J just finished his final fall baseball season. He played tremendously well, finishing off his season with a batting average of .522. It was a little sad knowing that he has one spring season left. Hopefully after that it will be on to college ball, but we're still quite a ways from knowing how that will work out. As always, being the overly sentimental mama that I am, I've been recalling a lot of moments from his nearly 14 years on the field. I decided to share my top ten.
10.) J's excitement the first year he signed up for t-ball. I can still picture him with holding his shiny new bat, his tiny glove, and the smile that never leaves his face when he's playing ball.
9.) His first "home run" during the last game of his first t-ball season. He smacked the ball to the fence and rounded the bases with all the speed his little five year old legs could muster. Then he slid home, that smile growing even wider.
8.) His second season in minor division Little League. That season truly personified everything that youth baseball should be about. We had a great little team with fantastic kids and parents and it will always be one of my favorites.
7.) His excitement when he received a first baseman's mitt. To him that meant he was really and truly a first baseman. He used that glove from ages 9-14, when his hand finally outgrew it. I have it put away in his keepsake box, never to be thrown away.
6. ) In 2010, J attended a Baseball Factory try out and was selected to attend a national training camp in Cape Cod. He was one of only 90 kids chosen and I think that is the year that the idea that he would make baseball his life's goal really took root. It had always been there, but that camp clinched it. I cried when I put him on the plane because I could see all the dreams in his eyes and I wanted so badly to help him make them a reality.
5.) His first try out for the high school team as a freshman. He was so nervous that the day they posted the list and his name was on it, he wasn't sure if that meant he had made it or been cut. He called me from school to tell me his name was on the list and his voice was shaking with nerves and excitement.
4.) The day he tried out for TP and met Coach C. I couldn't foresee how it would turn out, but right from the start, I knew there was something special there.
3.) His final tournament for TP when he hit a game changing line drive that spurred TP onto to their second championship. I will never forget the smile on his face as he stood on first base with Coach K next to him. I have a picture of it and it remains one of my favorite pictures from all his years in baseball.
2.) During the above mentioned game, once he returned to the dug out, Coach C came over to the fence. J was on the inside of the dug out, Coach C on the outside. They put their hands up on the fence, palms together. Coach C looked him in the eye and said, "Way to be clutch." They probably don't even remember it, but it made me cry then and still makes me get misty recalling it. In that moment the love and respect they share as player, coach, and friends was stamped on both of their faces. They'll laugh at me when they read this, but I don't care. It was a moment I'll never forget.
1.) The other day, J and I were in the car, discussing some opportunities he has coming up to further his chances of playing in college. I asked him what he truly felt his chances were and this is what he said, as close as I can recall it, "I think I have as good a chance as anybody out there to play in college. I've worked hard and will keep on working hard until I know I've done absolutely everything I can to make it happen. I'm not finished playing yet and it's going to happen."
I have many more favorite moments, but these are the ones I treasure the most. This year is flying by so fast and I am finding myself overwhelmed by sentiment and emotion. I'll update soon on what J's up to these days but for now I'll just say he's one step closer to making the dream a reality.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Hello!
It seems that a couple of months have managed to sneak by and it's suddenly November. This school year is keeping us busier than usual, especially since I am now working part time as a pre-k 3 teacher at A and N's school. I'm really enjoying my little class of 8 three year olds. More on that in a future post I'm sure! The kids are busy with all of the normal activities. J just completed both his final swim season and his fall baseball season. He's working on college applications and has some upcoming camps and showcases. N is singing, playing piano, and staking gymnastics. He's also student teaching for younger boys at gymnastics. A continues to be our little twirling princess and gets sassier everyday. I will be making a concentrated effort to get back to regular postings! So stay tuned!
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Going For It
One week from today, J will begin his senior year of high school. One short year and my baby will take his first flight out of the nest. It's an exciting time as he works on college applications, makes plans for the future, and of course, continues to reach for those baseball dreams he's been chasing since he was four years old. I'll be the first to admit that J's dream is a little unconventional. It's certainly not the most practical, nor is it going to change the world. But it's his dream, one that he's refused to give up on for the past 14 years. Oh back when he was just a little boy I'm sure it didn't have the meaning for him that it does now. But somewhere along the line, baseball became his heart and he's never wavered in his determination. Now, hubby and I did make it clear that while we were willing to support his dream in any way we could, we weren't willing to let him pin everything on something that was such a huge long shot. The deal was he had to have a valid fall back plan. It took him a little while but he finally worked his way around to deciding to study sports business when he gets to college. If he can't play ball, he wants to at least make a living being involved in baseball.
