Dear Parents of Senior Baseball Players.....

Shenango High School Senior Baseball Players

To parents of Senior high school baseball players,

It seems like only last week that he was a nervous freshman trying out for the high school baseball team.  Now he has started his "Senior Year."

The progression has almost come full circle. You have watched him grow from a skinny, young kid that just loved baseball to a confident "near adult" senior that is hoping to make it to the play-offs this year.

You have spent the equivalent of the cost of an all-inclusive vacation on bats and gloves, sliding shorts and athletic supporters, under-armor, batting gloves and cleats.

…It was worth every penny!

You have endured weather that was better suited for dog sledding than a high school baseball game. You know where every high school, within a 100 mile radius, is from your house.

            …and all the clean bathrooms

You spent nights on "suicide watch" when he went 0 for 4, made a fundamental fielding error or had a bad pitching outing.

            …your heart breaking for him as you love him even more

You have treasured the nights that he had the game winning hit, went 4 for 4 with 2 doubles, made a huge game ending defensive play or was so controlling on the mound that it seemed like he was pitching to a group of "tee-ballers."

            …your heart full of pride

He has endured girlfriends, proms, changing friendships, and battles with you over shaving and curfews. Often you have had the discussion about how important good grades are

…even the dog can recite it "word for word."

He anxiously made it through the summer and fall and then through the endless winter for his  "Senior Baseball Season" to arrive. He knows how important the off-season work can be and has dedicated himself to it like no time before.

…He is READY!

Try-outs come for the rookies. The seniors get their chance to strut and "look good." They are now the "Senior Leadership"

 ...whatever that means.

Opening Day is bright and clear, all is right with the world. As you wait for the game to start, you realize that he is within 25- (hopefully) 30 games of the end of his high school athletic career. You wonder if he has thought about this.

…Just a few weeks until it is over.

For the majority of high school players this is the last organized baseball they will ever play. A few will play one more season with the summer team and a select fortunate few will continue in college or professional baseball.

            …It’s the first inning…Senior year

You think back to how adorable he looked in his tee ball uniform. You remember the team picture where his front teeth were missing and so were many of his teammates.

            ...It’s the second inning…Senior year

You remember his first high school hit or pitching strike out. All the ups and downs, how you feel like his friends are a part of the family and you treat them the same as your own.

            …It’s the third inning…Senior year

You have watched in amusement as these young men, in the final years of being "teenagers," can act like a group of 6 year olds at  Chuckie Cheese.

            …It’s the fourth inning…Senior year

He has made friends that will last a lifetime.  Hopefully your son has had a relationship with a coach that will remain positive with him for the rest of his life. Every athlete deserves that one special coach in his life.

….It’s the fifth inning…Senior year

I hope all your memories are good ones and I pray that the years ahead bring you much joy, health and happiness wherever the journey leads you.

            …It’s the sixth inning…Senior year

Congrats to all the Seniors and to those not yet at this stage take the time to enjoy each and every game for it truly is a great sport.

…It’s the seventh inning…Senior year

Game over