Aeden, alas, was released by the Pirates a few days ago. This is the second time he's had to go through this...though not something one ever gets used to!
Fortunately, I had gone over to Bradenton on Saturday and got to see him play well and hit well in a game against the Yankees. (Not to mention meeting the lovely Q's Dad, another hsbbweb treat.) When he finished, I sat down by one of the unused fields, and a charming gentleman named Woody Huyke sat down to talk to us. The Oldest Working Pirate; heck, the facility is named after him! Quite an honor to talk basbeall with a man of his experience. In the course of the conversation, he mentioned that he didn't like the Pirates' policy of picking up FAs and Independent League guys, as they never gave them any real consideration. I was afraid he was giving me a warning and I guess now that he was.
When Aeden was released by the Pads last July, he started work on finding a 'real' job. But this time, he just wanted to keep playing --- even though he well knows that it's unusual for a released guy to get another shot, most particularly an NDFA sans agent. So not much thinking that particular miracle is going to repeat itself. What to do, what to do.
As some of you know, he also plays for the Great Britain National team and the World Cup is this Fall (22 countries, including the USA will be there); the UK will start play in Moscow and hopefully continue into Italy. He loves playing for his country and was so looking forward --- gotta stay in shape! So he gets home Sunday, calls his UK coach Monday, and by Tuesday he had an offer to play in the Dutch pro league (remember those guys from the WBC ), including transport, an apartment, and a salary just a little higher than MiLB. He'll be playing and managing their Junior (18u) team as well sincethe league only plays 3-4 days a week.
He's played in Europe two summers during college --- once in the UK, once in the German Bundesliga. Such phenominal experiences for him.
So, as this Being Released Thing would have happened eventually (as it does for at least 95% of the guys, alas), this isn't a bad consolation prize at all, at all. He made it into his third year of MiLB, and is still, as he's wanted to be since T-ball days in England, a Pro Ballplayer .
I've got to mention one other thing of great importance. Aeden had a chance to talk to Zach Duke last week and they spoke, of course, about the highschoolbaseballweb. Unlike most of the times our boys with hsbbweb-junkie parents "discuss" this hallowed site , those two had nothing but praise for this fine forum, recognizing what it has done for both of them. In Aeden's case, his introduction to the UK team came from right here. Without the hsbbweb? No UK team, no summers in Europe, no tournaments in Barcelona, Prague, Vienna, and Bavaria. No Moscow to come....and no continuation of his career in Holland. All of those fantastic experiences started because of people in our community. Deepest thanks.
Ah, life's rich tapestry.
Continued best of luck to all our boys.
"They say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but it's not one half so bad as a lot of ignorance." --- Terry Pratchett
Orlando - very moving post! You might also want to stop by the Ohio forum and say congrats to luvbb's son who is moving on to law school after his time in pro ball.
As PGStaff once said, there are many ways to make a living at baseball. It sounds like your son has figured out some things and I think baseball will always be part of his life. What a life he has led thus far and continues to lead imho! All the best to the young man
Thanks for sharing your son and his journey with us, Orlando. I echo CD's sentiment...let me a little misty-eyed. I wish him nothing but the best (but was REALLY hoping a stay this summer in Lynchburg was in his future).
********************************************** Baseball players don't make excuses...they make adjustments.
Posts: 3966 | Location: Lynchburg, VA | Registered: January 15, 2003
Yes, Orlando you certainly have a way with words. One door closes and another invites you in. Sounds to me like Aeden has had many enriching baseball experiences already in his young life. This is a very cool opportunity for him...things happen for a reason, I am thinking that "Life's rich tapestry" is about to get bigger and richer. Good luck to Aeden and keep us "posted" on his adventures in Europe.
Posts: 1056 | Location: nor cali | Registered: September 03, 2007
Originally posted by Orlando: Loved your 2000th post, play. Beautiful sentiment, and I appreciate it.
I am jealous of her ability with words
Orlando - I am also going to bump this one into the General Forum. I just think it deserves broader attention. I will accept any criticism you have of me in private
Wow, I really love a good silver lining story; Aeden, with a little prosaic assist from Orlando, is working on a real gem. I certainly hope we'll get to read a lot more.
"There are two kinds of people in this game: those who are humble and those who are about to be." Clint Hurdle
Posts: 2301 | Location: New Mexico | Registered: January 22, 2006
I have been through that unpleasant experience more than once. It is not much fun for anyone involved. In fact, it is a very bad experience. At the time it doesn't really help to know that it happens to nearly all players.
I have to commend you for even bringing it up here. I think this is a very important message that people do need to hear. It's reality! and at some point many on here are going to experience it. Later on, you realize just how good your son was to have had the opportunity. I think you have realized that before most people would.
Also, everyone should appreciate the persistence and desire that Aeden possesses. He might play for a long long time, but even if not... He has learned so much that many others will never know. I bet he will be involved in baseball for a long time.
A sad day perhaps, but he should be congratulated and so should you. He is a true professional! I hope he someday uses his experience and knowledge to help young kids. Sounds like he is already off and running when it comes to that.
Posts: 5953 | Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa | Registered: December 27, 2002
No matter what point a player is released they are winners !!! and will be winners at what ever they have the desire to do. They didn't get as far as they did with out being hard working and dedicated people.
Best wishes to your family
Posts: 1300 | Location: NJ | Registered: December 30, 2002
Orlando, Congrats to Aeden for a job well done! We wish the best as he begins the next chapter of his European Adventure. FWIW, one of Jon Lucroy's HS teammates is pitching in the Austrian Baseball League for his second season. He has a similar deal and loves it.
Posts: 5269 | Location: Florida | Registered: December 26, 2002
Orlando, the dream never ends it just takes different roads. Aeden gets a new chapter that even fewer get to experience. I can't wait for some "over the pond" stories.
Posts: 4667 | Location: Madison Wi | Registered: January 06, 2003
Orlando, I can only imagine the roller coaster of emotions involved in the process. It's a funny thing to sit here and wish the journey for my own son, knowing the hills and valleys involved beforehand.
It really is commendable that you can so eloquently place your thoughts and your heart out on the table for us to peruse.
I wish nothing but happiness and success for both you and Aeden as your collective journey continues to unfold.
Expect that this adventure is going to be difficult. It is going to be hard. And expect to win.
Posts: 2594 | Location: il | Registered: November 15, 2006
), including transport, an apartment, and a salary just a little higher than MiLB. He'll be playing and managing their Junior (18u) team as well sincethe league only plays 3-4 days a week.
, those two had nothing but praise for this fine forum, recognizing what it has done for both of them. In Aeden's case, his introduction to the UK team came from right here. Without the hsbbweb? No UK team, no summers in Europe, no tournaments in Barcelona, Prague, Vienna, and Bavaria. No Moscow to come....and no continuation of his career in Holland. All of those fantastic experiences started because of people in our community. Deepest thanks.
