10 Reasons Dad May Not Want to Coach a Youth Baseball Team

Another academic year is upon us and with it comes the joy of youth sports in schools and communities across the country. I personally volunteer on the football coaching staff at a high school here in Baton Rouge. Having observed the impact that adults can have on young athletes, I thought I would share a guest article about coaching kids, shared with me by Barbara Williams of Find a Babysitter.

This piece is a tad out of season, focused on coaching baseball as opposed to football or basketball, but the same principles apply. If you are a parent, consider the following before you step up to coach your child's youth sports team. The original article can be found on the blog at http://www.findababysitter.org.



It’s a simple dream that many dads across the country have: to coach their child’s little league team. But is it the right idea for you?

Before you take on the responsibilities that come with being a team coach, it’s best to reflect on what is best for you and your child. It might be coaching, but if it’s not, you might fall into the following categories.

1. Being Careful with Favoritism – Showing your kid too much love and attention over the other kids on the team could cause some friction. While it would be easy to focus all of your energy on your own child, you want to also consider the feelings of the other children on the team.
2. Too much pressure put on the kid – Being both dad and a coach could apply some unwanted pressure on your child. Your expectations as the hybrid dad-coach for your own child might be higher than what is expected from other team members. Unwanted pressure from a parent could cause strain in the relationship.
3. Too much pressure on the dad – The pressure to win and get the kids to have fun might be a little too much for some dads. There is also team planning, practices and games they have to prepare for, and some dads might not have that time outside of their jobs.
4. Dad might not be a good coach – Dad might be stepping into a world that he has little to no knowledge of. His understanding of the sport might not be up to the level of other dads and coaches, so it might be wise to pass the torch to someone else. It’s alright to be one of the team assistants on the first go-round.
5. Might be too harsh on your own kid – If your kid makes a mistake in the game or during practice, there is a chance you might come down a little too hard on your kid. Expectations might be higher for your own kid, and as a coach, you would have to fight the discipline urges.
6. Jealousy – The flip side of being too harsh on your own kid is giving the kid more attention and praise than other members of the team. It can lead to jealousy among the team when it came to playing time.
7. Might cause friction with other team parents – Team parents for a youth squad get a unique bonding opportunity. They get to watch kids grow and play together, but if you are the dad and coach, it could cause problems with fellow parents. Some parents may believe they have a better idea of how the team should be run, and that could lead to friction.
8. Siblings might be jealous that dad coaches their team – If you are the dad of multiple children, be careful of a little sibling rivalry. Younger children might not fully grasp why you are coaching the team and not focusing your attention with them. If you do decide to coach, it might be best to put in some coaching time with the other kids to balance everything out.
9. Dad might be a bad sport – There is a chance that the dad could just be a bad sport somewhere deep down. Competitive juices could rise up and lead to friction among the team and other team parents. If there is a tendency that dad is a bad sport, maybe it is best that he not coach the team.
10. Miss out on watching own child play – One of the great joys of being a parent of a sporting child is watching that child play and grow within the game. As a coach, you might struggle with staying objective and keeping your emotions in check. Watching from the stands will give fathers the chance to enjoy their child’s play and not worry about the pressures of coaching.

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Conversation with Tennessee Assistant Coach Jon Harris

The high school I cover, Madison Prep Academy, advanced to the Louisiana High School Athletic Association semifinal round with a thrilling win over Hornbeck High School on Tuesday night. Jarell Martin, Madison Prep’s star player, had a few eyes upon him in the audience. While Tennessee assistant John Harris is not permitted, by NCAA rules, to discuss recruiting, I doubt his wife was out of town, there was nothing on TV, and he decided to drop in to Baton Rouge to watch a little high school basketball.

I had an opportunity to speak with Coach Harris, whose Volunteers play LSU in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center tonight. I stuck to questions about Tennessee and the SEC so nobody would get into trouble! Here is what he had to say.

Tennessee Assistant Coach Jon Harris 1

The Daily Hat Trick (TDHT): I am here with University of Tennessee Assistant Coach Jon Harris. Coach, thank you for visiting (and) looking at these fine students in Louisiana here tonight. I know you guys have LSU tomorrow at the PMAC. Big game…. Tell me what’s going through the minds of the Tennessee players right now as you guys are battling really hard for positioning in the (SEC) Tournament.

Jon Harris: We’re just trying to stay the course, man. Taking this thing…one game at a time. LSU is playing some really good basketball right now.

