I don't think you have exclusive rights on having a competitive kid. I am sure most parents here have had one of those, and it doesn't have to be in baseball. JMO, and we obviuosly have different opinions on raising kids, but I don't find some of what you say amusing. Fist pumping at 10, isn't showing humility. Boy, I feel mine was deprived, I think we were still playing UNO at 10, luckily he knew nothing about playing poker at that age or we would be in trouble. Really competitive kid, he also hated to lose, but I feel there are lots of lessons in losing, more so than winning. Baseball is a game of failure, it takes failures to make one a better player. The obstacles you face in life the tougher you become. It's ok to lose as long as you learn lessons from it. I remember once son's college coach telling me he worries more about the ones who have never hit a bump in the road than those that face obstacles each step of the way. I agree with him. Let me tell you something, when the MLB area scout came for a visit, at 17, he told us that he had been watching son since he entered upon the HS scene. So IMO, that's when it all begins to happen, not one game before. Coach May is correct why these evaluation services have begun at such an early age is because there is a philosophy created by those who charge dollars that this is important for one's future,and if they find someone willing to pay for it, BINGO. It's a business and everyone is in business to make money, you should know that.
I was just wondering, why are we so in a hurry for our kids to grow up? Why do we not allow them to enjoy the simple life, things get too complicated later on, I don't want to hear how what you do at 10 is soooo important for your future potential.
Forget the potholes in the road and celebrate the journey instead...anonymous
Posts: 13559 | Location: South Florida | Registered: July 28, 2003
That some kids even at 10 yrs old were more mechanically sound than a lot of HS players he has seen.
But it doesn't guarantee they will be able to execute on the 60/90 field. It doesn't mean they will physically develop enough to outperform others at 16-18 years old.
When I say preteen baseball doesn't matter people misunderstand what I mean. What I mean is it doesn't guarantee future success on a full size field. What kids should get in the preteen years is a solid foundation of fundamentals and a passion for playing the game and enjoy the game. When parents turn preteen ball into development and training over fun they suck the fun out of it.
My sixteen year old son trains his tail off due to his baseball goals. But the number one reason he still plays the game is because it's fun. When I've pushed him about training he's commented, "You're *$ucking the fun out of the game."
Here's the number one piece of advice I'll provide. Your son has to want the game. You can't want it for him and push him.
* I throw just as hard as I did in college. The ball just doesn't arrive as quickly. *
Posts: 4671 | Location: Mid-Atlantic | Registered: October 29, 2007
Originally posted by getagoodpitchtohit: Once again, all I can say is ...... WOW!!!!!!
With that being said ...... for the love of all creatures great and small ...... CAN WE PLEASE HAVE THIS THREAD SHUT DOWN?!?!?!?!
In the big picture I think this is a great thread for some preteen dads to learn about the game. There are many dads like OCB. I've seen in it softball and baseball.
* I throw just as hard as I did in college. The ball just doesn't arrive as quickly. *
Posts: 4671 | Location: Mid-Atlantic | Registered: October 29, 2007
As for rec ball it just isnt as competitive. Have you ever sen your child throw with a kid that couldnt catch or throw. How frustrating was that to them?
My son learned one of the most valuable lessons playing 9/10 rec ball. He learned patience. He learned he can't become rattled because another player couldn't field behind him on the mound or compete the catch on his play in the field. He learned he can only control his part of the game, don't lose composure and stay focused. It's carried forward. I've seen pitchers come unglued when it happens to them for the first time at higher levels. And trust me, even showcase teams sometimes have innings from he11. MLB teams have them.
* I throw just as hard as I did in college. The ball just doesn't arrive as quickly. *
Posts: 4671 | Location: Mid-Atlantic | Registered: October 29, 2007
Here is a suggestion for you since to are retired and claim to have no financial worries----start your own travel team--hire some solid coaches to handle the on field activity and have a go at it
I am also sure that some of you who have been through this if you look back and be honest were just as bad as you are making me out to be. We all want to believe our kids are special. Whether its in sports, academics, cub scouts or whatever. If you have forgotten that then maybe it could be some of you who need to reevaluate your relationships with your kids.
I recollect a handful of parents like yourself. My kids are special because they are my kids and I love them. Sports or anything else has nothing to do with it. I've never been concerned with anything more than the effort and commitment. Maximum effort will get them "their" maximum result. Commitment means they won't become quitters.
* I throw just as hard as I did in college. The ball just doesn't arrive as quickly. *
Posts: 4671 | Location: Mid-Atlantic | Registered: October 29, 2007
Here is a suggestion for you since to are retired and claim to have no financial worries----start your own travel team--hire some solid coaches to handle the on field activity and have a go at it
Brilliant!
