Sparks Journey from Little League to College

[3and2Fastball]

It is really nice for those of us (like myself, my son is 11) who have kids who dream of playing college Baseball, being able to read the experiences of those who have been through it. Please do keep posting, guys, it is valuable reading!

I've had several relatives play college sports and it really is true that the fit with a particular program is important. Then of course there are situations like what happened with my cousin who got a scholarship to a D1 school for football, got some playing time as a freshman, then there was a Head Coaching change, they switched him from offense to defense, benched him, redshirted him and he never played another minute again of college ball. Can't even say the coach was "at fault" either, it was just that a whole new coaching staff came in and my cousin wasn't the best fit. I suppose he could've transferred, but I think at that point he just decided to focus on academics. He told me in retrospect he probably should've just played D2 Baseball

[Roothog66]

I just wanted to put this little word in. If you are new to the website and have a younger player, stop reading now (or rather in a sentence or two) and start this thread from page #1. It is a daunting task and might take you several days, but if you want a primer on what is coming your way over the next few years, this thread is by far the best look through the looking glass you will ever get.

[Sparksdale]

Big day today;

We are playing a tournament against all the other 6A schools in our state. We played 2 games last night and lost both games (my boy didn't play).

Today is his turn in the rotation.
He is pitching against one if 6A power houses in our state.

To be honest i'm nervous.

I'll update the thread after the game.

Sparksu


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[Sparksdale]

Tough day... Gave up 7 runs in 5 innings 6k's.
Didn't have his fastball at all.

Several errors behind him and 5 of the runs were unearned.

Tough day.....

Sparks


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[Jake Patterson]

Sorry to here that Sparks...

[Sparksdale]

Updated stats(according to MaxPreps)

Pitching Totals
Earned Run Average0.99
Win3
Loss1
Appearances6
Shut Out1
Save1
Innings Pitched Decimal28.1
Hits Against26
Runs Against19
Earned Runs4
Base On Balls Against4
Batters Struck Out43
Home Runs Against0
Batters Faced124
At Bats Pitcher116
Batting Average Pitcher.224
On Base Percentage Pitcher.274
Wild Pitches1
Hit Batter4
Number Of Pitches0
Balks0
Pick Offs0
Stolen Bases Pitcher6



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[heretolearn]

Sorry he lost but two earned runs in 5 innings is not a bad showing. Errors are outside of his control. Sounds like he battled.

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[JetSixty]

Sparks ... From a team standpoint, stuff happens. You don't always get the result you want. From a recruiting standpoint, college coaches don't rely on stats. They look at velocity, movement and composure for pitchers. How your son reacts to poor play behind will be watched closely for emotional maturity. Your son can only control the quality of the pitch he delivers. Once it leaves his hand it's out of his control.

[Sparksdale]

Jet

I don't mind the result.

I'm a little concerned that he just did't have his stuff today.

We played against the top 6A teams this weekend and looked pretty bad. All of our weaknesses were exposed.

Just a bad weekend but baseball is great and we have more games coming.

Sparks


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[JetSixty]

The next step is learning how to survive without his best stuff. I remember back in high school getting lit up on a day I thought I would be untouchable. But I pitched a no hitter on a day my velocity was down and my movement was mediocre. I managed to work hitters in and out and up and down. Plus I got lucky. Some hard hit balls were right at fielders. The fielders made a couple of great plays. I remember this because I remember the look on the sportswriter interviewing me when I told him I was mediocre that day and my fielders carried me. What I did have that day was great focus and concentration.

[Sparksdale]

Update:

Just pitched against one of the 6A schools.
Complete game gave up 2 runs with 3 K's.




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[Sparksdale]

Big game tomorrow against a 6A Powerhouse that went deep into the playoffs and won our division last year. This team is stacked with a new $80million dollar school.

My boy has the ball for the game.




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[Sparksdale]

So far this year he is 4 and 1 with an era of 1.26 and 43 strikeouts. I'm sure the numbers will take a hit after tomorrows game.

Sparks


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[JetSixty]

All he can do is take the mound and give his best effort. Sometimes its good enough. Sometimes it's not. Sometimes he will be better. Sometimes it will be the opposition. Whatever the case, he should keep his composure do his best and come back and do the same the next game won or lose.

[songtitle]

You are living my life from last year. Seems like yesterday. Being a pitcher 'Dad', it's big highs and big lows. But great memories.