I am writing this a few minutes after Major League Baseball called an extensive rain delay after the top of the 6th inning during Game 5 of the 2008 World Series. While most people can’t stand rain delays, you can use the experience to teach your kids valuable lessons about the game.
In no particular order, here are some lessons you can teach your kids:
They need to know the rules about rain delays, suspended games, and other types of postponements which take place after the game started. Had the Tampa Bay Rays not scored a run with 2 outs in the top of the 6th inning, when they were down 2-1, the game could have ended according to Major League Baseball rules. Imagine losing the last game of the World Series… and only playing 5-1/2 innings!! The rules may differ between the regular season and post-season play, so encourage your kids to know the rules as well (or even better than) the umpires!
If you are comfortable having your kid play outside in the rain, have your kid take off his or her shoes and go on the grass while wearing old practice pants. Teach proper feet-first sliding techniques, and use the wet grass to enhance the sliding. By taking off the spikes, your kid reduces the risk of a foot, ankle, or knee injury while sliding. Obviously get permission before your kid slides and tears up the grass if it is not your own property!
In addition, you can use rain delays to teach your kids about proper protection when playing during inclement weather. Teach your kids how to “layer” clothing, how to eat and drink properly during cold/rainy weather, and how to protect their equipment. Professional managers and front office executives like ballplayers who thrive in bad weather, as it shows toughness and an ability to win in any type of situation.
As we wait for the announcement of when the World Series resumes, I hope that you can use these lessons to help your kids improve the quality of their own play!
For more information on how you can learn what advice professional baseball guys give their friends with kids in the youth leagues, go to Youth Baseball Parents.
Tags: baseball parents, baseball-sliding-techniques, rain delay, sliding on wet grass, sliding techniques, youth baseball drills, youth baseball parents
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