Juan Dominguez: A dream shattered forever...
by miles on Dec 3, 2008 12:16 AM CST
73 comments
This is part III of the Juan Dominguez series. If you have not yet read the other entries, please read in order for this post to make sense...
http://www.lonestarball.com/2008/5/25/535997/the-real-juan-dominguez
http://www.lonestarball.com/2008/6/6/546978/juan-dominguez-the-true-un
Life in the Dominican Republic does not come easy, nor does baseball. Making a life of baseball is everyone's dream, few make it. In Juan's case, he already made it to the highest position; the MLB. He just failed to stay.
After playing in the MLB, he returned back the Dominican Republic with no money as his family spent it all. His family had been known to show up in times of his life when he had money and disappear when the money was gone. His childhood was anything but healthy; he had no real role model and had to basically grow up on his own.
Juan struggled with depression throughout his life, including his stay with the Rangers. His missed meetings were interpreted by the Rangers in the wrong way; he was viewed as a "head case" and immature. The truth was that he struggled with severe depression, language barrier, and no one to talk to.
After life back in the Dominican for a few years, it seemed that Juan was back on track. This is about the time when I last posted an entry about Juan Dominquez. Juan was back in winter leagues, getting lots of attention by MLB scouts and gaining his confidence and velocity back. Most importantly, he felt good again. His depression was being treated and his life was changing. He was forming a bond with his new born son who when asked if he wanted his son to play baseball, he responded by saying he wanted him to "be a pitcher like me".
Dominguez was serious about returning to the MLB. This did not work out as numerous scouts told him they could not fit him on any of their rosters. The most notable teams were the Marlins and Nationals.
A few independent leagues showed immediate interest. They were willing to take him on right away, but the situation did not fit. These teams were located in remote small cities in Texas and Nevada. Juan’s previous problem was isolating himself when he was in the MLB which brought him even more depression. Being placed in a small U.S. city not knowing anyone making less than 22k proved not to be a good situation for him.
Juan did not want this situation for himself, he said no to independent league. This proved to be his downfall, since no MLB team was willing to take a risk putting him on their roster. His options were running out, and this is when his anxiety and depression came back.
Juan realized his baseball career may be coming to an end. He is approaching his late 20’s, and no team wanted to take a risk with him. Baseball is all he knows how to do, this is the only thing he has ever done. He has no education to have a real job or training of any sort. This is when he sank into deep depression once again is his young life.
Juan had been living with Mr. Santos this entire time. Juan did not have any other place to stay, he had no money. Mr. Santos was kind enough too paid for his food and for him to live.
One day Mr. Santos noticed that Juan was gone. All Juan’s stuff was gone and so was Mr. Santos’ camera. Mr. Santos soon found out that Juan had left for good and stolen his camera; Juan had retreated to his previous ways.
The truth is Juan had gone back to drugs; he was back to living on the streets and feeding his severe depression and unhealthy lifestyle.
The truth is the one thing that Juan loved and the thing he knew best was ripped from his hands, and he didn’t know how to deal with it.
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This is the first that anyone has heard about this story in the U.S., just like the previous entries. This truly is a sad story, it just shows the hardships that many Dominican’s have in the MLB. It is tough for someone of a different language and culture to have to adapt by themselves while performing in the best baseball league in the world.
If there is one lesson to this story, it is to be thankful for those around you. It’s not about money, its having family and those around you to fall back on you in hard times. As this story shows, many people don’t have that luxury. Don’t take advantage of this comfort, treat those around you as you would want to be treated.
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Well...
that sucks.
"I know you're a bit dense but no, it doesn't. Obviously lying isn't a problem for me."
by benmor78 on Dec 3, 2008 12:27 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Where are you
getting all this detailed info? From Santos?
Miles often plays the jerky, obnoxious rich punk, but it’s a superficial front. Nice post, Miles.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Dec 3, 2008 12:35 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
That's a tough one pal.
I remember in ’03 or ’04 when he went 8 innings of 1 run ball at Yankee stadium. Hopefully he gets his life straightened out.
