During my time in youth baseball I learned the value of determination. Whether my parents or coaches discussed it with me, or if I simply wanted to earn the starting role over the kid whose Dad paid for the team’s uniforms (of course this never happens in today’s game, right?!?), I learned that I had to be determined to progress. This determination also carried over into my grades and other scholastic activities.
If you are a parent of a kid in youth baseball or softball today, then I have a suggestion: teach your child about passion and determination. Explain to them that the two traits can work in concert with each other, and that those traits are wonderful traits to carry over into school and later on in life.
Sadly, many kids I knew dropped out of baseball because the determination to become better just wasn’t there. I say “sadly” because the physical skills they possessed at the time were terrific and could have raised the overall level of play for the teams in the area. This also hurts other kids who play because scouts who come to watch one player may end up drafting someone unexpected and wasn’t on their “radar screen.” This is where the actions of one kid unexpectedly can affect other kids, sometimes to the negative.
Finally, when I had the chance to meet respected Major League players and managers I got the first-hand opportunity to see what they do to be in the spotlight. Their passion and determination was amazing. When I asked them about their mental approaches to the game, they all say that passion and determination (or “heart”) are the traits that they respect in other ball players; and they learned these traits in youth baseball. Imagine that?!?
If you are a parent and want to have the best odds of enjoying YOUR experiences as a youth baseball or softball parent, then learn the secrets and advice which professional baseball players, managers, and general managers give their own best friends in the same situation. Go to Youth Baseball Parents to find out more.
Tags: baseball coach, baseball coaches, baseball dad, baseball for kids, baseball mom, little league coaches, little league dad, little league mom, little league parents, softball coaches, youth baseball parents, youth softball, youth softball parents