Completing the Circle

Well Guys and Gals ....

It's been 3 years (or at least 3 seasons) since we cranked up this web site. I remember when the forum first started ... the only sport we had at this site was HS baseball. Gonzo made the very first post, followed quickly by playme. It wouldn't have been possible without the hard work of Braves and the commitment to the concept by LarryD who basically gave us every thing that we wanted and needed.

Prepster was instrumental in providing the "intelligence" that we desperately needed that first year, while Braves and I provided the comic relief.

We've gone from being a tiny little Charlotte community to covering a large portion of the state and it's been a great ride ....

.... but ....

.... we've seen it over the past few years. Once your player leaves HS, it's hard to keep up with the action. It's a dis-service to the players to just "hang on". New people with a passion for the kids step up and it becomes obvious that it's time to step aside. These last 3 years, I've strived to inform people about recruiting, the NCAA, importance of grades, etc. Hopefully, some of it took. The individual player and his future has been my emphasis instead of the HS teams.

We (collectively) have asked LarryD to allow us to expand on the "Next Level" forum and I plan (with a LOT of help - thanks "rc") to move in that direction, expanding the college coverage. Part of that move is also dropping my role as a moderator on the HS side and letting new blood move in and take over.

It's up to the members of the forum to keep things going. There is a lot of energy on the board now and new members are added constantly. It's expanding around the entire state. It's also up to the members to maintain the standards that were set ... that the forum would be a safe place for the free discussion of HS baseball and players, without fear of slamming or attack. That's all we ever really wanted.

So ..... as a moderator .... this is my last post. My son has finished his last HS game and is getting ready to play his final summer contests before moving off to the college environment. We are really looking forward to it and have confidence that the board is in great hands.

There are too many friends to say "bye" too and I'm not really leaving, just moving over and saying that my time has passed. Good luck to Mudcat, Caroliner, SoutherNo1 and the other new leaders on the board, but I think you will have (or continue to have) a great time in here.

Braves, rcbbfan ..... you guys are the absolute best friends a fellow could ever have. It's been a pleasure to banter with you over the years.

Bruce Porter
aka Pops

Son:
Tom Porter, RHP
Elon University (formerly North Mecklenburg)

 

Great Job

Bruce,
Thanks for the great job you have done on this board. You were a great help to me with your unbiased insight into the high school game. I guess I will be splitting my time next year but you will still be getting reports from me as well as the usual questions as to "what would you do in this situation". Thanks again and here's to our continued friendship between our families.

 

NCBBALLFAN, its been a pleasure to converse with you over the years about everything from individuals, individual teams, conferences, legion ball or whatever. Hopefully this will NOT be your last post and you will drop back in from time to time. You and I have had some in-depth discussions with different opinions, but there was always respect involved. You've done a super job on this website, and TBR wouldn't be what it is without what you've done. You've probably done more for IMPACT baseball and other folks too than they realize thru TBR.

I wish you and your son only the VERY BEST in the future. Btw, he's a super pitcher...

 

Bruce:

What a wonderful gift you (with the help of a number of others) have given to the scolastic baseball community in our region. Under your leadership, it has become as fine a source of information as I've seen anywhere.

While I know that it's been a labor of love, you are to be commended and thanked for the many hours of labor that you have put into it. Because of that considerable effort, many young baseball players have been aided in following their dream. What a gift that is, indeed!

Finally, it is great to know that you intend to turn your attention to the college level...and that such able hands are stepping up to guide the high school board. To all, I commend and thank you!

Clayton Woodard
"Prepster"



:allhail

:applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:

 

Thanks Pops. This has been a lot of fun. You have kept us all in line and provided great insight along the way.

It is just starting to sink in how badly I'm gonna miss all this.

 

Mr. Porter:

You are a class act. Thanks for building the bridges of communication. I look forward to talking with you at the Elon games.

 

Bruce,

I want to thank you and everyone involved with TBR for providing a positive, fun and educational forum for high school baseball fans across the state. Since coming across TBR by accident early in the fall, I can't tell you how many times that I have looked to this board to learn things about schools or players in other regions. While my son is moving on to the next stage in his baseball life, I hope this board continues to thrive and expand so that others who love baseball will have the opportunity to learn more about baseball in this great state of North Carolina.

I would be remiss if I didn't take this opportunity to personally thank you (Bruce) for all the insight that you have provided me about players across the state. I believe you are one of the most insightful and knowledgeable people about the game of baseball that I have had the opportunity to meet. Since we are both very fortunate to have kids that will have the opportunity to play at the next level, this isn't a farewell, but rather just a change in address so to speak. I am sure we will have many discussions about the college game in the upcoming years. Congrats to Tom on his outstanding year at N. Meck and I look forward to watching his development at the next level.

 

Bruce;
Hopefully, we'll get the opportunity to meet and talk more in the future. I have enjoyed the conversations and insight. I also appreciate the direction you have provided.

Good luck to you and good luck to Tom at Elon.

 

Bruce it is sad you will be leaving the board. I was just starting to know you.

 

Thanks and Best Wishes

Bruce, It's been a great ride over the past couple of years. I have truly appreciated your time and effort on the board, and I know it has been a true "Labor" of Love. Not saying goodbye - as I intend to be seeing your whole clan at one ballfield or another this summer and across the fields over the next four years! Our families are each moving to a new adventure this year, but for us, we are continuing on in the high school baseball life as well. Thanks for all you have done! Good Luck to Tom at Elon!