The team lost the first game of the series in extra innings yesterday. They battled back from a deficit to tie it and lost in 10 innings. I must say that the game was quite dramatic. On to today's after noon game. Usually Buddy either pitches on Saturday or Sunday. So, I will be watching......
After the game, Buddy called to review the day's events. We usually chat about what is going on in his life whereas his dad spends time analyzing every pitch and play. It's a guy thing...Anyway, we spoke about his desire to come home for a day....yes, one day. That means picking him up early on a Monday morning after a road trip and returning him on Tuesday morning before practice. He "wants to get away", yet on the other hand, he is "enjoying every minute of this season." This seems like contradictory statements, although, who am I to deny a kid who wants to come home and maybe (just maybe) see his mom? Do I really think that this is the reason for his need to sleep in his own bed for night? Nope.
My thought is that he wants to see his friends who are beginning to come home from college. He also wants to see his old baseball team play a game against a rival. Perhaps, he can squeeze in some of mom's cooking and family banter while he is checking his text messages. Actually, he thinks that he is good at checking them without me noticing. It's not hard to miss his head going down and eyes looking at his pocket while his left hand is moving its fingers in response. I call that multi-tasking.
Ok, I will take the trip and pick him up from his dorm....drive him home. I am sure that his 'bubbly' personality will be evident as we drive the three hours home. Then he will run to his room to his computer to see if he missed anything. He will grab the keys to the car and say that he will be back for dinner. After a quick meal, he will once again, grab the keys and meet the guys at the old hang-out. He will return around 11ish, go to bed, get up early, run to the store for a bagel, get into the car, and overpower me with conversation (not). I will drop him off at his dorm and return home, fully refreshed from spending quality time with the big kid.
Will the 24 hours go this way? Absolutely. Do I mind? The answer is "no". He has basically been on his own for 9 months. He has done pretty well in his studies. After taking Nutrition as an elective, he now tells me when I am going to bite into something that is "pure fat and has no nutritional value whatsoever (no more Twinkies or Devil Dogs with him around).
This is actually a good thing. I have wanted some uninterrupted time with him for a long time. I actually have a written agenda and want to hold a not-so-impromptu meeting. There are many unanswered questions that he has avoided and he plans to move in June to play summer baseball without resolution. First, he does not know where he is going to live. A hotel is not an option. He was asked by his dad to contact the team coach for ideas on housing. Has he done it yet? What do you think? He also has to take a summer course and find a part time job. These are his worries, not mine. Yet, as a parent, I am still concerned that these details will not be addressed in time for his move. Some have suggested that he will land up living out of his car. The problem with this solution besides finding a zoning ordinance that allows it, is that he technically does not own a car. So, we eliminate that idea from the list.
It's all part of growing up. They want their freedom. OK, they can have it, but that means that I no longer handle the daily battles and issues that emerge. If they want to grow up, they have to make adult decisions. Even if this seems like busy work (and it is), it has to be done. And so, I look forward to a very interesting month, as I step back as a parent and watch....And living in my car in another state is not an option.....
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Mohawk May Mayhem
Good Morning....finally the Royal Wedding is over.....Kate's dress was amazing....They both looked happy....wishing them the best. Oh wait...they have the best, including people to dress them, wash their laundry, cook their meals, wash the dishes, and drive them around....my mistake...OK, I wish them love, happiness, and a long life together.
I received a text yesterday with an attached photo . It was my son's picture with his hair cut in a Mohawk. Apparently, it is "Mohawk May" and he decided to take the shears to his head a few days early. His dad's reply was "now your hat is not going to fit..." Ah, this is all for team unity. Actually, the hair cut is a 'faux-hawk', because he did not cut it down so far that he is bald. I saw the picture and grimaced remembering the days of his beautiful hair. His hair is such that people would stop and ask to touch it. As a child, a waitress asked him if she could feel his hair. It is thick and bushy and soft (without the excessive hair gel). While in Disneyland, the characters who played Jane and Cheetah (Tarzan reference) played with his hair as he stood in line. This did not please him a bit.
OK, it is Mohawk May...What will this mean for the team? Did they all shave their heads? Will the lack of hair result in more wins? Or more losses? Or will their hats fly off as they run for the balls or to the bases? They can't grow hair back quickly. Remember Mustache March? Well, some of the guys as they settled into hitting slumps, shaved their beards and mustaches before the month was over. The reverse with Mohawk May is not possible...so they will have live with the look and the batting slumps should they emerge. Thankfully, the family pictures were taken last week, but it is a moment to remember.
