I know it has been awhile, actually a long time since I have contributed, heck I haven't even had time to lurk. I am not sure what to say or how to say it, I do not want folks getting the wrong idea, especially the one's that do not know me. Well here goes.......

My son was a 9th round draft pick in 2004, drafted out of a junior college and he played in short-season for (3) years. In (3) years he batted 314 times, not too many AB's for a player that was drafted relatively high. One would think at least he was a player that was not an after-thought and maybe was going to get a chance. Some will say he did not perform, others will say that he got his chance and failed. Still others may even say he was treated like a filler and not a 9th rounder.

In August 2006 my son had enough and asked for his release, it was not granted; he decided to leave the team and come home. Eventually we read about his release in Baseballl America. Officially he was released on November 22, 2006, at least according to Baseball America.

Professional baseball is a very tough and humbling sport and not for the feint of heart. Why did this happen to such a great kid? What went wrong? Who is to blame?

I have a saying that I stole from someone and I do not remember who, and my wife wants to smother me with a pillow because I am always saying it.

It Is What It Is.......

One of the hardest things for folks to do in life is take a look in the mirror. It would be real easy to blame the club, a manager, farm director, the clubby, one of the vendors selling peanuts, etc, etc. Maybe, just maybe the reason he is out of baseball is becasue HE did not get it done, knew he was not getting it done and decided to move on with his life. It was his decison....so many folks have asked me why didn't he just hang on a little longer? I don't know the answer to that question because it is his life, and he is the one living it. If that even makes any sense to folks.

Why is it O.K.??????

On April 9th 2007 my son the X-Professional baseball player was sworn in as a Deputy Sheriff and will be attending the 131st WV State Trooper Academy in Huntington, WV begining on May 7, 2007.

Another Chapter Begins......Stay Tuned.

Mike

quote:

Why is it O.K.??????

On April 9th 2007 my son the X-Professional baseball player was sworn in as a Deputy Sheriff and will be attending the 131st WV State Trooper Academy in Huntington, WV begining on May 7, 2007.

Mike - that was welcome good news in what obviously has been a painful time. If I had the answers to those types of questions, and as I like to say, I would be posting on my favorite beach in Cancun right now.

I have no clue why and how things turn out. They always say God answers all prayers but the answer may not be what we want to hear. I have also found that when one door has closed for me that another has always opened. Sometimes an honest realization can be an opening of a door and that is a blessing in itself.

You may find out someday that the answer to those questions is inconsequential. Maybe the answer for all of us is "What did you do next?" "How did you pick yourself up when you have fallen short of your goal?" "Did you trust God to show you another way?"

Thanks for sharing that story. It took some courage to write it imho and it couldn't have been written with any more honesty. All the best to your son and your family

CD,

Thanks for the words my friend, but I wanted to clear up one thing about my initial posting.

All of the questions I listed.....like "Why did this happen to such a great kid?" "What went wrong?" "Who is to blame?"

Those questions came from parents and other players. I myself, honestly do not have any questions; I know what happened.

Believe it or not I have never felt better at least for a man my age....

Mike,

Welcome back stranger! Do you think you MIGHT have heard your expression from MY husband? "It is what it is" is HIS mantra too....and I am SLOWLY coming around to accept it as mine. Altho I DO completely understand your wife's desire to smother you with a pillow, as I have been tempted to deal my husband the same fate when has utters those words, but have learned to accept them.

IMO, your son has given it a shot...and now is obviously moving on to bigger and better things...so a BIG CONGRATS to him! To pursue the field of criminal justice and serving the community is very honorable and worthy of admiration IMO. You have obviously raised a great son into a great man.

Thank you so much for sharing what has transpired, with your son. It is a good lesson for all of us. Also, hope you don't disappear again Mike!

orioles

Funny coincidence---we had a kid at a program and all of sudden he disappeared from the roster--called Pop and found out he made a decision to become a NYC Policeman---All I could say was GOD BLESS!!!!