Fire Todd Dodge. Seriously. 45 given up in the 1st quarter. Wow. But still we're better than Washington! Oh and, SUCK IT WESTERN KENTUCKY! 1-10 baby!
by sprite on Dec 3, 2008 12:37 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I was at that game...definitely one of my favorites.
I thought he was going to be something special for us.
by slimshadty12 on Dec 3, 2008 2:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Wow
I don’t really know what to say except that’s really unfortunate. Best wishes to Juan, wherever he is – here’s hoping he’ll somehow find a way to turn himself around again.
Nice post Miles.
"Somewhere out there, between 14-32 BBWAA NL MVP voters are trying to get cheaper winter heating by drilling a hole in the microwave." - Jeff at LoL
by lonestarJon on Dec 3, 2008 12:44 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Nice post
but I’m not sure if we needed all the details of the recession depression.
Hopefully you made Mr. Santos proud.
*Eagerly awaits part IV *
This is an exciting time in my life.
The LSB CPP's are in full bloom.
by Chase Irwin on Dec 3, 2008 12:56 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Great post and story, Miles
And from the little time I’ve had in the Dominican, I could give you the first names and a few family names of people in or around LaRomana or San Pedro de Macoris who suffer terrible melancholy, not just from baseball, but from opportunity lost in a variety of careers. We know that giving hope, education, and job training helps many underprivileged (even underprivileged within their own cultural system), but for a variety of reasons, not all who get a chance can muster what it takes to progress, or even keep the job.
Makes me sad. The 80386 PC I gave to a tee shirt salwswoman in St. Lucia, for her son to catch up on studies and learn English, was stolen for drug money. Just one story of thousands. And my great hopes for Juan Dominguez, to quote Pink Floyd’s Comfortably Numb, “the child is grown, the dream is gone”.
Thanks for the post.
"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts... for support rather than illumination." - Andrew Lang (1844-1912)
by Ed Coffin on Dec 3, 2008 1:03 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Coffin
quoting Floyd. This thread is complete now.
I'm undefeated in fights. Have I been in any? No. Thats because people know my f'ing status. Don't mess with the elite. - Miles
by Dirk Diggler on Dec 3, 2008 7:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, Miles
Nice going. That education’s serving you well.
Kanye, you want to be the voice of this generation? Get in line! It goes me, Obamagirl, the Freecreditreport.com guys, then It's a tie between you-and Crocs.
-Stephen Colbert
by Conjunction on Dec 3, 2008 1:06 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Great read
Unfortunate for Juan.
I remember that Yankee game where he served up that 500 ft. HR to A-Rod, then struck out 10 the rest of the game.
"Relying on the government to protect your privacy is like asking a peeping tom to install your window blinds."
by Maximilian on Dec 3, 2008 1:32 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Hey
I visited the dominican. They take their baseball very seriously, but not as serious as they are about their cock fighting.
The bloggerformelyknownasBigBaddBubbaJ
by NYTXFAN on Dec 3, 2008 4:51 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I don't feel sorry for him
He had a God given gift that he pissed away and now he steals from those who try to help him to support a drug habit, instead of working.
In memory of Ulysses Simpson Grant Stoner. RIP Lil Stoner.
by tricer on Dec 3, 2008 5:47 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
another thing
Juan struggled with depression throughout his life, including his stay with the Rangers. His missed meetings were interpreted by the Rangers in the wrong way; he was viewed as a “head case” and immature.
What is this supposed to mean? Are the meetings supposed to be scheduled only for those players that aren’t feeling depressed that day?
In memory of Ulysses Simpson Grant Stoner. RIP Lil Stoner.
by tricer on Dec 3, 2008 5:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
that's not exactly what depression is
i guess this is obvious but people who claim depression are claiming a disease, more than just a bad mood. if you don’t subscribe to that, that is fine but then you aren’t going to much appreciate this story in the same way that others will.
""If they'd have told me you can make the team but you've got to shine the shoes, I'd have been there shining shoes." -Bradley
by ab03 on Dec 3, 2008 5:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
He was above the Independent league, I guess..
Nolan Ryan is the Greatest Pitcher ever, because Google says so.
