The Youth Baseball Coach

Youth baseball coaching is hard, but one of the most rewarding things when done right.  Have you ever tried to organize twleve squirrely five-year-olds on the baseball field?  Tried to get them into a straight line?  Tried to teach them to catch or throw?  If you have, then you know full well the difficulties and frustrations.  On the flip side, have you ever held your breath when a grounder was hit to the shortstop on your t-ball team?  Then sat in amazement as she fielded the grounder cleanly, made a perfect throw to first and the first baseman actually caught the ball, and get this, WITH HIS FOOT ON THE BASE?

The second thought brings a smile to my face.  I've seen it happen, although it is far more the exception than the rule.  But when it does happen, the first baseman is usually standing there like a statue, hoping that the ball that just hit his glove actually stuck.  Then with a slow and deliberate move, they turn their glove over and just like opening a Christmas day present, they peer into the glove as a look of amazement and joy envelops their face.

Meanwhile the shortstop is jumping up and down and thunderous applause of wonder and surprise can be heard from the stands.  Occasionally, this will even get the attention of a couple outfielders (Lord knows very few other things will) who are in the midst of finishing up their latest art project in the outfield dirt. 

Needless to say all the runners that were previously on base are scoring, but that doesn't even matter.  This is a transcendent moment for all involved.  This is the validation and joy that youth baseball coaches long for.  That moment makes all the frustrations disappear.

Because coaching is difficult, I have put together what I hope is a help to all the current and potential coaches out there.  Not only is this site dedicated to youth coaches, but I am creating a Youth Baseball Coaching 101 manual that should help iron out many of the kinks and help you prepare for the journey through little league. 

There are very few things out there that are as rewarding as seeing the joy in a young baseball players face after they have made a great play or hit the ball well.  I salute everyone who is willing to take on this most noble effort and I'm here to partner with them, encourage them and help out wherever possible.

This is a journey not without perils, but with great rewards.  A journey of highs and lows.  Every journey starts with the first step, so let's take that step together and see where it leads...