Coaching Little League

At times I have felt like Coach Morris Buttermaker, famed coach of The Bad News Bears the past few weeks coaching little league practice. Thanks to Big Al and his coaching clinic, Coach Doo, Coach Roger and I feel the players have made great progress since the start of practice in February. Not quite sure how much progress would have been made without the information we learned prior to stepping on the field to coach.

Much like Big Al mentioned at the clinic, we have a wide range of talents when it comes to our players. As coaches, we are trying to keep it safe and fun for all the players we coach. Hopefully between the first practice and the final game all players will see an improvement in their skills while playing baseball. Right now I have no idea which kids will go on to play next season or 5 years from now. Hopefully we have helped and made an impact in how they play the game. This too, was something Big Al mentioned.

At 43 years old, I still remember a coach who made a big impact in how I approached and played the game. Mr. Voigt was the manager for my first year of baseball on the Senators. I was 7 years old and I can still remember playing little league in Rancho Bernardo, up on the hill near IBM. His approach to the game, coaching mentality and enthusiasm left it’s mark. Now I take that same approach with my little leagues at each practice and during each game.

The ‘Farm’ division is about teaching, as I have written previously. We don’t keep score, there are no umpires and each coach pitches to their team. I feel my approach to the game and teaching basic has been very good. I have seen improvements in all our players, even the ones who have struggled throwing or hitting. Hopefully the players are having fun, which along with learning is one of our goals.

I have been amazed at the support from the parents, not only for games, but during practice. It’s not surprising to see 15-20 parents lining the right field line watching their little baller. We seem to have a very good group of parents, none of whom have called into question what or how we are teaching the game. In fact, I have spoke to a few parents and asked them for their suggestions and comments. So far the parents support has been excellent!

The season is still early, but the team is coming together nicely. We still have some kinks to work out in the infield and at the plate. I have no doubts these outstanding issues will take some time, but as long as there is progress I feel the players will continue to flourish under out coaching.