Pembroke Pines, FL.
It all begin at the tender age of 4 years old, when we first signed him up to play Pre-T-ball at Pasadena Park. In his first game he ran past first base after a swinging bunt hit back to the pitcher where he ran past first base and he didn't stop, he continued to run until he got to third base...I guess that's a stand up triple !!
A lot of memories and really good times playing the game he loves as we all do in the Palmer's household. This weekend he will conclude his regular season play at the University of Miami and will graduate in the fall after he completes his Internship required for his Major Exercise Physiology.
After a tumultuous season as a Freshman at the University of Florida where he was recruited, Tyler headed south, home to rethink and decide on where he would play next, not happy with the Gators and not sure where he would go next. He wondered at times if the decision he had made to leave Florida was the right one. That same year Florida went to the College World Series, but Tyler had left right after the regular season ended, so he missed out on that opportunity, now he finds himself on a school team he dreamed of playing for since his early days of playing Travel Ball.
As a youngster I would take him to see the "U" in their glory days, he recalls seen Ryan Braun, John Jay, Paco Figueroa and Javy Rodriguez whom he shares a pic we took of the two while attending the Canes "BUDDIES" game, where the entire teams comes out and meets the players on the field. That year the Canes had won their College World Series. His dream of playing for the Canes came to reality in 2011 when an opportunity to play for the University of Miami was granted by the NCAA.
Tyler begin playing for UM in 2011 and during that season there were a lot of trials and tribulations. He played in 5 different positions and after a rough spring at third base Coach Morris felt that he would best help the team in right field, he had not played right field since his days with the Broward Canes as an 11u player, from there he went to second base, left field and finally first base. When I asked him, how do you feel about where they are playing you, he said "I don't care I just want to play baseball"
The season started and he was the designated hitter he had swung the bat well in the off season so Coach Morris liked having him in the line up, just wasn't sure where he would play him. He finally settled him in the outfield and that's where he currently plays.
The Gators "Are Coming, Gators are Coming"... the team that he had played for and had a .286 batting avg. but was not good enough for the Gators.
Tyler, redeemed himself in his first at bat against the Gators as he launched a 2-0 pitch over the left field fence to tie the game at 2-2... I know how i felt as a Dad and can only Imagine how gratifying that was for him. The Canes went on to lose against the Gators that season and Tyler's year was a success by just playing for the School/Team he has always cherish. This past season the story and ending was a Happy one, for Tyler and the Canes. We defeated the Gators and Tyler had a great series as he stole three bases and hit a couple of doubles to help the Canes win.
As I look back, as parents/coaches we go through some tough times and headaches with our kids and the game we love I cannot say enough as to how proud I am of my two boys Richie & Tyler whom have made us so happy. Richie's love and dedication for his brother is a major reason why he is the player he is today. His mother Mary, is who he gets his strength and toughness from, she has taught him to strive and not settle, Tyler's dedication and work ethic has gotten him to where he is today. I'll share a note that I saw he pinned on his work desk in his room after the 2012 season "I Will Not Be Outworked" and that drive has led to his success this season.
My dream has come true as a parent and what he has been able to accomplish exceeds far more than I ever expected of him and is more than just baseball, It's him being the person he is on and off the field. If he goes on to play at the next level great, If not you've made me a "Proud Papa"
All I can say is that don't let anyone deter you or your son of their dreams, go chase it, THEY CAN COME TRUE...MINE DID !!
Follow the Canes as they go for a record this weekend in their quest to reach Omaha, the College World Series.
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