Little League® started to play a prominent role in my life not too long ago. At the time, I couldn’t have ever imagined it having as big an impact on my family and me as it does now. I got involved with the organization because of my daughter. When we were looking at potential softball options, we loved everything Little League had to offer – between the way the organization is run, the emphasis on development both on and off the field, and the mission that they are trying to work towards every day. A lot of what they do behind the scenes fascinated me, and it’s honestly what motivated me to step up to the plate and transition from a parent in the stands to a coach on the field.
Being part of Little League has continued to challenge me in so many ways, like trying to balance being both a coach and a parent of my daughter. I try to wear two hats, one as a coach and one as a parent. It is one of the hardest things I have tried to manage and has taken a lot of trial and error. But the mistakes and adversity are what built me into who I am.
The lessons that I have learned go beyond the softball diamond. The game has taught me patience and consistency. Whether you’re coaching or parenting, consistency and guidance are everything. At the end of the day, kids are kids. You must keep your message consistent, positive, and help them move in the right direction. That’s why it’s important to try to embody Little League’s core values. They emphasize good sportsmanship and strong character, something that every family should want to be part of.
Being able to work with young female athletes, there are so many things I try to emphasize so they aren’t just great Little Leaguers® on the field, but off the field, as well. First and foremost, we teach respect and manners all the way around. During practices or games, I am always cognizant of the way I act towards different situations and try to stay composed. At the end of the day, it’s a game, and we should all enjoy it that way. That doesn’t mean I don’t get passionate, I do. However, we should understand that our athletes are going to watch us, and they’re the next generation of coaches, too. We want to pass down as much positivity as possible. Our kids look up to us. We are their role models.
Another lesson that I harp on is that this is a game of failure. You can’t let the failures get to you because if they do, you’ll let the successes pass by you. When your team is struggling, or a player is struggling, you have to be able to not only pick them up but keep a positive mindset yourself, too. If you stay positive and lift up your teammates, it can make all the difference because the very next inning, it could be you who is struggling and they will be the ones lifting you up.
In my short time coaching, I have learned it is not just the game that leaves an impact on you, it’s the players, too. Before coaching in the Little League Softball® World Series, we had a tremendous number of setbacks. We lost the first game at the state tournament and had to essentially win out to make it to the Region Tournament in Bristol, Connecticut. I will never forget when we started our next game losing. I never showed it, but I would be lying if I didn’t lose a little faith.
The girls showed me what it’s like to come together as a team and not give up. They stuck together, believed in each other, and came back. That momentum and belief carried us through the tournament. They reminded me to never give up, and if you believe in yourself and work hard, it is possible to overcome any hurdles.
My team continues to inspire me every day. I want to keep going because they want to keep going. If they want to work, I want to work. When you see all of it pay off for these young ladies, that’s my reward. There’s no better gift than watching your team reach a dream that they have worked so hard for.
When I think about what it means to be a proud parent, one moment will forever be etched in my mind. We were down at the Little League Softball World Series, and my daughter Camila stepped up to the plate. She ripped a line drive down the line for a stand-up double, and just being able to watch firsthand the excitement in her face when she got to second – clapping, cheering, and having the biggest smile on her face – is a joy I felt that can’t be replicated. When you see your kids celebrating in the moment on such a big stage, it’s indescribable.
The one thing Camila has continued to show me is how incredible her work ethic is. Camila is not the biggest girl on the field, but she works incredibly hard. I’m fortunate that I never have to motivate her, but sometimes, funny enough, I do need to tell her to take it easy occasionally.
If I could give one piece of advice to a parent who is coaching their first Little League team this upcoming season, it is to remember that it’s a game and everyone who is participating is there to have fun. Secondly, don’t be too hard or too soft on your team just because it is your kid. It’s tough to separate the roles, but try.
One of the best tips that was told to me is that once your hat comes off in the car, you’re in “Dad” mode. If your daughter or son wants to talk about baseball or softball, he or she can tell you to put the hat back on.
Otherwise, it’s family time, and being able to have that relationship is special.
The story above is shared as part of Little League’s #LLProudParent content series, sharing first-person reflections on their experiences with their child in the Little League program. Have a story you’d like to share? Feel free to share it, along with any photos that help tell the story, to [email protected].