I just got an e-mail from a retailer who uses a weekly tips news to keep his name in front of the customer. As long as you understand his intent, it's a good letter. But he just sent me one that I think is completely off-base. Per the newsletter:
"He's a win at all costs coach". Some coach has just been hit with the most damning curse. It has been my experience, that this curse is uttered by losers that are not willing to pay the price to win.
He goes on to say that those coaches are typically the best prepared and understand the rules so well that they end up beating everybody, thus the unpopularity.
I disagree.
> A "win at all cost" coach drives away less talented kids from the team by either ignoring or treating them as less-than-equal in hopes that they'll quit.
> A "win at all costs" coach manipulates the lineup (in accordance to league rules) so that the same lesser-developed kids are scheduled to play key positions after the drop-dead time rule expires...so they never end up playing there. Or, in a variation, plays them in out-of-the-way positions (even during blowouts) to minimize damage if they ever do get a chance to make a play (while this is a very valid strategy, recreation ball coaches should strive to let the kid at least have a chance to succeed in a position deemed "fun" by the kids on the team).
> A "win at all costs" coach centers practice around his better players, and ignores the ones previously-mentioned so they twist in the wind.
The result is that they lose interest in the game and don't sign up the next year. I guess some would call that "thinning the herd", right? That's what those same coaches here call it.
> A "win at all cost" coach pitches his 9 to 12 year old "hoss" (a bigger stronger kid) the maximum allowable innings, and then has him catch or play shortstop the remainder of the game...even though his throwing mechanics are off, and every throw inches him that much closer to arm problems when he matures.
> A "win at all costs" coach will knowingly allow the same kid to pitch the day or two after he pitched 60 pitches on another team simply to give his team a better chance to win...regardless of what's healthy for the kid.
And then a coach gets him in high school, and since he's developed a lifetime of incorrect muscle memory and perhaps a little hubris about his throwing prowess, he won't change mechanics because he's not used to it...and then his parents wonder why their "hoss" son has a sore elbow all the time. Guess who they blame?
Friday, March 18, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Open Letter To All Psycho Baseball Parents
Thanks to Paul Reddick for saying what most parents believe, but have the tact during the season not to communicate to offending parties.
Paul, we salute you!
Ted Browne
Open Letter To All Psycho Baseball Parents
by Paul Reddick
www.90mphclub.com
If this letter infuriates you...
If it makes you angry...
If it makes you upset...
I've got bad news for you.
You may be a psycho baseball parent!
It's gonna get worse for you.
If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you ARE a psycho baseball parent!
Does your kid has a personal trainer and he is not in HS yet?
Does he go to private lessons more than once a week and he's not in HS?
Has he had an arm injury before his 12th birthday?
Is your travel baseball budget over $5k ?
Have you missed family events for games?
Do you have punishment for missing practice before the age of 12?
Have you ever lost sleep because of a childs game?
Do you have a plan for his college recruitment before he's in HS?
Do you think you are going to make sure he gets the chance you never had?
Do you have pitch charts on your child?
Do you calculate their Little League batting average for nothing other than fun?
Have you quit a team becasue you were not getting in the game?
Have you started an AAU travel team so your kid could be the star?
Do you coach a travel team and stacked it with the best talent?
Are you going to decide where he goes to school based on baseball?
Are you the only one people can hear cheering at every game?
Have you verbally abused opponent or umpire?
Did you change jobs because it interfered with team schedule?
Are you planning to start school later to improve chances of being on upper age limits?
Have you ever got in a fight with another parent, coach or ump at a game?
Have you ever yelled at another adult or worse... A kid under the age of 18 while they were umping a little league game?
I know nobody reading this would ever say yes to any of those questions...right?
I'm sure you know a bunch of people who would though.
Let me drop some truth on you:
I get emails everyday that say something like ...
"My 10 year old has a dream of playing in MLB and he is so focused and nothing will stop him we train 4 hours per day and he's gonna play 120 games this year"
Your kid doesn't want that!
