For many it begins on a tee ball field 12 years before High School Graduation and the MLB Rule 4 Amateur Draft. Moms and Dads start the process of the dream of their son playing Professional baseball. It all starts innocent enough, the other parents mention that your kid is gifted as a ballplayer. “That kid of yours sure looks like a ballplayer.” Really, wow. If it was that easy, why would we spend so much time traveling the country in search of baseball players? We could just roll out to the local park in search of the 6 year old with the most promise.
The fact is that most of those promising 6 year olds decide that their interests are in a whole different direction-music, cars, computers, drama or chorus.
But my kid has “it” and he loves the game, so he is different. Right?
Yes! Kids that grow up loving the game and showing it respect, plus having the talent, could possibly get drafted or a scholarship to a university or college. That is when many families are forced to make decisions that will shape the lives of not just the child but the whole relationship between the parents and their son(s). Yes, some families are so blessed they get to make this decision more than once!
Colleges come knocking and so many parents get so excited that a college is offering assistance in the form of a scholarship they jump at any offer, especially if the offer is from a university that has a good reputation for both education and baseball. But will it be a good fit for your son?
Then there are the scouts of Professional Baseball. That first call is made and so often it is Mom that gets that call.
Scout – Hello my name is Dan and I represent <insert favorite baseball team here> is Jimmy home?
Mom – Excuse me, did you say you represent <favorite team>?
Scout – Yes, that is correct. May I speak with Jimmy?
Mom – <Insert scream> Jimmy phone! (Mom immediately begins texting Dad and updating all social media sites of the call.)
After what is sometimes a very lengthy conversation between the scout and player on the telephone, it is announced that the scout would like to come to see him play the next time the scout is in the area.
