Dear Coach, Please be my role model

It doesn't matter if you're coaching tee ball, minors, major, high school or at the college level, you're probably the most important role model that your players have during the season. Players are going to look to you not only for guidance and instruction, but they will be watching and listening to how you react to every situation.  They will notice your demeanor as the umpire makes a questionable call on the field or a parent makes a inappropriate remark. A coach can be one of the most influential people in a young players life, now and as they develop into adults.

Many players and former players attribute a large portion of their success in life to the things they learned on the baseball field and from a few great coaches. I was very fortunate to have several mentors during my athletic career and recall all the important lessons and the roles they served.  They were the ones that taught me teamwork, perseverance, work ethic and having a positive attitude. Skills that not only helped them on the baseball field but helped them in life. 


Lastly, many coaches think only of the present year and time but they can help instill a love for the game that can last a lifetime. Good coaches can keep players interested in continuing to participate from year to year and coming back for more.  Collectively, these define my views of a role model and why we, as coaches, exist.