"BTW I’m officially welching ab03. Yeah I planned too all along, but I figured I’d try to get off the hook with double or nothing first."- Sharky
by DJCahill on Dec 3, 2008 7:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
the question
is from a personal decision, is it better to be in baseball but dealing with depression or be at home in the DR dealing with it
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Dec 3, 2008 9:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think he would be better off playing baseball and earning some money
compared to living on the streets, stealing, and doing drugs, but that’s just me.
In memory of Ulysses Simpson Grant Stoner. RIP Lil Stoner.
by tricer on Dec 3, 2008 9:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i would as well, but from personal experience (dating someone who had serious depression problems for wayyyyyy too long in the past) logic doesnt always apply…
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Dec 3, 2008 9:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The question is
Is it better to take a chance to achieve your dream, or smoking crack back home.
Nolan Ryan is the Greatest Pitcher ever, because Google says so.
"BTW I’m officially welching ab03. Yeah I planned too all along, but I figured I’d try to get off the hook with double or nothing first."- Sharky
by DJCahill on Dec 3, 2008 9:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i would agree with this as well
but as i said above, its not always the logical thing that makes sense to someone who is depressed
that said, if it was me i would think that if he pitched well and behaved for a few months (3 or 4) he would be someone who would jump right back into AA or higher for one of the MLB teams…
its a shame…
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Dec 3, 2008 9:56 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
He sounds like just another guy who thinks/thought that he was better than he really was.
Being placed in a small U.S. city not knowing anyone making less than 22k proved not to be a good situation for him.
Ahh…poor baby. I know plenty of people who would kill for the opportunity to play baseball for 20K a year, especially if you’ve got the talent to jump to the bigs once you prove yourself.
He sounds like just another guy who chose drugs over a everything else.
by cgolden on Dec 3, 2008 9:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He sounds like just another guy who chose drugs over a everything else.
clearly, if he stole from the person who probably believed in him the MOST in the DR and was helping him out w/ baseball and with life (food, money, etc)
that said, its tough to be hard on the guy when he clearly does have problems, i dont think anyone would argue that he doesnt – but i cant imagine someone who had a drug problem ALONG with a pretty damn big depression issue
hey miles, did he have a drug problem here in the states when he was playing ball?
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Dec 3, 2008 9:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
according to his teammates
yes he did.
In memory of Ulysses Simpson Grant Stoner. RIP Lil Stoner.
by tricer on Dec 3, 2008 9:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
something else i didnt ever realize – do we know what it was?
hey miles, had he been clean for a while or was he still using in the DR?
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Dec 3, 2008 10:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He wasn't using
drugs in the U.S.
He drank a lot in the U.S. to try and forget his problems.
Juan was clean from everything including alcohol for about 2 years until now.
"You can be a leader or follower.... Or you can be elite...." - Me
by miles on Dec 3, 2008 1:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
damn
so no letter, no note just gone?
thats just too bad…
i thought i remembered some whispers about alcohol but nothing else…
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Dec 3, 2008 1:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well alcohol is an intoxicant
I’d call that a drug. A legal one, but a drug nonetheless.
"Relying on the government to protect your privacy is like asking a peeping tom to install your window blinds."
by Maximilian on Dec 3, 2008 4:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Every sad sack
who does drugs or steals from others probably has some problems. I’m not sure I’m going to waste a lot of time feeling sorry for them.
Nolan Ryan is the Greatest Pitcher ever, because Google says so.
"BTW I’m officially welching ab03. Yeah I planned too all along, but I figured I’d try to get off the hook with double or nothing first."- Sharky
by DJCahill on Dec 3, 2008 10:08 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i don't think you're supposed to feel sorry for him
i think you are supposed to appreciate the situation for what it is, jackass.
yes, everything is exactly how you described it. if he had tried harder, adjusted better, he might have pulled through. but the thing to get out of this is that it was fairly easy for him to end up a drug user on the street. he was pushed towards baseball in lieu of a more stable career, pushed towards a life he wasn’t really ready for, and the consequence of it not working out was ending up a druggie. at his age, with very little skills, i wonder what else he could do with his life.
the tragedy here is that it seems as though it was fairly easy for a kid like this to end up having issues.
