14 Matching Annotations
  1. Feb 2016
    1. The determination from these boys and with the help from their parents inspires me. They all want to succeed and be great so that is why they travel far for certain teams. And that is why they can't participate in certain activities risking injury. But parents and coaches have to keep in mind, overuse injury. If these kids don't get a break they can get injured from simply playing too much. It is also good for kids to watch their older siblings or friends play in a harder and older league to see that is what they will be doing sooner or later. Baseball and any sport for that matter brings people together when it is what they have in common.

    2. Jesse understood this to be a pact. He looked back at Jarrod. "Baseball for life," he said.

      they are complete opposites but when it comes to the love of the baseball they are the same. They love it .

    3. High school baseball in Florida is a serious affair, especially in the months leading up to the major-league draft in June

      That is crazy. That should be college, not highschool.

    1. "This is the 1990's- there's no Theo." Theo Epstein is a baseball genius. He was with the RedSox for a while now he has been with the Cubs for some years and the cubs have had a turn around and are starting to be really good.

  2. Jan 2016
    1. Because of his arm, and because of his team, Jarrod has a list of things that he won't do, or can't do, by decree of his parents, who are usually thinking ahead to the next baseball game. He will not, for example, jump on a trampoline. When his friends from school hold their birthday parties at a rock-climbing facility, Jarrod does not go. He does not play pickup basketball at school, and if it is the week before a tournament, he sits out of gym class. If he goes swimming in the backyard pool, he's careful not to get sunburned or tired out. He is not allowed to skateboard or ride a scooter.

      This may sound crazy to some, because his parents might be taking it too far, but if he really wants a future in the major leagues, he can't take the chance of an injury.

    2. Due largely to its reputation, the team now has players on its roster whose parents think nothing of driving an hour and a half each way from Tampa or Gainesville for the twice-weekly practices

      It may sound crazy to drive an hour and a hald each way for practices twice a week, but when you want your kid to succeed and be on the best team in the 'area', then driving that much shouldn't matter.

    3. the Express team had 70 wins and 9 losses

      That record is AMAZING. Those kids will be special.

    4. When he strikes someone out, he reflexively clenches his right fist — a celebratory gesture so small you have to pay attention to see it.

      That is a really good thing. I'm relieved that Jarrod isn't cocky and doesn't go overboard with celebration. Cocky isn't a good trait.

    5. Tim Petree describes Ben as having rescued Jarrod from what he calls "rec-ball hell." Taking the field with children who were just learning to play

      I totally agree. Ben did an amazing thing for Jarrod. If a kid is talented and naturally good, rec-ball is not for them. It is just for beginners and it seems as if Jarrod is beyond a beginner for his age.

    1. Thentheoperatorstopstherideabruptlywithhercaratthetop,soshe'shangingupsidedowninsidethecage

      If the operator knew that girl is scared and what not, then stopped it while she is at the top and upside down, and that was me, I would be furious.

    2. ThereareLemonShake-Ups,IceColdMelonManbooths,CitrusPush-Ups,andHawaiianShavedIceyoucansuckthesyrupoutofandthencrunchtheice

      that is exactly what I would need in that hot weather.

    3. Anditisatleastninety-fivedegreesintheshade,anddueeastofLivestockthebreezeis,shallwesay,fragrant.Butfoodisbeingboughtandingestedatanincred-ibleclipallupanddownthepath.Everyone'spackedin,eatingandwalking,movingslowly,twentyabreast,sweating,shouldersrubbing,theairspicywitharmpitsandCoppertone,cheektojowl,aperipateticfeedingfrenzy.

      I would not be able to handle all of that. I get really anxious and irritable when it's too hot outside. And with all those people I would have a panic attack. All the different food smells would make me sick.

    4. AndtheyalltakeProzacandsticktheirfingerdowntheirthroattoooutthere.Theyoughttotryjustclimbingonandspinningandsaying,'Fuck'em.'That'sprettymuchallyoucandowithassholes

      Prozac treats depression, OCD, nervosa and panic attacks. They took it because they were probably nervous. Honestly, people who are rude are just going to stay like that. So in life, you can't let those people get to you.

    5. ThenitoccurstomethatIhadbaconyester-dayandamevennowlookingforwardtomyfirstcomdogofthefair.

      Personally I have done this and so many people have. We see videos or see it live of how people treat animals and abuse them but we continue to eat and support how those animals get treated.