So that's his plan. Earn a sports business degree while hopefully playing college baseball. And he still dreams of a shot at the big leagues. Again, a long shot, but my boy is nothing if not determined. J is a kid who has to work hard for things. Good grades don't come naturally for him. He has to study hard to maintain his GPA. He also has to work hard on the ball field, where his natural talent and ability only take him so far. He isn't that player that has scouts and coaches chasing after him. He's good, but he isn't showy or flashy. I've always compared him to the tortoise in the old story of the tortoise and the hare. Slow, steady, and determined to win his race. This past weekend he attended a baseball camp at his top college pick. He was determined to make a good impression on the coaches. If looking smooth, confident, and in control during fielding drills, hitting well in batting practice, and going three for three, scoring twice, and fielding like a pro in the simulated game they played was what it takes to leave a good impression, then he nailed it. He left his whole heart on that field, knowing it was his one shot to show what he could do. Next he'll begin contacting coaches with letters of interest, letting them know a little bit about himself and that he's interested in playing college ball. From there, if anyone is interested, he'll follow up with a letter of recommendation from Coach C, and hopefully the next step would be a try out and an offer to play.
I, being the sentimental mom that I am, got a little teary eyed when he hit send on that first email this morning. I'm so proud of him, and I also admire him tremendously for having the courage to keep pursuing a dream. So many people give up on their dreams, believing they just can't do it or that it isn't worth the hard work. But my boy has never wavered in his determination. There have been times when he's been tired, discouraged, or frustrated, but he's kept going. He's sacrificed being a typical teenager at times in order to train and become the best player he can. No matter what happens, he's going to know he gave it everything he had. As for me, I believe in my heart J is meant to play ball. It could be somewhere close to home or it could be hundreds of miles away. No matter where it is, I'll send him off with a smile, knowing he's earned the chance to live out his dream.
So that's his plan. Earn a sports business degree while hopefully playing college baseball. And he still dreams of a shot at the big leagues. Again, a long shot, but my boy is nothing if not determined. J is a kid who has to work hard for things. Good grades don't come naturally for him. He has to study hard to maintain his GPA. He also has to work hard on the ball field, where his natural talent and ability only take him so far. He isn't that player that has scouts and coaches chasing after him. He's good, but he isn't showy or flashy. I've always compared him to the tortoise in the old story of the tortoise and the hare. Slow, steady, and determined to win his race. This past weekend he attended a baseball camp at his top college pick. He was determined to make a good impression on the coaches. If looking smooth, confident, and in control during fielding drills, hitting well in batting practice, and going three for three, scoring twice, and fielding like a pro in the simulated game they played was what it takes to leave a good impression, then he nailed it. He left his whole heart on that field, knowing it was his one shot to show what he could do. Next he'll begin contacting coaches with letters of interest, letting them know a little bit about himself and that he's interested in playing college ball. From there, if anyone is interested, he'll follow up with a letter of recommendation from Coach C, and hopefully the next step would be a try out and an offer to play.
I, being the sentimental mom that I am, got a little teary eyed when he hit send on that first email this morning. I'm so proud of him, and I also admire him tremendously for having the courage to keep pursuing a dream. So many people give up on their dreams, believing they just can't do it or that it isn't worth the hard work. But my boy has never wavered in his determination. There have been times when he's been tired, discouraged, or frustrated, but he's kept going. He's sacrificed being a typical teenager at times in order to train and become the best player he can. No matter what happens, he's going to know he gave it everything he had. As for me, I believe in my heart J is meant to play ball. It could be somewhere close to home or it could be hundreds of miles away. No matter where it is, I'll send him off with a smile, knowing he's earned the chance to live out his dream.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Catching Up
Wow, I didn't realize over a month had passed since my last post. I had every intention of posting this summer but circumstances got in the way. I figure this is a good time to catch everyone up on what's been going on.
The biggest thing that kept me away from blogging was a family medical crisis. My brother D spent three weeks in the hospital, battling a rare autoimmune disorder called TTP. The official name of the disorder is Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura. You can read up on it here: TTP. It's extremely serious and for the first week in the hospital, D was in critical condition, sedated and on a ventilator while the doctors treated him by doing daily blood cleansing. I'm thankful to be able to report that he is now on the mend, though he will continue treatment as an outpatient for several more weeks. Treatment consists of blood cleansing and chemotherapy. It's unclear now whether this condition will turn out to be acute or chronic. We're in a wait and see pattern for now, as he completes his treatment.
