My favorite talk to players and parents on behalf of a tenured youth sports coach is “Why should I play?” It’s a great question and over the years I’ve molded by answer based on research and my own experiences. Now-a-days, I typically respond back with a slightly snarky response that often takes the asker by surprise. “Because it’s too costly NOT to play.”
It’s more than a game. Always has been, always will be.
Let me explain. Baseball develops skills on the diamond that build a foundation for a lifetime of athleticism and self-care. In addition to athletic prowess, baseball promotes confidence, pride, focus and responsibility. When the proper emphasis is put on enjoyment, baseball is a game to be played and enjoyed for life. It can become the vehicle of happiness in a former athlete by putting importance on physical, mental, and relationship fortitude.
Outside of school, sports are a hotbed for life-long friendships.
I remember very little about how well teams I played on fared overall in terms of wins and losses. I know I got close a few times to a championship, but that was hardly what mattered most. Same with coaching. But what I do remember, like most former athletes, is starting the bonds with teammates that I still cultivate and receive fruit from even today. The bonds created in the dugouts over the years created life-long friendships and networks. This camaraderie shared on and off the diamond foreshadowed what the work environment would reveal. I learned how to be a teammate – and how to get along with people. Two traits that have lead me to countless opportunities to get a leg up at work for all the right reasons.
Becoming a starter is a lot like getting promoted at work.
While baseball is busy working on soft skills, it’s also a natural development of leadership skills. Skills that lend well to promotions, work advancements, and salary upticks. That adds up. As athletes learn to balance school, responsibilities at home, time at the field and playing with friends – baseball encourages kids to learn time management skills that will later serve them in all facets of life, especially in the work place.
I understand that parent’s paying for youth sports can be budget breaking. I’ve been involved in teams costing several thousands of dollars a year to participate on. And I agree also that we need to do better at reducing the cost for our players. But I encourage you, no matter the cost, remember how costly sports can be if they DON’T play. Learning how to flip a double play or hit a home run are great skills – but knowing and obtaining the skills to be a leader and advocate for you and those you will eventually lead – is priceless.