You know how I know your 10 year old doesn't want to train 4 hours per day and play 120 games?
HE'S 10!!!!!
He probably picks his nose when you're not looking and loves fart jokes. If you allowed him he would eat cookies, ice cream and soda at every meal.
He should. He's 10!!!!!
Your kid doesn't want what you want. He wants YOU!!! All your child wants
is approval, praise, and love from you as a parent. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.
Too many people mistake their kids desire to please them with their interest in sports.
He's trying to connect with you! You could be doing anything with him...its not about sports.
Try this every once in a while...
Take him our for ice cream.
Ask him what else he thinks is cool.
Go for a Jog together (maybe end with a race).
Take the dog for a walk together.
Try learning a new skill together.
Do stupid stuff to make your kid laugh.
Go see a move together.
Try and eat a whole pizza together.
Go volunter and help others.
Help out Challenger baseball...if you really want to see what the game is about.
Take him to the mall give him $50 and tell him to buy something for his mom.
Play video games with him.
...and the following mandatory!!!
Look your child in the eyes 3 times a day, tell them you love them and give them a hug!
There's only been about 15,000 Major League Baseball players in the history of the game, odds are your kid is not one of them. You will never manufacture your childs ability.
You're playing with a very dangerous and fragile element...your childs self worth.
I'm not getting all airy fairy but, for every kid I've seen get a D1 schiolarship or get drafted I've seen 100 who wound up hating their parents and getting into trouble.
Am I saying you should not work hard for your goals? NO. You should teach your child to set goals and to go for them with everything they have. But there has to be a balance.
You have to be the voice of reason. You're the adult. Act like it.
Playing 100 games a year is not going to make your child a pro player or D1 prospect.
He's more likely to burn out, wind up hating you...or worse you'll put him in a situation where he quits or continues to play just to satisfy you.
Yogi Berra did not play an organized game of baseball until he was 17.
Your kid is going to grow up to be a husband, father, have a career, maybe become a leader.
What kind of man is he going to be?
Don't screw him up! all your kid wants is love. He's your kid, give it to him!
----
Paul Reddick is the Director of the Yogi Berra Baseball School, Author of the Picture Perfect Pitcher, and the creator of the 90mphclub.com
Paul, we salute you!
Ted Browne
Open Letter To All Psycho Baseball Parents
by Paul Reddick
www.90mphclub.com
If this letter infuriates you...
If it makes you angry...
If it makes you upset...
I've got bad news for you.
You may be a psycho baseball parent!
It's gonna get worse for you.
If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you ARE a psycho baseball parent!
Does your kid has a personal trainer and he is not in HS yet?
Does he go to private lessons more than once a week and he's not in HS?
Has he had an arm injury before his 12th birthday?
Is your travel baseball budget over $5k ?
Have you missed family events for games?
Do you have punishment for missing practice before the age of 12?
Have you ever lost sleep because of a childs game?
Do you have a plan for his college recruitment before he's in HS?
Do you think you are going to make sure he gets the chance you never had?
Do you have pitch charts on your child?
Do you calculate their Little League batting average for nothing other than fun?
Have you quit a team becasue you were not getting in the game?
Have you started an AAU travel team so your kid could be the star?
Do you coach a travel team and stacked it with the best talent?
Are you going to decide where he goes to school based on baseball?
Are you the only one people can hear cheering at every game?
Have you verbally abused opponent or umpire?
Did you change jobs because it interfered with team schedule?
Are you planning to start school later to improve chances of being on upper age limits?
Have you ever got in a fight with another parent, coach or ump at a game?
Have you ever yelled at another adult or worse... A kid under the age of 18 while they were umping a little league game?
I know nobody reading this would ever say yes to any of those questions...right?
I'm sure you know a bunch of people who would though.
Let me drop some truth on you:
I get emails everyday that say something like ...
"My 10 year old has a dream of playing in MLB and he is so focused and nothing will stop him we train 4 hours per day and he's gonna play 120 games this year"
Your kid doesn't want that!