Remember J's showcase back at the beginning of June? He got his evaluation back a few weeks ago and it was really good. Perfect Game gave him a grade of 6.5 on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being baseball is not your game and 10 being you're a freak of nature, welcome to the big leagues. He scored between potential college prospect and college prospect with future draft potential. He and Coach C were very pleased with his grade and overall evaluation. J is inspired to continue working as hard as he can towards achieving his dream of playing college ball. He took a bit of a break following the showcase and just got back on the field with Coach C yesterday. The break apparently did him a world of good, if Coach' C's reaction to how he did is any indicator. Coach C felt that he looks better than ever, which pleased J immensely. Next up is narrowing down the list of schools he wants to apply to, contacting coaches to express his interest in playing, and having Coach C write him a letter of recommendation. He's looking at schools in Florida, as well as out of state, since out of state is still his best option to play ball. However, with his Perfect Game eval and grade, we're very, very cautiously optimistic that something might, very big might, work out in Florida. Whatever happens, J is both excited and nervous as he begins his senior year.
N and A have kept busy this summer as well. N has continued his piano lessons and he recently attended scripture camp for a week. It was a sleep away camp about an hour from home. He had a fantastic time and has not stopped talking about everything he did at camp since we picked him up on Friday night. He has already said he'd like to go again next year. A has been swimming all summer and will compete in a swim meet in a few weeks. She also had National baton competition which went extremely well. She took third place out of nine girls in her age category for her presentation routine. She was extremely proud of herself and fully expects that I will let her compete at Nationals next summer. Since next year's competition is in California, as opposed to an hour away from home, I haven't broken it to her that we most likely will not be able to go.
School starts in just over two weeks so the next couple weeks will be spent getting organized and ready for the busy pace of the school year. When I have a few extra minutes I'll do a summer in pictures to post to further catch everyone up on what we've been up to.
The biggest thing that kept me away from blogging was a family medical crisis. My brother D spent three weeks in the hospital, battling a rare autoimmune disorder called TTP. The official name of the disorder is Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura. You can read up on it here: TTP. It's extremely serious and for the first week in the hospital, D was in critical condition, sedated and on a ventilator while the doctors treated him by doing daily blood cleansing. I'm thankful to be able to report that he is now on the mend, though he will continue treatment as an outpatient for several more weeks. Treatment consists of blood cleansing and chemotherapy. It's unclear now whether this condition will turn out to be acute or chronic. We're in a wait and see pattern for now, as he completes his treatment.
Remember J's showcase back at the beginning of June? He got his evaluation back a few weeks ago and it was really good. Perfect Game gave him a grade of 6.5 on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being baseball is not your game and 10 being you're a freak of nature, welcome to the big leagues. He scored between potential college prospect and college prospect with future draft potential. He and Coach C were very pleased with his grade and overall evaluation. J is inspired to continue working as hard as he can towards achieving his dream of playing college ball. He took a bit of a break following the showcase and just got back on the field with Coach C yesterday. The break apparently did him a world of good, if Coach' C's reaction to how he did is any indicator. Coach C felt that he looks better than ever, which pleased J immensely. Next up is narrowing down the list of schools he wants to apply to, contacting coaches to express his interest in playing, and having Coach C write him a letter of recommendation. He's looking at schools in Florida, as well as out of state, since out of state is still his best option to play ball. However, with his Perfect Game eval and grade, we're very, very cautiously optimistic that something might, very big might, work out in Florida. Whatever happens, J is both excited and nervous as he begins his senior year.
N and A have kept busy this summer as well. N has continued his piano lessons and he recently attended scripture camp for a week. It was a sleep away camp about an hour from home. He had a fantastic time and has not stopped talking about everything he did at camp since we picked him up on Friday night. He has already said he'd like to go again next year. A has been swimming all summer and will compete in a swim meet in a few weeks. She also had National baton competition which went extremely well. She took third place out of nine girls in her age category for her presentation routine. She was extremely proud of herself and fully expects that I will let her compete at Nationals next summer. Since next year's competition is in California, as opposed to an hour away from home, I haven't broken it to her that we most likely will not be able to go.
