Dreams of a pro baseball career hinge on Air Force decision (Macon Telegraph)

Colleges and Universities A-Z Air Force Academy - Colorado Springs
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<p>By Gene Rector - <a href="mailto:grector@macontel.com">grector@macontel.com</a></p>

<p>ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE –
It’s a story that mixes dreams, national security and a rare request, but an Air Force second lieutenant is hoping that a door will open for him to pursue a career in professional baseball.</p>

<p>Karl Bolt must report to Robins Air Force Base by Aug. 4 unless Air Force Secretary Michael Wynn grants a waiver. The Air Force Academy graduate was recently drafted in the 15th round by the Philadelphia Phillies, but the opportunity will slip away, Bolt believes, unless his request gains a favorable ruling.</p>

<p>Academy graduates generally have a five-year active duty commitment, although some football players have received waivers to serve two years on active duty and six years in the reserves.</p>

<p>The two-year part won’t work for baseball, contends Bolt. “If you take two years off, you’re pretty much done from a skills standpoint,” he said by telephone Wednesday from the Phillies’ training facility in Clearwater, Fla. “Plus, by then I’d be 23, and interest from major league baseball will be gone. That’s why I’m trying to get an exception to policy.”</p>

<p>The Stockton, Calif., native is willing to fulfill his commitment in a number of ways - during the offseason, after he finishes his professional career or in the reserves. The request has been filed, he said, and it has the support of academy officials, including Lt. Gen. John Regni, superintendent of the Academy.</p>

<p>“But I’m not sure how it will turn out,” confessed the power-hitting first baseman/outfielder. “It looks positive, but I don’t know how the secretary will react. I believe it’s a win-win opportunity for the Air Force as well as me. I just hope they see it that way, and I get the chance to follow a childhood dream.”</p>

<p>Capt. Tom Wenz, an Air Force Pentagon spokesman, confirmed that Bolt’s request had been received and was being staffed, although he was not sure how long the decision process would take.</p>

<p>“Typically, requests to the secretary take quite a while,” Wenz pointed out Wednesday, “but the offices reviewing it are aware that a quick decision is required. They are doing their best.”</p>

<p>Bolt’s interest from major league baseball was not unexpected. The four-year Falcons starter completed his senior season at the academy with eight homers, 47 runs batted in and a batting average of .349. He was a first-team, all-Mountain West Conference selection and the academy’s most valuable player for the second consecutive year.</p>

<p>Bolt is attending a Phillies mini-camp prior to reporting to his first minor league assignment. He believes that will be the team’s Class A, short-season club in Williamsport, Pa. He said he loves pro baseball so far.</p>

<p>“Everything is directed toward getting better as a player,” Bolt said. “In college, you’re torn in a lot of different directions. Here, there is so much more time. I get a lot of rest, plus you can work at the skills involved. It’s a lot of fun and the coaching’s really good.”</p>

<p>He believes power hitting and a strong throwing arm are his selling points. “Most major league organizations have looked at me as a hitter,” Bolt said. “Hopefully I can develop enough to be a decent or well-above average infielder or outfielder. It will just take a lot of hard work.”</p>

<p>Robins officials said they would put Bolt to work if his request is denied. “We’re looking forward to getting him,” Capt. John Robinson said. Robinson is acting operations officer for the 78th Logistics Readiness Squadron where Bolt would be assigned.</p>

<p>The academy graduate could be used in a variety of areas, Robinson said, including fuel and vehicle operations, traffic management, deployment and redeployment.</p>

<p>“We cover the gamut,” the operations chief said. “We’re focused on our mission and we’d look forward to him being added to our team.”</p>

<p>But Robinson also admitted that Bolt’s assignment could offer an additional benefit. “We’d definitely have a better softball team,” the captain said with a chuckle. “Maybe we’d even win the base championship.”</p>

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<p>Drafted in the 15th round?</p>

<p>I'd say his chance is between slim and none. Not saying it doesn't happen, but the odds are SEVERELY stacked against a 15th round draft choice.</p>

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<p>Word around the country is that he lost 8-10 Rounds based on the question of his Signability. The kid can play and seems capable of handling adversity. Tough college career from a team standpoint, but he seems to be a fighter, and a real team player. He doesn't want out of his commitment, just an adjustment. Delay, work in the off-season, Reserves. He seems to really want to be a member of the AF.</p>

