As a player I measured success by if we won or lost. That was it, that was all that mattered to me. Growing up it was instilled in us that the team was what was important. Yes I wanted to go 4-4, but the goal was to win period. When I first started coaching I was the same way. The only thing that mattered was winning the game at hand. Over the years I have changed. Dont get me wrong I still want to win just as bad. But now I measure my personal success as a coach more on other factors. Such as do the young boys that come into the program leave as young men. Do we instill in them a love and respect for the game. Have we taught them life lessons through baseball that will help them be good husbands and fathers. Have we taught them through baseball how to attack a problem or weakness with dedication and hard work and not run from them. I could go on and on. How do you measure success and do you look beyond just the game?
For us it it not winning and losing although you sure as heck try your darndest at all times
For us success is hearing from the players regarding what colleges they are visiting; what colleges they got offers from and finally the acceptance academically and then subsequently showing upon the team as a contributor.
I located, by accident, a young man that I coach in youth basketball as an 11 year old who is now a Head Coach at a Divsion III program-- did I help him get there? I don't know but I would like to think I touched his life in some small way since he returned my call within 10 minutes of my leaving a message with his assistant.
Success to me comes in many ways one of which is the great satisfaction I receive in seeing players that I have been involved with in some manner , shape or form succeed.
TRhit
Posts: 19307 | Location: Manchester, CT USA | Registered: December 26, 2002
quote: How do you measure success and do you look beyond just the game?
The game of baseball is far down on the list compared to the "Game of Life". The most important thing to me is the success from childhood to adults for my children. The second most important is the relationship/bond developed trying to acheive the first goal. Everything else follows these two. Baseball is just a bump in the road/journey!
Knowledge is Power! Thank you Mavens and HSBBWEB!
Posts: 804 | Location: Vicksburg, MS | Registered: December 05, 2003
TR thats so true. I love seeing my boys down the road and seeing that they have achieved. I dont think there is anymore satifying feeling to know that you had a small part in it. Everytime one of our guys goes to College and plays ball its a thrill. Even if they dont play Im proud of them. I like going to the mall and seeing a guy that graduated a few years back and they run up to me and give me a hug and say "Hey Coach hows it going". Ive always said thats my real paycheck.
Having coached some Little League ball, it's always fun to run into one of those small boys, now full grown young men. Two of the sweetest sounding words . . . Hey Coach . . .
While I realize that I was never actually that good a coach -- I realize that I was part of a positive and enjoyable life experience for that young man. That's success.
By the way . . . we use to absolutely dominate our league . . . punctuated by one 41 game winning streak. That's success, too!
- Whoever said a walk was as good as a hit, couldn't hit.
Posts: 248 | Location: Nashville! | Registered: January 07, 2003
quote:Originally posted by PAmom: "Eye" like that! But "eye" just can't get used to your "eye." It's creepy!
Is this heaven?...
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Now, don't insult the "eye" he feels like you gave him a black "eye" even through it is a black and white "eye" He is trying to be an inclusive "eye" by showing that he is willing to look both "left and "right" to consider both sides of an issue. He is a fair "eye" without to much black or white, more a shades of gray "eye" ...kind of an ebullient "eye" that looks "right" through you into what you mean rather than what you say "eye"...ok he is just an "eye".
I read a story long ago about a coach who measured himself by how the "least talented" player on his team felt about him at the end of the season......granted, this was not at a select team level, but it gave me pause to wonder how many of those stories would be positive in this "win at all costs" world we live in...
eye.....I have some extra "eye patches" in my medicine cabinet...that might do the trick for PAmom..... its......good one! 1st and 3rd.....
______________________________ By the time you learn how to play the game... You can't play it anymore ~ Frank Howard
Posts: 2525 | Location: Northeast | Registered: December 31, 2002
