1982

Monday night I went to a baseball meeting, for a team Will might play on next summer. Saturday some parents told me they were going, and gave me the info. Yesterday I emailed the Shamrock manager, calling him Rob instead of Bob. Later he called me, connecting me with Will, who he had talked to after watching him at a recent practice (unknown to me). He knew that Will was home-schooled, and this Bob seemed to have a good memory.

The meeting went well. One assistant had played minor league ball, and now scouted for the Houston Astros. All the coaches seemed personable, but more reserved and most of the cocky/full-of-themselves East Cobb coaches. One of them mentioned how well-connected Bob was with many college coaches. The only bad thing is they’re based at Dominion Christian Academy, which is 20 miles from our house, directly past the gridlocked Barrett Parkway area.

I went home and looked up the Shamrock website. Turns out Bob Kelly used to be the unofficial Braves mascot in the early 1980’s…Brother Francis.

Talking to the dads, many of Will’s teammates were also burned out on baseball. Few went to the East Cobb tryout. Many had the same ridiculous idea Will had, that they could just catch on with a team early next summer.

AJ: Not playing baseball this fall or next summer.

Tyler: Not playing baseball this fall or next summer (or is it basketball?)

Audie: Quit Lassiter football, and not signed up for baseball.

Ryan T: Playing this fall, but not yet signed up for next summer.

Durham: disliked his ECB team, not yet signed up.

Jared: disliked his ECB team, to play with rival 643 team.

Cole, Jake, & Bradley: to play with ECB Saints.

Michael, Vince, & Parker: looking into Shamrock.

I hear McLouth is being called up today, so he’ll be available for the playoffs.