Monday, August 14, 2017

Team USA

As a mom, I'm always using the internet as a resource- for the good and bad. My hubby often tells me to stop- I mean I've pretty much self-diagnosed myself with everything under the sun with web/md at some point or another...

When we began the Team USA tryout process besides a couple random messageboard posts and the Team USA Faq section, I couldn't find a lot of feedback on the experience. Lucky for you, if you are searching for info, we were blessed with the opportunity to play in the 13u National Team Identification Series at the Team USA complex in Cary, NC this weekend and I'm going to fill ya in. Keep in mind, I'm a straight up mom. If there's a fielder's choice on the field, I probably wouldn't be able to tell ya where they should make the play and if a pitcher has awful mechanics or a kid has a jacked up, ugly swing, I would have no clue... but I do have a minor in psychology, am married to a former Division 1 baseball player and listen to him (at times), and have driven to and sat at more games and practices than I can count. In fact, I think they should station a mom in a hotel every night as an undercover scout because I sure could tell you what a kid is really like. I can spot an entitled brat in a hot second. So here goes:

USA Baseball runs an identification series throughout the year where you are working towards the ultimate goal of representing your country. Speaking for 13u- Tryout dates are announced a the beginning of the year and kids attend a round one tryout. If picked, they will then be recommended to attend the regional tryout held around July. At this tryout, around 60 players attend and then an 18 man roster is established to represent your region at a tournament in Cary in August. In Cary, 18 teams from different regions compete in a tournament in front of scouts and approximately 40 kids will make it to the final round where a 25 man roster is established to represent the United States in games the following year.  The opportunity is amazing and the team gets to travel the world... playing teams like Japan and Puerto Rico. Opportunity seems to be the word I use most... and that's because the whole process is just that- one amazing opportunity. If you are thinking about it or have the chance... here are some takeaways:

You are a book.  The old saying goes, don't judge a book by it's cover, but you are a book. When we showed up to the regional tryout, we quickly realized playing at this level is a whole different ballgame. We saw gadgets and gizmos galore- Things to help you stretch, different arm covers, compression sleeves- you name it, and someone is being suckered and buying it. Not that these things make you a better ballplayer, but you need to look the part. Our son showed up in stained baseball pants (my bad, I'm awful at laundry and I just call him pig pen) and didn't have a fresh pair of Oakley's on the top of his baseball cap and he was trying out as an outfielder with a sun in full force. Wear a clean uniform. We learned our lesson and upped our game and bought new pants for the tournament... He's still waiting on a pair of Oakley's. :) It's not only important to play the part... but look the part as well.

Attitude.  Check it at the door. If you strikeout- don't you dare throw that helmet. Be respectful. This is the chance to represent your country and they don't want some tear shedding, hot head, complaining punk associated with Team USA. Honestly this was the first tournament ever where I didn't witness this. And if I did, I'm pretty sure that kid's name would have been crossed off the list in a hot second. Know you are being watched every second- even when you probably don't think you are.

Practice what you preach.  USA baseball does an amazing job of having staff that does just that. Coaches are positive and matter of fact. You don't question them and this is not Daddy ball. They speak, you listen--- even as parents.  With that being said, if you are a parent and think you can corner a coach and "work him" at the hotel... Just know that just like the players, you may be being watched. Ya never know when a mom may just happen to see this go down for 45 minutes in a hotel courtyard out her window. And she may just appreciate a stoic coach even more and lose respect for your kid. Just sayin.' USA baseball has the best of the best working for them and representing them. Your child will have the opportunity to play in front of former major leaguers and be umpired by ACC umpires.

Little things matter.  My hubby's favorite baseball phrase is "Expect it." Expect that the ball is coming to you every time. Be ready. Trust me- You aren't being judged on just if you catch the ball or not- but also if you are backing up third, running on a foul, and covering the bag in a pickle situation. If you miss a ball, don't quit on it. Make a tag even if you have no chance. Be the first one on and off the field- RUN. Just like in any other game, these little things make the difference and are noticed.

You've got one shot.  As the great Eminem says, "You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow. This opportunity comes once in a lifetime." When you go into this situation you may only have one shot. Make the most of it. As my hubby always says, there are people with talent. There are people that work hard. There are people with talent that work hard. In order to go to that elite level- you have to have talent, work hard... and have a little luck. It has to be your day. In two games, our son got one at bat. And if you are a pitcher, there are 18 teams.. most carrying 10 or more pitchers. Four games are played, so do the math- you will only get two innings to show your stuff. It may come on the first day, it may come on the last day. But that's it- two... The rare kid may get three and if you suck it up you will be one and done. Make the most of what you've got. Show your strengths. And pray that luck is on your side and it's a day that you are "on." :)

You are a number.  USA baseball has matrix after matrix on you- from the number of innings you've played and how many at bats you have gotten to even it out with others on your team to where you stand on a 30 yard dash and velocity. This is the first time we have seen Trackman Baseball- which is basically Gamechanger on steroids. The stats it keeps in incredible. Within seconds of a pitch being thrown, you are able to see how hard it was thrown, and if it was hit how far it went. And not just that. Each pitch has over 30 statistics on it from what kind of rotation ball had to where it was released in relation to your arm. It's crazy. And I often see the age old question, does velocity matter. My answer is yes. When there are about 160 pitchers and 50 of them throw two perfect innings and have excellent command- It's going to come down to a number... and velocity will give you opportunity that other's wont have.