So, does facial hair or the lack of hair on the head with one streak of hairy bush-i-ness offer any kind of luck for an athlete? My nephew, who is also on a college baseball team will not shave until his team loses. Currently he looks like he is Amish. However, based on my experiences, the answer is no...if it was true, I, too, would have had a Mohawk in college when I played tennis. Unless this is a recent scientifically proven phenomenon that has been validated over the past few years, I will consider shaving the sides of my head for my next tournament. It can be the "ladies secret weapon". We would be the only winning tennis team with a Mohawk. This could take us all the way to the nationals and maybe even international success...it certainly is something to consider. Cheeri-o!
I received a text yesterday with an attached photo . It was my son's picture with his hair cut in a Mohawk. Apparently, it is "Mohawk May" and he decided to take the shears to his head a few days early. His dad's reply was "now your hat is not going to fit..." Ah, this is all for team unity. Actually, the hair cut is a 'faux-hawk', because he did not cut it down so far that he is bald. I saw the picture and grimaced remembering the days of his beautiful hair. His hair is such that people would stop and ask to touch it. As a child, a waitress asked him if she could feel his hair. It is thick and bushy and soft (without the excessive hair gel). While in Disneyland, the characters who played Jane and Cheetah (Tarzan reference) played with his hair as he stood in line. This did not please him a bit.
OK, it is Mohawk May...What will this mean for the team? Did they all shave their heads? Will the lack of hair result in more wins? Or more losses? Or will their hats fly off as they run for the balls or to the bases? They can't grow hair back quickly. Remember Mustache March? Well, some of the guys as they settled into hitting slumps, shaved their beards and mustaches before the month was over. The reverse with Mohawk May is not possible...so they will have live with the look and the batting slumps should they emerge. Thankfully, the family pictures were taken last week, but it is a moment to remember.
So, does facial hair or the lack of hair on the head with one streak of hairy bush-i-ness offer any kind of luck for an athlete? My nephew, who is also on a college baseball team will not shave until his team loses. Currently he looks like he is Amish. However, based on my experiences, the answer is no...if it was true, I, too, would have had a Mohawk in college when I played tennis. Unless this is a recent scientifically proven phenomenon that has been validated over the past few years, I will consider shaving the sides of my head for my next tournament. It can be the "ladies secret weapon". We would be the only winning tennis team with a Mohawk. This could take us all the way to the nationals and maybe even international success...it certainly is something to consider. Cheeri-o!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
A bullpen player's life: More than leaning against a fence
I have decided not to complain about the weather anymore. With these crazy storms and tornadoes ruining homes and lives, I have absolutely nothing to complain about....so I am done with it....My thoughts and prayers are with the people who are struggling now and trying to rebuild their lives.
On to baseball, last night the team had a rain delay but managed to finish with a win. Today they will travel to Michigan for a weekend series. I don't know if they are flying or taking the bus. I guess that I will know soon enough when I receive my weekly "we are on the bus" text. No phone call...just a text. Modern science has really streamlined the communication process between parents and children. Gone are the days of the rolled eyes and grunts....now we get to decipher the cryptic text message. I know a few short cuts...but not enough (LOL!).....
As I was thinking about today's post, team travel did not seem like an exciting topic, so I will look at the season to date and share what I have learned as a bullpen mother. The season has 3 weeks or more left to it. The "more" is if they make the play-offs. This is a real dream of the players since the College World Series is one of their goals (besides MLB).
Division I baseball is a year round endeavor. From the time that the kids are on campus, they are working out and training. During the fall, there is a series of scrimmages against each other and local teams. During the winter, the team is running. lifting, and refining their skills. Usually this is done indoors, yet they have been known to be outside in the stadium running up and down the stairs for endurance. They are also nutritionally monitored and have to gain weight in muscle. The coaches wanted Buddy to gain 35 pounds in muscle. This made me a bit nervous since I wanted him to do it the right way and eat nutritionally sound foods rather than ice cream, double cheeseburgers, and nachos. Yet, all of this takes a great deal of commitment and perseverance. They miss many family events. This year, Buddy was not home for Easter. He will also miss Mother's Day and be on the road. Fortunately, he was home for Christmas and Thanksgiving, but that's it. July 4th will be spent in another state too. (This is where I have to adjust to him really being gone...). As we get together to watch the games, I take a number of photos. I am still in the "parent" mode and have not turned it off yet. There are so many professional photographers taking pictures during games, yet none of these fancy pictures are better than my blurry photos of his ear or side of his face. I want to shout "stand still for the picture and smile..." but I don't think that the coaches will like it....so I am stuck taking pictures of him moving around.
At the beginning of the season, it was Buddy's goal to play in 15-20 innings. He would consider this a good season. As of today, he has been in at least 17 innings with three weeks to go. He has accomplished this goal. The only one that he has not achieved yet is to start a game...hence his position in the bullpen is maintained. As I watch him in the bullpen...(yep, I get a bit bored watching the games)...he leans against the fence in the same spot...has the same routine when warming up....he rarely sits but watches the game (I think, intently). When his number is called, he is ready to go. First the stretches, then the jumping up and down....rotation of the arms...legs....throwing the ball lightly....more power...then full force...music plays...he runs out to the mound....deep breath...ready for action....This is a bullpen player's life. He could pitch against one guy or many. He never knows.
