[Kevin G.]

David -

Congratulations! You're in for a hail of a good time. Like you, I grew up not playing baseball (football, soccer & golf), but my son was hooked on PLAYING baseball since his first t-ball game. Emphasis on playing - he had good natural talent, but not the determination that seperates the good from the great, and we didn't want to push him even though we and his coaches could see the possibilities.

He still loves the game, and is playing club baseball for the ASU team. When he went to JC, he quit baseball for a few years because he didn't like the attitude of the players at that level - the constant backstabbing as he called it took the fun of the game out of it.

He started out in North SD county as well - we lived in Fallbrook from 1990 - 1998. There are some very good club (travelling) teams in the area that will help considerably in your son's development. My son played for the Reds for a while, I believe there is also a quality club team based in San Marcos as well.

There also was an excellent batting facility located in the Vista / Escondido area that helped his batting tremendously, but I can't remember the name. The unique part was the machines were set to pitch from the correct height (ball coming down simulating actual pitcher delivery), and you could get the speed set to the appropriate level for the batter.

My experience with my son's growing up through baseball is something we will both cherish throughout our lives. Just last night I got a call from him after his club team played a practice game with a D2 college team. 2-2, triple, 3 rbi's. It just keeps on paying dividends.

Best of luck to your son and you.

Kevin