Didn't know whether to piggy back off of Orlando's post or not, but Josh was released this morning.
He had an idea it was coming since his velocity never fully recovered from the labrum injury. Not sure of his next plan, but whatever it is I'm sure he will land on his feet. Got a Dartmouth degree in his back pocket which might help a little. As Mary Ann used to tell me, "God's in control."
The wife and I were talking about this possibility last night and she stated "I hate baseball". I reminded her that without baseball he wouldn't have gotten into Dartmouth, wouldn't have met his wife, wouldn't have been Sidd Finch , been on Trading Spaces , met the people he's met, etc... It doesn't take away the sting or the pain we feel for our kids, but it is inevitable sooner or later for most. It's just sad that an injury caused a "what if?".
I do thank all who have been pulling/praying for Josh. It's been much appreciated. Continued prayers are still appreciated.
I'll still be lurking and doing the occasional post. Baseball is in my blood.
I continue to wish all the boys the best.
Frank
______________ "If you can read this, thank a teacher, and since it's in English, thank a soldier !!"
Posts: 1833 | Location: Pueblo,CO,USA | Registered: December 27, 2002
It really does bring us out here, with kids still chasing the dream, to see so many brought full circle, back to the reality of the most likely outcome.
We will watch our kids last game, before either we or they were ready to bring it to a close.
It sounds as though baseball has given your son a wonderful and full ride with blessings that will last a lifetime.
It is so bittersweet. But you know that before long your son and his wife will be blessed with a son or daughter and you will be off to the ballfield all over again, and both of you will be in a very unique position to provide insight and advice to this new generation of players and their parents as they begin to chase whatever baseball dreams they may have.
I am sure that your son will find success with his degree, and the skills and moral terpitude that he has gained by virtue of his baseball experience.
God Bless.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Posts: 1350 | Location: Sunshine State | Registered: January 03, 2006
The wife and I were talking about this possibility last night and she stated "I hate baseball". I reminded her that without baseball he wouldn't have gotten into Dartmouth, wouldn't have met his wife, wouldn't have been Sidd Finch , been on Trading Spaces , met the people he's met, etc... It doesn't take away the sting or the pain we feel for our kids, but it is inevitable sooner or later for most. It's just sad that an injury caused a "what if?".
If you think about it, baseball is a love/hate game. When it is going good for you, and obviously there were many good times for Josh to have gotten as far as he did, it is a sport that is intoxicating with how good it makes you feel. When things go bad however, it seems like you are falling into the abyss with no clue how to find your way out.
Sometimes you can experience these feelings within the course of a game. Most times, these feelings are experienced over the course of a season and then over the course of a career. I know exactly what your wife means when she says she hates baseball. If only parents could ensure the type of outcome that they know their hard-working children deserve. It does not work that way unfortunately.
Frank - I am truly sorry to hear about Josh but his story is a positive one as demonstrated in the quote above. Hopefully, someday your wife will see how great the game has been to his life.
Like the other recent threads on this topic, I am going to bump this one into the general forum so that it has better visibility for our members. All the best to Josh and his family in the future.
We've talked about the possibilities but like all dreams there was always a light at the end of the tunnel. In this case the light still shines but with a different reward. Josh has the best education that baseball could buy, his experiences are unique with an Ivy degree and professional baseball side note on his resume. Very few can carry that accolade, he is truly a winner in my book.
Posts: 4667 | Location: Madison Wi | Registered: January 06, 2003
Frank, Sad news indeed, but like 20dad noted in earlier in another thread, another door opens now for Josh. Like everyone else here I'll keep pulling for your son. His parents have done a great job of raising him, and he's got a degree from one of the best colleges in the land. All the best.
"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 empathy for Josh and for both of you. Our boys have been through such a wonderous experience all the way, with a grounding that will serve them throughout their lives.
As Fungo has said (that old sage ), there is real good in losing the uncertainty and disruption in their lives. But it will take some time to feel that. No matter how many times the statistics on release are quoted to us, it's still hard.
Would our boys (and would we) have missed this ride for any other? Heck, NO!
If you'd like to, please let us know where Josh goes from here; there are many on this board who care about him, and many who will face this in the future. Just like learning what to do next in baseball, all the families here will benefit in knowing what happens next in life.
FrankF: While I suppose this is sad news, and I am sure Josh is not happy about it at all, I really do see it just the way you describe.
Just look at all the great things that have already become a part of his life due to baseball! Dartmouth, a wife, years of competition. The friends he made, the moments he will cherish forever.
Frank, I am typing with so many mixed feelings since Josh and Jason had some parallels in their paths in Milb. While I am saddened to read this news, I am posting with an almost ancillary pride through my awareness of the courage, the effort, the time, the sacrifice, and the fortitude Josh demonstrated to even get back on the mound for another ST. This release has nothing to do with failure. It surely has nothing to due with Josh. In a sense, this day can be a relief because there finally is a decision and it allows Josh to move forward. There can be little doubt his best days are in front of him.
'You don't have to be a great player to play in the major leagues, you've got to be a good one every day.'
Posts: 2407 | Location: ca | Registered: February 11, 2003
Thanks everyone. He's had a great ride (so far) and is taking it better than I am. I doubt he has any regrets at least with the rehab and preparation part of it. I know he worked out like I never could have.
He told me his wife (flight attendant) was doing a charter today for soldiers headed to Iraq.
A 27 yo son of one of my co-workers is battling cancer.
He knows he's been blessed.
______________ "If you can read this, thank a teacher, and since it's in English, thank a soldier !!"
Posts: 1833 | Location: Pueblo,CO,USA | Registered: December 27, 2002
FrankF...I am so sorry to hear about Josh. Please know that you and your wife have raised a wonderful son who gave it his all. There is no defeat when you've done your best. I know that his future is bright. Please continue to let us know how he is getting along.
Posts: 1228 | Location: Georgia | Registered: January 06, 2003
i've alway's thought of josh as a new englander, since his day's at dartmouth. following chris lapointe. it hasn't been an easy path for him. but there is some satisfaction in the process.
he's achieved more than most ever will. our best wishes to them, things have a way of working out.
If it's true that we're all here to help others, then what exactly are the others here for?
Posts: 2210 | Location: new hampshire | Registered: March 25, 2003
Got a Dartmouth degree in his back pocket which might help a little. As Mary Ann used to tell me, "God's in control."
This is a thread that is the backbone of the HSBBW.Awesome posts by everyone, I do not know Josh but he sounds like a accomplished young man and you have a lot to be proud of. Best wishes andI agree with Mary Ann, God is in control. God Bless i
Posts: 1553 | Location: california | Registered: December 17, 2007
At least Josh "felt" it coming and he was not blind-sided by it. You are fortunate to have your son prepared for getting after the next phase of his life with a great degree and wife to boot...I bet he bounces high!
OPP
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
Posts: 892 | Location: TeXas | Registered: December 26, 2002
Frank, So sorry to hear the news, wow, it just seems like a lifetime since we have been talking baseball with each other regarding our sons journey. Your son has been on an incredible journey, and it won't stop here. Don't let this stop you from posting here. Josh will be fine, and you will be too. FWIW, tell your wife I can relate.
Forget the potholes in the road and celebrate the journey instead...anonymous
Posts: 12757 | Location: South Florida | Registered: July 28, 2003
, been on Trading Spaces 
, met the people he's met, etc... It doesn't take away the sting or the pain we feel for our kids, but it is inevitable sooner or later for most. It's just sad that an injury caused a "what if?".
), there is real good in losing the uncertainty and disruption in their lives. But it will take some time to feel that. No matter how many times the statistics on release are quoted to us, it's still hard. 
