RR, the sad part is that I think I knew/know that. Problem is, what's the solution...I know he now feels embarrassed, probably for more than one reason, and on more than one level, so seems there is really just one thing to figure out. That is how to avoid this in the future...I can only think of one way...short of solving the fight or flight response issue.

Probably why my initial reaction was to 'blow off' the open house...but then he asked me...and BLAM! Oh this has happened SO many times! Not just baseball...I am 100% convinced that you are right...and at the end of the day I feel like it's my fault he embarrasses himself. It's not supposed to work that way! I'm supposed to support him, not cause him to crumble!