This weekend, our college sophomore pitched for the first time in an inter squad scrimmage in front of a crowd (it was parent weekend).
He was sidelined last year after shoulder surgery. Although he couldn't practice or play last year, son went to every practice and every game. He kept the book, worked the scoreboard, and entered the game day, on line play by play. He worked hard on his rehab, not knowing if he would ever be able to play at the college level.
While I couldn't be there this weekend, his Dad was there. Son pitched three innings, started out shaky but finished strong, giving up only one earned run and getting out of the third inning with only 8-9 pitches.
Now, while this wasn't his first appearance in the World Series, the pros, a DI school, or even a college GAME, for heaven's sake, I can't begin to share with you the absolute joy I felt for our son.
It was not his most dominating appearance ever, it won't go in any record book, it may even have looked less than stellar to others, but to us, it was breathtaking.
There were times, over the past year and a half, when it was questionable whether he would ever play again. It is still not clear that he will ever play at his pre-injury potential. But what has become clear is that the dedication, commitment, and discipline that our son has shown reflects his absolute love of the game. The support he has received from coaches, fellow players, instructors, and other parents, has made clear what a special group of people he has been privileged to know.
So, I waited anxiously for the call from his Dad after son's outing. I watched the clock, said many silent prayers, and made myself breathe. I answered the phone before the first ring had finished and listened to the play by play. What I really wanted to know was, how did son feel? Dad put son on phone. So, I asked, how did it go? "I sucked." Wait, I said, you pitched for the first time on a college mound, in a live situation, in front of a crowd and your Dad, and you...(I repeated the play by play). That sounds pretty terrific to me. It sounds like you started out a little nervous, settled down and finished strong and were very effective. "I guess I did OK." But his voice was that of the little league player who had just hit his first home run.
I hung up the phone and smiled. My whole body vibrated with happiness (except for that little part of me that ached because I couldn't be there to see it). When husband returned home, he said that he had a wonderful time over the whole weekend. Son's friends and teammates were terrific. Son seemed much happier with school (he was pretty happy before). He had never seen son happier. Today, two days later, I still tear up with joy as I share this story with you.
So, without being more sappy than I already have been, I would like to encourage every parent and every player to enjoy every minute of the baseball that you have. Whether it is T-ball or the World Series, don't take the joy for granted. Don't define the big wins by the scoreboard and remember, not all benchmarks end up in a record book - just engraved in your heart.
I just wanted to add a huge thanks to Dr. James Andrews who not only is one of the best surgeons, ever, but one of the best cheerleaders a player could ever have. His confidence in our son's ability to return to play made it seem to be an achievable reality for our son.
Posts: 156 | Location: VA | Registered: February 09, 2007
What a wonderful post! I can relate to the heartache and the absolute joy of seeing (or hearing about) them getting back on that field. I am so happy for you and your family!
Posts: 127 | Location: CA | Registered: February 25, 2008
Awesome story! Wow -- what a joy to see your son bounce back from adversity!
You are so right in encouraging us to savor every moment. Oftentimes, we don't relish our sons' "small" successess and achievements like we should either because we are taking things for granted or because we're focused on the future, some problem, or a larger issue.
Many folks talk about how important "the little things" are in baseball. We would be wise to take joy in the "little things" of life, too.
Posts: 2214 | Location: San Antonio, TX | Registered: April 11, 2006
P&C Mom, great story. I experienced similar feelings, albiet on a smaller scale. When my son was 12 he missed the season due to injury. When he was cleared to play I teared up in the hospital seeing the look of joy on his face.
I wish him continued sucess in his college career!!
Posts: 200 | Location: New Jersey | Registered: August 29, 2007
Got to chime in here. Although this is about volleyball, the emotions were the same. My daughter was determined to be a college s****r player. Although she was recruited heavily by some DI programs, she wanted to go to Columbia University, who had not recruited her. She was invited to walk-on by the head coach once he saw her play in a campus club team game. She took his PE course at his request her freshman year so he could further evaluate her. Well, he elected not to invite her on as a player the following year. She was crushed. But now she's a starter on the Volleyball Team, which should give you some indication of her determination. I was able to watcher her first Ivy League game on an internet streaming video Saturday night, which was the first game in which I'd seen her play in 2 1/2 years. My wife and I were so proud of her. She reached her goal through very hard work. She was so happy in our phone conversation shortly after the game. I will never forget the night.
Posts: 71 | Location: Lafayette, LA | Registered: August 14, 2007
Awesome posts. Good luck and hope he continues to get stronger.
great post on volleyball player. All these kids have one thing in common love for a game and work ethic and determination to stick with it through adversity and that will make them sucessful on the field (court) and off as well.
Posts: 819 | Location: california | Registered: December 17, 2007
Absolutely wonderful story! You must have had some extra tears of joy left over, because some of them were running down my cheeks as I read your thoughts. Thanks so much for sharing that.
Louisiana Lightning, not too shabby, your daughter is a good enough student to attend an Ivy League school, and also has the determination in athletics to overcome a setback like that? I think that young lady is going places!
Julie
Posts: 3703 | Location: Minnesota | Registered: January 04, 2003
Thanks, everybody, for the kind thoughts and good wishes.
To steal a line from Garrison Kiellor, this is a place where all of our children are above average.
PG - I continue to learn an extraordinary amount from all three of our children!
LA Lightning - Huge congrats to your daughter! I watched some of the volleyball during the Olympics and was really impressed with the athleticism they needed. Who knows, 2012 for your daughter? But more importantly, she has found a way to have fun, feel good about herself, and share her joy with you. Can't beat that.
Gotwood - Great to hear from you! Hope everyone in your house will soon be healthy and doing whatever brings them joy - As LA Lightning's daughter proved - ya never know!
Posts: 156 | Location: VA | Registered: February 09, 2007
P&C mom - Thank you for sharing such an emotional story! Your son has taken the gifts of baseball and life to prove that he's a winner on the field and off! Those kinds of kids are going to always be successful!! I could feel your smile and your joy through your shared words! May you have many more moments just like that!! Awesome stuff!!
Posts: 5382 | Location: Kentucky | Registered: December 30, 2004
