Confession

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"Are you certain young papi? You bet money on who had the most impressive 'chicken wing' batting stance? Only a quarter for each bet? My...that is a poultry sum! Do not worry. Go and practice more.

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Woody ... I ate at a restaurant this evening that would provide you quite a prestigious name and imply a title ... Woodman's of Essex.

Let's keep this PG-13, RJM.

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Thanks RJM, I'll pass...if I need gas I get it at Exxon®!

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quote:

Today, it seems that throwing helmets, talking back to umpires and trash-talking opponents is the norm.

But it's not just players...Parents and coaches follow right along.

It's embarrassing and I'd like to see it change.

biggerpapi,

Yes, it is embarrassing. But frankly I don't know what to do about it. If the parents and coaches haven't learned how to conduct themselves with class and respect the game, I'm not sure what can be done to change that now. There are some baseball teams that choose you, others you get to choose, and others you play for because of where you live or go to school. Sometimes it is out of your control who you play for and with.

I find it very interesting to get notes from high school ADs, high school coaches, or Legion coaches that are supposed to set the tone and set expectations at the beginning of the season. Those team rules typically last a week or two, and then the respect rules go right out the door. I've had the luxury of being exposed to many high school and college programs. The bottom line is the very successful programs back up what they say, and the unsuccessful ones will do nothing to enforce their rules. Throwing helmets or disrectful play is not tolerated for one second at one of my son's high school....and he knows it (not that it has been a problem) My other son's high school is the total oppposite with kids showing attitude, and going in the stands to get snacks provided by mommy and daddy. It is embarrassing.

If anyone has any ideas on how to change this, I'm all ears. I've done what I can do at home, and I like to think I've raised my kids to respect their teammates, umpires, opponents and coaches. It is just a game, but it says alot about you. My kids may not be the most talented players on the field, but they get it.

The arguing with umpires and throwing equipment is going overboard. But I have no issue with kids that play with passion and therefore get upset when they don't succeed. I'd much prefer my player slam his bat in disgust over striking out, then smile and walk back to the dugout.

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Awhile back there was an incident at a JC game in Arizona where one player leveled a cheapshot at an opponent. It was all caught on camera.

I was a strong proponent of severely punishing the offender. My reason for taking such a hard line on that situation was, in large part, top urge those in authority to crack down on all bad behavior.

And your comment fenwaysouth: "The bottom line is the very successful programs back up what they say, and the unsuccessful ones will do nothing to enforce their rules." is evidence that enforcement is a step in the right direction. I'll assume the teams where the rules were made clear and [then rigidly enforced had the lesser amount of incidents of players, coaches, or parents displaying poor behavior or poor sportsmanship.

I think that's the way to go. Old school for sure, not popular for sure. Effective for sure.



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gotwood- I don't believe enforcing rules is old school. It's the way things should work. Rules are put in place for a reason, if an individual doesn't like those rules, then they don't participate.

When I was a freshman in college I gave up an RBI double in the 8th inning of a conference game to break a tie and give the other team the lead. As I was backing up home plate, I let out a hefty four letter word that is vastly inappropriate to use in public. It was quite obvious who said it, and it was quite loud enough to be heard in the dugout.

My college coach normally posted the next day's starting lineup and bullpen order on his hotel room door just before our curfew hit. When I looked at the sheet, my name wasn't even written anywhere. I knocked on the door and asked the coach why I hadn't been included, being that I had not thrown that many pitches earlier in the day. He told me that I'm lucky to still have a uniform.

Upon arriving back to school on Sunday evening, I was informed that I was on road trip laundry duty for a week and was told to do a campus run. I also was required to stand in front of my teammates and apologize for my actions. If I didn't comply with these requirements, I was going to be suspended for five games.

I did the laundry, ran around campus and apologized to my teammates.

I'll also think twice about ever cursing on the field out loud again.

quote:

Originally posted by scocar:
The arguing with umpires and throwing equipment is going overboard. But I have no issue with kids that play with passion and therefore get upset when they don't succeed. I'd much prefer my player slam his bat in disgust over striking out, then smile and walk back to the dugout.

Yes, that must be true too at so many succesful businesses. When you don't win the deal, throw your phone at your computer and curse. Then smile and go on to the next call. PLEASE!

There is a right way to deal with adversity. Feeling the need to advertise it publicly is not one of them. Its just evidence of the need to find an excuse rather than to walk away and deal with it properly.

As a coach at any level, the solution is simple. Don't run out a ground ball - out of the game. Throw your helmet - out of the game. Throw your bat - out of the game. Even if it means a potential forfeit or loss for the team.

Public displays resulting from questioning a call - throw the player out of the game.

It's a game. A chance to teach a lesson. It's not life or death. It's a game. Teach the lesson.


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"I don't believe enforcing rules is old school. It's the way things should work. Rules are put in place for a reason, if an individual doesn't like those rules, then they don't participate."

I agree with you completely. Rules should always be enforced...in the past, now, and in the future. And
I enjoyed your story. I'm guessing one of the rules on your team was and still is "No swearing allowed". And the consequences were clear. If that's the case then your coach did absolutely the right thing. And I'm sure you completely understood the reason the rule.

"I'll also think twice about ever cursing on the field out loud again."

And after thinking twice? What do you do then?

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quote:

I'm guessing one of the rules on your team was and still is "No swearing allowed". And the consequences were clear. If that's the case then your coach did absolutely the right thing. And I'm sure you completely understood the reason the rule.

In the summer of 2010 my coach had a rule that we couldn't curse at all on the field. On the bus, in our host family's homes, in the clubhouse- didn't matter- we could speak like a sailor. But on the field, when we're role models and there are children around, it was a no-no.

One of our away games was on a Thursday night, and for those who aren't familiar with the "Thirsty Thursday" $1 draft beer promotion, well, things get a little rowdy on the visiting team. Our right fielder was having a particularly rough day at the plate, and the crowd was letting him know they were witnesses. At one point during the game someone said something that obviously got under his skin. I didn't see any of the actions, but apparently he gestured his middle finger towards the individual in the stands. Word of this quickly went from the fan to the stadium employee to the intern to the GM to our GM to our coach. The next day, we were informed that our teammate was no longer a part of the team.

He was our cleanup hitter and best offensive weapon. Coach didn't care. The respect for the game is more important.

That young man was drafted pretty high the following summer and is currently one of the top prospects in his organization.

quote:

And after thinking twice? What do you do then?

Cover my mouth with my glove