...Sunset

Recently, I was thinking about the last 10 years on TBR. I remembered why I started it and how much fun it was. I was fed up with the sites I went to and discovered how mean, hateful and cowardice they were. People hiding behind a screen name starting vicious rumors, attacking players and coaches, fellow posters and not ever moderated. When I happened to mention this on a particular board I was met with venomous attacks and an infamous parting shot----if you don’t like it, start your own---and I did.

With the help of Prepster and a few moderators we promoted TBR as a place to find information, promote the players and to try to create a community environment that welcomed all posters who felt the same way. I didn’t care if we only had a few posters or if we only discussed the Charlotte area. The bottom line for me was to enjoy the posters we had; encourage and support their kids, and add a few experts along the way to give advice in areas needed. I loved it! It was friendly, fun and informative. Everybody was excited to read about someone’s son and his success….and it was kinda cool to read when someone mentioned yours, too.

I took some time to reflect on a few of the great stories on TBR:

The courage and strength of Will Dicus at Watauga
The magical night at East Meck- Miracle on Monroe- The Ed Bryant Game!
The many personal interviews by the players
The outstanding interviews of Coach Hal Bagwell and Danny Hignight
The Pots and Pan Clan at Myers Park
There are 100's of stories like that, but these were the ones I thought about.

It was fun to learn more about the coaches and players on a personal level. They were giving of themselves and had no fear of personal attacks.
I look back and feel gratitude towards all of the great friends I have made over the time. I got to share family’s lives---watching, laughing, crying, screaming together---when you shared with me your son’s success…and failures! I think about Robert Woodard pitching for On Deck in Jupiter, during the time there were only 32 teams invited, and he had to face the cockiest baseball team in the field. Not only did he dominate them, they ended up heralding him as some kind of god, because, in their mind, no one else was capable of doing that. Then I remember Preston Morrison, last year, and watched him become a freshman All American at TCU. I actually knew then that my time was winding down. I noticed then that I had more PM’s telling me who I should interview next than posts about what Preston had to say…and how well he said it.

I don’t know if the times have changed or if my vision of TBR has simply outdated what people want, but I do know this. I hope the posters that do read this will try to continue what the previous members have tried to do and that is to pass on their experiences to those that would like to know. It has helped many families over the years and it would be a nice thought to believe it will continue.

However, there comes a time when you know you need to move on. It’s time for others to step up and to continue to make TBR the place to go for great Prep baseball news. I’m going to miss so many great people—too long to list their names--- But as I ride off into the Sunset…I’ll always remember what a beautiful Sunset it was!!!!

God Bless......and I'll see you at the fields!

 

Thanks Braves .....

Thanks Braves for all you did for TBR in the past and present. I was really glad I finally got to meet you at the ballbark this year. Your a class act and will really be missed. Your contributions to this baseball community were a valued part to me and my sons high school career. I'm sure we will bump into each other again this spring and summer. Continue to love the game as much as I do, and don't forget all the great memories this wonderful pasttime has given us.

Peace,
Bulldogsbacker

 

Braves

You will be missed! You are a person who is about the players and getting out info on how to make them better! A lot of young men have been heard about because of this board. I would like to thank you and wish you well because of people like you there is a place to discuss baseball. I know you have done a lot for a lot of families by having this board. Thank you and my God Bless You!

 

Thanks Braves! Godspeed in all your future endeavors!

 

Sunrise

Say it ain't so Braves! The sun will have a hard time rising tomorrow if you are not around. The baseball GOD's send you a message: well done my good and faithful servant but your time is not up yet as you cannot be replaced. There is only one Luis!

 

Braves...you have given so much of yourself on here. With over 18,000 posts you have encouraged so many people to embrace prep baseball for what it is at it's best....a place for good folks to have good times playing a great game. You always looked for the best in people and if someone struck a sour chord you helped them find the sweeter taste of things. I know you better through your postings than in person, but I believe you had a tear in your eye when you wrote your parting shot....I hope you are gratified that you mean so much to baseball folk all around our area. Baseball is a game that has the richest history in sports and you are a beloved part of the baseball history of so many baseball families in both Carolinas.

God bless you...