As a bullpen mom, I have learned a great deal from these experiences. First, patience is important. When you think that he is going to be in a game....we go home without a sighting. Second, the sun rises and falls on baseball. A committed player thinks only of his or her sport (24/7) and maybe the next meal. I now know that a slider is not just a little cheeseburger, but a pitch used in certain situations in a game. Third, happiness depends upon the last game and performance. For example, if he strikes players out...he is happy...if he hits a batter...look out...very salty....
Fourth, the sport is more important than anything....A player would rather spend time with the guys going over strategies and plays rather than hanging out with a sorority. Last, a successful player has the ability to channel their attention and concentration to the point where they can 'block' out any distraction. Buddy honed this skill at home...as I would ask him to do a few things around the house such as take out the trash or clean his room. He was able to successfully ignore my requests...this was practice for pitching in big games....if he can block out my voice, he can block out jeers and cat-calls.
And so it goes....each day, I learn something new. This blog is a great platform to share this incredibly important (or not so important) knowledge that I have gleaned....I will continue to type each day and let you know if I am correct in my analysis or way off base. With that said, I have to check my cell phone to decipher messages sent by my son....
On to baseball, last night the team had a rain delay but managed to finish with a win. Today they will travel to Michigan for a weekend series. I don't know if they are flying or taking the bus. I guess that I will know soon enough when I receive my weekly "we are on the bus" text. No phone call...just a text. Modern science has really streamlined the communication process between parents and children. Gone are the days of the rolled eyes and grunts....now we get to decipher the cryptic text message. I know a few short cuts...but not enough (LOL!).....
As I was thinking about today's post, team travel did not seem like an exciting topic, so I will look at the season to date and share what I have learned as a bullpen mother. The season has 3 weeks or more left to it. The "more" is if they make the play-offs. This is a real dream of the players since the College World Series is one of their goals (besides MLB).
Division I baseball is a year round endeavor. From the time that the kids are on campus, they are working out and training. During the fall, there is a series of scrimmages against each other and local teams. During the winter, the team is running. lifting, and refining their skills. Usually this is done indoors, yet they have been known to be outside in the stadium running up and down the stairs for endurance. They are also nutritionally monitored and have to gain weight in muscle. The coaches wanted Buddy to gain 35 pounds in muscle. This made me a bit nervous since I wanted him to do it the right way and eat nutritionally sound foods rather than ice cream, double cheeseburgers, and nachos. Yet, all of this takes a great deal of commitment and perseverance. They miss many family events. This year, Buddy was not home for Easter. He will also miss Mother's Day and be on the road. Fortunately, he was home for Christmas and Thanksgiving, but that's it. July 4th will be spent in another state too. (This is where I have to adjust to him really being gone...). As we get together to watch the games, I take a number of photos. I am still in the "parent" mode and have not turned it off yet. There are so many professional photographers taking pictures during games, yet none of these fancy pictures are better than my blurry photos of his ear or side of his face. I want to shout "stand still for the picture and smile..." but I don't think that the coaches will like it....so I am stuck taking pictures of him moving around.
At the beginning of the season, it was Buddy's goal to play in 15-20 innings. He would consider this a good season. As of today, he has been in at least 17 innings with three weeks to go. He has accomplished this goal. The only one that he has not achieved yet is to start a game...hence his position in the bullpen is maintained. As I watch him in the bullpen...(yep, I get a bit bored watching the games)...he leans against the fence in the same spot...has the same routine when warming up....he rarely sits but watches the game (I think, intently). When his number is called, he is ready to go. First the stretches, then the jumping up and down....rotation of the arms...legs....throwing the ball lightly....more power...then full force...music plays...he runs out to the mound....deep breath...ready for action....This is a bullpen player's life. He could pitch against one guy or many. He never knows.
As a bullpen mom, I have learned a great deal from these experiences. First, patience is important. When you think that he is going to be in a game....we go home without a sighting. Second, the sun rises and falls on baseball. A committed player thinks only of his or her sport (24/7) and maybe the next meal. I now know that a slider is not just a little cheeseburger, but a pitch used in certain situations in a game. Third, happiness depends upon the last game and performance. For example, if he strikes players out...he is happy...if he hits a batter...look out...very salty....
Fourth, the sport is more important than anything....A player would rather spend time with the guys going over strategies and plays rather than hanging out with a sorority. Last, a successful player has the ability to channel their attention and concentration to the point where they can 'block' out any distraction. Buddy honed this skill at home...as I would ask him to do a few things around the house such as take out the trash or clean his room. He was able to successfully ignore my requests...this was practice for pitching in big games....if he can block out my voice, he can block out jeers and cat-calls.
