It is that time of year again.
Baseball season.
I love baseball season. I really do.
But we have now had three boys play little league baseball. In two different towns. Some them for more seasons than others.
All three have had different levels of ability and different levels of experience.
But I have seen the same things over and over,
and over.
So it’s time to address something.
And I speak for all parents. Because I am not alone in this sentiment.
I’m just one of the only ones to say it directly to you.
Before I get to that, I know you are a volunteer.
I know you don’t get paid.
I know you devote a lot of time and energy to coach your son’s team.
And I appreciate that. I really do.
But in volunteering for that position, you are aware of the commitment you are making.
As far as I know, none of you have been forced at gunpoint into taking the job.
And what I don’t appreciate is seeing the coaches’ sons receiving special treatment.
Playing in all the best positions. Regardless of performance.
Being placed at the top of the lineup. Regardless of their batting average.
And never sitting on the bench.
Every. Single. Game.
Now I realize there are two different types of leagues.
There are the leagues that are mainly recreational. Less intense. Leagues that are meant to introduce kids to the sport of baseball. Teach them the rules. Develop their skills. Leaugues that are not so much about winning but about learning and having fun.
If you are coaching a team in this kind of league, then give every kid a chance.
Unless there is a safety issue, let every kid play every position.
And let every kid sit on the bench.
Equally.
As for the competitive teams? The ones where you are playing to win?
Well, then go by the numbers.
Not by who is related to you.
You are not coaching your son.
You are coaching a team.
To the coaches who are already doing all this, thank you.
Thank you for treating all the boys on your team as though they are your own.
But to you coaches who are playing favorites, to the coaches whose kids receive blatantly preferential treatment over all the other boys on the team regardless of performance, attitude, attendance, and ability, well, just remember.
We are watching.
And so are the boys.
Think about why you are coaching.
If your reasons are pure, if it’s because you love working with kids and you love helping children realize their true potential and you love the sport of baseball, please remember that every time you step on the field.
But if those aren’t the reasons you are coaching your son (and mine), well,
then maybe it’s time for you to step off the field.
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Erin says
and GIRLS! Girls play baseball too!
Adrienne says
Love this! We see this often in the town we live in here in Canada. I think every coach out there needs to read this!
Mabels doll house drama says
Well said. I think this happens everywhere and is incredibly frustrating.