Just wondering why MLB teams do not shake hands after games as they do in the NFL and NBA---it doesn't bother me in the least because I don't like the practice at the youth levels --it is all too "touchy feely" for me---
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
At youth levels, it teaches sportsmanship and respect between players of different teams. It also teaches that a good hearty handshake is the opener and closer of occurances throughout life. At major leaguelevels, it doesn't really matter.
PUMA
Why don't MLB teams do it at games end?
As for sportsmanship I respectfully disagree---I think it has simply become the PC thing to do---so typical of our nations atmosphere today ---one does not need to shake hands with his opponent to show sportmanship
Why don't MLB teams do it at games end?
As for sportsmanship I respectfully disagree---I think it has simply become the PC thing to do---so typical of our nations atmosphere today ---one does not need to shake hands with his opponent to show sportmanship
Good discussion. While I don't think it teaches sportsmanship, I do think it teaches you to respect your opponent.
I thnk that shaking hands was around long before "PC" was politically correct. Teaching young men to shake hands with their opponents is just a life lesson.
Shaking hands at games ends in a way puts things in perspective and reminds us that it was just a game and now that it is over we can move on and not carry any ill will forward. Compete hard during the game and leave it on the field. Now if we could get some of the bleacher creatures to follow suit.
I'm not saying I agree...BUT
Supposedly, MLB teams do not shake hands because it would break the MLB rules on fraternizing with opposing plays while in uniform.
Supposedly, MLB teams do not shake hands because it would break the MLB rules on fraternizing with opposing plays while in uniform.
hand shaking, saluting, and bowing are old customs that are global. i would guess that old habits are hard to break.
I can't remember where I read this and I can't find it now but the postgame handshake was started by a religious group back when sports were getting started. They did it in order to teach fair play and sportsmanship - in other words to bring civility to something they saw as "not too civil".
I could care less about the postgame handshake because if we win - I'm excited and the other team's feelings are not very high on my list - and if we lose then I am already looking at what we need to improve on or getting focused for the next game.
What's worse is when the game is a blowout. Whether you are the winner or loser how lame is it to say "good game" when you just beat a team by 20 runs? What about the teams that are bushleague and don't care? You just beat them pretty badly and they are laughing and giggling as you go through the line and your saying good game. What's the point there?
I would guess that at some point that the postgame handshake did have some point and purpose to it. Back in the days of actually earning respect meant something.
My opinion is that if you use the postgame handshake to teach sportsmanship then you have lost the battle. If that is your lesson plan then you are not getting the message across. Teaching sportsmanship A) starts at home; B) is taught in the classroom; C) is taught everyday in practice. Without those lessons then there is no reason for the postgame handshake.
The fact we HAVE to have the postgame handshake is outrageous even in the face of overwhelming evidence that it's probably a good idea to not have it.
Two examples
1) My first year as head coach we were playing in the first round of the playoffs against our huge rival. They had beaten us twice during the regular season and thought they could make some noise in the regional tournament. About the third inning the umpires were telling players from both teams to not talk to one another, I was telling my guys to keep their mouth shut and the other coach was telling his players to keep their mouth shut. We tied the game up on a two run homer in the top of the 7th inning and as we started the bottom half of the inning I looked at one ump and said it would probably be a good idea if we didn't have the handshake. He said we HAD to have it to show sportsmanship. We ended up winning the game in the 9th inning when they walked our 3 hitter to load the bases (set up a force play) and our 4 hitter hit a grandslam then we shut them down in the bottom of the inning. After the last out all 3 umps were gone. As players walked through the line one of theirs pushed my guy. He said don't do it again and he did and called him the N word. Well that set it off and both teams were in a brawl. The umps came back and were going to toss 3 of my guys and one of theirs. That set me off. I told the umps it was just as much fault as anyones. They finally agreed to not toss anyone.