Age matters. In sports age can be a determining factor... but it's all relative. USA baseball does it by birth year- so for the 13u tournament, it consisted of players who were born in 2004. It's just like swimming- you can have an awesome birthday for summer swim team and be at the top of your age group, but that means you won't have a good birthday for Junior Olympics. For this tournament, our son was born at the end of October- meaning when he stepped on the mound to pitch, it was his first time ever pitching in a real game from a 60 foot mound and this was his first experience playing on a big field. I just kept thinking to myself... if he had ten more months, his velocity would be where the other January birthday kids was.  But then you have to think... about 75% of these kids will be college recruits in one graduating class and he'll only be competing with about 25% that will be looked at a year later. It all works out in the end.

Move.  If you are serious about baseball relocate. Move to Florida or California. Just kidding- but it is crazy how those two states produce a huge amount of roster spots. You make be okay if you live in Texas. States like Florida that have "good" baseball send two teams whereas our Team Capital took kids from a handful of states. Totally random, but I'd love to see a stat about how many kids that get to play year round play in college as opposed to kids that live in a state like Virginia that play about 8 months out of the year. I also wonder in the long run about arm health, etc. I bet it's interesting. Regardless... those states produce some great ballers.

Kid first.  As a mom of a 12 year old, the only negative aspect of this tournament was that even if you don't say it, tournaments such as these definitely bring a kid first mentality to the game. I am sooo not looking forward to showcase baseball and what's to come. I like cheering for our team and going for the win. To me, at this tournament, as much as I'd love to say we were cheering for the team, it wasn't that way. I mean if we were going for a win, certain kids would be playing every inning. It's just not that way. And I'm not gonna lie, there were times where I was praying that even the other team would score so we would have to hit at the bottom of the inning so my kid would get an at bat. I'd love to say I was the only evil one thinking that way, but I'm pretty sure I was not. Baseball is a team sport... and I just prefer cheering for a team and not an individual.

At the end of the tournament, our son was not one of the few chosen to "move on." Will we do it again?  Absolutely if given the chance. I can not think of a bigger honor than wearing USA across your chest.  For four short days, he did that... and I'm pretty sure he will continue to wear that shirt all the time to the point I have to fight with him to wear other clothes. I guess the experience could go one of two ways. You can see the talent out there and get down on yourself or you can use it to motivate you and realize just how good some kids are and work even harder. He's already up begging to go hit at the local high school. The hubby needs to mow the grass from our week away... but what's new... For now, that ballpark is a calling.

Friday, August 4, 2017

The In Between

This week I traveled to Florida to catch up with my hubby and our precious ten year old for a softball tournament. It was some extra special one on one time with our sweet monkey in the middle. She's our easy child- stuck in the middle of a pre-teen brother and preschooler that thinks she rules our house. She's not the oldest and not the baby. She's the ever so special middle child. She's our in between.

Sitting in an airport for hours by myself was actually a wonderful time for reflection. With another school year approaching, I'm craving the routine, the structure, and a "new start." I'm not gonna lie, lately I've been feeling like the middle child... not knowing my place.

For years, I was this crazy stay at home mom with little kids. I ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and goldfish leftovers and never showered. And lets be honest, it wasn't just the kids pickin's I ate, I somehow managed to get enough food and am now fifty pounds heavier. I went to college and got a degree in Family and Child Development and was doing just that. And loving it. I swore off ever working again and basically had a retirement party. I counted down until I could be a "lady who lunches" and has her nails did. Yes, I said nails did because I pictured me being this hip Mama still trendy and with a little soul in my step.

Fast forward to now. Instead of trendy, I'm rocking some Kohl's duds and instead of listening to Missy Elliot on my car radio, I fight with my kids about who gets to listen to "their" music and can be a buzzkill and turn off "inappropriate" songs.  I see friends with awesome careers and it looks amazing, but yet, I don't know what I want to be when I grow up. I'm a lady who lunches, but if done more than once a week and put in the doghouse because we need to spend that money elsewhere.

I have a four year old who I take to kid play places and I'm no longer the mom nursing a baby while chasing after another toddler. I go to her preschool and I don't find myself putting myself out there for playdates like I would have with my older two. Heck, I don't even bother- we have our friends and I'm not starving for adult interaction. I'm tired... and I know I have to head home to rev up for round two of running the older kids around.

I see mom's sending their kids off to college. I'm not there yet, but it makes me sentimental and worry about if I'm preparing my kids enough to be good people. Am I too hard on them? Not hard enough? Are they prepared when put in different situations?  I worry. All.the.time. Have I done enough?

I've gone from the butt wiper and diaper changer to the maid who cleans up urine that has just missed the toilet. People say this is the sweet spot... and I say this is the in between. The grunt work.

And after spending time with my our middle child this week, I realized being the in between can be just fine. You just have to give them attention, love, and do it with a little intention. Here's to a new school year where I get back to blogging and living with purpose because these days won't last forever... and before long, it will be me crying on a college visit.

So here goes nothing... We're headed on an adventure today... with my son's friends. My four year old will be riding along jamming out to some not so appropriate music and showing the boys up as she sings "I spy"... and I'll be enjoying my view... along for the ride with a smile finding the joy in a new phase of life.