News of the postponement and possible cancellation of the National Little League Baseball season struck a chord with me. It appears the biggest strike three being thrown at the Jerry Hale Field on Hillside and Cook took place without ever stepping on the ball field. Misfortune has taken the bat right out of players’ hands from a pitch no one saw coming. No fault of anyone. Sad and very difficult news to accept for such a highly anticipated event in young players’ lives. One can imagine the challenging discussions coaches and parents will have trying to convey meaning to what has taken place. This crisis extends beyond the boundaries of the ballpark; it has drastically affected our community, province, country and the world in which we live.
“A sacrifice bunt on the field is similar to the sacrifice you are experiencing now. You are giving up something of yourself for the safety of the greater good.”
Acknowledging the emptiness and disappointment is an important and meaningful way to hear and learn the concerns of our young players. We recognize we are in a drastically changed world where shutdowns are widespread. It may not make it easier, but players can have solace in knowing they are not alone. Dealing with disappointment takes courage and a responsible attitude. It can bring understanding, peace of mind and alleviate confusion. There is always a take-away. One conversational approach might be to make it relevant to the sport the players enjoy. Some of my thoughts as to how that conversation might go with young players……..
“Playing the sport you love gave you a chance to embrace being part of a team and learn what that means in terms of building character, trust and relationships. You have learned what it means to have a common goal with others and strive in every way to meet success. While striving for success, you encountered setbacks and losses. You learned to regroup, wait for the next opportunity and believe in yourself as an athlete. A sacrifice bunt on the field is similar to the sacrifice you are experiencing now. You are giving up something of yourself for the safety of the greater good. It’s a team approach; you receive instructions and execute the team wishes the best way you know how. Being an athlete is as much about what you do on the field as what you do away from the park. If you look hard enough, you can see how baseball has taught you skills you can transfer to your community.
It may feel like the end, but it is not. An athlete’s character is defined by how he/she handles adversity. How they take responsibility to adjust, refine and improve as a person are true benchmarks of the depth of an athlete. Skills and talent are only part of the equation of a person; sports is only part of the balancing act in life. It is important to learn from what sports has offered, besides the final score. You could not really prepare yourself for this curve ball thrown your way, but another chance to step up to the plate will come. When it does, dust yourselves off, re-grip the bat, and dig in like you normally would and prepare for the next pitch. You are all going to be okay; support each other and that support will provide comfort and hope.
– Coach Joe Cardle