TDHT: You guys had some ups and downs this year. A while ago, people in Baton Rouge (sports media) were saying (that LSU could) write this Tennessee game off as a loss. And now, with the run they’ve made lately, it looks like it’s going to be a real battle. What do you think are going to be the keys for your team in tomorrow’s game?

Harris: You know, again, just staying consistent, man. Playing together…playing our defense…working the ball around trying to control the tempo.

TDHT: In the SEC, who do you think, besides the obvious, Kentucky, are going to be the other real threats to the Vols in the SEC Tournament?

Harris: (scoffs) We’re fighting for our lives, man. You know, like I said, taking this thing one game at a time. Every game in this league is going to be a dogfight.

TDHT: After what happened to (fellow SEC school) Alabama last year, going 12-4 in the league (and being excluded from the NCAA Tournament), would it be fair to say that you guys are feeling a little “bubbly” right now?

Harris: You know, again, that’s something that’s out of our control, man. We’re just trying to do what we can control and play our game and win the games we can win and see what happens.

TDHT: I appreciate you coming down to visit and I hope that you enjoyed your stay here and this game tonight.

Harris: Appreciate it.


I have had the privilege of meeting a number of coaches in major college basketball while covering Madison Prep Academy. Some coaches are very open and willing to talk basketball. Some keep their thoughts closer to the vest. I respect that. They have a job to do and their programs should come first.

Coach Harris clearly kept his thoughts close to the vest. But what he did reveal through his tone of voice, body language, and verbiage is that his Volunteers, while talented, were streaky and as a result of the losing portions of those streaks, his team has its back against the wall for an NCAA Tournament berth. Every game, including tomorrow’s game against my LSU Tigers, will be critical to Tennessee’s survival into March. The Daily Hat Trick is very appreciative for Coach Harris’ time and interest in our athletes here in Louisiana.

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Conversation with Jarell Martin – Gatorade Player of the Year Nominee, Louisiana

With the Louisiana High School Athletic Association boys basketball playoffs starting today, I thought it would be fitting to discuss some high school hoops action. I have the privilege of covering the athletic program of Madison Prep Academy in Baton Rouge Louisiana. Their boys basketball team is enjoying a very special season, having won its first ever District 8-B championship.

This special team also has a special player, Jarell Martin. Martin, a 6’7” junior is one of ESPNU’s top 20 among their Super 60 of the class of 2013. Martin was recently nominated for Gatorade Player of the Year in Louisiana.

The Gatorade Player of the Year award recognizes athletic excellence, academic achievement, and exemplary character among high school athletes. Gatorade acknowledges an athlete in each category of sport in every state. Ultimately, a National Player of the Year is chosen.

I had a conversation with Jarell Martin about his nomination for this prestigious award. Coincidentally, his nomination was announced on the same day that Madison Prep clinched its district title with a win at home over Centerville High School.

Jarell Martin dunks against Baton Rouge area basketball powerhouse Glen Oaks. 1

The Daily Hat Trick: Jarell, first of all, you had an outstanding game tonight, a double-double (for points and rebounds). (Madison Prepatory High School Boys Basketball Head) Coach (Jeff Jones) informed me before the game that you were nominated for the Gatorade Player of the Year Award. What does that entail?

Jarell Martin: It’s a state thing, (competing with) the top players in the state.

TDHT: I also saw, according to the ESPN rankings for the class of 2013, you are currently ranked number 20. So you are really climbing up the ladder very quickly. Have you found that the interest from recruiters has increased throughout the year?

Martin: Yes, sir. College coaches come in and talk to me (and) talk to my coach. I’m enjoying it right now!

TDHT: Who has called on you so far?

Martin: Louisville, Mississippi State, Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma State…they’re the ones who have been calling lately. There have been plenty more who have been calling my coaches.

TDHT: Can you tell me who is in your top three or four? Who looks most favorable, so far?

Martin: I haven’t really been looking into it this year, really taking the time right now. I’ll wait until next year to start looking at colleges.

TDHT: What are you looking for in a college? What is most important to you?

Martin: Their style of play.

TDHT: Is geography or any part of the country important? Weather...or academic programs offered…do any of those factor in or is it mainly style of play is that the big driver?

Martin: Mainly style of play…the coaching staff. I look into the players they’ve got on their team who play my position.

TDHT: And you are currently listed as a small forward, is that right?

Martin:  Yes, sir.

TDHT: Is that where you think you’ll be in college?

Martin: Yes, sir.

TDHT: Alright. Well, keep up the good work. You’re doing everybody proud!

