Play Ball!

I am moving in a very different direction today and taking on a new challenge, managing a little league team. A few weeks back I was approached by a good friend who inquired if I wanted to co-manage a little league team. His daughter and my son are good friends, so I agreed. Over the last 10-15 years I haven’t been a baseball fan, in fact the MLB strike in during 1994-1995 probably did me in as a fanatic for the sport.

This would be the first time for my son to participate in an organized, team activity. Sure we had done some soccer camps, but nothing that was league sanctioned or coached by myself. So begrudgingly I accepted by friend’s offer but wasn’t too thrilled by the prospect. I have participated in some young soccer camps years ago while playing soccer at BYU. The last 2 years I have volunteered by time for the PTA and his class at school. Both of these activities have given me some ability to deal with younger kids.

What really got me turned on to managing was the Big Al Baseball Coaching Clinic I participated in a few weeks ago. It was held down in Alameda by Al Price, someone I have never heard of (being Canadian and all, eh!), but he has reversed my negative attitude when I agreed to manage. I was very impressed with his “introduction” as to how to year young kids the game of baseball and not only make them a good player, but more importantly a good person.

While I played the sport from my young through college, I never thought I would be coaching the game. Baseball was my main sport in high school, so I know the game and have experience playing it at a few different levels. Hopefully that experience combined with enthusiasm and the resources Big Al provided will make for a positive and fun filled experience for the 11 kids we have on our team.