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