T-Ball...What an experience!!!

In February 2009...I met with a buddy of mine to discuss plans for T-Ball...I thought there would be more coaches...but it was just me...and him. He was the commissioner...but he had to step down...the president of the league asked me to step up...I did. Boy did I have my work cut out for me!!! I had me as the only manager...and my buddy Cary who was the commish...as an assistant coach for a 2nd team. Well it took some digging...and begging...but I got enough managers & coaches to run 7 T-Ball teams. It was a pretty fun season!!! This was my 2nd experience in coaching Jack...and I was really looking forward to it. Even more exciting, was the opportunity to teach other kids the fun behind the game of baseball.

Being the commissioner...it was tough...heck it still is...as I am doing it again this year. And as the season comes to an end...it has been a blast. Every day within the season is a learning experience. Yes there are things I would change from the past, for having done some things wrong...but you live and learn...and aside from a few errors I have made...I wouldn't change a thing!!! It has been a great experience to watch the other coaches...who I consider friends...help teach these kids the fundamentals of the game of baseball, and making sure they have fun!!! Cause really, that's what it's all about right?? If the kids aren't having fun...then we are doing something wrong!!!

While I have run into my share of parents and coaches...who think its time to instill the goal of winning every game into some of these kids...and I try to show them they are wrong...cause it's not about winning...it's about having fun!!! You can still lose 10-1 or 5-0...and as long as your kids/players tried their best and had fun...then you as a coach succeeded!!! That's my philosophy!! And it's good to see that it is the same with so many others!!! Yes...we may all think our kid is the next A-Rod, Jeter, Bonds, Santana, Henderson...but why push them now?? Let them have their fun and enjoy the game...they have plenty of time to learn how to become that big league baseball player inside of them!!

Last year...Jack's 1st season...as well as a bunch of his friends...was a great experience...in my opinion...they had fun...they were learning fielding...hitting...throwing...and having fun...did I say that already?? LOL This year...Jack's 2nd season...he has shown that he has the ability...but not the desire...and that's fine...so he won't be moving on...the important thing is he had fun this season!!! So did all his friends on the team. The big contest this year...who can knock the coach down...hitting him with the ball when he pitches??!! That coach of course was me!! From the very 1st practice...until this coming Saturday...all the players have had one goal...KNOCK ME ON MY ASS!!! LOL And the parents loved it...I think they cheered louder when the kids succeeded at that!! And yes...they have done that!!! Last year in the batting cages for practice...I forget who it was, but they managed to break my cell phone!!! This year...knock on wood...I have been lucky!!!

We have our last game of the season this Saturday...then we will have our end of season picnic...and give out the trophies to all the players. While some think it's foolish to give them trophies at a young age...or some think it's just unnecessary...they will get their reward for all their hard work. They came to all the practices. They came to all the games. They tried their hardest...and gave it their all...and had a blast doing it. Last year we had 84 kids playing in the T-Ball level...this year we had 148...I can only imagine what next season will bring!!

Oh...and on a personal note...if you get the chance to coach your kid in a sport...I highly recommend it...it is one of the greatest feelings in the world to teach your child all you can about a sport you know and love!!! Just have patience...and treat them like a player on the team...not your child!! I know I have had a problem on occasion with it...but I managed to get it done!!!

That's all for now!!!