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They did it, so I can, too, right?
Don't let anyone ever crush your dream like Barry Bonds does to a no-flutter fastball, but let's just say it doesn't happen often. In fact, it rarely happens (parents, are you listening?).
To have three guys Servais, Miller and Williams from the same moderately populated region who actually stuck in the majors for a time is by far the exception, not the norm. (Schmidt made it to the big leagues with the Angels, but only for two short stints).
But that doesn't mean your son can't become a very good youth, middle school or high school baseball player. And there is nothing wrong with that. Nothing.
A select few ever play college baseball, and even less than that ever play professionally.
This is just one message that Servais was sending to the 185 kids at the third annual Coulee Region School of Baseball Thursday at Central High School's Dick Hackett Multipurpose Facility.
And, he'll send that message again today during a coaches/parents clinic from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. There is no cost, so grab your lunch and spend and hour or so with Servais. My guess is you won't be disappointed.
"I don't want any of you to take this wrong," Servais told the afternoon group, "but you're 13 and 14 years old. You've got plenty of things to work on. We're not going to make you an all-star player in one or two sessions."
Servais said one of the best goals parents can have is to put their kid in a good, positive environment with a good coach. If that happens, they will learn about the game, enjoy it, and continue to play.
It doesn't hurt to dream, but a dose of reality now and then isn't a bad thing.
"A goal of parents should be to put their kid in a good atmosphere and have a coach that is positive," Servais said of youth baseball. "When you start hearing I want my kid to do this or be that so they can go here, it's Time out.' Kids tend to keep things in perspective; it's the parents that sometimes don't."
During today's session, Servais also will talk about how to set up and organize a youth baseball practice. It takes far more effort than jumping into your car and driving to the ball field, then dragging the equipment out.
"We'll talk about what kind of plans to make, how to structure a practice. We have a lot of experience here when it comes to that," Servais said of his staff, which includes Creighton University head coach Ed Servais. "Get some different stations going, get another parent to help out with soft toss."
The campers certainly paid attention to Servais who spent 11 years in the major leagues playing for the Astros, Cubs, Giants and Rockies.
"It's fun. He (Servais) told me a few things, like getting a bigger stride," said 14-year-old Lucas Warren, who attends Longfellow Middle School.
Drew Ghelfi, 14, said the coaches at the Coulee Region School of Baseball emphasized many of the same things his dad, Andy, has taught him. Andy Ghelfi played minor league baseball for six different teams in his career and spent two spring trainings in a big league camp.
"A lot of it is stuff my dad taught me," said Drew, a pitcher and first baseman. "They told us to constantly work on the basics."
Basically speaking, you can't go wrong with that advice.
Jeff Brown can be reached at (608) 782-9710, ext. 403, or e-mail at jbrown@lacrossetribune.com