* I throw just as hard as I did in college. The ball just doesn't arrive as quickly. *
Posts: 4671 | Location: Mid-Atlantic | Registered: October 29, 2007
Been following this thread with great interest. I am not going to debate the views already expressed here.
We ahve a saying at my work...Feedback is a gift...what you choose to do with the gift is your choice.
OCB has received a lot of feedback...what is chooses to do with it if his choice.
With that said I think your feedback might be the best gift yet....
This idea will give the poster the ability to create the exact situtation he is looking for his son. He can find a coach that share his POV, he can find players that share his son's passsion and talent etc.....
Heck he will not even have to move..he can recruit from all over the country.
"If Your Ship Does Not Come In, Swim Out to Meet it"
You know, our kids grew up to be OK (so far). Two of them played professional baseball, one even was “lucky” enough to get a chance to play in the Major Leagues with three different teams. Our other son is a retired officer in the Navy, I’m especially proud of him. Our daughter is a successful business owner. She couldn’t have kids so she adopted a couple who had been abused. It’s been difficult… I’m very proud of her!
Not once did I feel that I knew what was the best way to guide them. I have no stories of what we did that was so absolutely correct. I’ve seen others who might have been much wiser parents who have had kids that were less successful and more successful. I’ve seen parents who I thought did everything wrong, end up with very nice, successful kids. To this day, I don't know for sure what the best way is to do things. For sure, what worked for our kids, might not work at all for someone else’s kids. I’m not even sure what we did to have things end up the way they have… So far!
Sorry, but when I read about someone doing things a certain way that seems a bit too self absorbing. And then the argument seems to become… You are a fool… because here is what we did or how we do it! I just don’t get it!
I take it for granted that most everyone loves their kids and wants the best for them. Yet I’m pretty sure everyone goes about things differently. Obviously people will disagree with what is the right approach, I find it hard to believe there is a perfect approach to being a parent. Some of the best, most honest, hard working, intelligent people I’ve ever known have ended up with what some would consider rotten children.
Regarding baseball success… There are Major League players, who are good citizens, who didn’t have any baseball guidance or baseball interest from their parents. There are others, who grew up being force fed the game by their parents. I don’t think there is any formula that will guarantee success or failure. The one thing that stands out to me the most is that most parents love their kids and care a lot.
Though I’m sure it is unintentional, sometimes it seems like too much of what we did comes across as being the Gospel. Though experience is important, everyone is different. It doesn’t sound like OCB is doing anything that will turn his son into a rotten person or an outlaw. This is just baseball, I doubt it will ruin his kid. Maybe others think it will, but it is still his boy and he wants what’s best for him.
I think all of us who have ended up with decent children, should be very thankful and consider ourselves extremely lucky. I know I do!
Anyway, I don’t agree with some of the things OCB talks about, but also hope I’m not alone in thinking that anyone, especially someone we don’t even know, deserves to be treated with a little more respect than what has been shown here. That said, it’s been a very interesting topic.
Sorry, if anyone is offended.
Posts: 6231 | Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa | Registered: December 27, 2002
Thats a very good post and you are absolutely right. I wish you the very best OCB and your son as well. I hope this all works out for your son and you can find a situation that you guys are happy with. There is on one way , period.
I have tried to give you some things to think about and some advice I think is solid. But in the end its your decision to make and do what you feel is best for your son and family.
Good luck and keep us posted on your son as he progresses in the game.
Posts: 933 | Location: NC | Registered: July 26, 2008
Originally posted by PGStaff: You know, our kids grew up to be OK (so far). Two of them played professional baseball, one even was “lucky” enough to get a chance to play in the Major Leagues with three different teams. Our other son is a retired officer in the Navy, I’m especially proud of him. Our daughter is a successful business owner. She couldn’t have kids so she adopted a couple who had been abused. It’s been difficult… I’m very proud of her!
Not once did I feel that I knew what was the best way to guide them. I have no stories of what we did that was so absolutely correct. I’ve seen others who might have been much wiser parents who have had kids that were less successful and more successful. I’ve seen parents who I thought did everything wrong, end up with very nice, successful kids. To this day, I don't know for sure what the best way is to do things. For sure, what worked for our kids, might not work at all for someone else’s kids. I’m not even sure what we did to have things end up the way they have… So far!
Sorry, but when I read about someone doing things a certain way that seems a bit too self absorbing. And then the argument seems to become… You are a fool… because here is what we did or how we do it! I just don’t get it!
I take it for granted that most everyone loves their kids and wants the best for them. Yet I’m pretty sure everyone goes about things differently. Obviously people will disagree with what is the right approach, I find it hard to believe there is a perfect approach to being a parent. Some of the best, most honest, hard working, intelligent people I’ve ever known have ended up with what some would consider rotten children.
