Take a look...

What a great display of TEAMwork!

Great story...on the flip side, players and parents also remember the A-hole kids and coaches that turn their backs on them when faced with adversity.

Unfortunately, this season I've seen examples that could be put in the "do not do" section of a coaches/players manual. If you can find a team where the players really care aboout one another and have a common goal, cling to it like white on rice.

I absolutely loved the story. I had the unfortunate opportunity to have my son play "select/premier" (whatever) baseball this year and while I loved the competition and level of play I hated the lack of team play. I never seen so much behind the back griping. I felt like I was watching vultures pick apart every kids mistake. The parents were terrible. If that is serious baseball I would rather my son not play. The lessons he learned are not the ones that will carry him far in life.

Baseballmom101,

I am sorry to hear your experience with select ball was less than amicable. Not all team(s) and parents are as you described. I know you did your research on the HSBBW because I read back through your posts. In June, you mentioned your son was enjoying his experience. I hope it ended that way for him and that he gained the experience of playing at a higher level.

quote:

Originally posted by collikar:
Baseballmom101,

I am sorry to hear your experience with select ball was less than amicable. Not all team(s) and parents are as you described. I know you did your research on the HSBBW because I read back through your posts. In June, you mentioned your son was enjoying his experience. I hope it ended that way for him and that he gained the experience of playing at a higher level.

He did enjoy the experience. All he cares about is playing ball. He was not privy to too much of the unpleasantness. He did learn he is not really a traveler which helps in the college search.

I wouldn't trade the experience. I believe he learned a lot and I know I did. As you said I researched it as carefully as I could. I was not prepared for the individuality of it. In hindsight I should have realized, after all we are all there to promote our kids and hopefully give them a leg up. I just have a hard time with the negativity at someones elses expense. The way I see it if I am not out there Coaching, umping or playing I am just a supporter and I will not presume to do their jobs or criticize the way they do it. After all we are only human.

I know I missed (and I think he missed too) playing on a team like the story above described. But hey it is what it is and as long as he wants to play and whever he wants to play I will be there to support him. My hope is that long after he is done with ball he will remember the important lessons like sportsmanship and teamwork.

quote:

Originally posted by BASEBALLMOM101:
My hope is that long after he is done with ball he will remember the important lessons like sportsmanship and teamwork.

I'm confident with your outlook he will be able to do such.

Do your best to guide him in the directions that offer desired goals.

If more parents had the same outlook you did I believe the "team" concept would be more vivid.

Unfortunately, self promotion has become accepted.