As you can gather from the preceding transcript, Martin is a humble young man who appears to be taking a lot of positive publicity in stride. His grounded demeanor is going to go a long way with college coaches and scouts. It has been a pleasure to watch him and his teammates develop and achieve this season. Hopefully, the run will extend all the way to a championship banner. Regardless, the college that eventually lands Martin will pick up a true asset to any major college program.

Jarell is a quiet kid, but he can play with a little flare when he wants to! 2

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Conversation with Coach Rick Pitino

Last month, the high school whose basketball games I cover, Madison Prep Academy, played a road game at Lafayette, Louisiana against Lafayette Christian Academy (audio from the game can be heard at the Louisiana All American Sports on USTREAM). That evening, Louisville Head Men’s Basketball Coach Rick Pitino was in the audience, scouting Madison Prep center Jarell Martin (ranked in ESPN’s top 20 prospects of the class of 2013). I had the opportunity and privilege to speak with Coach Pitino after the game. The following is a transcript of our interview.

Louisville Head Coach Rick Pitino 1

The Daily Hat Trick (TDHT): We have special guests visit us often, but this is, far and away, the most special guest of my short broadcasting career. I am here with…1996 National Champion, 1997 (NCAA) runner up…2005 Final Four participant and 1992 Elite Eight finalist…future Hall of Fame, Louisville Head Coach Rick Pitino. Coach, thank you for coming down to Louisiana tonight. First of all, how are things up in Louisville?

Coach Rick Pitino: Everything’s great. We’re 17-5. The Big East is a tough league this year. There’s no bottom to it, not as great at the top, but extremely competitive.

TDHT: I see that you have Georgetown, Connecticut, Syracuse, Marquette, everybody looks really tough this year. How are the Cardinals?

Pitino: You know, we’ve been injured this year, but even with that, we started out 12-0, beat some good teams. Vanderbilt was good, Long Beach State was very good. We weren’t as good as the 12-0 record and, certainly, we’ve reached a little bit of a lull, where we lost four out of five. But now we’ve won the last three in a row.

TDHT: Do you think that, this year, that the Big East is so loaded that you can have (a team) like Connecticut, last year, (who) was the ninth place team in the Big East in the regular season and they ran through (the NCAA Tournament). Do you think the Big East has that kind of muscle this year?

Pitino: I don’t. I think Syracuse is the real deal. They could win the National Championship. They’re probably the only team that would give Kentucky, in terms of a style of play with that zone, problems. I don’t see anybody beating Kentucky, unless (Anthony) Davis is on the bench. Now, on a given night, anybody can get beat, but you’re talking about the number one player in the draft and he changes the game with his length.

TDHT: He is a special young man. I actually saw him down here this weekend at LSU and I wanted to ask you, with Kentucky there and that being the long time team you coached…with them being a cross-state rival, you must keep up with them. What do you think about them right now?

Anthony Davis of Kentucky 3

Pitino: They’ve got the best talent in the game. You’re talking about five draft choices of a year ago. This year, they’re probably going to have three go in the lottery. So, they’re always going to be there. That’s the way they recruit. We’re a different program. We like to develop our talent to keep them around for a while. That’s their signature and we’ve got a different type of signature. They’re both successful.

TDHT: It has been an honor and a privilege to chat with you. Thank you every much for your time.

     

 

Besides knowing how to dress (check out that suit) Pitino knows how to find talent. He found Dominican born Edgar Sosa (left), who became a standout at Louisville and now plays professionally. 2

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G.O.A.T. (The first edition in a series about greatness in sports)

“G.O.A.T.”….Greatest Of All Time. What does it mean, exactly? What standard should be used in each sport to determine greatness? How much do team success like wins and championships factor into greatness? How much should one era of a sport be credited or discounted over a past or later era of a sport? Should different periods of time even be compared?

This topic reached my wheelhouse this past weekend when a group of college buddies, with whom I regularly discuss all manners of sports, began discussing the legacy of Paul Pierce, in light of Pierce surpassing Larry Bird as the Celtics second all-time leading scorer. This mushroomed, as it often does, into a discussion over the greatest player of all time and who was greater than whom.

This chain of discussions among this circle of friends has taken place for as long as we have all been regularly using email (more than 10 years). The basketball topic always starts some time shortly after the Super Bowl and will drag, sometimes (it feels like) in the same email thread, until after the NBA Finals. What never ceases to amaze me is how distinct, yet predictable, personalities emerge in these discussions.

I am not going to sell you my case for Michael Jordan being the G.O.A.T., not today. In fact, I am not even going to suggest reasons a certain standard, blending multiple measures of achievement. Today, I am going to discuss the lighter side of greatness in sports: the types of people (usually guys) you will inevitably encounter when discussing greatness.