And so it goes....each day, I learn something new. This blog is a great platform to share this incredibly important (or not so important) knowledge that I have gleaned....I will continue to type each day and let you know if I am correct in my analysis or way off base. With that said, I have to check my cell phone to decipher messages sent by my son....
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Bullpen Mom's Dating Advice
Another rain out for our favorite team. Storms rolled through and would not leave. Thunder, lightening, downpours, and hail...a typical day in the mountains. Boy, am I glad that I did not go to this game. The broadcast is almost as good as being there without the elements of nature.
Yesterday I mentioned the boldness of some of the coeds on campus. I can't let this one go without commenting. I will probably sound very old (...and yes, I did walk to school in the snow and rain....) but...what happened to the days when a boy and girl would get to know one another then go on a date if they liked each other? It may seem old-fashioned, but I have always felt that this was a terrific way to start the dating process....that is, spending time with someone that you like. From what I can gather as I collect data from conversations with my freshman son, he does not like the anonymous letters and text messages to get together with women that he does not know. I guess he is a bit of a throw back to a different era.
With that said, I am pretty confident that he wants to see the person and have a conversation first. True, he was asked to the prom by a girl with a sign at a baseball game. Thankfully, he said yes to the girl after she went out of her way to paint a sign, stand at the game, and ask him between innings. I actually think that he was relieved that he did not have to ask anyone because he may have been afraid that she would say no....the perils of prom time...
So, what is my advice to college kids and others who want to find a person to date? Go to the gym, library, college dances, and get involved in campus clubs. Sadly, baseball is like a second job, so being part of the general campus is tough for the guys. They have to be a bit more creative. Buddy has relied on weekly parties at the athlete's houses to meet people. It is his opinion that the guys who do not have girl friends have more fun because they do not have to worry about them at the parties.
However, going to the parties (once the drinks have flowed) can be a bit dangerous for anyone. Buddy has been punched in the face, spit on, and had his cell phone broken by guys who were drunk at the time. As an athlete (or someone who is sane), he cannot fight back. He could hurt someone and land up in prison, as my friend's son did in college when he hit a drunk student who was pushing him around. This kid was arrested, spent a night in jail, had to obtain a lawyer, go to court on a number of occasions, and sued. All he did was defend himself, but as he did, the other kid landed on his head and was in the hospital for 24 hours. And so it goes....rather than drinking beer, try some lemonade...no hangovers, fights, or flying sputum. It could actually be a good time....will he listen to his mom? nah....have a good day...
Yesterday I mentioned the boldness of some of the coeds on campus. I can't let this one go without commenting. I will probably sound very old (...and yes, I did walk to school in the snow and rain....) but...what happened to the days when a boy and girl would get to know one another then go on a date if they liked each other? It may seem old-fashioned, but I have always felt that this was a terrific way to start the dating process....that is, spending time with someone that you like. From what I can gather as I collect data from conversations with my freshman son, he does not like the anonymous letters and text messages to get together with women that he does not know. I guess he is a bit of a throw back to a different era.
With that said, I am pretty confident that he wants to see the person and have a conversation first. True, he was asked to the prom by a girl with a sign at a baseball game. Thankfully, he said yes to the girl after she went out of her way to paint a sign, stand at the game, and ask him between innings. I actually think that he was relieved that he did not have to ask anyone because he may have been afraid that she would say no....the perils of prom time...
So, what is my advice to college kids and others who want to find a person to date? Go to the gym, library, college dances, and get involved in campus clubs. Sadly, baseball is like a second job, so being part of the general campus is tough for the guys. They have to be a bit more creative. Buddy has relied on weekly parties at the athlete's houses to meet people. It is his opinion that the guys who do not have girl friends have more fun because they do not have to worry about them at the parties.
However, going to the parties (once the drinks have flowed) can be a bit dangerous for anyone. Buddy has been punched in the face, spit on, and had his cell phone broken by guys who were drunk at the time. As an athlete (or someone who is sane), he cannot fight back. He could hurt someone and land up in prison, as my friend's son did in college when he hit a drunk student who was pushing him around. This kid was arrested, spent a night in jail, had to obtain a lawyer, go to court on a number of occasions, and sued. All he did was defend himself, but as he did, the other kid landed on his head and was in the hospital for 24 hours. And so it goes....rather than drinking beer, try some lemonade...no hangovers, fights, or flying sputum. It could actually be a good time....will he listen to his mom? nah....have a good day...
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Weekday games
The team has a game on Tuesday and Wednesday night. I am not there to watch since Buddy will probably not play and the price of gas has risen to the point of absurdity. I am keeping my fingers crossed that premium does not hit $5.00 gallon. Who is profiting here? Certainly, it is not the consumer. The days of running to the food store several times a day are gone. That little Prius is looking cuter each day....