2) We are playing this team during spring break and they are a bunch of bushleague thugs. They drove beside the field on the bus hanging out the windows cussing us and our fans. They had a runner coming into third and was going to be out (he had a chance to go back to second and get in rundown) and drilled our third baseman knocking him out cold. The player stood over my guy and laughed at him while his team mates in the dugout laughed. They hit several of our batters and laughed about it. I told the ump we were not shaking hands and then told the other coach we weren't shaking hands. The other coach basically called me a fairy and made fun of me (by the way he was a principal at their middle school). Their **** worked because it got in my guys head and we lost. When the game was over I told my guys to go to the outfield corner and they went off the field cussing us again.
In either of those situations how would the postgame handshake been beneficial? Each time I suggested not to have it because of the hostilities I was made out to be a bad guy.
Look at other examples around the country. There have been two situations where during the postgame handshake where players used knives and other sharp objects to cut the other teams.
We have taken worrying about young people's feelings too far that their fragile egos can't handle failure. Without that maturity to handle failure they resort back to very childish actions to act out on their anger at losing. The bad thing is that they are old enough and knowledgeable enough to do something really stupid.
There is nothing wrong with the handshake as long as we are teaching the right things at the right time.
I could care less about the postgame handshake because if we win - I'm excited and the other team's feelings are not very high on my list - and if we lose then I am already looking at what we need to improve on or getting focused for the next game.
What's worse is when the game is a blowout. Whether you are the winner or loser how lame is it to say "good game" when you just beat a team by 20 runs? What about the teams that are bushleague and don't care? You just beat them pretty badly and they are laughing and giggling as you go through the line and your saying good game. What's the point there?
I would guess that at some point that the postgame handshake did have some point and purpose to it. Back in the days of actually earning respect meant something.
My opinion is that if you use the postgame handshake to teach sportsmanship then you have lost the battle. If that is your lesson plan then you are not getting the message across. Teaching sportsmanship A) starts at home; B) is taught in the classroom; C) is taught everyday in practice. Without those lessons then there is no reason for the postgame handshake.
The fact we HAVE to have the postgame handshake is outrageous even in the face of overwhelming evidence that it's probably a good idea to not have it.
Two examples
1) My first year as head coach we were playing in the first round of the playoffs against our huge rival. They had beaten us twice during the regular season and thought they could make some noise in the regional tournament. About the third inning the umpires were telling players from both teams to not talk to one another, I was telling my guys to keep their mouth shut and the other coach was telling his players to keep their mouth shut. We tied the game up on a two run homer in the top of the 7th inning and as we started the bottom half of the inning I looked at one ump and said it would probably be a good idea if we didn't have the handshake. He said we HAD to have it to show sportsmanship. We ended up winning the game in the 9th inning when they walked our 3 hitter to load the bases (set up a force play) and our 4 hitter hit a grandslam then we shut them down in the bottom of the inning. After the last out all 3 umps were gone. As players walked through the line one of theirs pushed my guy. He said don't do it again and he did and called him the N word. Well that set it off and both teams were in a brawl. The umps came back and were going to toss 3 of my guys and one of theirs. That set me off. I told the umps it was just as much fault as anyones. They finally agreed to not toss anyone.
2) We are playing this team during spring break and they are a bunch of bushleague thugs. They drove beside the field on the bus hanging out the windows cussing us and our fans. They had a runner coming into third and was going to be out (he had a chance to go back to second and get in rundown) and drilled our third baseman knocking him out cold. The player stood over my guy and laughed at him while his team mates in the dugout laughed. They hit several of our batters and laughed about it. I told the ump we were not shaking hands and then told the other coach we weren't shaking hands. The other coach basically called me a fairy and made fun of me (by the way he was a principal at their middle school). Their **** worked because it got in my guys head and we lost. When the game was over I told my guys to go to the outfield corner and they went off the field cussing us again.
In either of those situations how would the postgame handshake been beneficial? Each time I suggested not to have it because of the hostilities I was made out to be a bad guy.
