A disturbing trend is being shared with me on a daily basis from Little League up through High Schools and Colleges into the Major Leagues. This trend is all about behavior in the games by players, umpires, coaches and fans. I must admit that a lot of the time I am left shaking my head and wondering how the hell is this happening. I see kids doing all kinds of celebrations, as they would call them. I see umpires who have no business being umpires. I see parents who are just simply put out of control, before, during and after games. And worst of all I see coaches who put up with and condone this behavior watching it over and over and never issuing any consequences for how their players and parents act. First off, I have to let you know that I played HS from 1979-1982, College from 82-84 and pro from 84-87. I have also coached baseball collegiately, high school and elite teams for over 30 years. Let me say that in 30 years there has never been a player who played for me that has not gotten severe consequences for their behavior. Parents, you were put in your place for stupid activity and umpires. Hmmmm this is tough since I was taught from the young age of 4 years old that you respect umpires and their calls. Let me state that there has not been a player of mine who disrespects the game, opponents or umpires that has not gotten spoken to and read the riot act about disrespecting the game, degrading the opponent or showing up an umpire who they believe made a bad call against them. People who know me really well can tell you I will take care of the umpire as a coach. Yes, I have been tossed and yes this is where I get my money's worth for the team and our fans. I don't need any help in pointing this out and it is my job to be the voice and the person who sets the standard for my organization that I am in charge of. I have instructed all of my teams and staff that they will conduct themselves professionally at all times and all situations.
Let's get into what gets shared and also what I see. I see Little League kids arguing with umpires and also acting the fool after hitting a HR or striking a batter out. Are you serious ? Who the hell are you as a 12 year old to make the game a joke. What did you lose, your trip for ice cream. Major League players who have worked their whole lives to get there and play for multimillion dollar contracts and also for a ring worth 100 thousand dollars declaring them the best team in the world that year still should not go after umpires the way they do. I see kids doing celebration hijinks and pitchers doing crazy pointing and screaming at hitters. God bless you all. If I was on the mound and you showed me up when hitting a bomb, flipping your bat towards me, standing there for 10 seconds then staring me down I was taught that there were certain things that take care of that if you get my drift. Never when I hit a dinger did I think one thing about showing up the opposing pitcher or his team by doing some stupid antics that made me look like an ass.
Coaches, we need to teach better and have better norms. We are sending to many good and also average and below average kids t the next age group with the wrong message.
Respect The Game, Respect Your Opponent and Handle Yourself as a Professional in Every Way.
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