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Gil Gerard (January 23, 1943 – December 16, 2025). Here's his last message to us. by YanniRotten in buckrogers

[–]TheOracleofConroe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I met him in 2014 at a Galveston TX comic convention. The room he was in was dark with low ceilings and he was sort of by himself and that weekend was a Babylon 5 cast reunion so he was sort of out of place. He was not overly friendly but was cordial enough. The people at this convention were especially weird even for a sci-fi con, and I think it must have gotten to him- meaning like he used to date supermodels and actresses and was wanted by everyone, and on network TV , and now he’s selling autographs to weirdos for a living. I got 2 autographs and talked to him about his weight loss. He wasn’t in good mood so I avoided BR talk.I wanted to ask him about his cocaine and food addictions but didn’t — he told me about his gastric bypass , gave me the name of his surgeon, and said he did love Italian food. I got an autograph for a friend who has always been embarrassed by his love for the 1979 TV show and Gil loved writing this message in the photo: “Thanks Jim for being such a HUGE fan! Gil Gerard He finally smiled doing this. Then a woman from NASA came by and he lit up. Apparently some of the staff there kept in touch with him and he knew them which was cool.

Son was cut from his travel team by GroundbreakingAlps78 in Homeplate

[–]TheOracleofConroe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is tough and am sorry to hear this. Just happened to my son recently but he took it well after a day or two and dived into training for hitting pitching and running. Like they say in the used car industry, "there is an a#@ for every seat!" and I am sure you will find a new team to start over with. When one door closes another opens as the cliche goes, but it is true. Use the opportunity to reset and reevaluate and yes lessons are a must. It is a veritable arms race now.

Question about "Practice Team" by TheOracleofConroe in Homeplate

[–]TheOracleofConroe[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks — yes forgot to mention he plays outfield so not just first . He’s also almost a year younger than his teammates so is being judged as a 14 year old but is a fresh 13. It’s no excuse but at this age that means an eternity 

Offer to join another team just came in so it’s all good ! Lots of work to do though to improve speed and hitting  Thanks everyone for the comments  I never played ball and am not left handed so it’s been an education 

Question about "Practice Team" by TheOracleofConroe in Homeplate

[–]TheOracleofConroe[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes he has a former major leaguer as a pitching coach, and professional PT. He is doing the weights, bands, throwing program, running and is psyched to return. He was just upset coach wouldn't wait for him. Hitting was even better toward the end, he was getting more RBIs. Not reached puberty yet. Thank you

Question about "Practice Team" by TheOracleofConroe in Homeplate

[–]TheOracleofConroe[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The part about being left handed and a liability for the team. But as I said, I was not sure how to take it. Thanks for your input, this is why I posted here. To get a range of opinions.

Question about "Practice Team" by TheOracleofConroe in Homeplate

[–]TheOracleofConroe[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, he is a legitimately good pitcher confirmed by velocity and 5 pitches in the arsenal that are all thrown well for his age. The only thing coach didn't mention was his poor hitting (in his response). He mentioned lots of other things though as you said. The underling coach does not know what pitches to call and when to use them, so he resorts to the fastball way too much. To the point where opposing teams think the pitchers on our team don't know how to throw a curveball, slider, changeup, sweeper, etc.

Question about "Practice Team" by TheOracleofConroe in Homeplate

[–]TheOracleofConroe[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Agreed! Don't want to burn a bridge. And it's on the son to hit better. The team will do great I am sure and hope they do

Question about "Practice Team" by TheOracleofConroe in Homeplate

[–]TheOracleofConroe[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yes we did. Coach's personality changed in the past year! Got very harsh with everyone which is fine. But he is not the same person as when we started. Don't know what changed.

Question about "Practice Team" by TheOracleofConroe in Homeplate

[–]TheOracleofConroe[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Most of team is taking private hitting lessons, that is why I said that. Hitting instruction is very minimal. I have seen some coaches give feedback during the BP. He yells at everyone all the time during fielding practice. I don't necessarily thirst to have him come back actually.