<p>Article: <a href="http://www.lvrj.com/sports/7606772.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.lvrj.com/sports/7606772.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

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<p>Sorry to say, but if this was a childhood dream of his he went to the wrong college. He should have thought of this before he signed on the dotted line.</p>

<p>Now if he does get approved I say congratulations, but if it's not I don't want to hear him whining on the news about the Air Force being unfair.</p>

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<p>That's very unfair kp. AF could have been the dream all along and along the path came another route he would love. Don't judge too soon.</p>

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<p>A deferment to leave the AF to play baseball should be given as often as a deferment to go write for a major newspaper, or to work as a stock broker, or to teach surfing, or to be a cake decorator.</p>

<p>He should serve his time in the AF, then go do whatever he wants to do in 5 years, dream or not.</p>

<p>Baseball shouldn't get any special treatment over any other profession.</p>

<p>There have been a few successful professional athletes who have served their mandatory service commitment before embarking on their sports career.</p>

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<p>There have to be thousands of jobs in the military where a kid could do both. Not to mention just helping to recruit, both for the Academies, and for the military in general. Rather than having some "by the book" geek trying to convince today's youngsters to try a career serving his Country, why not someone they all look up to, like a pro athlete?</p>

<p><a href="http://www.contracostatimes.com/sports/ci_6163869%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.contracostatimes.com/sports/ci_6163869&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>And currently baseball doesn't get ANY preferential treatment... yet medicine, business, track and field (World Class Athlete Program) all do. Many Academy grads go straight off to Med School, Grad School for MBA's, etc. Do they pay back? Yes once they are done with their dreams.</p>

<p>People in general need to stop thinking like these Academy graduates are going off, like spoiled little kids, to make millions and act like Bonds or TO. Professional sports could certainly use these kids to help clean up their image. These kids have been living under an Honor Code, working their behinds off, while other college kids have been "doing their own thing" the past 4 (or many more) years.</p>

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<p>Well spoken SkiTheMiles. Many military affiliated athletes are looked upon with high regard. It's very good publicity and having that role model is very important IMO. Let him serve his AF obligation (as he wishes) in a way that allows him to be a bright beacon for the armed forces.</p>

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<p>


</p>

<p>Terrible analogy. All of those educational paths you mention include positions that one can do in the Air Force. I don't see "Baseball Player" as a necessary function of fighting a war. Recruitment, yes. And all of those people come back into the air force with a skill that otherwise the Air Force cannot provide. If you take medical school for example, those people actually get a longer commitment. You go to USUHS out of USAFA and guess what, you now have a minimum 12 years commitment; which when you include residency training is now a minimum of 15 years of service. </p>

<p>Sorry, analogy doesn't work. Doesn't Air Force have an all service Baseball team he can play on so as to not degrade his skills if not approved? </p>

<p>Personally I hope the waiver does get approved, but think he should have thought of this before going to Air Force.</p>

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<p>Read what Mitch Brown, former teammate has to say:</p>

<p><a href="http://goairforcefalcons.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/afa-m-basebl-body.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://goairforcefalcons.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/afa-m-basebl-body.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

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<p>I have been following Bolt's journey over the last several weeks on a baseball website as well where we actually have his father as a member. I don't see why the Air Force doesn't have the same policy as the Army. I don't know much about the Army's policy, but I do know that USMA currently has three recent alumini playing pro ball. Two from the Class of 2007 and one from Class of 2003. At some point, they will have to decide Army or baseball. I believe if they choose baseball, they have to pay back the government. Army has had one get drafted, play a summer, and then head for Iraq. This can be good recruiting!</p>

<p>Also, in case you didn't know it, Karl Bolt also has a brother who is currently playing baseball at the Naval Academy.</p>

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<p>LT. Bolt is currently leading the Gulf Coast League in Homeruns and is second in triples. Word is that he could get invited to Instructional Ball this Fall.</p>

<p>Just heard from one of his former teammates that he has just recv'd an 11th Hour stay of execution, granting him 30 days additional Leave to finish his Rookie Ball season with the Phillies. No word on what's after that. Just that he will be reporting to Robins AFB in September to begin Active Duty.</p>