Look at other examples around the country. There have been two situations where during the postgame handshake where players used knives and other sharp objects to cut the other teams.
We have taken worrying about young people's feelings too far that their fragile egos can't handle failure. Without that maturity to handle failure they resort back to very childish actions to act out on their anger at losing. The bad thing is that they are old enough and knowledgeable enough to do something really stupid.
There is nothing wrong with the handshake as long as we are teaching the right things at the right time.
I don't know about teaching sportsmanship, but I believe it to be practicing good sportsmanship. It's not that I have a problem with it, but the MLB post game walk seems a bit well, self-gratuitous, almost like patting yourself on the back. To me it's more genuine when it involves both teams, like in the NHL and college. I always watched my son walk through after a tough loss to see how he handled it. I don't think consolation has as much to do with it as humility.
I love the way hockey guys beat each other's brains in for three periods in the Stanley Cup, then congratulate their opponents face to face for a hard fought victory. It's the right thing to do, even if you're tasting sour grapes. JMO
I love the way hockey guys beat each other's brains in for three periods in the Stanley Cup, then congratulate their opponents face to face for a hard fought victory. It's the right thing to do, even if you're tasting sour grapes. JMO
Spizz,
Good Post.
I have never really cared if after you knocked the snot out of some guy, you went over and helped him up. Some kids are built to do it, others wish they had taken the kids head off while he did it...neither is right or wrong. In my own house, my two boys possess opposite qualities. I suppose its the ability to maintain an intensity level, they each do it differently.
At the end though, the respect you show your opponent is everything. Wether you got your brains beat in or handed out the woodshed whoopin', shake the mans hand and let him know you appreciate the time he put in to come out and give you the opportunity to compete against him.
Good Post.
I have never really cared if after you knocked the snot out of some guy, you went over and helped him up. Some kids are built to do it, others wish they had taken the kids head off while he did it...neither is right or wrong. In my own house, my two boys possess opposite qualities. I suppose its the ability to maintain an intensity level, they each do it differently.
At the end though, the respect you show your opponent is everything. Wether you got your brains beat in or handed out the woodshed whoopin', shake the mans hand and let him know you appreciate the time he put in to come out and give you the opportunity to compete against him.
quote:Originally posted by TRhit:
--I think it has simply become the PC thing to do---so typical of our nations atmosphere today --
I'm not sure about that. I'm pretty sure we were shaking hands before PC was PC. Even the Bad News Bears' opponents "respected" their opponents with the cheer "2,4,6,8, who do we appreciate? Bears! Bears! Bears!"
I actually thought that was offensive and would have hated another team doing that to me if we lost.
By the way, I just can't resist, in the words of Tanner Boyle, "Yankees are turds!"
Ole Tanner was anything but Politically Correct! He sure comes up with some great lines! Definately one of the all time great sports/baseball movies. Just thinking about it makes me laugh out loud!
I dont like the post game handshake. I dont see any usefull purpose that comes from it. But alot of bad can come from it. Play the game and then get on the bus. Sportsmanship is displayed before , during and after the game. But the handshake justs puts things a little too close for me. Ive seen some nasty situations arise after a tough battle. Especially in football. JMHO. I feel alot like coach in this matter.
One of the greatest moments each year in sports is when, after an incredibly hard fought series, the two hockey teams line up and shake hands. You can see that it is meaningful... it is a huge part of their sport; one team's season is over, the other is going on (or has won the Stanley Cup).
After a regular game or doubleheader I do see it as a formality and it doesn't really mean much, but after a playoff game that handshake with the opposing coach really does mean a lot to me and I try to be very congratulatory after defeat and humble in victory
After a regular game or doubleheader I do see it as a formality and it doesn't really mean much, but after a playoff game that handshake with the opposing coach really does mean a lot to me and I try to be very congratulatory after defeat and humble in victory
quote:Originally posted by trojan-skipper:
One of the greatest moments each year in sports is when, after an incredibly hard fought series, the two hockey teams line up and shake hands. You can see that it is meaningful... it is a huge part of their sport; one team's season is over, the other is going on (or has won the Stanley Cup).