 

More than anything...you gave back!

Since moving to the Charlotte area about 6 - 7 years ago, my son and I have had the pleasure of meeting Braves on 2 very special days of TBR baseball. This really speaks to how Braves gave back to his baseball community. All this while his oldest was throwing for Wingate and Braves was still throwing bullpen for his youngest in the cages.

The first was on a cold and rainy Saturday at Providence HS for TBR's first annual baseball clinic and the proceeds went to a scholarship for Freddy Suggs and the CCP(I hope I'm right on this one). Braves had gotten Higgy, Bags, Woodie, Jake Robbins, and a whole host of eager instructors to teach these boys more than just fundamentals, but about the beauty of the game. He even got Kermit (Kermit was still at Belmont Abbey) to talk about the College level to the boys and what it took to get there. The icing on the cake was making the hush puppies(I think with Prepster - I may be wrong) and eating Honeycutt's Bar-B-Q for lunch. My son got a lot out of that day at a young age.

The second was in August of 2010. The must see event of the year! WOODSTOCK SHOWCASE UNDER THE STARS. Who says that Music, Tie-dye, and baseball don't mix? The bats for MVP's were provided by Derek Shoe and the East Coast bat Company AND presented by Stretchy who made the trip. It was just really good baseball and the icing on the cake was..............Huneycutt's Bar-B-Q. Go figure. My youngest son still wears the shirt given to the team to wear.

My son is now moving on to play at the next level. TBR and Braves have always been a big part of the journey.

Braves - You created a community of like minded individuals who have only wanted to celebrate the best of what baseball offers in the Carolina's. You provided venues to help players of all ages gain the knowledge to move forward. We've watched boys turn into young men on this site! You gave more than you took and for that we appreciate you. Keep doing what you're doing and let me know when you're planning the next Luis Limbo Competition.

 

Amen to that. Braves--the things said throughout this post could not be more true. You are a caring, giving man and one of great integrity. The things you have done on this board, for the kids of this area cannot be expressed in one simple posting.

Thank you Sir. It has been our pleasure to get to know you.

I too am hopeful that those who helped you make this board great continue to pave the road you started, while those who have chosen to use the board for negative reasons find another road to take.

 

Braves,
This deserves to be seen not by just your eyes.

Thank you for all you've done for me. I came to you as a high school baseball player over 10 years ago and have valued the thousands of pieces of advice you have given me. Now as a college coach, I still come for your advice monthly it seems if not more than that. I've come to you for not only baseball help but "off the field" help which I value as a father figure. My wife has grown to love our relationship as much as I do and that's priceless. I hope you don't venture too far away and I look forward to staying in touch with you. God Bless you and your family man and please let me know if there's ever anything I can do for you because I owe it all to you.



JM

 

Ive been avoiding responding all week, cause I don't know what to say. Braves has been more important to baseball in this area than anyone I can think of. In short, he represents all that is good about baseball. He is always positive, always willing to give good advice but never forces his opinions on anyone, always behind the scenes promoting others, and is always about doing it the right way. As far as I am concerned he is TBR, and his size 27 shoes can never ever be filled.

A short story says everything about the influence Braves has had in the lives of countless young ball players. My son and his best friend played at a school that didnt get a lot of notice because baseball had fallen on hard times in the years leading to their arrival. When they were freshmen Braves was at one of their games (seemingly he makes it to all games in Mecklenburg County). I didnt know Braves at the time After seeing them play he quietly made some contacts. Next thing I know they have a chance to play for the SC Panthers, which opened doors for them. As Braves always says in his humble way, the boys took advantage of the opportunity not him. Now they are both playing in college and their success helped open the door for a number of subsequent players at their schools. Without Braves, I am convinced they never would have gotten that opportunity. He made those contacts because he cares about others. I know that my son is not alone. Braves has made calls and promoted hundreds of young men in this community, simply to give them the chance to prove themselves. He doesn't ask for or expect any credit or payback, he just does it out of the kindness of his heart. He is one of a kind. I for one can't imagine checking out TBR without his wise perspective or his encouraging words. What a loss for all of us. Braves is all that is good about baseball. I'm gonna miss you my friend!