CoachTEA
Active Member
Dr. Phil (and others) have it right: doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is the definition of insanity. I am going to leave the names out "to protect the guilty" and I don't wont this to be construed as a bash on all high school programs, but come on people how about being/acting like adults while coaching or managing a program. How about looking out for your players as people first and foremost over your ego and won/loss record??? Is this asking too much?
Once again I am witnessing talented players stepping away from their high school team because the coach is all about himself (and his "joke" of a record) rather the players. This time it is an outfielder that I have coached for 2+ season being forced to pitch for her high school. Hey, I get it - my youngest daughter had to pitch for her high school despite not being a "pitcher". In this situation/story, the kid and her family are absolutely wonderful (no drama whatsoever) and if she isn't the best player, she is one of the Top 3. Usually bats in the three hole and plays outfield or middle infield when she isn't pitching. The other day she struggled in the circle - 50+ pitches in the first inning - because the defense committed 6 errors (!!!) in the first inning. She respectfully approached her coach and asked to be relieved and offered to play elsewhere in the field to help the team. The coach refused to even consider her request and chided her for "her attitude". Now she is considering quitting the team and quite frankly: I DON'T BLAME HER. She is already committed for college and she doesn't want her high school to over use her arm.
Last year I had a very talented shortstop (small D1 talent-wise) pitched for her high school team and actually got an all-state recognition, but her arm was shot for most of the summer. Another kid on my team tore her labrum playing for her high school coach and missed half of her freshman year at college due to the injury. The bad thing, once again, her had no prayer of going anywhere in the state tournament - why ride a kid so hard??? Likewise with 2 other players on our rosters - in risk of over-use for meaningless high school games.
In southwest Ohio there several high school programs that are fizzling out because of the apathy (or ignorance) of the high school coaches (I am sure Hitter23 will be on here to stir the pot with the Sam Kinnison meme encouraging me to "name names" ). The point is this: I am competitive guy and I like to win. Likewise I ask/demand my players treat their coaches (travel and high school) with respect. Respect is a 2 way street though and as adults we are called to protect and nurture our players above all else. Come on, let's be the best versions of ourselves.
Once again I am witnessing talented players stepping away from their high school team because the coach is all about himself (and his "joke" of a record) rather the players. This time it is an outfielder that I have coached for 2+ season being forced to pitch for her high school. Hey, I get it - my youngest daughter had to pitch for her high school despite not being a "pitcher". In this situation/story, the kid and her family are absolutely wonderful (no drama whatsoever) and if she isn't the best player, she is one of the Top 3. Usually bats in the three hole and plays outfield or middle infield when she isn't pitching. The other day she struggled in the circle - 50+ pitches in the first inning - because the defense committed 6 errors (!!!) in the first inning. She respectfully approached her coach and asked to be relieved and offered to play elsewhere in the field to help the team. The coach refused to even consider her request and chided her for "her attitude". Now she is considering quitting the team and quite frankly: I DON'T BLAME HER. She is already committed for college and she doesn't want her high school to over use her arm.
Last year I had a very talented shortstop (small D1 talent-wise) pitched for her high school team and actually got an all-state recognition, but her arm was shot for most of the summer. Another kid on my team tore her labrum playing for her high school coach and missed half of her freshman year at college due to the injury. The bad thing, once again, her had no prayer of going anywhere in the state tournament - why ride a kid so hard??? Likewise with 2 other players on our rosters - in risk of over-use for meaningless high school games.
In southwest Ohio there several high school programs that are fizzling out because of the apathy (or ignorance) of the high school coaches (I am sure Hitter23 will be on here to stir the pot with the Sam Kinnison meme encouraging me to "name names" ). The point is this: I am competitive guy and I like to win. Likewise I ask/demand my players treat their coaches (travel and high school) with respect. Respect is a 2 way street though and as adults we are called to protect and nurture our players above all else. Come on, let's be the best versions of ourselves.