The journey from Town TBall to where we are now has been one of the most interesting, complex and exhausting experiences of my life. Coming from someone who played sports at an extremely high level, I cannot and could not ever have predicted how insanely fast things can happen when sports (especially youth sports) are concerned.
I’d love to spend the time in this blog describing what got us to this point, but Oliver is the real reason we are here today!
There is no doubt that Oliver is athletic. Anyone who comes into contact with him can see it. Coaches comment on it, players notice it, and as sports analysts would say, “tape don’t lie.” But then again, he just turned eight… everyone at eight looks good playing their sport and let’s be very clear- every parent thinks their kid is the next Bryce Harper, LeBron James (🤮) or Patrick Mahomes… but, no one can do what those guys do. The chances of being a D1 college athlete let alone a professional athlete are less than 1%.
With that being said, Steph and I have been steadfast in just supporting the growth of our boys in terms of their love of the game, their effort and determination in how they approach anything they take on (sports included). If they want to try something, then they take it on with determination and commitment. Then again honesty, how do you teach that to an eight year old… I guess modeling and finding the right people that can model that for them is the right path.
That brought us to the CTMETS Baseball Academy. What sets The CTMets academy apart is their commitment to developing well-rounded individuals. They understand that baseball is more than just a game; it’s a vehicle for teaching valuable life skills. This was not something we were looking for. But as the process played out… we chose theCTMETS… after they chose us.
We showed up for an evaluation after being convinced by a friend to check them out. We were looking for a workout program, maybe 1:1 coaching once a week or so. We had no expectations and to be honest we were over the travel team nonsense. This was going to be something to get us through the winter and get the boys ready for rec baseball in the spring.
Oliver (and Jax) went and worked out with three former professional Major League Baseball players. Oliver did his thing, he dove for balls, made throws from his knees. He hit the ball and afterwards Coach Jose used the phrase… “Oliver is Elite.” (even Jax was crushing baseballs in the cage)
Coach sat Steph and I down for almost an hour. The first thing he asked was if we would consider allowing Oliver to play for the 9u CTMETS, who are a statewide travel team consisting of some of the best young baseball players across CT. This is a huge opportunity for Oliver. Not only is this team one of the best travel teams in the state, but at seven years old at the time Oliver was the youngest player ever to make the team. It’s an incredible honor, and we’re so proud of him.
Hearing Coach Jose describe how he was trying to get Oliver to show him how he could “backhand a ball from the shortstop position,” but Oliver was so fast to the ball he, “kept squaring it up and getting in front of it to field it in a perfect position to be ready to throw,” was amazing. He laughed when he said he, “can’t get some of his 17u infielders to do that.” He told us he needs a player like Oliver (who he recognized was very young at seven for this team), but explained that he wants to build his academy and team from an early age and most importantly explained that Oliver was, “ready now.”
He explained to us his philosophy of coaching baseball… but more importantly… coaching well rounded children… if that didn’t sell us… when he said he saw something in Jax, besides baseball talent, he told us he saw “a leader and a big brother who cheered for his little brother everytime he made a great play” and that he recognized something in him too. He told us he wanted Jax to be part of his team… not to play in games yet, but to be there to help the younger players. To be there to support his brother who is one of the youngest kids on the team, but also to help build Jax’ baseball skills (coach Jose loves big first basemen!!!)
That was it. We needed them like they needed us. We were so out on the travel experience, until that night we met Coach Jose and his staff. Until they saw Oliver and Jax as people first and players second (hearing your seven year old is elite doesn’t hurt either)!
Congratulations, Oliver. Good luck! Do us proud, but more importantly, do you proud! Now to the important question, can I have your autograph?
Sorry Sons: Chronicles of a New Dad 