With that said, besides the games, the semester is coming to a close. I heard from the big guy who was extremely angry that his professor "popped" the final exam on the class last night. "There goes my cum...." he reports. "Cum?" I think....OK, this guy was sort of looking at (maybe...perhaps....from a distance) the Dean's list. Hmmmmm...close...not close enough.....I hate the phrase that I keeping saying..."So, what did you learn with this incident?" It seems trivial and contrived, yet I said it anyway. Wrong thing to say! I think that he wanted to hear..."yeah, the guy is a bum...you were robbed..." Nope, I could not say it. 'Cause deep down inside, I think that the class may have known about the final exam and chose not to believe that this could happen. One of the players skipped the class altogether, so instead of a grade of (let's say....) 40, he will receive a grade of zero. No one said that college would be easy.
We spoke last night after the 'I was robbed' conversation. He was telling me that the girls were very aggressive. "Mom, they put their phone numbers on a piece of paper and slide it under my door...." He's not crazy about the aggression. It pushes him away. They seem to like him because he plays a sport and not for who he is....That is sad. My advice to him was to find a girl who does not like baseball....maybe she is into ballet or art....a nurse...or better yet....go to the library (it's in the center of campus....big building with windows and books)! This has made him sad. He's a nice guy, but is introduced as a baseball player. People don't even use his name.
I guess that he has to find his way in this world. He will learn to deal with coaches, room mates, professors, and the opposite sex. The best teacher seems to be experience....good luck Big Guy.....stay true to who you are.....don't fall into any traps....don't let anyone use you....With that said..."go team!"
With that said, besides the games, the semester is coming to a close. I heard from the big guy who was extremely angry that his professor "popped" the final exam on the class last night. "There goes my cum...." he reports. "Cum?" I think....OK, this guy was sort of looking at (maybe...perhaps....from a distance) the Dean's list. Hmmmmm...close...not close enough.....I hate the phrase that I keeping saying..."So, what did you learn with this incident?" It seems trivial and contrived, yet I said it anyway. Wrong thing to say! I think that he wanted to hear..."yeah, the guy is a bum...you were robbed..." Nope, I could not say it. 'Cause deep down inside, I think that the class may have known about the final exam and chose not to believe that this could happen. One of the players skipped the class altogether, so instead of a grade of (let's say....) 40, he will receive a grade of zero. No one said that college would be easy.
We spoke last night after the 'I was robbed' conversation. He was telling me that the girls were very aggressive. "Mom, they put their phone numbers on a piece of paper and slide it under my door...." He's not crazy about the aggression. It pushes him away. They seem to like him because he plays a sport and not for who he is....That is sad. My advice to him was to find a girl who does not like baseball....maybe she is into ballet or art....a nurse...or better yet....go to the library (it's in the center of campus....big building with windows and books)! This has made him sad. He's a nice guy, but is introduced as a baseball player. People don't even use his name.
I guess that he has to find his way in this world. He will learn to deal with coaches, room mates, professors, and the opposite sex. The best teacher seems to be experience....good luck Big Guy.....stay true to who you are.....don't fall into any traps....don't let anyone use you....With that said..."go team!"
Monday, April 25, 2011
Winning is not enough
Happy Easter Week!
We're back after spending the Easter weekend with the family near campus. The team played three games against a conference rival. We were lucky to be able to watch all of the games. Naturally, when we attend any of these events, we experience all kinds of weather. This weekend did not disappoint. Snow showers, downpours, clouds, some blue skies, and temperatures in the 60's. It was odd and memorable. I had six different coats in the car and was prepared for anything except warm weather. Naturally, the temperature went into the 60's and the heavy sweater, boots and turtlenecks sweater nearly killed me as I began to melt during Sunday's game.
Anyway, it was a wonderful time. The opposing team was an "elite" team who flies to games in their own airplane....wow! Just knowing that, I expected big losses....'cause if I was a great baseball player, this school would be where I would want to play...my own plane...yeah! Although, WWAGD? (WWAGD=What would Al Gore do?).
With that said, this team was so good. Most of their players batted in the 300's, so you know that they could hit. In addition, pitchers easily hit 90 mph fast balls without breaking a sweat. It seemed like it would be a blood bath for our little team in the mountains, yet, it wasn't ;-)
The home team lost the first game. They looked and played flat...no run support....pitching was OK, but without runs, no team is going to win. The second game, the home team won (yahoo!). It was up to Sunday's game to see who would win the series. Naturally, we sat through a double header in the cold and rain and did not see Buddy play. I did get a few Easter photos for the album from his bullpen...that's it.
Easter Sunday looked to be a beautiful day. As I walked through the stadium gate, I asked the usher if it was going to ran, she confidently told me "no...no rain today..." Ten minutes later, there was a downpour....Umbrella in the car...wool sweater soaked...A 6 foot Easter bunny was walking around shaking hands with the kids was wet and smelled....no one noticed...it was all fun.
