Monday's Tryouts

Yeah its time to let go.

My son made his HS JV team. I came to the first couple of practices but never even went near the fences. I was out in the parking lot just watching from afar. This is new to me as I, like many on here, am one of those that coached some of his teams. But I see him out there having the time of his life and growing up, hanging out with his baseball buddies. I wanted him to be able to experience, like so many of us have experienced, the pure joy and love for this crazy game of rounders. Seeing him out there yeah I think the torch has passed.

Yeah its time to let go. Its a happy and sad time. I am fortunate that I "got it" early. Meaning it just makes sense to let them go. Didn't need to read a book on this one.

I see the joy and pride on his face each day now at breakfast and when he comes home after practice he has that same look. His joy. His pride. His accomplishment.

I am glad that we spent so much time together through his younger years via baseball. I think some day he might think so also.

Now I get another 4 years, god willing, to watch him grow. Growing into a great man and great baseball player albeit from afar but not far away.

Im so very proud of him.

 

Congratulations to your son on his achievements and to you on achieving a new level of fatherhood!!!
I must say you learn quicker than many!

 

a couple of thoughts...

First, I agree with what has been said about stepping away once they reach high school for several reasons. One is that this is probably the first coach that your son has played for that is actually being paid to coach. I know it's not much but most of these coaches are passionate about their programs. They don't want, and often resent, any "outside help". Unless asked, the best thing a parent can do is be a fan for the TEAM. Remember, if your son's hs coach is either one of the best in the state, or just the best in his own mind, at some point college recruiters will talk to him. If you've pissed him off for four years then that conversation may not go well!
Another reason to back off from "coaching up" your kid is that you may have noticed, that in your son's opinion, you're getting kind of, well... DUMB! I remember that look of pity my son would give me when I tried to give him some advice. He would just shake his head and tell me that "You just don't understand Dad, the world is a different place now than when you grew up". I can't wait until he gets to around 25 so I can be smart again!
Now coaching up your son during a game is a big no no. The hs coach hates it, the college recruiters note it (as a negative) and your son ignores it! Save your breath for "attaboys" and "waytogoes".

One other thing I'd like to mention. Many of us have gotten professional lessons, whether pitching or hitting, for our sons to help them improve. My belief was that during the hs season we curtailed all private lessons. This was to insure that there weren't "too many cooks in the kitchen" so to speak. Even though the instructors he had were better qualified I always told my son to do what his hs coaches told him to do, or at least try things their way. The most pissed off I ever saw one of his coaches get was when he was working on hitting with another kid and the kid told the coach "My hitting instructor said to do it this way". This was the third or fourth time this kid had used this line with the coach. Now, this man had been the head coach at this school for almost 30 years and to say he was "old school" would be an understatement. It wasn't pretty what was said but the coach got his point across real quick. I've always told my kids that "you can learn something, no matter how small a thing it is, from everyone you meet". Also, "if your mouth is open then your ears are closed".

 

Congrats Gloveside.

BTW, it's fun being a fan. You'll come to love it.

 

Knowlegdable coaching is what I meant. If the High School coach asks me I'll give him my thoughts but only when asked. The only part that kills me as I watch some practices are some of the volunteer coaches (2) playing some players out of position. I've coached most of the freshmen and sophmores on our High School team for over 400 games and they have won at the highest levels in AAU and USSSA. I believe my input is valid on them. I've seen them more than anyone else, but I don't butt in unless asked as hard as it can be. I also stay away from the "DADS" that always have an opinion. I sit in my own chair away from the crowd. We have a good program and I enjoy watching and supporting them. Nuff said!