“COUNT THE RINGS” GUY

It is impossible to have a discussion about individual greatness with five or more people without one or more pointing to a player’s skins on the wall as a talking point, if not a closing argument. If you don’t see that guy, it might be you! Count the Rings Guy can be a difficult debate opponent if you disagree with the relative accolades of the person he is promoting. After all, the ultimate goal of playing any competitive sport is to win and, ultimately, win a championship.

This guy has his strengths and weaknesses. Counting championship rings in a sports debate is like using salt or pepper: it can make a meal taste better, but you cannot eat it by itself. If the argument is properly framed, even in a team sport, it can be compelling and difficult to rebut.

Too often, however, this guy falls down the rabbit hole of prefacing and hinging his entire case upon the quantity of championships won by an individual player. If you can trap this guy into that argument, simply counter that reserve center Will Perdue of the Chicago Bulls has three championship rings. If “rings” is all this guy has, the discussion is over.

Bill Russell: G.O.A.T.? 1

“RINGS DON’T COUNT” GUY

This is the antithesis of Ring Guy. He will, correctly, point out that team sports are about more than one individual player. What this guy fails (or refuses) to acknowledge is that great players are the anchors on championship team. Championships won are an output of a great player’s career.

This guy has a strong position when discussing the relative greatness of marginal and role players, guys who were “good” or “key” to winning a championship, but not Hall of Fame players. When discussing true all time greats, particularly those with similar skill sets, winning and losing, particularly in the postseason and especially at the end of the postseason, is one of the few differentiators available to separate one great player’s resume from that of another.

When this guy gets on a roll, ask him who he thinks the five greatest players or coaches are in whatever category you are debating. Only a contrarian could name that many people without any championships, in which case you are talking to a brick wall and should not engage this person. When they name people who won championships, simply press this person to eliminate the championship winners and replace them with non-winners. It is always harder to refute a negative (like championships not mattering) than a positive, but it will throw a speed bump in this guy’s path.

Dan Marino: Zero rings, G.O.A.T.? 2

“HE WOULDN’T SURVIVE IN THE MODERN GAME” GUY (OR “HE WOULDN’T HAVE SURVIVED BACK THEN” GUY)

This is the guy who discounts the accomplishments of great players from the past because their physical dimensions, collectively, are smaller, weaker, and slower than their present-day counterparts. This is a person who will frequently use the words “would, could, and should”. This guy sometimes takes the opposite point of view because, for example, sports were less regulated. But often the bias is one toward the present day. He will argue you in circles if you fall into his trap.

This is one of the weakest debaters. He will not engage you in what actually happened on the field of play but, instead, drown you in hypotheticals of what would have happened. Pointing out that, in professional sports, the talent was more concentrated in the past because there were fewer teams in existence (hence the fraternity of pro athletes was more exclusive) is a waste of time. He will discount any groundbreaking achievements of athletes from the past and ignore the relative dominance of that person at that time. Since there is no real world DeLorean with a Flux Capacitor, which makes time travel possible, the comparison holds no merit because a direct, head-to-head competition between the athletes in question is not possible.

If you are in a debate with several people and this guy does not introduce a different angle, stop acknowledging him and address the talking points of the others. If you are debating this person, one-on-one, just cede the discussion to him or pick a similar era player because you will not get this person to budge, ever.

Jim Brown (Hall of Fame): that bum would be a bust in "the modern game"! 3

“HE WOULD HAVE DOMINATED IF HE PLAYED BACK THEN” GUY (OR “HE WOULD HAVE DOMINATED THESE NEW GUYS” GUY)

This is often the same guy as “He Wouldn’t Survive Today” Guy. If so, point out that if said athlete played back then, that his achievements should be discounted because he wouldn’t have been playing in the modern era. End of discussion. If this person’s bias only runs one way, suggesting that modern athletes would have dominated in the past, take the same approach out lined for “He Wouldn’t Survive Today” Guy. You’ll never win.

Bear Bryant: His legacy spawned off generations of this type of guy in Alabama. 4

“I AM SMARTER THAN YOU” GUY

There is always a guy who has been everywhere and seen everything. Because he has, his opinion is worth more than yours and he will tell you so. If you are debating this guy in an online chat room or fan forum, a simple “fuck you,” followed by moving on to another topic will suffice. If you are debating personal friends and acquaintances, more tact is in order.

Complete tool 6

The best way to handle this guy, should you choose to do so, is to keep him on topic. “I am smarter than you,” is a distraction technique. It’s irrelevant. The topic is sports, not who had the better ACT score. Force his hand and make him defend his statement, if he is so smart.