To the game, we go....back and forth with the scoring. It seems by Sunday, the teams' pitching is not as sharp as Friday and Saturday, so usually, the scores are higher. Naturally, I assumed if we were going to see Buddy, it would be at the very end of the game. Unexpectedly, he was called out of his bullpen during the 7th inning (earlier than usual). The music played, he ran out....was handed the ball....and began to throw. It was very obvious that he did not have his "stuff"....this was NOT good. I believe that the score was either tied or the home team was up by 2 runs. He had to keep the opposing team from scoring for three innings and they would win the series. First batter faced....hit by pitch (oy!). Here he is on first base, with the tying run at home plate. The batter hit a double and the hit batter scored. Team up by one run....the coaches decided not to pull him and he "gutted" out the rest of the game. It was not easy. He did not strike anyone out. It was one of those pitching performances where he had to work hard for each out. Finally the game was over and the team won the game and the series. Currently they are tied for first and will meet the best team in the conference next week.
After the game, we waited for our Bullpen player for quite some time. When he finally appeared, he was in a 'salty' mood. He just won the game, and was in a very bad way. I knew why...he did not pitch up to his standards and therefore was not satisfied, even with the win. He is not good at masking his emotions (definitely not a theater major) and is very easy to read. He mentioned that one of the players was upset that the season rested on the shoulders of a freshman (Buddy). Buddy was insulted by the remark and let it bother him. It did not matter that the coaches were complimentary to him. He heard one nasty statement and this is what he remembers. And so it goes....they won the game....he won even without his "A" game....and he is not happy.
My BP Mom explanation is simple...he has to be the best...he has to give a great performance....he has to feel confident out there. Perhaps, without his game, he felt vulnerable. His comments throughout the season of "I would own them if I pitched..." were not articulated. Perhaps he was intimidated by the reputation and strength (and airplane) of the opposition. I don't know and will probably never know because he does not talk about feelings much.
With that said, he will work hard to regain his edge and confidence. I have no doubts....neither does he....One of the spectators asked me if watching him pitch during games made me nervous. I was honest when I told her "no". Buddy knows what to do. Even if his confidence wavers, my confidence in him does not. He has the work ethic and drive to be successful. He has a good defense behind him and excellent coaches. My heart might beat a little faster when he is in the game, but if I let it bother me, I would have died by now. After watching him pitch for ten years, I have learned to relax when he is on the mound. I say a few prayers...lean back....and throw positive thoughts in his direction. So far, so good..... Have a great day!
We're back after spending the Easter weekend with the family near campus. The team played three games against a conference rival. We were lucky to be able to watch all of the games. Naturally, when we attend any of these events, we experience all kinds of weather. This weekend did not disappoint. Snow showers, downpours, clouds, some blue skies, and temperatures in the 60's. It was odd and memorable. I had six different coats in the car and was prepared for anything except warm weather. Naturally, the temperature went into the 60's and the heavy sweater, boots and turtlenecks sweater nearly killed me as I began to melt during Sunday's game.
Anyway, it was a wonderful time. The opposing team was an "elite" team who flies to games in their own airplane....wow! Just knowing that, I expected big losses....'cause if I was a great baseball player, this school would be where I would want to play...my own plane...yeah! Although, WWAGD? (WWAGD=What would Al Gore do?).
With that said, this team was so good. Most of their players batted in the 300's, so you know that they could hit. In addition, pitchers easily hit 90 mph fast balls without breaking a sweat. It seemed like it would be a blood bath for our little team in the mountains, yet, it wasn't ;-)
The home team lost the first game. They looked and played flat...no run support....pitching was OK, but without runs, no team is going to win. The second game, the home team won (yahoo!). It was up to Sunday's game to see who would win the series. Naturally, we sat through a double header in the cold and rain and did not see Buddy play. I did get a few Easter photos for the album from his bullpen...that's it.
Easter Sunday looked to be a beautiful day. As I walked through the stadium gate, I asked the usher if it was going to ran, she confidently told me "no...no rain today..." Ten minutes later, there was a downpour....Umbrella in the car...wool sweater soaked...A 6 foot Easter bunny was walking around shaking hands with the kids was wet and smelled....no one noticed...it was all fun.
To the game, we go....back and forth with the scoring. It seems by Sunday, the teams' pitching is not as sharp as Friday and Saturday, so usually, the scores are higher. Naturally, I assumed if we were going to see Buddy, it would be at the very end of the game. Unexpectedly, he was called out of his bullpen during the 7th inning (earlier than usual). The music played, he ran out....was handed the ball....and began to throw. It was very obvious that he did not have his "stuff"....this was NOT good. I believe that the score was either tied or the home team was up by 2 runs. He had to keep the opposing team from scoring for three innings and they would win the series. First batter faced....hit by pitch (oy!). Here he is on first base, with the tying run at home plate. The batter hit a double and the hit batter scored. Team up by one run....the coaches decided not to pull him and he "gutted" out the rest of the game. It was not easy. He did not strike anyone out. It was one of those pitching performances where he had to work hard for each out. Finally the game was over and the team won the game and the series. Currently they are tied for first and will meet the best team in the conference next week.