School starts in just over two weeks so the next couple weeks will be spent getting organized and ready for the busy pace of the school year. When I have a few extra minutes I'll do a summer in pictures to post to further catch everyone up on what we've been up to.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Perfect Game Sunshine East Showcase, Day One
Right now I'm sitting in the bedroom of our hotel suite, listening as J and hubby play a video game in the living room area. J's voice is relaxed and happy, his spirits are high, and he's looking forward to tomorrow. The first day of the showcase went very well for him. He woke up this morning, full of nervous energy, tinged with a healthy dose of sheer excitement. As we drove to the field, I was checking Facebook on my phone and saw that J had posted the following status:
Can't believe it's here all ready. First baseball showcase so pumped to play today. I have worked so hard for this. I have a couple people to thank. First my parents for their constant love and support. And last my coach Coach C. Without him I would of not been even close to as ready as I am today. The constant training has been amazing thanks a lot for all you do. Today I take a big step in the possibility of making baseball a career for myself. Lets hope one of the coaches will see something they like. I'm stoked and ready to go. I'm going to make you guys proud
I immediately got teary eyed, like I always do when one of my kids does or says something unexpectedly sweet. But I digress. When we arrived at the field, J joined several hundred other young players for warm ups, followed by a meeting with the Perfect Game staff. When the meeting ended and the players went to the assigned fields to participate in the workout, hubby summed it up perfectly, "Talk about a field of dreams." Anyone watching could surely see the hopes and dreams clearly reflected in the face of every player in attendance.
As for J's dreams, today he went out there and grabbed for them. He's been training with Coach C for weeks to prepare for this weekend and prepared he was. He played with his trademark heart and spirit, bringing his own special touch to the field. He played at first base, which is where he shines and shine he did. Beautiful stretches, a few dives to stop wild throws, smooth footwork and solid glove action. Coach C would have been proud to see it. (I took so many pictures he'll feel like he was there.) His bat was shaky during the game, though he hit extremely well in batting practice later in the day. Eight solid line drives out of the ten pitches thrown to him.
I freely admit that tears spilled out of my eyes more than once. I tend to be sentimental under the most ordinary of circumstances. Add in the extra emotional punch of having the privilege to watch J going after his heart's desire and well, it was only a matter of time before the waterworks started.
Tomorrow J has one more game to finish out the showcase. If any of the coaches or scouts in attendance today liked what they saw, they will contact him in the future. To my way of thinking, they'd be crazy not to take a look at J, but I know we have to be realistic! Here's hoping that at least one, or a few, took a look at my J today and saw the unique gifts he has to offer a team.
Can't believe it's here all ready. First baseball showcase so pumped to play today. I have worked so hard for this. I have a couple people to thank. First my parents for their constant love and support. And last my coach Coach C. Without him I would of not been even close to as ready as I am today. The constant training has been amazing thanks a lot for all you do. Today I take a big step in the possibility of making baseball a career for myself. Lets hope one of the coaches will see something they like. I'm stoked and ready to go. I'm going to make you guys proud
I immediately got teary eyed, like I always do when one of my kids does or says something unexpectedly sweet. But I digress. When we arrived at the field, J joined several hundred other young players for warm ups, followed by a meeting with the Perfect Game staff. When the meeting ended and the players went to the assigned fields to participate in the workout, hubby summed it up perfectly, "Talk about a field of dreams." Anyone watching could surely see the hopes and dreams clearly reflected in the face of every player in attendance.
As for J's dreams, today he went out there and grabbed for them. He's been training with Coach C for weeks to prepare for this weekend and prepared he was. He played with his trademark heart and spirit, bringing his own special touch to the field. He played at first base, which is where he shines and shine he did. Beautiful stretches, a few dives to stop wild throws, smooth footwork and solid glove action. Coach C would have been proud to see it. (I took so many pictures he'll feel like he was there.) His bat was shaky during the game, though he hit extremely well in batting practice later in the day. Eight solid line drives out of the ten pitches thrown to him.
I freely admit that tears spilled out of my eyes more than once. I tend to be sentimental under the most ordinary of circumstances. Add in the extra emotional punch of having the privilege to watch J going after his heart's desire and well, it was only a matter of time before the waterworks started.