This guy is abrasive, by the very fact he would suggest he knows more than you (often without knowing what you do or don’t know) and you can expect some tense, heated moments with him. But we are MEN. We usually cannot let a guy earn stripes at our expense in a sports discussion!

There's always one. He knows it all, except how to get a girl! 5

“I AM OLDER THAN YOU” GUY

"Joe Louis was 137 years old!" 7

This is the guy who has a few years on you or the group and his method of propelling his argument and discounting yours is the fact that he saw certain players play and certain events when the activity took place. Like a lot of debating styles, this guy has strengths and weaknesses.

When evaluating a cultural or societal response to an athlete, this person’s opinion, in a vacuum, does hold more weight than a person who did not see and experience a certain performance with comprehension and maturity. This guy, however, thinks that “more weight” means his opinion is the only one that counts. Two-hundred-ten pounds is more than 200 pounds, but it is not a monumental difference. A better informed younger person, for example, is more credible than an ignorant person who watched events unfold without seeing the bigger picture.

Likewise, he thinks that because he saw an athlete from a past era play in person or on live television and you didn’t, he knows more than you about the athlete and any topic involving that athlete as a whole. Again, there is some merit to that point, but it does not give Old Guy carte blanche to dominate the discussion with questionable, stretching-reality opinions. Someone who watched Kiki Wandeweghe play in the 1990s can argue with an 18 year old that Kiki was a better player than LeBron James, but nobody is listening, not even Kiki.

Kiki Vandeweghe: last name, "Ever", first name, "Greatest"? 9

STATS GUY

12

There is always one like this in every discussion. This is often one of the stronger debaters because Stats Guy is backing up his argument with facts. However, there are lies, damned lies, and statistics. This guy, too often, can get caught up in the minutia of numbers while ignoring the eyes test and not analyzing what the numbers are actually telling us.

This guy can be a tough sell. You can talk all day about what “could have” “should have” and “would have” happened until you are blue in the face. The scoreboard is the final arbiter in any athletic contest. This guy, however, often tries to propel a weaker argument by manipulating the numbers and trying to convince the group that the numbers are saying more or less than they really are.

Knowledge is power. The only way to beat this guy is to know some stats of your own and either directly rebut Stats Guy or manipulate some numbers of your own to put him back on his heels. Remember that Daunte Culpepper had the seventh best single season QB rating in NFL history. He will not be fitted for a crème colored jacket or a have a bust in Canton, Ohio one day.

"He whipped Joe Louis' ass!" 8

STATS DON’T COUNT GUY

This is the guy who often doesn’t want to listen to facts or reason if you support your argument with statistics. This is not the antithesis of Stats Guy. Stats Guy goes through analysis paralysis with numbers, but at least is dealing with irrefutable, objective facts. Stats Don’t Count Guy is throwing critical thinking to the wind. His entire position is, often, “That isn’t how I see it.” Try to steer this guy into backing up his claims and comparisons with something of substance. If that does not happen, do not bother engaging this guy. It is his way or the highway.

This guy isn't hearing or seeing your point. 10

“I PLAYED THE GAME” GUY

All Pro? More like, "All JV".  13

This is another example of a person whose life experience does, in fact, add to his credibility. This guy played the sport in question in an organized manner and (presumably) for an extended period of time and (presumably) you did not if he plays the “I played the game,” card. When that card is played, you had better have a strong position, know what you are talking about, and be able to back it up. Because this guy did, in fact, play and you didn’t.

Often, the only weakness this guy exhibits is when he tries to extend his credibility further than he is entitled to. A four year letterman on his high school football team, who did not play in college, probably can spot a flawed fundamental blocking or tackling technique, at any level, that you cannot identify if you never played at that level. He has very little credibility over you in discussing the degree of difficulty of executing a punt return in the NFL. Put this guy in his place when he steps out of place.

The female counterparts to the dudes still reliving their high school glory in sports debates. 11

I’M THAT TYPE OF GUY

I hope you enjoyed this light hearted piece on different kinds of sports debate guys. Chances are you have encountered every last one of these guys and see some of these guy in yourself. Or maybe you said, “Hey…that’s ME he talking about!” The Hat Trick will look into some more angles of evaluating greatness in sports. I hope that this opening salvo lightened the mood before we get into some more meat and potatoes discussion in future editions.

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The Daily Hat Trick is sponsored by Sports N Stuff. For great deals on jerseys, shirts, cologne, and other guy stuff, visit http://www.sportsnstuff.biz/.


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