After the game, we waited for our Bullpen player for quite some time. When he finally appeared, he was in a 'salty' mood. He just won the game, and was in a very bad way. I knew why...he did not pitch up to his standards and therefore was not satisfied, even with the win. He is not good at masking his emotions (definitely not a theater major) and is very easy to read. He mentioned that one of the players was upset that the season rested on the shoulders of a freshman (Buddy). Buddy was insulted by the remark and let it bother him. It did not matter that the coaches were complimentary to him. He heard one nasty statement and this is what he remembers. And so it goes....they won the game....he won even without his "A" game....and he is not happy.
My BP Mom explanation is simple...he has to be the best...he has to give a great performance....he has to feel confident out there. Perhaps, without his game, he felt vulnerable. His comments throughout the season of "I would own them if I pitched..." were not articulated. Perhaps he was intimidated by the reputation and strength (and airplane) of the opposition. I don't know and will probably never know because he does not talk about feelings much.
With that said, he will work hard to regain his edge and confidence. I have no doubts....neither does he....One of the spectators asked me if watching him pitch during games made me nervous. I was honest when I told her "no". Buddy knows what to do. Even if his confidence wavers, my confidence in him does not. He has the work ethic and drive to be successful. He has a good defense behind him and excellent coaches. My heart might beat a little faster when he is in the game, but if I let it bother me, I would have died by now. After watching him pitch for ten years, I have learned to relax when he is on the mound. I say a few prayers...lean back....and throw positive thoughts in his direction. So far, so good..... Have a great day!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Happy Birthday to you!
I did not have the opportunity to post yesterday for a number of reasons. However, the most important reason was that it was our Tink's birthday! We spent the day together and traveled as a family to see Buddy pitch (or sit in the bullpen) during the evening game on campus. It was a great day and we enjoyed being together.
With that said, because it was a very important day, I tried to do things with Tink that were special or out of the norm. So, we had time to browse in the stores, have a leisurely lunch, shop, and sit at the bar before the game. I believe that this was the first time that I sat at a bar with my daughter (who was carded by the bartender....yet, I was not....) and her dad. It was time to order my "usual"....dad ordered his usual club soda....it was Tink's turn and she decided on a "Shirley Temple". That's right...a concoction of soda and some type of cherry sweetener. The bartender looked cross eyed at her...but that's Tink....true to herself...no pretensions....just being herself. She would rather have a soda than a mixed drink. As a mom, I love it!
Game time approached and we got our tickets and sat in the midst of the Greeks. Not the Greeks from Greece, but the sorority and fraternity type of Greeks. It was "Greek Night" at the stadium, so the alphas and betas and zetas were represented. I expected loud and rowdy behavior, but did not see it. They were quite subdued, maybe even a bit tired from classes or last night's party. So, Greek night was not as I had expected.
There was definitely a chill in the air as we donned our "watching baseball in the mountains" attire. This consists of sweaters, long pants, gloves, two coats and a blanket. It was dad's first game, and he did not feel the need to bring a coat...rookie mistake. If he wanted to appear cool, he certainly was...by the middle portion of the game, Tink and I had to surrender our blanket to him.
There was a bit of excitement on our part as the opposing team's coach was one of the coaches who had rejected Buddy when he tried out as a senior. The coach's "we'll be watching you..." never materialized during his senior year and therefore was never contacted again. This had been a blow to Buddy since he really wanted to attend this university (or any D1 school). So, once again, a big chip was on the big kid's shoulder as this team drove into town in their big coach bus. Remember the old Western movies when the bad guys in black hats rode into town on their horses? The townspeople were scared and hid in the saloon under the bar, yet the sheriff bravely walked in the middle of town with his arms ready to grab his guns and shoot upon provocation. Well, the baseball version of an old Western is not as exciting. However, Buddy was the sheriff waiting for the bad guys to yell "draw!" The question of the day was "will Buddy get a chance to prove to the opposing coach that he was wrong to stop recruiting him?"