You know how I know your 10 year old doesn't want to train 4 hours per day and play 120 games?
HE'S 10!!!!!
He probably picks his nose when you're not looking and loves fart jokes. If you allowed him he would eat cookies, ice cream and soda at every meal.
He should. He's 10!!!!!
Your kid doesn't want what you want. He wants YOU!!! All your child wants
is approval, praise, and love from you as a parent. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.
Too many people mistake their kids desire to please them with their interest in sports.
He's trying to connect with you! You could be doing anything with him...its not about sports.
Try this every once in a while...
Take him our for ice cream.
Ask him what else he thinks is cool.
Go for a Jog together (maybe end with a race).
Take the dog for a walk together.
Try learning a new skill together.
Do stupid stuff to make your kid laugh.
Go see a move together.
Try and eat a whole pizza together.
Go volunter and help others.
Help out Challenger baseball...if you really want to see what the game is about.
Take him to the mall give him $50 and tell him to buy something for his mom.
Play video games with him.
...and the following mandatory!!!
Look your child in the eyes 3 times a day, tell them you love them and give them a hug!
There's only been about 15,000 Major League Baseball players in the history of the game, odds are your kid is not one of them. You will never manufacture your childs ability.
You're playing with a very dangerous and fragile element...your childs self worth.
I'm not getting all airy fairy but, for every kid I've seen get a D1 schiolarship or get drafted I've seen 100 who wound up hating their parents and getting into trouble.
Am I saying you should not work hard for your goals? NO. You should teach your child to set goals and to go for them with everything they have. But there has to be a balance.
You have to be the voice of reason. You're the adult. Act like it.
Playing 100 games a year is not going to make your child a pro player or D1 prospect.
He's more likely to burn out, wind up hating you...or worse you'll put him in a situation where he quits or continues to play just to satisfy you.
Yogi Berra did not play an organized game of baseball until he was 17.
Your kid is going to grow up to be a husband, father, have a career, maybe become a leader.
What kind of man is he going to be?
Don't screw him up! all your kid wants is love. He's your kid, give it to him!
----
Paul Reddick is the Director of the Yogi Berra Baseball School, Author of the Picture Perfect Pitcher, and the creator of the 90mphclub.com
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Wooden on Trust
"It has been said that you will be hurt occasionally if you trust too much. This may be true, but you will live in torment if you do not trust enough."
- John Wooden
A fellow coach reminded me of this quote in his blog. Another seemingly cheekish quote by Wooden that runs deep once you think about it.
When you come under fire, don't grip your throat and mentally quit.
Trust your ability.
Trust your gut.
Trust your work ethic.
Trust your preparation.
Trust your fellow players.
Trust your coach.
Trust in your God.
Trust yourself.
You've earned this moment.
You live for this moment.
You've done this task a thousand times before...if only in your mind.
Trust yourself to succeed.
- John Wooden
A fellow coach reminded me of this quote in his blog. Another seemingly cheekish quote by Wooden that runs deep once you think about it.
When you come under fire, don't grip your throat and mentally quit.
Trust your ability.
Trust your gut.
Trust your work ethic.
Trust your preparation.
Trust your fellow players.
Trust your coach.
Trust in your God.
Trust yourself.
You've earned this moment.
You live for this moment.
You've done this task a thousand times before...if only in your mind.
Trust yourself to succeed.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
From my new favorite blogger, 30secondtimeout.com...
"Players who are committed to the team first will find a way to help when things are going bad, they will do whatever it takes. Kids that are more into themselves will not do that. They will take care of themselves and get more individual when things are tough."
- Dick Bennett
- Dick Bennett
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Food for thought...
Even though we're all student athletes at-heart, BALL is actually in the business of serving athletes, their families, and their coaches. So athletes and BALL fans, read on...sometimes it helps to cross train your brain...
When sports turns from your calling to your avocation, eventually you will get a job...With that in mind, following is from one of my favorite business authors, Seth Godin:
You get a job...
