"A coach is someone who tells you what you don't want to hear, who has you see what you don't want to see, so you can be who you have always known you could be."
~Tom Landry
This year we are so very lucky to have some really great coaches for each, my daughter's softball team and my son's baseball team. When I say great, I mean this in a number of ways. Sure they are great at what they do: teach my kid how to throw a ball, swing a bat, and catch that pop-up. Sure they are great at scheduling intense practices, running through drills, and helping to get that win. But what truly makes them great, in my eyes, is their complete dedication to their own kids, my kids, and all of the team kids. These guys work full-time jobs prior to coming to the field. These guys have families, priorities, busy lives...yet, they are there, faithfully (with smiles on their faces!) standing on that warm dusty field waiting for my child, ready to coach.
These men give that batter that just swung out at bat a pat on the back and a "you did great, kid".
These great men give credit to that "other" teams great catch out in center field, with clapping and a "great catch!"
These coaches teach with their soft-spoken voices, gentle correction, and high-fives after a tough go at the plate.
You see, these great coaches do care if they win or lose, but the priority is helping each and every child be the best they can be. Correcting that improper swing, teaching to extend that leg into that slide into second, and giving the importance of brushing off the dust after a missed catch in outfield and continuing the game.
I feel that if you truly teach a child how to just play baseball (or softball, basketball, etc..) that is not enough. A good coach also needs to teach that child how to persevere, how to tolerate, and how to believe in themselves.
Years from now that child will remember that coach and, it will not be just because of winning the game.
