Advertisement

Don’t take my word on it (Part 2 of 3)

Tony Altobelli

Hi, again.

For those just tuning in, I vented on Tuesday about what’s going on in

the world of youth baseball and I jumped on my soapbox rather proudly

with my opinions.

But what do I know? I’m just another pretty face that can type pretty

well.

Let’s hear what some local prep coaches around the area have to say

about youth baseball’s current condition, both good and bad.

But before I do, keep in mind that these problems are in no way the

total reflection of youth baseball. Actually, about 95% of all players,

parents and coaches are great and a great example to the game. But, it’s

that other 5% that people remember and it’s that 5% that make the news.

With that said, play ball, coaches.

“Sometimes, it’s the situation of a parent trying to live through

their children’s lives,” Corona del Mar High Coach John Emme said. “They

tried to make it to the big leagues, they didn’t make, so they do

everything in their power to get their kid there. But it’s not just the

parents. A lot has to do with the coaches. Not just youth baseball, there

are high school and college coaches who I think don’t belong teaching

kids anything. Where does it end?”

Emme grew up playing baseball in Glendale. Back then, there were 12

different leagues where players of all levels could play and get the

attention they need. “Now, it’s down to one league,” he said. “It’s so

specialized these days and there’s so many personal coaches and tutors

and year-round programs. I think it takes away from the fun of the game

and it actually becomes work. It should never get that far.”

Estancia High Coach Doug Deats grew up locally and played youth

baseball in the Harbor Area Baseball program.

“There never was an emphasis on winning at the younger levels,” Deats

said. “There was a coach that taught both teams, there was equal

instruction going on, we played in T-shirts and jeans on the grass fields

of TeWinkle Park and we had a blast. I think that some things should be

kept simple.”

Deats contends that even though the game had a less professional look

than what is played today, the game was still taught the same and the

quality of the play was just as good.

“I remember thinking how much better I could have been if I played in

Huntington Beach Little League or other better-looking programs,” Deats

said. “But I don’t think it’s that big a difference. The quality of the

coaching was just as good as the other programs. Look at CdM. They won a

CIF title in 1981, while Estancia was very strong in the late ‘80s and

all of those kids played Harbor Area Baseball. They obviously learned how

to play the game pretty well.”

Newport Harbor High Coach Jim Kiefer has some ideas on what needs to

be done on the adults’ side to help the game.

“I think kids need more respect for the game,” he said. “Baseball is

about dealing with adversity and working as a team to try to overcome

these adversities. We, as adults, should be ambassadors of the game.

Teach the kids the history of the game and that it’s OK to want to win

and to be competitive, but to do it the right way. Keep the game simple

at a young age and teach them to appreciate what they have at each

level.”

One thing all coaches in all sports agree is important and that’s

respect from the players to, not only the coaches, but the game itself.

One concerned Newport Beach parent, who wished to remain anonymous,

sees that as the biggest reason for the isolated problems.

“Ground rules have to be established and anyone that does not adhere

to the rules will be reprimanded,” the parent said. “Even if it’s the

‘star’ player and benching that player might be costly to the outcome of

the game. I think that lesson is more important than any game. Plus, if a

coach follows through like that, you can bet that all the other players

will follow the rules the rest of the season.”

These were just some of the points expressed by concerned members of

the community. Once again, only a small handful of players, coaches and

parents are causing these issues to even be mentioned. I know it’s much

worse in other areas.

Let’s learn from the jerks around the country who are disgracing their

community and embarrassing their families by beating up umpires and

killing rival parents.

If we don’t, it’s only going to get worse.

Advertisement