<p>He has served the AF well so far, as the reports are that he is the team leader of the GCL Phillies, and very well respected for his hard work and leadership skills, on and off the field.</p>

<p>Sure hope the AF sees the value this has in recruiting not only for USAFA, but for the AF in general.</p>

<p>Go Air Force! Beat everyone!</p>

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<p>The way I see it; the academy accepts international students for the sole purpose of attending the school. They don't have a commitment to the Air Force. I assume that their native country somehow pays for the education. I say, if a professional sports team such as football, baseball, basketball, or whatever finds an academy athlete that they want to sign for the pros, then let them buy him/her back from the military. We're talking about a profession where they literally can receive millions of dollars to play. If the NFL, NBA, ML, or whatever team wants the athlete, they can pay a buyout fee of $1 Million for the athlete. Plus, the athlete has to still do 5 years in the reserves/guard. Then everyone is happy. The pro sports league gets their player. The athlete gets his/her career. The Academy didn't waste money. They still have a guard or reservist. </p>

<p>I don't believe in a waiver situation. Those who go off to medical, law, etc... will use that training and education to better the military. No amount of time in the Major league, NFL, or NBA is going to contribute to the betterment of the military, national security, or the United States as a whole. (No, I don't believe it's a good recruiting/PR tool) So, if the team wants them, have them pay for them. $1 Million seems like the perfect number. $250,000 for the education they got. $250,000 to pay for the education of the cadet that they will replace him/her with. $250,000 for the 2nd Lieutenant who we now have to wait 4 more years to fill the slot of. And $250,000 for the inconvenience and the slot that another applicant didn't get but wanted. </p>

<p>Now, if the pro league doesn't want to pay for the athlete, then too bad. Part of going to the academy and joining the military is to learn integrity, honor, commitment, and service. Live up to your commitment you made, have the honor to stand proud for what you agreed to, have the integrity to keep your word when you signed the paper, and provide the service to your fellow citizens in the United States of America who's tax dollars paid for you to go to school.</p>

<p>Anyway, that's the opinion of an old retired Air Force guy. Yes, a sports career is a dream come true. That however should have been considered before accepting an appointment to the academy. Let's realize something that most people forget. Cadets that have been accepted to the academies are NOT normally the students that would have gone to a local community college or many state colleges. (Unless the state college is quite impressive and noticed like UCLA, UT, etc...). The cadets offered an appointment usually have the grades, ACT/SAT, etc... to be accepted to most schools in the country. If sports was also in their background at that level, they could have also been offered scholarships, grants, loans, etc.... The vast majority of cadets had many options to go to school other than the military academies. If they really wanted to pursue a career in sports, they should have looked at a different college or university. Later.... Mike....</p>

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<p>I think it's very unfair to suggest thinking about another college to someone in Lt. Bolt's position. In today's society, it's extremely rare to find a top-level athlete who also has enough patriotism to be willing to attend a miltary academy and serve his nation in a time of war. For those of you not familiar with the current affairs in the world of sports (steroids, NBA referees illegally betting on games and shaving points, and suspected mass murders of dogs), Lt. Bolt's case would be viewed by many as a refreshing dose of what professional sports in our great nation should be associated with, unlike the bizzare and cruel stories we hear everyday on ESPN.</p>

<p>One must realize that a dream of playing professional baseball should not influence a student's decision on what school he attends, no matter what his skill level may be, for many reasons. In many cases, an athlete may lack the skills or physical attributes in high school necessary to consider a professional career in a certain sport. However, over the course of four years in college, the athlete may develop in size and ability and before he/she knows it, there's professional scouts coming to watch them play and teams wanting to sign them. </p>

<p>Or let's say that Lt. Bolt was almost certain before choosing the Air Force Academy that he would eventually play professional baseball, so instead, he decides to take an offer to play for a regular college and go pro upon graduation. Who's to say that in the four years at his college he remains perfectly healthy? What if he tears a muscle or ligament somewhere in his arm or knee, and his hopes of going pro are all but squashed. Now he graduates from his regular college with a degree in basket weaving, leaving him eternally regretful that he did not accept his appointment to the Air Force Academy.</p>

<p>I believe Lt. Bolt should be given the chance to play professional baseball, and in doing so he would be a small step forward towards detoxifying the incredibly sour world of sports present in our society.</p>