""If they'd have told me you can make the team but you've got to shine the shoes, I'd have been there shining shoes." -Bradley
by ab03 on Dec 3, 2008 5:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That's a cop-out
It’s fairly easy for ANYONE to end up having issues.
Life is risky as hell. I don’t see why we should stop and cry for Juan.
Another one bites the dust, imo.
This is an exciting time in my life.
The LSB CPP's are in full bloom.
by Chase Irwin on Dec 4, 2008 8:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
really?
it’s as easy for him to end up a drug user for life as me?
I did so many drugs through college, hardly ever went to class, basically was a waste for years and i’ll probably end up with a pretty good high paying job because access to education was always easy for me (mainly because of money but also the society in which i group in).
There are countless stories like this in higher social classes.
And correct me if i’m wrong, but you probably mourn other risky events that are tragic, no? If someone got run over by a car you would say, “life is risky, another bites the dust?”
""If they'd have told me you can make the team but you've got to shine the shoes, I'd have been there shining shoes." -Bradley
by ab03 on Dec 4, 2008 2:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes
Even someone as properly raised and sheltered as ab03 can end up doing many drugs through college.
Luckily, you didn’t pick one that stuck with you.
This is an exciting time in my life.
The LSB CPP's are in full bloom.
by Chase Irwin on Dec 4, 2008 7:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Re: It’s fairly easy for ANYONE to end up having issues.
Life is risky as hell.
Yes, it is. However, some in this thread would be much better persons if they displayed one whit of empathy.
Many people in the real world suffer from many forms of depression/disabilities. Understanding and/or compassion…that does not mean approval and/or endorsement.
‘Cause I think we’re beautiful…
"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
by Rodney on Dec 4, 2008 8:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I understand and I can certainly empathize
I mean that.
Does seeing me write that really change anybody’s opinion of me?
This is an exciting time in my life.
The LSB CPP's are in full bloom.
by Chase Irwin on Dec 4, 2008 8:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Naw, net anonymity
and all that.
I would surely hope
Another one bites the dust, imo.
was more aimed at Ranger’s pitching prospects, rather than one individual.
Or, are you just taking shots at ab03..?
"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
by Rodney on Dec 4, 2008 8:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Can't be both?
This is an exciting time in my life.
The LSB CPP's are in full bloom.
by Chase Irwin on Dec 4, 2008 9:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Not to me anyway
The whole Juan Dominguez saga is a sad one, but that doesn’t require anyone to feel sorry for him IMO. Maybe in some small way it makes you better if you show some kind of empathy, but the unfortunate fact is, sagas like this play out all over the world every day. Hearing firsthand about one is quite saddening, but I can certainly see why some people might not consider it very important compared to some other issues in this world.
"Somewhere out there, between 14-32 BBWAA NL MVP voters are trying to get cheaper winter heating by drilling a hole in the microwave." - Jeff at LoL
by lonestarJon on Dec 4, 2008 9:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Its fairly easy for any kid to end up
a drug user on the street. I grew up in a nice middle class neighborhood, played ball and traded baseball cards with a kid 2 blocks down. Tommy was doing drugs in his teens, residing in Huntsville in his early 20s, and dead in his mid 20s.
About the only thing you can do with people like that is point them out to all young kids and say don’t let that crap happen to you, don’t be an idiot and piss your life away, like Juan or Tommy.
Nolan Ryan is the Greatest Pitcher ever, because Google says so.
"BTW I’m officially welching ab03. Yeah I planned too all along, but I figured I’d try to get off the hook with double or nothing first."- Sharky
by DJCahill on Dec 4, 2008 9:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Tell Juan
if he makes back to the U.S. I will buy him a bear
I'm undefeated in fights. Have I been in any? No. Thats because people know my f'ing status. Don't mess with the elite. - Miles
by Dirk Diggler on Dec 3, 2008 7:29 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
What about a beer?