The answer is "yes!" By the top of the 9th, the mid reliever began to fatigue. He had one out and one player on base. The team was up by two runs and they were desperate to win especially after Sunday's spanking by the conference team. The pitching coach walked slowly to the mound...the music began....Lynard Skynard's "Give me three steps..." was playing on the loudspeaker and Buddy's face appears on the scoreboard and he runs out to the mound...vengeance(in a figurative way!) revenge! It is time to show them what they could have had....First batter he faced....strike out! The second batter....grounded out to first base. Game over! Buddy has his first save and satisfaction of knowing that this team had made a mistake. As the players shook hands, Buddy stopped and approached the head coach. He mentioned that he had attended his camp. He thanked the coach for producing an excellent camp that helped him develop his pitching skills. Sheepishly, the coach said that he remembered him and wished him luck. Buddy walks out of the stadium and handed Tink the game ball as a memento of his first college save and a birthday present.
All in all, both kids received gifts for Tink's birthday. Buddy had the chance to make a point with his pitches, whereas Tink received the game ball. Although. he could have had the opposite reaction when he saw the opposing coach and been intimidated or aware that he was not good enough to play for this team. Instead, he pulled it together and channeled the inner competitor while making a statement with his game rather than with words. In my opinion, this is the best way to make a point. Let your actions speak louder than your words (...advice given to me as a kid by Grandmom).
It was fun and memorable for the family. What happens next is anyone's guess. We'll travel again this weekend for the conference series and spend Easter together. I will not be able to post until Monday, so stay tuned....until then...Happy Easter to you and your families.
With that said, because it was a very important day, I tried to do things with Tink that were special or out of the norm. So, we had time to browse in the stores, have a leisurely lunch, shop, and sit at the bar before the game. I believe that this was the first time that I sat at a bar with my daughter (who was carded by the bartender....yet, I was not....) and her dad. It was time to order my "usual"....dad ordered his usual club soda....it was Tink's turn and she decided on a "Shirley Temple". That's right...a concoction of soda and some type of cherry sweetener. The bartender looked cross eyed at her...but that's Tink....true to herself...no pretensions....just being herself. She would rather have a soda than a mixed drink. As a mom, I love it!
Game time approached and we got our tickets and sat in the midst of the Greeks. Not the Greeks from Greece, but the sorority and fraternity type of Greeks. It was "Greek Night" at the stadium, so the alphas and betas and zetas were represented. I expected loud and rowdy behavior, but did not see it. They were quite subdued, maybe even a bit tired from classes or last night's party. So, Greek night was not as I had expected.
There was definitely a chill in the air as we donned our "watching baseball in the mountains" attire. This consists of sweaters, long pants, gloves, two coats and a blanket. It was dad's first game, and he did not feel the need to bring a coat...rookie mistake. If he wanted to appear cool, he certainly was...by the middle portion of the game, Tink and I had to surrender our blanket to him.
There was a bit of excitement on our part as the opposing team's coach was one of the coaches who had rejected Buddy when he tried out as a senior. The coach's "we'll be watching you..." never materialized during his senior year and therefore was never contacted again. This had been a blow to Buddy since he really wanted to attend this university (or any D1 school). So, once again, a big chip was on the big kid's shoulder as this team drove into town in their big coach bus. Remember the old Western movies when the bad guys in black hats rode into town on their horses? The townspeople were scared and hid in the saloon under the bar, yet the sheriff bravely walked in the middle of town with his arms ready to grab his guns and shoot upon provocation. Well, the baseball version of an old Western is not as exciting. However, Buddy was the sheriff waiting for the bad guys to yell "draw!" The question of the day was "will Buddy get a chance to prove to the opposing coach that he was wrong to stop recruiting him?"
The answer is "yes!" By the top of the 9th, the mid reliever began to fatigue. He had one out and one player on base. The team was up by two runs and they were desperate to win especially after Sunday's spanking by the conference team. The pitching coach walked slowly to the mound...the music began....Lynard Skynard's "Give me three steps..." was playing on the loudspeaker and Buddy's face appears on the scoreboard and he runs out to the mound...vengeance(in a figurative way!) revenge! It is time to show them what they could have had....First batter he faced....strike out! The second batter....grounded out to first base. Game over! Buddy has his first save and satisfaction of knowing that this team had made a mistake. As the players shook hands, Buddy stopped and approached the head coach. He mentioned that he had attended his camp. He thanked the coach for producing an excellent camp that helped him develop his pitching skills. Sheepishly, the coach said that he remembered him and wished him luck. Buddy walks out of the stadium and handed Tink the game ball as a memento of his first college save and a birthday present.
All in all, both kids received gifts for Tink's birthday. Buddy had the chance to make a point with his pitches, whereas Tink received the game ball. Although. he could have had the opposite reaction when he saw the opposing coach and been intimidated or aware that he was not good enough to play for this team. Instead, he pulled it together and channeled the inner competitor while making a statement with his game rather than with words. In my opinion, this is the best way to make a point. Let your actions speak louder than your words (...advice given to me as a kid by Grandmom).
It was fun and memorable for the family. What happens next is anyone's guess. We'll travel again this weekend for the conference series and spend Easter together. I will not be able to post until Monday, so stay tuned....until then...Happy Easter to you and your families.
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