My son made his debut this weekend. He came from the bullpen, he struggled a bit, his team did not do well over the weekend. Glad he got his first game out of the way. What I did want to mention was a conversation he had with me after the game. He described his experience (as a pitcher) as a most humbling one. 3500+ in the stands, autographs to sign afterwards, realizing that this WAS not HS ball, but a whole different "ballgame", an appreciation for his teammates and coaches, respect for the other team's accomplishments and the umpires real tight strike zone. It's gonna be a loooooooong season!
Posts: 10706 | Location: South Florida | Registered: July 28, 2003
While your son was humbled by the awesome surroundings, I'm very impressed with how he did in his first appearance as a freshman. 2.1 innings, 4 Ks, 1 hit, 1 run (as a pitcher's mom I like the 4Ks the most). I won't be a bit disappointed if my son does as well in his freshman debut in a couple of weeks!
Posts: 3612 | Location: Minnesota | Registered: January 04, 2003
You guys take me back to my sons first game back in '96--New Mexico State vs Arizona State in Tempe--- talk about humbling --he said standing in CF with the names of ASU greats Jackson, Bando etc all aroung him on the outfield fence was mind boggling.
Yes COLLEGE BASEBALL is a far cry from High School baseball
TRhit
Posts: 19128 | Location: Manchester, CT USA | Registered: December 26, 2002
MN, Don't forget the 3 walks! We were not disappointed and he was not either, I just wanted to share his thoughts on how he felt. He is just another fish in the pond right now, has a long way to go, as I said, quite a humbling experience.
Posts: 10706 | Location: South Florida | Registered: July 28, 2003
The mental adjustment is harder for some than the physical adjustment. He was in the game because he has the "stuff". The next outing will be much easier for everyone.
A long way to go, perhaps. Plenty of time to get there though.
Posts: 4780 | Location: Florida | Registered: December 26, 2002
Ok, let me try again, my bad, maybe I am not making myself clear. I was trying to explain that he was in awe of the entire weekend, win or lose, to him he felt that he had arrived at a point he had waited a long time for and it was a great experience. Thanks everyone.
Posts: 10706 | Location: South Florida | Registered: July 28, 2003
TPM....sooner or later all pitchers (and hitters) are going to be humbled. Last year when my son was a freshman his first outing was fabulous......later on down the road he lasted only 3.1 innings in a start against Evansville and 0.2 against Wichita State!! As somebody mentioned though, stepping back on the mound with confidence no matter what the previous outings produced-----is as big of a hurdle as anything.
A season begins with a starting point (for players and teams), and then the season hopefully progresses in a steady climb upward, understanding that there will be some great outings (games) and some sub-par ones during that climb.
Posts: 1062 | Location: Michigan | Registered: December 27, 2002
Kudo's to Dave on what he's accomplished so far just to get where he's at. Great that he finally got his feet wet and experienced such a great atmosphere. He will cherish it for a long time. Two thumbs up!!
______________ "If you can read this, thank a teacher, and since it's in English, thank a soldier !!"
Posts: 1690 | Location: Pueblo,CO,USA | Registered: December 27, 2002
It's impossible to exaggerate the magnitude of the step our sons take when they "graduate" from high school to Division I ball. Inevitably, the experience teaches them a great deal about themselves and others, and you'll be amazed at how much he'll grow over the course of the season.
All the very best to him as he travels the path!
Posts: 672 | Location: Charlotte | Registered: December 29, 2002
TPM, Sounds like a tough week end for the boys, He must have been thrilled to get his first shot on the hill! Email me how the coaches were and how much fun his first road trip was!
Catchersdad
Posts: 305 | Location: des moines ,washington | Registered: January 13, 2003
We were not disappointed and he was not either, I just wanted to share his thoughts on how he felt. He is just another fish in the pond right now, has a long way to go, as I said, quite a humbling experience.
