his final semester instead of cruising. Getting selected for the Stanford National Prospect Baseball program; having the top-rated arm and being named the No. 3 rated hitting prospect at an Impact Baseball ID camp last year; playing in some fantastic programs with Heat Showcase, the Dirtbags, Diamond Mine and now Asheville American Legion; and maybe the most important, playing with a super group of young men and an outstanding high school coach.

 

Mom, I can't express how impressed I am reading about your son--not just the athletic talents, but as a student-athlete. I know you are proud of what he has accomplished in such a short period of time. I'm looking forward to hearing about his leadership in the years to come, not only between the lines, but outside the lines as well! Great job in raising a fine young man.

 

Thank you for having such a fine platform for a mom to brag - just once.

 

Yesterday My Sons......(All 14 of them)

Season ended in the Elite 8 round of the NC playoffs.

To a very special son (brother and friend) who lost his mother on Mother's Day this year, Darin Hinson - your mother is smiling down on you from heaven and how proud she must be of the young man you have become.

To our seniors Kendall, Lance, Scotty and Darin - thanks for a memorable season and what a ride it has been. Good luck to you all on the diamond and in life. We will miss you......

 

Watched my son regain his confidence after a rough HS season. Pitched 2 shutouts and hit a long bomb of a HR and almost another very next game in Legion ball. Thankful for coaches that believe in his abilities and instill confidence.