NLI Signing Day

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

A big-time day for a lot of guys who have earned a shot to play baseball at the next level. Congratulations to all of the players, parents, coaches and programs who have put in countless hours, spent tons of money, and agonized over the recruiting process - now it's time to enjoy the results of your blood, sweat and tears.

Since I started reading this board I have read posts about programs all across the state of North Carolina and the Mid-Atlantic. Regardless of what your personal opinions are - this area is FULL of AMAZING coaches, mentors and all-around great folks who care about building great baseball players and young men. There aren't enough words to praise and thank them for their accomplishments.

Today, they celebrate the results of a passionate commitment to a sport they believe in and a labor of pure love.

From this proud dad, I say THANK YOU to all of those who helped build my son into the man he has become. Job well done.

And a final note to those who have had to deal with crazy parents over the years, let me say.... "End of Construction, Thanks for your Patience!"

 

... On the Way Up

Baseball can be a very rewarding game. Prep honors, showcase stardom, Legion fame, signing - college and professional.

I always recommend mentioning to every person who plays baseball is to enjoy every moment of every game. Your teammates, the smell of the grass, going deep in the hole (or gap) to save extra bases.

The main reason is that time goes by so quickly if you take it for granted and the game almost always has you depart it against your will.

Little League where everyone plays, to Middle School/JV, to the big jump to Varsity and then the huge cut to the 'next level' either college or the minors.

Very few get to go to All Star Games and win World Series and decide when it is time to hang it up even in the big leagues, so...

Enjoy every inning and at bat as if it was your last and respect the game, your coaches and your teammates.

Those that you meet on the way up might be the same ones you run into on your way down.

On that note later in life - softball really doesn't ever cut it to the same fun of the game, might as well take up soccer.

 

Living A Dream

Baylee I agree its been a long road but rewarding! All the days of AAU and the fun we had hoping our son was going to be the hero that day! I think we all knew that what we really wanted was for our sons and alot of other players and families to have the chance to play in college! You know some people do not agree with the money that we spent along the way but I would never change anything! The freinds that my family and I have made along the way is a blessing! To be able to watch these players from NC develope has been a honor for me! I guess now we just sit back and enjoy the moment and hope that if not our son but maybe a kid we watched develope might be on TV someday! The relationships and love that I have had the chance to build with these players from all teams humbles me and lets me know how good life has been for me! Congrats to all you young men who are living a dream and understand God gave you a gift now its up to you to do something with it!!