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<p>I can definitely respect your position. But whether or not sports has a tainted reputation or not, it's still a game. The military is NOT a game. Now, the Lt is in a little bit different position because he has already graduated from the academy and is of to the real Air Force. He does however have an obligation to the Air Force and the American Citizens who paid for him to attend the academy. I think the simplest answer is still to have the team that wants him to buy out his debt to the military. Granted, most won't do that because unless that player is #1 in the country, they can always find more players. Therefore the burden falls onto the LT.</p>

<p>You are correct that maybe he didn't reach his pro ball playing potential until he got through the academy. But it is accepted that he said that playing pro ball was his life time childhood dream. So, it's fair to say that he wasn't some phenom that the pro's found accidentally on the street. This is something he was trying for. As far as having made a decision to go to the academy instead of a different school; oh well that's the chances you take. He could have just as easily gotten hurt in Basic training or during the 4 years at the academy and never able to play ball again. If he had chosen to go to a different college without the comittment, he would have been taking the same exact chances as in the academy. Actually, he probably would have had a better chance of staying healthy.</p>

<p>We all make choices in our lives. Many, like this one, you need to live with and fulfill your obligation. Just because something "Better" came along isn't good enough. You can't accept such responsibilities UNTIL something better comes along and then say you changed your mind. "Oh honey; I know we've been married for 2 years, but I met this girl that is the one I've been looking my whole life for. Sorry, but I'm leaving".</p>

<p>Now, the sad part is, there are actually people who think so little of comittments that they would say that there isn't anything wrong with divorcing the wife because someone BETTER came along. If you fall into that category, then there is no debating here. We are at totally different perspectives of morals, valules, etc... We live our lives full of "Would of, Could of, Should of's". The minute he said yes to the academy appointment, he said yes to a comittment. It would be different if we were talking about a sabatical or a 2 year break and then coming back. But a sports career could last another 10 or so years.</p>

<p>Anyway, I feel for the guy. And, if there are policies in place that he can use to convert his active duty over to the guard or reserves, then more power to him. If the Major League is willing to buy out his contract and reimburse the military for all the training and such; then again, more power to him. If they won't buy him out and there's no provision for him to go to the reserves, then he needs to suck it up and live up to his responsibilties. Baseball is still a "Game". Especially compared to the military. later... Mike...</p>

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<p>Former Air Force Academy Baseball Star Gets Extension To Continue Playing (Macon Telegraph)</p>

<p>Air Force Academy baseball star gets extension
By Gene Rector - <a href="mailto:grector@macon.com">grector@macon.com</a></p>

<p>ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE --
The date for a baseball-playing second lieutenant to report to duty at Robins Air Force Base has been extended, although no decision has been made on his request for an active duty commitment waiver.</p>

<p>Robins spokesman George Jozens said Karl Bolt has been given until Sept. 5 to assume duties with the 78th Logistics Readiness Squadron on base. That will allow Bolt, who graduated from the Air Force Academy this spring, the chance to complete his initial professional season with the Philadelphia Phillies rookie league affiliate in Clearwater, Fla., which ends Aug. 27. His initial Robins report date was Aug. 4.</p>

<p>Bolt, drafted in the 15th round by the National League club, has asked Air Force Secretary Michael Wynn to waive or modify his commitment to permit continuation of his pro baseball ambitions.</p>

<p>Academy graduates generally must complete five years, although some football players have received waivers to serve two years on active duty and six years in the reserves.</p>

<p>The Stockton, Calif., native has said the two-year program will not work for baseball. "If you take two years off, you're pretty much done from a skills standpoint," Bolt told The Telegraph during a June interview. "Plus, by then I'd be 23 and interest from major league baseball will be gone. That's why I'm trying to get an exception to policy."</p>

<p>The power-hitting first baseman, who turns 22 on Aug. 16, has said he is willing to fulfill his military commitment in a number of ways - during the offseason, after he finishes his pro baseball career or an extended time in the reserves.</p>

<p>Capt. Tom Wenz, an Air Force spokesman at the Pentagon, said there was no timeline for a final decision.</p>

<p>"The extension just means he'll report to Robins with a negative leave balance," Wenz added. Bolt's original Aug. 4 report date coincided with the 60 days of leave normally given Academy cadets following graduation.</p>

