Coach pitch advice

Posted Sunday, April 6, 2008, at 12:50 AM

Everybody's safe and nobody cares. What a novel idea.

Anybody been out to Griffin Park lately to catch any of the 5-6 year-old coach pitch action? Judging by the weather forecasts, I am guessing that's a no.

But, if you are looking for a flashback to your youth and a general good feeling of innocence, you should check it out sometime. On a few patches of dirt and grass a few nights a week this time of year, there's still a small percentage of our population that could care less who wins and who loses. Coaches and parents, take note. If your 5-year-old is still trying to figure out which way to run when the ball is hit, chances are they could care less which team touches home the most. Cool it with the postgame protests, ripping at the umpires and yelling at your neighbor's kid.

Personally, I have zero memories of T-ball that involve a win or a loss. I remember getting a black eye when I didn't get my glove up in time. I recall a line drive hitting me in the mitt and being furious I didn't make the play. And, I still smile when thinking of taking a ball off the top of the fence to right-center (although I was mad because I was the only kid having to hit with a wood bat).

Half-mesh hats with an iron-on 'B', a $6 shirt with Braves silk-screened on the chest, some Rustler jeans and Winner's Choice cleats were the attire of the day. I still remember sitting in the chair in the kitchen and my dad tying those plastic kicks on WAY too tight. By the third inning I was wishing I could remember that melody about the rabbit and the ears so I could untie my shoes and tie them back to where the blood actually flowed to my toes. Where was velcro when I needed it?

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Thanks Mike

I've calmed down alot since I typed that. Sorry. Thanks for the info.

-- Posted by christiangirl on Wed, Apr 9, 2008, at 10:05 PM

Christiangirl,

I coached many years at Hillard and have seen several different coaching styles out there. Most of my teams were pretty successful and for the most part my experience was a good one.

I did my fair share of yelling but not at the level your child is playing at. I did scold the older children when they made dumb mistakes, but was sure to pull them aside at end of the inning and make sure they understood what they had done wrong and let them know I still supported them.

Although some probably perceived me as hard at times, very few of the girls I ever coached will not come up and hug me when I see them today. My advice would be to approach the Coach in private and tell him exactly how you feel. If you don't get an answer that you are happy with, approach a board member.. (they are listed at HGYSL.COM) The board member will handle the problem for you.

-- Posted by Mike Molder on Wed, Apr 9, 2008, at 9:56 AM

You are totally right. We need to enjoy our children while their young. My daughter has just started playing in the coach pitch at Hillard Gardner. 5yrs old and the coaches are already yelling at them. I don't want her to have a bad experience. She is such a sensitive child that she may say I don't like it and want to quit. I told her to go out there and have fun (if that's at all possible with them) Why do they think they have to be a pro? She's out there for 1. to get exercise, learn the game, learn good sportsmanship, and to enjoy. We've not even started the games, but at practice they drill them till they're sick or crying. How do you let the coach know to back off? Do you just sit back and keep your mouth shut until the child is in tears?

-- Posted by christiangirl on Tue, Apr 8, 2008, at 1:02 PM

Great article Danny.

I have been umpiring this and other leagues for about 10 years now. I wish the parents and coaches loved the game as much as the kids.

I do my best but I do make mistakes sometimes. I just hope being called a bad umpire is the worst thing someone can ever say about me.

-- Posted by seedsower on Mon, Apr 7, 2008, at 11:44 PM

Well said by all. My son just started playing this year, and I was pleasantly surprised that the admission is $1. That is a good price for great entertainment. In the few games we have played the coaches have been good to both teams players by helping them and trying to teach them. We did have one team that protested a run that we scored. They were winning by 7 runs at the time. They were also obviously a better team. I think we lost 26-4 or something like that. That run was pretty important. That would be my only gripe at this point.

I just want my son to be treated fairly and be taught the basics for the great game of baseball. His coaches do a good job of both so far. If he wants to continue to play when the wins matter then that will be great, but until then I just want to enjoy seeing my son smile because he thinks he is playing a "fun" game.

-- Posted by KParker on Mon, Apr 7, 2008, at 10:03 AM

Eagleparent, I totally agree we need more people to come and watch these kids. Who knows if one may be the next Chipper Jones, A-Rod or Big Poppy. Where else can you get this much great entertainment for only a $1?

As for the extra fields, there are plans in the works to add several more fields and more parking in the grassy ares where the water retention ditch is located. I heard this from a league board member last season.

Sadly this will be my last year, I'm afraid, as my daughter will be too old for coach pitch next year and will probably move to softball. That is unless me 4 year old wants to play when she is old enough.

-- Posted by EastSideMom on Mon, Apr 7, 2008, at 2:15 AM

To parents involved one word of advice....enjoy it while you can. We started 18 years ago with my son playing t-ball (which by his own admission he was pretty bad) and will finish this summer in Italy with my daughter playing softball for her final summer. In between there was soccer(both), basketball (both) and high school football (well, only one of them). With all the hassles, heartaches, dust-ups with umpires, coaches and fans I can honestly say it has been one of the true pleasures of my life going through this. I'm already dreading next year. My fervent hope, is that my kids will take with them those precious memories of those times spent with us and with friends. I also hope that they will give the knowledge of the games and honorable competition to my grandchildren someday.

-- Posted by Tim Baker on Sun, Apr 6, 2008, at 9:10 PM

Great Article. We will be playing every night of the week and all day on saturdays for the next 3 weeks due to the weather . I wish as many people would come and watch all of these kids play ball. A new field or 2 would be great for these kids

-- Posted by EagleParent on Sun, Apr 6, 2008, at 2:35 AM

Danny Parker

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Danny Parker is sports editor of the Times-Gazette.

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