I was coaching before my son was born...did he hit in the 3-hole for my team? Frequently, yes...but he was the team leader in every offensive category except stolen bases. At the parent/player/coach meeting, I made my lineup intentions clear. You want to hit leadoff? You better be leading the team in OBP. Think you're a 2-hitter? The contact % will indicate such (I was using that stat long before I learned about SABR. I'm a stat nerd.) I told the team that I only write the lineup down on paper--the players themselves determine what I write, based on their performance. Daddy ball? I mean, my son played for me, so I guess so...but nobody ever questioned my lineup.
Anyway, I am not convinced that I can only be a spectator for baseball...except at my son's games. No problem stepping away from the coaching aspect (and dealing with the drama), it's really just the involvement that I miss--being on the field. And not looking through a fence. I bet that's why I started umpiring...
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