I don't even know your son, but this story makes me so proud of him. He knew what he wanted and went for it. What more can you want from your child. Good luck to him. I am sure he will "move mountains" as he continues his growth into adulthood. Congratulations on a job well done. Good parenting leads to children not afraid to follow their hearts even if it means that the path they choose doesn't jive with the path we have wished for them.

I've got a lump in my throat, tears in my eyes and goosebumps as I read your post. I am so glad you reported his achievements and accomplishments. I have thought about him and you often since you posted "the call". Can it be only two years ago? Wow.

I echo exactly what cat just wrote--I can't say it any better.

I know "life" will work out for him. Congratulations, best of luck, and much success to him. I hope you will update us on his future. Thanks for the encouragement.

Not sure if stonewall's mom still posts here or not.

It’s amazing how someone can miss certain posts on this site at times. Now that this old thread was brought back, I finally saw the post made by Regina (stonewall’s mom) in 2006. Of course, at that time we were in Georgia running the tournament her son Michael was playing in. It’s hard to keep up with things during those things.

Her son was always one of our favorites. I just noticed where Mike is a redshirt freshman this year at Cal Irvine. He isn’t getting a lot of playing time, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Mike isn’t in the running for another “coaches award”.

That family has been through a lot and I hope everything works out great for Mike and the rest of the family. Whether it involves baseball or not! He has a champion for a mother.

I've enjoyed reading all of the stories in this thread. This is "real" stuff!

Heybatter - Thank you so much for that update. It's amazing looking back at a thread that is two years old. There are many of us who have sons that posted back then that are no longer playing - including my own son. It's interesting to look back on your own words. Sometimes we realize that we don't always walk the talk (referring to myself). I personally appreciate hearing your son's story and the path his life took after baseball. My very best wishes to him.

HeyBatter - Thanks so much for the update. Thats all really terrific!

All any of us parents really wants is for our kids to grow up healthy and happy and doing something they love. Seems like your son is there!

When my first son was born my dad asked me if I was a good dad or not...I said, gee, isn't that gonna take some time to tell? "Yep, about 20-25 years," he said. Looks like you're gonna pass with flying colors.

Great to see your update HeyBatter and congratulations on your son's accomplishments! I don't land or post here often these days, but your insights and words of encouragement over the years have been greatly appreciated!