DO YOU KNOW THEIR MUSIC

I do to some extent but not much. We don't allow music to be played at our facilities. When I played in college, it seemed that everyone and their dog was out there grooving to the music and few were getting after it. However, in last year's PowerPoint Presentation for our banquet, I added a little spice to it and broke out Airforce One by Nelly. It brought the house down when the PowerPoint started and I did a little shuffle off of the stage. I'm still trying to recover from that shuffle. LOL! I did have to watch for a few select words and make sure that those words were inaudiable. Now, players pass me in the hall and ask How many Pair? TWO PAIR!

I'm a music buff who likes all types of music. Over the past several years transporting players to and from the field I too have learned many of the artists and lyrics. The players get a kick out of it when I join in with them. It's just another great memory to compliment the hundreds I have been privileged to be apart of.

This I ask of Both Coaches---

Do you feel knowing the music, you do not have to be a fan, helps you in your relationship with the players?

I think we all start out with a common bond, Baseball. This is the beginning of the relationship. How you coach and what type of person your are will determine what type of relationship you have with your players. There is more to it than knowing who or what type of music your players listen to. When you can get them to start naming and singing along with music you like too, that's a bond!

I think anythign you have in common with your players [or kids for that matter] can only strengthen the bond. At the very least, the kids may look at you as a little less "old school" and actually listen to some of the things you say. I picked up a few things from a kid that works for me [25 years old] - travelled with me some, and gave me some tips on the names and songs of some of the current stars. Blew the kids' mind when I quoted from a song or said "Hey is P Diddy"? or whoever.

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Originally posted by TRhit:
This I ask of Both Coaches---

Do you feel knowing the music, you do not have to be a fan, helps you in your relationship with the players?

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I think it give you a chance to relate to the players on their terms. They appreciate that. It shows your humanist side and that you value them more than just as players. Also, it gives them a chance to laugh at you. I've said it 1000 times, I'm a hardbutt when we get going. I have to show both sides because if I just get after them, I'll lose them.

My dad, coach murray, can really sing. We all think its great. To this day, I don't know how he got us all to like some of his counrty music and oldies. When I with my friends/teammates and we hear one of those songs we all yell out coach lou.

It's all good!

TR I know exactly what you are talking about. I keep up with the music of today because the guys think its cool that I know the "deal". I dont really care for the music and I dont listen to it much but I like to be up to date with whats going on with them.

What we do, is every player gets to pick a song. We burn a CD and play a few seconds of it when he is coming up to bat, or when he is warming up in the first inning if he is the pitcher.

The coach likes music during his practices. One day he will play their CD, then next he will play his CD.

The boys seem to appreciate it. Neighbors not so much.

Yes, we do have to censor some of the songs

I don't consider myself a "St. Lunatic" but I know what one is. During my 25 years in the classroom and the diamond my relationship with students/players has been enhanced by my acknowledgement/awareness of "their" music. I have used this avenue to teach/encourage wider tolerance of people different from ourselves.

I think it comes down to what type of coach you want to be. I always cringe we people say that it is bad to be a "player's coach". To me, that doesn't mean that the player's RUN the coach, it means they love playing FOR the coach. I try to relate to my guys on many different levels because I know that when the chips are down, they trust me and respect me because of who I am...not what I let them see.

I know what they listen too, and am pretty involved in their life outside of school.
During practice we listen too Pat Green, Toby Keith, ETC.
The kids love it and say it picks practice up.

I'm a part-time DJ, so I have to keep current. In my car, I have Sirius satellite radio, and they always show the name of the artist and the song. I usually drive a couple of kids to practice/games, and we're always blasting the tunes.

I'm actually DJing our "family fun night" at the middle school tonight. I wear my hat, and the boys wear their jerseys and hats. They're proud!

I can hear it now - "Hey Mr. B. - Play some Snoop Dog for us!"