<p>The former All-Mountain West Conference first-teamer declined to comment Thursday on the extension.</p>

<p>"I've been instructed by the Air Force not to give any information as to what's going on because it's not completed yet," he said during a telephone interview. "Nothing's official yet."</p>

<p>The 6-foot-2-inch, 215 pound ballplayer has had mixed success during his initial season, according to the Baseball America Web site - posting a .222 batting average through 33 games but with seven homers, 20 runs batted in and a slugging percentage of .484.</p>

<p>He said the numbers don't reflect his accomplishments on the field.</p>

<p>"On paper it looks like I'm struggling," Bolt conceded, "but I'm really hitting the ball pretty well. Last week I lined out seven or eight times and hit the ball to the warning track a couple of times. I've just had an unlucky streak. I've been hitting the ball great."</p>

<p>Statistics are not that important in rookie ball, he insisted.</p>

<p>"I've been going day to day just working on stuff," Bolt said. "That's what rookie league is all about - getting used to playing every day, understanding your swing, understanding what you have to do as a player to be successful and move up."</p>

<p>To contact writer Gene Rector, call 923-3109, extension 239.</p>

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<p>LT Bolt homers again. Tied for lead in homeruns in Gulf Coast League.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/clubs/ip_index.jsp?sid=milb&cid=t469%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/clubs/ip_index.jsp?sid=milb&cid=t469&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>So why can't the Falcon baseball team win?</p>

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<p>This from the Associated Press:</p>

<p><a href="http://www.tbsnradio510.com/2007_news/08_august/12_news_bolt_from_the_blue.htm%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.tbsnradio510.com/2007_news/08_august/12_news_bolt_from_the_blue.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

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<p>Another one of our alum, serving as an athlete after Graduation.</p>

<p>AFA Grad Pounds Gets Ready To Throw Javelin In Japan </p>

<p>By BRIAN GOMEZ THE COLORADO SPRINGS GAZETTE </p>

<p>Dana Pounds stood on the infield of the Air Force track, talking to her coach about the first time she tried throwing the javelin five years ago.
"I was bad," Pounds told Scott Irving during a brief workout Saturday afternoon. "I was so glad I was out here by myself. It was embarrassing, and it was ugly."
Now that American recordholder Kim Kreiner is sidelined with an elbow injury that will require Tommy John surgery, Pounds is the nation's top women's javelin thrower.
The Air Force graduate will begin competition Aug. 28 at the World Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Osaka, Japan. Competition in other events starts Friday.
Pounds, 23, has been stationed at Peterson Air Force Base as a second lieutenant since she graduated last year with two NCAA championships and three All-America honors. She's a member of the World Class Athlete Program, which provides funding for enlisted personnel training for the Olympics.
Last month, Pounds placed fourth at the Pan American Games. In June, she matched her personal-best throw of 195 feet, 8 inches to win the javelin at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
"Everything has to come together," said Pounds, who has battled inflammation in her right (throwing) shoulder the past three months. "One little thing can mean 5 feet. Two little things is 10 feet."
Pounds has not met the Olympic qualifying standard, which is 61 meters, or 200 feet. To make the 2008 Beijing Games, she must meet the standard and place in the top three next summer at the U.S. Olympic team trials.
"It's still 11 months out," Pounds said of the July 23, 2008, cutoff date for qualifying. "I am disappointed that I haven't hit 61 meters yet. As soon as I hit that, it's not going to be an issue anymore." </p>

<p>.</p>

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<p>"We all make choices in our lives. Many, like this one, you need to live with and fulfill your obligation. Just because something "Better" came along isn't good enough. You can't accept such responsibilities UNTIL something better comes along and then say you changed your mind. "Oh honey; I know we've been married for 2 years, but I met this girl that is the one I've been looking my whole life for. Sorry, but I'm leaving". "</p>

<p>"Now, the sad part is, there are actually people who think so little of comittments that they would say that there isn't anything wrong with divorcing the wife because someone BETTER came along. If you fall into that category, then there is no debating here. We are at totally different perspectives of morals, valules, etc... "</p>

<p>Gee, I wonder what Ronald Reagan said to Jane Wyman after Nancy came along.</p>