After a regular game or doubleheader I do see it as a formality and it doesn't really mean much, but after a playoff game that handshake with the opposing coach really does mean a lot to me and I try to be very congratulatory after defeat and humble in victory
Great post Trojan Skipper and I feel about the same. If during the game, season, post season or over the years I have developed a sense of respect for another team or coach then I will shake their hand and offer my congratulations if they win or offer my admiration for a hard faught game if we win. I have no problem with that.
When I play a team I don't know or don't respect then what's the point of shaking hands? I guess I just don't like the idea of being forced to do it.
Just my take TR, but I believe that football and basket ball play less games against their opponents. Football may arrive in town on fri. and then play on sun and grab a flight after the game or next morn. Baseball players may play 2-4 games against ther opponent in a few days. Players have often been seen dining together from different teams in the past. They also chat on the field before games, so maybe there isn't as much need to shake hands as there may be more interaction already. Maybe an end of the series handshake, but everyday probably wouldn't work. Traditions usually rule the game anyway.
quote:Originally posted by Coach May:
I dont like the post game handshake. I dont see any usefull purpose that comes from it. But alot of bad can come from it. ... Sportsmanship is displayed before , during and after the game.
Ove the years, I have heard more negative trash talk come out during the handshake than during the game and I am not a fan of the handshake for that reason. Our son has the wonderful opportunity to meet up with former teammates and opponents in the minors and they do acknowledge each other, but more off the field than on. Gotta keep that 'game face' on the whole time, even with friends and former teammates ... keeps the edge on for the competition.
JMHO
TRhit...
This has been a "hot topic" for many, many coaches, players, parents, fans and the likes through the years. Though my youth coaches (many years ago) always said we need to show "good sportsmanship" whether you win or lose and we will shake our opponets hand which many didn't at times, they just gave certain players "that stare" and you all know what I'm talking about!
Yankees owner George Steinbrenner has been known for saying that "he likes the idea of a pregame handshake".
Many believe it's because of MLB Rule 3.09 on the books which states, "players of opposing teams shall not fraternize at any time while in uniform". Though teams don't enforce the rule.
A former MLB player and then assigned as manager at the same time in 1905 of the Chicago Cubs, named Frank "Husk" Chance, had a different perspective. It was reported that he would "fine his players" for shaking hands with opposing players, win or lose, and had no qualms about releasing players for failing to meet his demands. He would tell players to do things his way or meet him after the game.
During the off season, Chance was a "prizefighter" and some folks stated he was "the greatest amateur brawler of all time"...
Frank "Husk" Chance was inducted into The Hall of Fame in 1946.
This has been a "hot topic" for many, many coaches, players, parents, fans and the likes through the years. Though my youth coaches (many years ago) always said we need to show "good sportsmanship" whether you win or lose and we will shake our opponets hand which many didn't at times, they just gave certain players "that stare" and you all know what I'm talking about!
Yankees owner George Steinbrenner has been known for saying that "he likes the idea of a pregame handshake".
Many believe it's because of MLB Rule 3.09 on the books which states, "players of opposing teams shall not fraternize at any time while in uniform". Though teams don't enforce the rule.
A former MLB player and then assigned as manager at the same time in 1905 of the Chicago Cubs, named Frank "Husk" Chance, had a different perspective. It was reported that he would "fine his players" for shaking hands with opposing players, win or lose, and had no qualms about releasing players for failing to meet his demands. He would tell players to do things his way or meet him after the game.
During the off season, Chance was a "prizefighter" and some folks stated he was "the greatest amateur brawler of all time"...
Frank "Husk" Chance was inducted into The Hall of Fame in 1946.