If you love baseball.....

[turbomangt]

Warning, long ( but sincere ) post
After arriving just early enough to watch the team warming up for his first game in Florida I suddenly had flash backs of when I coached my son in his early years of tee ball. I was left handed, so that is how I taught him to bat. He favored his right arm for throwing so I didn’t want to mess with that. He was a pitcher, and dominated the youth league up till high school. I remember many kids giving up on baseball in high school, too competitive and hard to make the team. I enjoyed coaching him, even though at around age 12 he already knew more about the game than me. Not only did he make the team, but he broke the school record for the most wins in a season. Watching him play was both nerve racking and exciting. When he was on the mound I could see him look and try to analyze the batter, trying to pick out a weakness and lure him into a pitch of deception. Most of times it worked, but when the batter took the advantage and drilled the ball, Anthony took out his vengeance on the next batter. He was always disappointed that pitchers always had a designated hitter. I knew Anthony loved to always get a chance behind the plate, but in his position it was rare. In his last year of high school, the scouts were coming around from colleges mostly to see Anthony and one other kid. The choice Anthony made on Lawrence University was based on Academics not sport. The baseball team was a D-3, but the division they were in was among the best in the area.
After the first year in college Anthony won player of the year, and helped spark the team to a winning season. It was in the summer of that year when he gave me the news. He told me in the most serious tone of his voice that he was no longer interested in pitching, but wanted to get into the lineup and play defense, possibly in the outfield. I think he was afraid he would disappoint me. Nothing could have been farther from the case. I told him to follow his heart in whatever direction he wanted. I used to always love to play catch with him; I never thought I would get too old for that. During that summer I remember going out to the ball field with him to do the father and son thing as we always did. Sadly I discovered it would be my last. After 5 minutes of warming up, the ball was looking more like a bullet coming at me than a baseball. For the time ever, I actually felt afraid I was going to get hurt. He was able to throw 88 mph, and I never saw a ball coming at that speed directly at my face. The reaction time for me to get the glove up was so short, some times I felt like I was defending myself rather than playing a game. My hand was beat red and was swollen like a mush melon. He knew our time was over for now, perhaps fishing some day, or a camping trip would be nice, but he was way out of my league now for catch.
He really worked on his bat, and played hard in right field. As it turned out, I was there for my son’s first career home run, right here down in Florida, one year ago. That picture is burnt in my mind forever. It was the first game of the season; Anthony was practicing all summer batting and fielding balls. It was the 4th inning, runner on first, 2 outs, 1 and 1 the count. I sat there, as always nervous and excited; when the pitch came in and he swung the bat, I knew he hit it well. The ball was flying high and deep to right, when I saw the right fielder running to the warning track I though, MY GOD, it has a chance. The final moment of ecstasy ran threw me when I saw the fielder run out of room, and could only watch the ball sail over his head. I thought, it doesn’t get any better than this. My youngest son, Michael went to fetch the ball, and we still have it displayed in a case, with the date. I remember Anthony looking for his old man as he rounded the bases, as if to say, Dad, I can do it.

Now, it is a new year, his third year in college, and we are once again in Florida watching him play ball. His stick is still alive, and he is making fantastic plays in right, but this year, one momen

[quicksilverdon]

Gary -
That wasn't about baseball - it was about a parent watching a child grow up. I recognize it - I have 2 out of college in jobs they like - 1 in high school.
You and your son will be fine - just stay close.[|)]

[bigdogdad]

Well, Turbo, first of all, great story. Second of all, life does start to speed up alittle too fast at our age. But, memories are burnt in our minds forever. Enjoy living them now and later enjoy re-telling them. You seem to have a great relationship with your son and I really doubt if it would ever end. [?]

[KingKole02]

Gary,
Anthony has a great arm and I hope he never loses it. I believe the pitching your Anthony has done in the past will help him to rocket the ball, like you said, to the bases quickly.

I remember when I used to play ball for fun, when I had an arm. I threw a ball once and the pain started. Now I can't hardly throw like I used too. I used to play soccer for 7 years too, be for middleschool.

[turbomangt]

Sorry, I guess I got a little carried away, and yes it was more about father and son than baseball. Life involves so many ups and downs, I guess when I'm down here I start to realize how fast time is moving. Hope I didn't bore anyone. Gary

[Hooligan]

quote:Originally posted by turbomangt

Sorry, I guess I got a little carried away, and yes it was more about father and son than baseball. Life involves so many ups and downs, I guess when I'm down here I start to realize how fast time is moving. Hope I didn't bore anyone. Gary

Gary, great story, as you can see it IS rough when your kids CAN do all of those things we can't do anymore. You have your memories and some day your son will have those same memories when his son get to that point.

The reason you noticed it more when you are in Florida is because you notice all of the retired MATURE people who call Florida home!!

[KingKole02]

Gary, hadn't seen you much this time down here but one day. Hope your son is still playing like a pro, and your family is doing well. Hope you get a chance to hit the beach, go early.
If you come out at the light by Outback turn left, get in the far left hand lane, make a left turn on College stay in the middle lane, when you get to a light by a Publix, McDonalds, Burger King and Chinese buffet place you will need to get in the far right hand lane, that will take you under the bridge onto McGregor Prky, make a left there, if you follow McGregor all the way you evenly will go over the Ft Myers Beach bridge. If you need directions you can call my via cell.
Maybe you will check a great sun set like this one from the bridge.

[gonzomania]

Gary great story. My oldest is 30 yrs old (girl), boy is 21 and the youngest is 13 (girl). Everyone says wow long time between drinks but you know what the 13 yr old is keeping me young. I help coach soccer, basketball, baseball and now she's into Lacrosse, have no idea about this sport, but I'll learn. Just turned 52 but feel 39. I still remember teaching my oldest to kick a soccer ball. They are some awesome memories. I hope I can still motor around for a grand child. It's nice to share somethings not related to the Cruiser.

[bigdogdad]

Ditto, Gonzo[?]

[tomdenise]

Gary, that was a great story. I played baseball when I was younger and wish I had been able to continue to play, but I had to work as a high schooler.

Anyway, my kids (boy/girl twins) just turned 1 on St. Patricks Day and I can only hope to make memories like yours. Teaching is a wonderful thing.

t