Ah! It’s opening day at Hadlock Stadium! The Sea Dogs are taking the field tonight-and the stands will be filled with families.
They’ll be there to see Slugger, to eat peanuts and popcorn, chuck their refuse into the roving Trash Monsters and……see some baseball, too.
That’s the way kids look at the game. While we adults pore over the lineup sheets and ponder which Sea Dog players will make their next stop at Fenway, the youngsters are talking and laughing and having a ball—not necessarily paying much attention to the game itself.
And that’s just fine.
Baseball is America’s pastime—and while the contest on the diamond is the focal point, it isn’t the ONLY point. Fresh air, being outside after a long winter and enjoying the company of your family and friends is its own reward.
Which brings me to Little League baseball.
This is also the time of year when adults volunteer countless hours of their time to coach baseball and softball. It’s my belief that well over 90% of these coaches do a fantastic job-from skill development to teaching sportsmanship and fair play.
For the small percentage of those coaches—whose personal “will to win” exceeds all reasonable boundaries, the following reminders are meant for you. As a former Little League coach who saw both the best—and worst in adult behavior, I now have the luxury of sitting in the stands while my youngest takes the field under the supervision of someone else.
Keeping in mind that AGE has a lot to do with the intensity of the competition, the following pointers are really irrespective of the player’s ages. I know this will go against many Moms who feel that the “touchy, feely” approach that began in T-Ball must extend through Little League Majors. As the kids reach 9,10,11, I think it’s OK to allow the more talented and harder-working kids to assume a more prominent position with regard to playing time and field position.
That said, there are some universal rules that all coaches (in my not-so-humble opinion) should adhere to. In no particular order, they are:
1) Don’t disrespect the umpire—or the coach of the other team. Your players are watching you and taking their behavior cues from you. Sure, there will be disagreements—and a discussion is appropriate. Arguing trivial matters, persistent and visual dissatisfaction with the ump, yelling, storming off, etc are always inappropriate. Don’t ever embarrass your team (or yourself) by allowing the game situation to adversely affect your behavior.
2) Know the distinction between “coaching” the kids and “berating” them. Some kids just don’t have the ability of others—and to make comparisons will only foster resentment from the players.
3) Never tolerate anything but good sportsmanship from your players. Just as you will refrain from trivial complaints about calls that don’t go your way, you must enforce this behavior in your players. Discipline is warranted when players argue with the ump or taunt other players—whether on the other team or your own squad.
4) If your child is on the team, keep in mind that the parents of all the OTHER players will be closely watching their kid’s playing time, position, batting order, etc in contrast to your child. The fact is that often the child of a coach is a better athlete. However, keep in mind that an even-handed approach must be taken.
5) Never allow another coach’s bad behavior to affect yours. I ran into some real head cases in my time as coach. It was all I could do to not sink to their level of behavior.
6) ALWAYS be encouraging. No matter how good your team is, no matter how hard you practice, the game situation is completely different. Kids will strike out and make errors. They already feel bad about these—so no “pointing it out” is necessary or helpful. A pat on the back—and reality check for the kid will go so much farther. Stating baseball “facts” about major leaguers striking out and making errors will go a long way towards rebuilding a player’s confidence.
7) Maybe the biggest challenge for the coach is not the team itself, but often the parents of those kids. Fathers who believe that their child is not playing enough. Mothers who are critical of your choice of field position for their little angel. The list goes on and on. No real advice here, other than you must have a THICK skin and be willing to listen and take criticism. You might find their advice is worthy of consideration.
8) Don’t abuse your best pitchers. The #1 infraction I saw when coaching was the overuse of these young arms. There are tighter rules now regarding how many pitches can be thrown in any game-or consecutive games. Trotting your best arm out to the mound as a workhorse may produce the wins you desire---but the cost is far too dear.
9) Talk to the kids in game situations. Notice I didn’t say “yell”. I’ve notice many a stone-faced coach who was silent at the time when player positioning was warranted—but who later berated their charges for being “out of position”. “They should know better” is not good enough. Mental mistakes happen—and encouraging chatter that focuses your team will always pay dividends.
10) After the game—win or lose----take a positive approach to addressing your team. If the win was decisive, it is sometimes useful to balance the praise with a couple of areas where work is needed. Following a loss, it may be harder to find the bright spots, but find them you must. Players need to know that improvement occurred in SOME area, even if others still warrant attention and practice.
The above are certainly not the “10 Commandments”, but I think are a good start to making the experience useful and fun.
Remember that these are KIDS…and despite the big contracts and high pressure seen daily on ESPN, it is a GAME. The lessons learned from the team experience may have a lot less to do with swinging a bat or fielding a grounder—and more to do with supporting your teammates, displaying good sportsmanship—and working hard together for a common goal.
It’s the best time of year.
Play ball!!
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
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