Tomorrow J has one more game to finish out the showcase. If any of the coaches or scouts in attendance today liked what they saw, they will contact him in the future. To my way of thinking, they'd be crazy not to take a look at J, but I know we have to be realistic! Here's hoping that at least one, or a few, took a look at my J today and saw the unique gifts he has to offer a team.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
The Next Step
Today I watched J and Coach C on the field during J's last full training session before the showcase this weekend. I always enjoy watching the two of them together on the field, but today my view was blurred by the tears that kept spilling from my eyes. These were not sad tears, but proud mama tears. This weekend J is taking a step in his baseball career that could change the course of his future. He's worked and trained so hard to get to this point and I admire him so much for sticking with his goal. Over the years there have been ups and downs, as many disappointments as there have been triumphs, yet J has never wavered from his determination to become the best baseball player he can be. Watching him today, I saw not only the athlete on the cusp of adulthood, but the tiny boy whose bat was almost bigger than he was. Who first piped up in that small, four year old voice, "Mama, I'm going to be a ball player when I grow up." Images ran like a film reel through my mind, all of the practices, games, and moments that have molded J into the player he is today. I tried to hide my tears from him, though he knows how sentimental and emotional I get, so I'm sure he noticed. Just as I'm sure it won't be the last tears I shed over this showcase. Showcases happen all the time, with talented young players taking the same steps J is taking to realize their dreams. He's certainly not the first or last young ball player to follow this path. But this is one of those moments that is hitting me right in the spot in my heart that is reserved for my firstborn. I loved watching him run through drills with Coach C, watching the two of them sitting in my living room taping J's bats, and just sharing that special bond they share. Coach C was originally supposed to go to the showcase with us. However, he's at a crucial point in studying for his upcoming LSAT exam, so he's going to stay behind and we'll update him throughout the weekend. While J is disappointed that Coach C won't be able to be there, he's also glad to have to the chance to offer his support to Coach C, the way Coach C has always done for him. That makes the proud mama tears spill over, too, because while they may have become coach and player purely by chance, they've become friends and brothers by choice. At this rate, I'm going to be a soggy mess by Sunday night! We really are all very excited about this weekend. It's such a huge opportunity for J to go out there and hopefully catch the eye of some college coach. No matter what though, he can be proud of the fact that he has held onto a dream that began so long ago, that is coming closer and closer to possibly becoming a reality. I know J is strong enough to grab hold of that dream with both hands and never let go. Good luck this weekend baby! This is your moment and I know you're going to shine!
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Showcase Countdown
Where will you be two weeks from today? I know where I'll be; watching J at his very first showcase. That's right. In two weeks, J will be out on the field, being coached and evaluated by college coaches and scouts. All the years of hard work, training, triumphs, and disappointments, will come together in a single weekend as my baby goes out there and takes a shot at the next stage of his life's dream. He, as always, is cool as a cucumber, quietly confident in his ability to do a good job. I, as always, have nerves enough for both of us. Along with the nerves comes excitement. He's worked for this for so long and we are so proud of him for never giving up on a dream that may never happen. The showcase is a weekend long affair. The day before, J, hubby, myself, my dad, and Coach C will travel the four or so hours to the showcase location so we can get J settled and well rested before his big day. That evening there is early check in, followed by a college recruiting seminar. Then the next morning, J will report to the field for a workout and evaluation, followed by games that afternoon and the next day. Hopefully, one or more of the coaches watching will recognize everything J has to offer a team.
Back to those nerves of mine and J's lack thereof. I think he's able to bury the nerves for the most part for a couple of reasons. First, I worry enough for everybody. J often tells me I worry so he doesn't have to. Second, he will have his greatest support system in tow. J knows that hubby and I support him 110%, and will continue to do so, no matter what. But along with us, he'll have the two most influential people in his baseball career with him. My dad fostered the love J has for the game from the time he was a tiny baby. He taught, coached, and encouraged for many years. He doesn't say much but I know it means a lot to him to be there when J takes this monumental step. Last but not least, having Coach C there is just the way it should be. His coaching, training , and support mean the world to J, and being able to look up from that field and see Coach C there supporting him will effectively bury any lingering nerves J may have. Hubby, my dad, and Coach C may not share my nerves when J takes the field, but I know they'll share my pride. Pride and love for a young man who has quietly worked towards a dream that is so close he can almost reach out and grab it.
Back to those nerves of mine and J's lack thereof. I think he's able to bury the nerves for the most part for a couple of reasons. First, I worry enough for everybody. J often tells me I worry so he doesn't have to. Second, he will have his greatest support system in tow. J knows that hubby and I support him 110%, and will continue to do so, no matter what. But along with us, he'll have the two most influential people in his baseball career with him. My dad fostered the love J has for the game from the time he was a tiny baby. He taught, coached, and encouraged for many years. He doesn't say much but I know it means a lot to him to be there when J takes this monumental step. Last but not least, having Coach C there is just the way it should be. His coaching, training , and support mean the world to J, and being able to look up from that field and see Coach C there supporting him will effectively bury any lingering nerves J may have. Hubby, my dad, and Coach C may not share my nerves when J takes the field, but I know they'll share my pride. Pride and love for a young man who has quietly worked towards a dream that is so close he can almost reach out and grab it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)