Regarding baseball success… There are Major League players, who are good citizens, who didn’t have any baseball guidance or baseball interest from their parents. There are others, who grew up being force fed the game by their parents. I don’t think there is any formula that will guarantee success or failure. The one thing that stands out to me the most is that most parents love their kids and care a lot.
Though I’m sure it is unintentional, sometimes it seems like too much of what we did comes across as being the Gospel. Though experience is important, everyone is different. It doesn’t sound like OCB is doing anything that will turn his son into a rotten person or an outlaw. This is just baseball, I doubt it will ruin his kid. Maybe others think it will, but it is still his boy and he wants what’s best for him.
I think all of us who have ended up with decent children, should be very thankful and consider ourselves extremely lucky. I know I do!
Anyway, I don’t agree with some of the things OCB talks about, but also hope I’m not alone in thinking that anyone, especially someone we don’t even know, deserves to be treated with a little more respect than what has been shown here. That said, it’s been a very interesting topic.
Sorry, if anyone is offended.
ALL I CAN SAY PGstaff is DAMMMMMMM!!!!!!. Forget I am the thread starter that has to be one of the best responses to a post I have ever read. That commentary is right on but afraid it will fall on some deaf ears.
Posts: 139 | Location: South Florida | Registered: April 06, 2009
Originally posted by Coach_May: Thats a very good post and you are absolutely right. I wish you the very best OCB and your son as well. I hope this all works out for your son and you can find a situation that you guys are happy with. There is on one way , period.
I have tried to give you some things to think about and some advice I think is solid. But in the end its your decision to make and do what you feel is best for your son and family.
Good luck and keep us posted on your son as he progresses in the game.
Coach May thank you and some of the advice given has produced some conversation with my family. I do believe that if others were as intelligent with their responses as you have just been, we would not be where we are in these threads right now with the negative connotations they have taken.
I want to thank PGstaff again because I dont think it could be explained any better than what he has posted. It brings to mind two proverbs
If you have some respect for people as they are, you can be more effective in helping them to become better than they are. AND
Men are respectable only as they respect.
Posts: 139 | Location: South Florida | Registered: April 06, 2009
Originally posted by OCB: How many 10 yr olds you know that workout on a 60/90 field from SS that can make the throw from the deep hole on a line to 1st.
OK forget the hitting an 80 mph pitch. This statement completely lost me. From just some basic rough calculations in order to throw a ball on a line, which to me means a straight shot with little to no arch, from deep in the hole at short on a 60/90 field to first base. The ball would have to be traveling at a speed in the mid to upper 80's.
Surely you can see the difficulty in believing that.
Bad Habits: If you aren't correcting them you are coaching them.
Posts: 56 | Location: Tennessee | Registered: September 29, 2009
Originally posted by OCB: How many 10 yr olds you know that workout on a 60/90 field from SS that can make the throw from the deep hole on a line to 1st.
OK forget the hitting an 80 mph pitch. This statement completely lost me. From just some basic rough calculations in order to throw a ball on a line, which to me means a straight shot with little to no arch, from deep in the hole at short on a 60/90 field to first base. The ball would have to be traveling at a speed in the mid to upper 80's.
Surely you can see the difficulty in believing that.
I can tell you that wouldnt be correct cause I know he doesnt throw in the 80s LOL. To throw the ball 300 ft it requires arm strength to throw about 90 mph. Dont just take my word for it since no one else does LOL, look it up online.
Posts: 139 | Location: South Florida | Registered: April 06, 2009
Originally posted by OCB: How many 10 yr olds you know that workout on a 60/90 field from SS that can make the throw from the deep hole on a line to 1st.
OK forget the hitting an 80 mph pitch. This statement completely lost me. From just some basic rough calculations in order to throw a ball on a line, which to me means a straight shot with little to no arch, from deep in the hole at short on a 60/90 field to first base. The ball would have to be traveling at a speed in the mid to upper 80's.
Surely you can see the difficulty in believing that.
I can tell you that wouldnt be correct cause I know he doesnt throw in the 80s LOL. To throw the ball 300 ft it requires arm strength to throw about 90 mph. Dont just take my word for it since no one else does LOL, look it up online.
Yes but with an arch. On a straight line a 90 mph ball would not travel 200 ft. I am not doubting your son can make the throw. I have seen kids his age throw that far. I just think we may have gotten a little over zealous with the on a line part.
Bad Habits: If you aren't correcting them you are coaching them.
Posts: 56 | Location: Tennessee | Registered: September 29, 2009