Got to love it when maturing young adults make a decision on their own

Luvbb,

Thanks, I wanted to just share my thoughts for folks that may have players that take a similar journey.

I am hoping that I can spend more time here than I have in the past. I have been fortunate to be able to do some scouting for the area scout in my part of the state and the last (2) years have been a blur. Last year besides my full time job, I did 3900 miles and 29 hotel stays. I am gone every single weekend until the draft, but for some strange reason my wife is not complaining.

I will try and not disappear for so long.

Thanks...Mike

TRHit,

You are right about making the decision on your own. I know I was guilty of pushing him in the early years when he was 13 or 14. When he got to be a Sophomore in HS he flipped the switch himself. Then I had the fortune of coaching him when he was a sophomore in a junior college; I was the hitting coach there. He really did not get away from me until he reached professional baseball.

The bottom line as you put it was that he made this decision on his own. I am very proud of what he has accomplished and become.

Mike

And as a parent that is what it is all about---seeing them make right decisions and succeed in life where they want to--not everyone becomes a MLB player

Kudo's to your son for living the dream and having a plan. He sounds like a fine, strong young man. I wish him well.

Thanks so much Frank

It was a very difficult decision for him, but I believe it was the right one. After a couple of spring training's, 4 months in the police academy should be easy. Little does he know.....

thanks for sharing Orioles .. good luck to your son
I'd be willing to bet that he's one of the fortunate ones who's gained much from "the game"


so now instead of wondering about his BA & Fld %,
ya have to worry about who's behind the flashing lights in the mirror on your next 3900 mi

if it's not HIM, he'll surely know before you get home

Mike, Glad to see you.

I think my thoughts were probably expressed very well by CD's words. I have a deep faith and I have also come to an understanding about professional baseball during my time here at HSBBW that I did not have several years ago. I would have read your post and felt sorry for your son because I wouldn't have had an understanding (somewhat at least) of the journey he's had these last few years. He had an opportunity to experience something, that will and has helped turn him into the man he is, that most of our boys will never have. That's a huge blessing that I suspect someday he'll appreciate for several reasons. We are all works in progress as a friend has often reminded me.... sounds like your son is well on his journey into manhood and is making the absolute most of his life! That's an awesome thing to see!! Blessings on his journey!

Mike,

Welcome back and congrats to your son for picking the road on his terms. Life is full of decisions and I feel your son has set himself up for good decisions throughout his life. Dreams are realized and new ones are created from those experiences.

Thanks for sharing and congrats to you and your son, getting drafted is quite an accomplishment. Very few get the chance to play beyond high school and college. Actually very few of the kids playing youth league get a chance to play IN high school.
I'm sure he'll be awesome in his new job!

Nice thoughts from everyone

Folks,

All great posts like lafmom said, she would have never known without this site and experiences that others have shared here. IB's remark is so true, he was very blessed to be able to play those (3) years and I am grateful for everything that baseball has provided this family. I am even more grateful for the kind of young man the game has made him. All he has done since he was 4 years old is play baseball. I can honestly say that I know he would never trade one minute of it, nor would this family. A great great experience and a lifetime of friends have been created.

Now as I said before the next chapter begins.....

Mike

Congratulations on your son landing on his feet and starting the new life...
...sure sounds like "you done real good" with your son!

Thanks a million JT, I appreciate it; he has worked hard, with a little help from other folks.

Oh....I almost forgot, the most important thing in all of this excitement. I am going to be a grandpa! My daughter is due in August and I can't wait!

Wait a minute, I am way to young to be a grandpa....yea right!

Mike

quote:

I am going to be a grandpa! My daughter is due in August and I can't wait!

quote:

Oh....I almost forgot, the most important thing in all of this excitement. I am going to be a grandpa! My daughter is due in August and I can't wait!

WOW...this seems to be the fastest growing category on this forum...."Grandparent-hood"! A HUGE congrats!