"Sooner or later, prospects kill you, because you hang onto them." - Greggo, 11/22/2005
by Agreen07 on Dec 3, 2008 7:30 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You need to go read thru the old Mr. Santos threads
I'm undefeated in fights. Have I been in any? No. Thats because people know my f'ing status. Don't mess with the elite. - Miles
by Dirk Diggler on Dec 3, 2008 7:34 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
And the cost-cutting Rangers’ biggest signing of this offseason will be…
"Yeah, like I had a chance there" - Lancaster batter, after striking out against Derek Holland
by chrisR on Dec 3, 2008 8:36 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I'd rather have Juan Dominguez than Willie Eyre...
by JBImaknee on Dec 3, 2008 9:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Dec 3, 2008 9:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Way to go miles
Good to know Ohio U has taught you to use Spell Checker, if nothing else.
I had a paper route when I was a kid. I was supposed to go to 2,000 houses. Or two dumpsters.
by TheBZA on Dec 3, 2008 9:23 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
sad
I don’t really know what to make of this, but if true, it’s a sad story.
"You’re the only here who contributes schtick only." - brettgardner
by trza on Dec 3, 2008 9:46 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
This is an interesting and sad story
Not to get too personal here, but I suffer from an anxiety disorder. Luckily I was very proactive about treating it, because it is indeed common for people with anxiety and depression to self-medicate. Even when treated properly it never goes away. It’s just manageable. I can only imagine what it was like for him to have risen so high and to have so much talent only to have it all crashing down. That’s some weight on your shoulders right there. To get to where he got is a testament to him. If his anxiety and depression were severe, he had to overcome a lot to get to where he did.
Being poor and in the Dominican sure wouldn’t help, either. Suffering with these types of problems and having a high pressure job while having nobody to talk to? That’s recipe for personal disaster.
I really feel for the guy. Some say he just pissed it all away, that he felt he was “above” the indie leagues, and stuff like that. I didn’t read it that way. It sounds more like it all slipped away from him, that he didn’t feel like he could go to the independent leagues because he wouldn’t have enough money to pay for his medical care in the US, and that his alcohol and drug abuse are classic self-medication. There are two kinds of drug abusers: those who started by partying, and those who are trying to deal with their pain.
Best wishes to him, wherever he is.
by Black Francis on Dec 3, 2008 9:47 AM CST reply actions 2 recs
+1 BF
I really feel for the guy. Some say he just pissed it all away, that he felt he was "above" the indie leagues, and stuff like that. I didn’t read it that way. It sounds more like it all slipped away from him, that he didn’t feel like he could go to the independent leagues because he wouldn’t have enough money to pay for his medical care in the US, and that his alcohol and drug abuse are classic self-medication. There are two kinds of drug abusers: those who started by partying, and those who are trying to deal with their pain.
my feelings in a nutshell. rec.
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Dec 3, 2008 10:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Managing
Congrats on making wise choices. I think he made a wise choice in not going to the Independent leagues. At least he is recognizing his weakness there.
We all self-medicate to one degree or another. We all fool ourselves into thinking we are smarter than people like Dominguez, but given the right circumstances we might not be any stronger or wiser than he and others in his situation.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Dec 3, 2008 10:02 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I've made a lot of bad choices too
My particular brand of A/P disorder responds very negatively to self-medication, however. I had a prescription for months and would not take it. And when I did things got a lot better very quickly. But even though I’m pretty much normal now, I cannot even smoke pot or drink without it making me sick to my stomach. I had a stomach issue a couple years ago that triggered all this. Mine is kind of like PSTD, but it’s not that even though PSTD is one of the best-known and least understood among the anxiety disorders. But not all subtypes are triggered by events or whatever. Some people are just born with it. It’s really sad to think of kids that have to deal with this crap, but now that I know what it’s like I can see it in some kids. Makes me sad for them.
Anyway, I think it’s just too bad the Rangers’ team shrink couldn’t recognize Dominguez’ problem and fix him up. I suppose if he were using a lot of alcohol it would make it more difficult to diagnose. But if he could’ve figured it out and got him on the right path, there’s little doubt in my mind he’d be a big leaguer right now. That kid had great stuff if I recall.
by Black Francis on Dec 3, 2008 5:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
haha
low blow, my man. It ain’t the fuzz that scares me, it’s jail.
by Black Francis on Dec 3, 2008 5:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Speaking of crazy and photographs ...
you might like this site
by shroomer on Dec 4, 2008 7:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
How very, very sad.
