I saw a video in which Albert Pujols said he ask hitters that get to 1st base, "what is the most important thing in your life". I know we as coaches all have got those great canned answers to tell parent and potential employers in job interviews, but when you watch them/us you know there is more to it than what they say. The first 2/3 of my career (12 or `15 years) I was that guy. I said all the right things, but deep down if I was honest it was just as much about my w/l record and reputation as anything. Then one year I had what some would call an epiphany. We had just been to the state championship game in football 3 years in a row. We had taken a baseball team that struggled to win a game to a team that was in the playoffs every year......and yet parents were not happy, coaches seemed happier in the off season than during their sport (which baffled me), players seemed apathetic. Something just wasn't right. We ran character building groups that gained state wide recognition. Coaches were winning awards, We had the best facilities for every sport, and we were winning lots of games, but something still wasn't right.
Anyway, all of that hit me and caused me to start actually practicing what I preach. One of the major thing I did was I no longer placed my value in a W/L record and life became infinitely more enjoyable. That lead to me being a better husband and father. Which in turned increased my joy for life. Then tragedy struck last year. I did not know if I could continue to teach and coach with the same passion as before. This fall while coaching football I am glad my assts stepped up and carried the load because I was not able to do it. It as taken almost a year, but this spring I realize that I am able and enjoy getting on the field again. Will it be the same? Never. Can it be great again? Without a doubt.
Thanks for letting me ramble, so to you just starting out and at different points in your career path. Please do not get caught up in the bigger and better and win, win, win.
So, what is the most important thing in your life? Baseball is just a game. There is so much more