> For the money
> To be challenged
> For the pleasure/calling of doing the work
> For the impact it makes on the world
> For the reputation you build in the community
> To solve interesting problems
> To be part of a group and to experience the mission
> To be appreciated
Why do we always focus on the first? Why do we advertise jobs or promotions as being generic on items 2 through 8 and differentiated only by #1?
In fact, unless you're a drug kingpin or a Wall Street trader, my guess is that the other factors are at work every time you think about your work.
Or, if you've learned anything from sports, it's that calculated risks can pay off. So instead of a job, you decide to start a business based on an idea...
> Ideas don't come from watching television
> Ideas sometimes come from listening to a lecture
> Ideas often come while reading a book
Good ideas come from bad ideas, but only if there are enough of them
> Ideas hate conference rooms, particularly conference rooms where there is a history of
criticism, personal attacks or boredom
> Ideas occur when dissimilar universes collide
> Ideas often strive to meet expectations. If people expect them to appear, they do
> Ideas fear experts, but they adore beginner's mind. A little awareness is a good thing
> Ideas come in spurts, until you get frightened. Willie Nelson wrote three of his biggest hits in one week
Ideas come from trouble
> Ideas come from our ego, and they do their best when they're generous and selfless
> Ideas come from nature
> Sometimes ideas come from fear (usually in movies) but often they come from confidence
> Useful ideas come from being awake, alert enough to actually notice
Though sometimes ideas sneak in when we're asleep and too numb to be afraid
> Ideas come out of the corner of the eye, or in the shower, when we're not trying
> Mediocre ideas enjoy copying what happens to be working right this minute
> Bigger ideas leapfrog the mediocre ones
> Ideas don't need a passport, and often cross borders (of all kinds) with impunity
An idea must come from somewhere, because if it merely stays where it is and doesn't join us here, it's hidden. And hidden ideas don't ship, have no influence, no intersection with the market. They die, alone.
- Seth Godin
When sports turns from your calling to your avocation, eventually you will get a job...With that in mind, following is from one of my favorite business authors, Seth Godin:
You get a job...
> For the money
> To be challenged
> For the pleasure/calling of doing the work
> For the impact it makes on the world
> For the reputation you build in the community
> To solve interesting problems
> To be part of a group and to experience the mission
> To be appreciated
Why do we always focus on the first? Why do we advertise jobs or promotions as being generic on items 2 through 8 and differentiated only by #1?
In fact, unless you're a drug kingpin or a Wall Street trader, my guess is that the other factors are at work every time you think about your work.
Or, if you've learned anything from sports, it's that calculated risks can pay off. So instead of a job, you decide to start a business based on an idea...
> Ideas don't come from watching television
> Ideas sometimes come from listening to a lecture
> Ideas often come while reading a book
Good ideas come from bad ideas, but only if there are enough of them
> Ideas hate conference rooms, particularly conference rooms where there is a history of
criticism, personal attacks or boredom
> Ideas occur when dissimilar universes collide
> Ideas often strive to meet expectations. If people expect them to appear, they do
> Ideas fear experts, but they adore beginner's mind. A little awareness is a good thing
> Ideas come in spurts, until you get frightened. Willie Nelson wrote three of his biggest hits in one week
Ideas come from trouble
> Ideas come from our ego, and they do their best when they're generous and selfless
> Ideas come from nature
> Sometimes ideas come from fear (usually in movies) but often they come from confidence
> Useful ideas come from being awake, alert enough to actually notice
Though sometimes ideas sneak in when we're asleep and too numb to be afraid
> Ideas come out of the corner of the eye, or in the shower, when we're not trying
> Mediocre ideas enjoy copying what happens to be working right this minute
> Bigger ideas leapfrog the mediocre ones
> Ideas don't need a passport, and often cross borders (of all kinds) with impunity
An idea must come from somewhere, because if it merely stays where it is and doesn't join us here, it's hidden. And hidden ideas don't ship, have no influence, no intersection with the market. They die, alone.
