It’s just youth sports, after all

STEVE SMITH

The kids playing in the baseball game I was watching at the Costa

Mesa National Little League field were 9 and 10 years old. Most of

them don’t have the control over their coordination to consistently

make the plays that make them look like real baseball players, but

they show up anyway, giving their all.

Most of them also don’t have an attention span long enough to

withstand 20 minutes standing in the outfield with nothing to do. I’m

not sure I would either.

Those of us who coach try just about everything we can to keep

outfielders in the game, including the warning that their moment of

glory is imminent.

“Outfielders,” we say, “that ball could come to you on any pitch

so it’s important to pay attention. What happens in the outfield

could make the difference in the game.”

Mentally, however, I know what they’re thinking: “Yeah, right,

coach. I haven’t seen a fly ball since last season.” And I can’t

argue with them, for the fact is that very few catchable fly balls

get to the outfield in these Little League games.

Over the years, I have developed a system for keeping the

attention of outfielders. “Billy, take two steps back, please!” will

be the cry from the dugout. Billy takes two steps back. A couple of

minutes later, it’s, “Billy, take two steps forward, please!” And

Billy takes two steps forward.

It doesn’t always work but it keeps their feet moving and lets

them know I haven’t forgotten them.

But some coaches still haven’t learned the fine art of coaching

kids -- not that I’m an expert, as my overall won-lost record will

prove.

Last weekend at that game I was watching, a coach yelled, “Billy

[not his real name], you can’t play baseball with your hand in your

pocket!”

I can’t argue with the coach’s logic. He was right, you cannot

play baseball with your hand in your pocket. To a bored kid, however,

sticking his hand in his pocket is something to do while waiting for

a turn at bat. And as we all know, kids today must receive constant

stimulation -- not one second must be wasted doing absolutely

nothing.

But the coach’s admonition was wasted. Not only was his comment

hurtful but he blew an opportunity to teach his player what he should

be doing instead of sticking his hand in his pocket. Instead of

telling Billy to assume the “ready position,” a standard baseball

instruction that follows players to the big leagues, he succeeded

only in embarrassing him in front of his teammates and whatever

friends and family members were present.

That one moment pushed Billy further down the line of finding

something else to do with his time, perhaps one that has more

stimulation, such as playing on a GameBoy. At least when he makes a

mistake, there will not be a frustrated, overbearing grown-up to

remind him of it.

The “hands in the pocket” was mild compared to other comments I’ve

heard, particularly last season when a coach yelled to an outfielder

from the dugout in front of everyone, “Billy [not his real name], are

your feet stuck in cement?!” Nice, coach. Very inspiring.

I’ve learned that kids want to learn and they’ll soak up the

learning like a sponge if it’s taught to them in a way that is

interesting. This is, of course, something that most teachers already

know. The technique doesn’t have to be fun or flashy, just

interesting. Part of what makes a kid pay attention is being treated

with respect. I can’t imagine any kid wanting to give his all for a

coach who humiliates him during an event that is often used by kids

as an escape.

Youth sports has nothing whatsoever to do with grown-ups. We’re

accessories -- there only to keep things safe and keep the peace when

we need to. But I’m still seeing parents who insist on making their

son or daughter’s youth sports involvement a reflection of

themselves. When this happens, they miss the pure simple joy of

watching kids have fun; of watching kids take part in something they

have fewer chances to do, that is, just be a kid.

I’ve got a message for 99.999999% of the parents reading this

column, and it may come as a shock to you, but here goes: Your son or

daughter is not going to be a sports professional. And I know you

believe that your kid is going to be the exception, but he or she

will not.

My son has told me many times that he wants to be a professional

baseball player and I’m not going to do anything to stop him from

trying. In fact, I’ll encourage the practice and dedication required

of the pursuit of excellence.

But the knowledge that he is very unlikely to make it to the big

leagues is not for him, it’s for me. It helps me deal with the

mistakes and losses in a way that forces me to keep my perspective.

That is, it’s just youth sports, nothing more. Enjoy the ride.

* STEVE SMITH is a Costa Mesa resident and a freelance writer.

Readers may leave a message for him on the Daily Pilot hotline at

(949) 642-6086.