Would You Do It Over Again?

If you have a passion for the game and it's players, GO for it! It's all about the moments you have with the kids, the rest of the negative stuff is just .... a minor irritation.

I enjoy it so much that I do it for free. Travel ball during the summer and fall that is. Coaching is very satisfying if you keep it in perspective. You can't please them all, especially the parents, the best you can be is approachable, open minded, and above all, all about the kids and their futures, not about wins and losses first.

There is no better feeling in the world than to have a player that you coached in the past, even way in the past, see you somewhere and go out of their way to come talk to you and tell you about their life after your times. I still get that from Little Leaguers that I haven't coached or seen in 10 years, it's awesome!

Don't let the turkeys get you down, if you love it, DO IT!

Frank Coit
Head Coach
San Diego Prospects Baseball Club

In my case I was kind of forced out not being able to play baseball again. Having surgery right out of high school and having a bad one never allowed to play like I used to and was tuff playing at a lower level.
If you still love the game of course do it. For me its the only thing I got left.
You are never going to make everyone happy and there are always going to be upset parents. You just need to make sure when you coach you stick to your rules and try not to make to many changes to them. Have fun while you are out there and remember that it is still a game.
In terms of making money, you can't expect to make a living on it and you might be able to get away with it but then you sometimes lose track of why you started to be a coach. In the same sense to have to be compensated for you time and efforts.
Being only 22 I have been able to enjoy a 3rd place in 16u mickey mantle world series, 1 jv league championship, and a couple 16u and 14u and soon to 13u league championships.
When you see your players progress as players and as poeple it than becomes all worth it. To see them work on something and not get and when you do that pure joy and excitement on their face is priceless. In a sense your players becomes your kids and you see them grow up.

ironhorse

If the guys who love the game as we do don't stay involved the game will die--- my hope is that younger guys like yourself can carry the torch after we are gone

Read my updated post on my Arizona visit and you see why I remain in it--that is just one of many great stories in my experience

I am not a youngster, I am 62, but I can tell you there are guys still involved who are older than I am---one of my very good friends is 67 years of age, coaching a Legion Program as well as scouting for the KC Royals

I have no regrets at all--none at all and yes I WOULD DO IT AGAIN if I had it to do over

I agree with everyone. Take the plunge. I would highly suggest spending as much time as possible as an assistant. You will learn alot without the heavy burdens of head coaching.
By the time it is your program you will have learned alot of very important lessons from the successes and mistakes of others.

The pay is low. The parents can be a real headache. Some of the kids can be a real challenge to manage. This all said, it is the best job you can have if you truly love the game. Seeing a young man work hard to realize a dream and then helping him realize it is one of the most fulfilling things in life.

Would I do it all over again? ONE THOUSAND FOLD! I believe myself to be the most blessed person on the face of the earth. It is the kids that make me feel that way. I could tell you a million stories why you should. I could tell you a million on why you should not. However, if you don't, you won't ever have the chance to open the mail one day and get a letter from a parent with a copied note their son left on the refrigerator. "Mom, Dad, 4-4 today. I LOVE COACH BUTLER!" That young man went on to play professionally for the Kansas City Royals. It is only one of many reasons why you should coach!

I would do it all over again. I am younger than Trhit 55. I coached high school for close to 30 years. People ask me do I miss coaching and I say Yes and no. I miss teaching the kids how to play. I do not miss the long hours the bus rides and to be quite blunt the atmosphere that has crept into the game. that covers a multitude of things but the environment is different than years ago. Is it better. who knows . Only an opinion