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Entry #4 - 9/22/03
It is raining "cats and dogs" and this is not good for our Scout Day on Tuesday. Tomorrow professional scouts from every major league organization will be on campus to watch our players work out. It is an exciting day for our kids and it gives the scouts a chance to get an up close look at our ball players. I realize that every kid who has ever put on a ball glove has dreamed about being a professional ball player. I know I still dream about it and my playing days are long over. In my relatively brief coaching career I have had some success in players getting drafted and players having the opportunity to pursue their dream of playing professional baseball after college. Two of my former players, Scot Shields and Brad Voyles are currently in the "Big Leagues" with the Angels and Royals respectively. About a month ago they were actually scheduled to pitch against each other, but the game was rained out and they ended up starting on different days. How exciting that would of been for me to watch these two young men get after each other at the highest level. I am extremely proud of both of them and it's fun to watch them have success. If some of the young men currently in our program will continue to work hard and improve, I sincerely believe that they will get that opportunity to pursue their dream of playing professional baseball also.
As proud as I am of these two young men in the "Big Leagues", I am equally as proud of many of my other former players. My greatest day as a coach is always when I watch my players walk across that stage and receive their diploma, but a close second are the occurrences when a former player calls or stops by to let me know how he is doing. He may be calling to let me know he just found a job, or received a promotion. He may be calling to let me know he is getting married or having a child. Or he may be calling just to check in on the program or my family. Whatever the case it is always nice to hear from them. Today I received a letter from one of my former players and I would like to share it with you. Jeremy, I hope you don't mind.
Coach,
I just wanted to write and thank you for the journal entries you recently placed on the web-site. It was a pleasant surprise, and a welcomed break from my daily routine at work.
As I read your first entry, I couldn't help but think of my first few weeks of college. Like most freshmen, I was so overwhelmed by the change, and will carry those memories with me forever. The transition from a high school superstar to a no name walk-on was staggering. To be honest, there were times when I felt I did not belong. In our very first meeting it seemed like the returning players were years ahead of me. They looked so much stronger and more mature then I had imagined. But after spending my first full practice in right field, and my first week alternating between there and shortstop, it became a personal challenge to win a position in the infield. Every thought and every action revolved around baseball. As things would play out, I started at third base on opening day at Presbyterian College, and eventually became the every day shortstop. Although there were tons of challenges along the way, none stick out more than the first day of practice filling a spot in right field.
More importantly than thanking you for the entries, I wanted to thank you for the impact you have had on my life; as a player, a teammate, and as a person. Every day I reflect the lessons you taught and the values you instilled in me. The funny thing is, I no longer have to make an effort to do them. Every time I answer with a yes sir or yes ma'am, hold a door for someone, or give an unexpected compliment, it brings a smile to someone's face, and rarely goes unnoticed. Perhaps more than anything , is the extreme attention to detail, and the little things that actually have the biggest impact on people. I actually received my first month's rent at my house for free, simply for shining my shoes. My landlord, an older gentleman, said it was the first time he had seen someone my age with polished shoes in years.
Baseball was so much more than a game to me. It was an outright and unmatched passion. In a letter you wrote after my senior year, you asked that I keep a special place in my heart for the game. I assure you that the game, the values and memories it has left me will remain with me forever. As will the gratitude and respect I hold in my heart for you.
Thanks again for everything.
Jeremy Terry # 3
Today as I caught myself complaining about the pouring rain, complaining about problems we are having installing our new batting cage, and stressing out to Coach Goulet about our recruiting, this letter arrived. Wow! Sometimes young people never cease to amaze me. I think I have the greatest job on earth. Until next time...
Coach Skole
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