Depression is a wicked mistress, trust me.
Whatever happened to his son?
"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
by Rodney on Dec 3, 2008 11:21 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
So your source is mr. santos?
That’s not a bad relationship you developed there. Kudos.
""If they'd have told me you can make the team but you've got to shine the shoes, I'd have been there shining shoes." -Bradley
by ab03 on Dec 3, 2008 5:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
you know
if you can’t appreciate the tragedy of this story, then i’m not sure how much you really appreciate the greatness of the josh hamilton story. and maybe that is the case for many.
just want to point out the obvious parallel.
""If they'd have told me you can make the team but you've got to shine the shoes, I'd have been there shining shoes." -Bradley
by ab03 on Dec 3, 2008 5:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
+1
and it’d be a +1 for a player on another team, this is not a hometown +1.
I’m in the field of Vocational Rehab, we deal with folks with physical and mental disabilities, try and get them back on their feet and into work.
Anyone of us at any moment can be disabled (depression and addiction are both disabilities per the DSM-IV-TR)…just remember that….
I know everyone has their opinions, and by all means they’re entitled to them. Sometimes the things one does runs deeper than you could ever understand (and trust me, sometimes you don’t want to understand)….
Freddie King rules faces.
by Ryin A on Dec 3, 2008 6:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Miles, thanks for the update.
Unfortunately, the story isn’t surprising. Paying dues in the small town indy leagues would have shown that he’s serious about getting back into baseball, even though the odds of getting back to the bigs would still be small. I’ve seen this play out with younger players not because it’s their only option for survival, but because they truly love the game. I’m not convinced that can be said of Juan. I have a hard time reading that what he loved was ripped from his hands. Juan’s had opportunities few get. I do hope he gets well.
by SteveP on Dec 4, 2008 12:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
i'd agree with this
I’m not sure he should have been playing baseball at all.
What sucks is he got to a point in his life where all he knew to do was play baseball.
""If they'd have told me you can make the team but you've got to shine the shoes, I'd have been there shining shoes." -Bradley
by ab03 on Dec 4, 2008 2:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I'm certainly not qualified
to comment on any medical condition he might have. I do remember someone on here mentioning when he was going through all those troubles with Rangers that he was showing possible signs of clinical depression. Maybe if he would have been diagnosed and treated back then things would have been different. I don’t know. Juan’s story is gripping, but not rare. Someone should do a Hoop Dreams type of documentary on the poor Dominican teens who pin their dreams on playing pro ball.
by SteveP on Dec 4, 2008 2:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I would
love to go to the Dominican Republic and do that, talk about a legit internship…
"You can be a leader or follower.... Or you can be elite...." - Me
by miles on Dec 4, 2008 5:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
See about
Two things. One, if Mr. Santos will sponsor you for a work visa and stay. You can go visit with simply a passport, but you might want to take longer than a couple of weeks “in country”. And maybe go back for followups.
Secondly, see if the SA department at Ohioi U will accept that work as credited hours of some sort.
The only possible downside is if kids or their families do not want publicity (it happens).
"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts... for support rather than illumination." - Andrew Lang (1844-1912)
by Ed Coffin on Dec 4, 2008 6:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It may also help...
…if Miles knew anything at all about film.
by Black Francis on Dec 4, 2008 6:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Everyone
knows I’m a natural writer, I shall write a thesis.
"You can be a leader or follower.... Or you can be elite...." - Me
by miles on Dec 4, 2008 8:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
regarding Ed's point about publicity
just change the names.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Dec 4, 2008 9:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm writing a thesis
You’d last about 15 minutes.
I had a paper route when I was a kid. I was supposed to go to 2,000 houses. Or two dumpsters.
by TheBZA on Dec 5, 2008 10:32 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
loves me some miles
eom
A Texas Designer's Map of the World
by hurlerhurley on Dec 4, 2008 10:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
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