Tag: baseball

Youth Baseball Ethics: Winning vs. Learning

~ SA Otey

I typically don’t yell at my kid’s games, but one time I had the honor of being the head coach and pitching to the 7 and 8-year-old kids but something got under my epidermis. Upon the start of the game, the opposing coach and I agreed that we would only let the kids take one base on missed plays. That was all well and good as we abide by the rules and my boys started racking up the runs on the scoreboard.

The other team kept running their kids and sneaking in a run here and there. I finally had enough when they kept doing it until they got within 2 runs on their bottom of the 6th at bat. We had 2 outs and they just ran no matter what. Did kids overthrow the ball? Take as many bases as you can. Are kids holding the ball? Keep running. Win at all costs!

It’s a frustrating part of the game for sure. Kids are learning the game, and what is the takeaway? Run and capitalize on others’ mistakes. This is all fine and dandy when the kids are 11-12 and they should be catching the ball. But kids who are more interested in playing in the dirt than knowing how to execute a force-out run down have to know you’re not teaching them the fundamentals by just running bases while kids are looking in the other direction.

As a kid I don’t remember it being this way, I had plenty of fun playing baseball and I hope my kids do the same. Jerk Parents/Coaches will always exit to ruin the game.

How to Keep Kids Entertained at Baseball Games

~ SA Otey

Taking your children to a baseball game can be a memorable experience. Here’s how to make the most of it

Bring a tablet/smartphone

This way they can watch videos or play a video game and not the actual ballgame

Buy them all the food they ask for

Hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts, cotton candy, funnel cakes, dippin’ dots, etc. This keeps them busy instead of watching the game.

Bring signage

Things like “First game”, and “It’s my birthday” and waves them in front of players or coaches so you can collect as many signed baseballs as possible.

Pose them for shots

Take pictures with all the gear you’ve collected for them. Post them immediately on Instagram or Facebook with the false narrative that they are big fans of the game when they haven’t actually seen one inning.

Actually, watch the game

Here’s an idea, watch the game. Eat stadium classic food and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the ballpark. No distractions just baseball.

Effective Sideline Coaching for Youth Sports

~ SA Otey
IMG_3470

It’s tempting to coach from the sidelines, but if you must, remember these helpful tips.

  • Tell your kid to hit the ball when they are up to bat
    • Also to swing at strikes
    • And don’t swing at balls
  • When they hit, tell them to run, ruN, rUN, RUN!
    • Tell them to run hard!
  • Tell your kid to throw the ball when they catch it.
  • If they are a pitcher, tell them to throw strikes.

Stand as close to your kid as the fences allow. You can also put your mouth between the steel cage diamonds and shout unimpeded.  Have some prearranged after-the-game system of punishment if they didn’t measure up to your expectations. During the game, tell them you are keeping track of all their mistakes.

Also, don’t do any of these things. Let the coach’s coach and you keep your mouth shut unless you are simply cheering your kid on.

Participation trophies are for the parents

~ SA Otey
0018100_happy-star-trophy

Kids don’t want trophies, they just want after game snacks. This was confirmed once I saw a parent asking to take a picture of their kid after the baseball season ended. The parent wanted a pose with the trophy, but the kid held up his post-game hot dog instead. These participation trophies are to make the parents feel better about their kids not being good at their sport. Kids love to play the sport, they like the free snack after the game and just to get away from you for an hour or so.

Once a kid reaches a certain age the trophy needs to be earned. Trophies for kids who make the all-star team is where it should begin and end. If you have a travel ball team then hand out awards for different categories such as “best hitter” or “best defense”.  Other than that, the after-season party with free food should be enough.

Travel Ball Tournament Essentials

~ SA Otey

What do you bring when you’re at an all-day softball or baseball tournament?

A player – It doesn’t make sense to attend a tournament if you don’t have a player, maybe if you are watching someone you know. But if you are there and don’t know anyone you might cause suspicion if you start walking onto the field and high-fiving players.

A cooler – Preferably something that holds ice for more than an hour

Something to keep a cooler cold – You can put ice or these cooler shock packs

Something to keep cold – Skip the soda and beer and bring lots of water and Gatorade. Bring fruits, nuts, and other low-sugar snacks to keep you fueled.

Cooling towels – It’s better than a paper towel

Sunscreen – https://amzn.to/4iwnpooDon’t forget to apply every few hours or you will have tan lines on your face.

A Chair – Preferably one with shade if you don’t have any friends who brought a canopy.

First aid kit – Things will happen, and bleed or get swollen.

Wagon – It’s better than carrying everything

Throw some Shade – Instead of looking like a sun-dried tomato, grab yourself some brella and man-made shade

Disappointment – Don’t forget to bring your complaining face. If your child is not performing at a perfection level, let them know in front of all the other parents.