July 29, 2005

I vote we shoot baseballs at his head from a pitching machine


This is just sick. I have coached youth baseball for a number of years. On every team, at every level, you have kids who are better than others. You have a responsibility, a challenge, as a coach to make each player improve. That is the definition of coach -- to give instruction.

We all like to win. I manage or helped coach three different youth baseball teams this summer. One of my teams, at the local Boys Club, was made up of those players who lacked the funds, the skills, or the motivation to play in the local Babe Ruth League. The Boys Club league is played primarily as an outlet for kids to have something to do in the summer. It is a rec league played for fun. We still like to win. This year my team had 7 players (out of 12) who had NEVER played before. The Bad News Bears made some of these guys look good. We worked hard, by the end of the season EVERY kid on the team could hit the ball. Most improved in their fielding. All understood the rules of the game. Did I let them play shortstop and first base? Only when we were way ahead or way behind. Hopefully all had a good experience and want to play again next year.

I am just as concerned about the coach's defense that he was offering the kids money to hit a line drive at the umpire. Sweet guy. How he was ever allowed to coach for more than one inning is beyond me.

I do not believe it to be true in this case, but parents have to also know their children's limitations. I remember a few years ago parents suing a soccer league because the league would not let their boy play because he needed a walker. That situation was dangerous for all the children involved. Sometimes, a parent must face the fact that their children are unable to do the activities that other children can.

1 comment:

  1. What a horrific story.

    You have been blogrolled, by the way!!

    Regards,

    jimmyb

    ReplyDelete