James Rosell

Flagler Beach ,Florida...eclectic,what a beach town should be in my opinion.I was raised in Southern New Jersey.The "shore" in the 60's as a youngster growing up was a special place.My grandfather lived in Wildwood,I had relatives in Ocean City,Cape May Court House and Pleasantville.

The " shore" wasn't so built up in those days.As a kid it was a nature fest with water and beach,marsh and backwater.There always seemed to be things to do as a family.

Flagler Beach, Florida brings that era back to me. From the Farmer's Market selling produce and plants,arts and crafts and other items,to Friday movies in the park,shops and stores,food and drink,fishing and surfing,and pleasurable walks on the beach it's nostalgia and good times for me and memories being made with family.

Two sons,three years apart,two different High schools...no hitters in their first time out with their respective schools.

No Hitter #1

2007

Justin Rosell is 20 years old now,serving our nation, an airmen in the United States Navy.

He used to be a heck of a ballplayer but things happened that changed his path.

He came to Florida between his Sophmore and Junior year in high school.

New area,new lifestyle new things.He made his high school team,and when he was given a chance to start,he threw a no hitter!

I was so happy for him,he thought this was his in,his acceptance...didn't work that way.

He found his acceptance in his work and his friends outside of sports.He stopped playing ball,and eventually he joined the Navy.

He seems happy now,and I'm happy for him.

No Hitter #2

2010

Joe Rosell is 16, highly intelligent and driven. Joe was unhappy in the environment he was in so my wife and I worked with him on a transfer to a new high school.

Did it work?:

Well he is eligible for the National Honor Society.

He tried cross country,made the team,eventually made the varsity squad that made the Florida state finals!

Joe was excited about baseball this year,he was taught to pitch under the northern long stride,Clemens,Ryan,Seaver type style and was now at a school that also embraced it.

He injured himself first game this year,a slipped disc. Prompt care and a good D.O. helped him recover quickly.

He got his first start last night. Complete game,7 innings,14 Strikeouts,1 BB,0 Runs and 0 Hits.

As a father I hope Joe's success brings more success in the sport.As a father I hope Joe finds happiness wherever and whatever he does.

I have other son's,they have had and will have their ups and downs.

I love them all.I am so very proud of them .

I cherish these days,maybe more when I can reflect on the past...the future is never what it seems,but because it isn't what we hoped,it still may be what we ultimately desire.

Fathers Day? The term implies what? I'm a father,I have four sons,four totally unique individuals who are my greatest accomplishment(some say my only accomplishment).I'm both their biological parent and their dad.I try to be there for them coaching,mentoring,trying to imbue the wisdom of past mistakes and successes so the road is a little straighter and has fewer potholes than the one I traveled.Sometimes I think they wish I was less interested and involved in their lives. You know in some ways they are right.I'm selfish.I want my time with my boys...so too bad.They can do the same to their kids someday.Why not?The lads are cause for laughter and memories that will carry me into my twilight. I've made mistakes with my crew,and I've done some really good things.I wouldn't trade these times for anything.From health to wealth,given a choice I would take the time with my sons over anything else. So what is this " holiday"?I don't believe the day was meant for fathers...it was meant for dads. I spent 25 plus years as a police officer, a cop.I've met a number of fathers who aren't dads. Biological process doesn't deserve recognition.That's like giving every participant in an event a trophy!...Oh,that's right we do that now. But you know what? That isn't reality.You are rewarded in life for your efforts.I've received my trophies; Jim,Justin,Jon and Joe.

Happy Dad's Day!

I have engaged in two professions,often maligned,rarely understood.Law enforcement and real estate.

When I was a cop,( 25+ years)I frequently questioned our humanity.Talk to any cop and they'll tell you,what we as a society do to each other is baffling.We often spoke amongst ourselves how a little common courtesy would ameliorate a lot of the problems we saw daily.

In Real Estate I find the biggest impediment to our business is courtesy.If we returned telephone calls or e-mails to each other in a timely manner,the processes of the business would actually be enjoyable.How many times have you telephoned another agent,customer,financial institution or government office ,left a message as directed, and never receive a return call?

This isn't intended as a complaint piece.This is more of an inquiry;when courteous behavior would improve our lives,why are we discourteous to one another? Time?Apathy? If it's self interest aren't we in effect shooting ourselves in the foot? Self interest would seemingly dictate that we make things as easy as possible for ourselves.

I don't know,what do you think?

Congratulations Justin

One of the reasons we relocated to Florida was year round baseball. .Seeing our children engage in what they love,and at times helping them by coaching,working behind the scenes,or just being there is so rewarding. Today I was doubly rewarded.My son Justin was given his shot today...the coach allowed him to start his highschool JV game.Well he rewarded the coach with a no hitter! Averaging almost 2K's an inning ,he (with by his own admission far from his best stuff)baffled and battled the opposition.Pitching is 25% Best stuff,25% no stuff,and 50% okay stuff.The best make that 50% theirs,by pitch command, skill and knowledge.The boy did just that,utilizing a drop dead circle change,an OK fastball and command of his breaking ptiches he turned a mediocre physical outting into a success.He has been awaiting his shot...now that is taking an opportunity and running with it.... Justin Congratulations!!! Love Dad ...