- Seth Godin
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
From an old coach...
Tis the season to be thankful.
We are blessed to be still involved in baseball because:
Of the look in his eyes after he has had a big game
Of the tears in his eyes after a tough loss
He drags himself off the cursed video games to come and ask ‘ Dad, wanna play some catch?’
He is learning lessons in life from this wonderful game. He is learning to deal with failure, that hard work and discipline results in more success/fun, selflessness in working towards team goals and to not concern himself with things over which he has no control.
Of all the wonderful friends that we have made at the ballpark that will remain friends even after the bright lights dim.
We are thankful for:
The coaches that care and give so many hours to try to help other people’s kids to have a meaningful and enjoyable baseball experience
The umpires that take so much flack but give so much for the love of the game
The wins that bring such joy and gratification
The losses that keep us humble and make us understand where improvement must be made.
Those wonderful creatures “Baseball Moms”, who Squeal with glee for each Home Run, yet kiss away the tears and offer gentle admonitions to ‘suck it up’ when they get thrown out at home with the tying run and bloody their knee. Who wash their warrior’s unis and prepare his lucky pregame pasta before every game. Who come to love the game and never want it to end.
This little boy's game we call baseball that if we are lucky we can share with our son for a long time but will look back on as some of the best years of our lives!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
Please feel free to share this Thanksgiving message with your baseball friends.
Yours In Baseball
Bruce Lambin
THE COACH
http://www.tipsfromthecoach.com/
We are blessed to be still involved in baseball because:
Of the look in his eyes after he has had a big game
Of the tears in his eyes after a tough loss
He drags himself off the cursed video games to come and ask ‘ Dad, wanna play some catch?’
He is learning lessons in life from this wonderful game. He is learning to deal with failure, that hard work and discipline results in more success/fun, selflessness in working towards team goals and to not concern himself with things over which he has no control.
Of all the wonderful friends that we have made at the ballpark that will remain friends even after the bright lights dim.
We are thankful for:
The coaches that care and give so many hours to try to help other people’s kids to have a meaningful and enjoyable baseball experience
The umpires that take so much flack but give so much for the love of the game
The wins that bring such joy and gratification
The losses that keep us humble and make us understand where improvement must be made.
Those wonderful creatures “Baseball Moms”, who Squeal with glee for each Home Run, yet kiss away the tears and offer gentle admonitions to ‘suck it up’ when they get thrown out at home with the tying run and bloody their knee. Who wash their warrior’s unis and prepare his lucky pregame pasta before every game. Who come to love the game and never want it to end.
This little boy's game we call baseball that if we are lucky we can share with our son for a long time but will look back on as some of the best years of our lives!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
Please feel free to share this Thanksgiving message with your baseball friends.
Yours In Baseball
Bruce Lambin
THE COACH
http://www.tipsfromthecoach.com/
Sunday, November 14, 2010
We honor you, Vets!
The Veteran's Day Post didn't get displayed for some reason...
During times like these when it seems that society becomes more and more polarized and self-serving, it's both appropriate and, in BALL's humble opinion, mandatory, that we honor those men and women who willingly place their lives on the line every day so we can live free.
Following is a link to some (not all) of the professional sports athletes who fought for our country. You might be surprised that several non-citizens fought (and fight!) for our country. Included among them was "The Great One", Roberto Clemente.
http://www.cleveland.com/
Thanks to Mike Peticca at The Starting Blocks for such an exhaustive and awe-inspiring article.
During times like these when it seems that society becomes more and more polarized and self-serving, it's both appropriate and, in BALL's humble opinion, mandatory, that we honor those men and women who willingly place their lives on the line every day so we can live free.
Following is a link to some (not all) of the professional sports athletes who fought for our country. You might be surprised that several non-citizens fought (and fight!) for our country. Included among them was "The Great One", Roberto Clemente.
http://www.cleveland.com/
Thanks to Mike Peticca at The Starting Blocks for such an exhaustive and awe-inspiring article.
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