This is something all together different than anything I have ever experienced before, the end of a season as a coach.
I played baseball for over 22 years. 4 in HS, 4 at UIC, and 4 more professionally, but nothing compares to the emptiness that I have experienced since the last out of this summer (which happened Thursday night down at East Cobb).
Wins and losses mean nothing at this point. I would give anything to get back on the field with that group just one more time.
It's amazing how close you become as a group when you go to battle together 10, 20, 30, 40 times a year. I watched a lot of these kids grow up and learn a lot about life right before my eyes.
I have yet to experience the miracle of having a child of my own, so I can only imagine the connection that parents feel to their kids. Because I would do anything for the 20 boys that put on a uniform for me this summer.
My hope is that all of us (coaches, parents, and players) take a second to sit back and reflect upon this whole season and just smile. Forget about the stats, the records, the trophies . . . and remember the moments.
Keep it in perspective, it's just a game, one that we all love!
Can't wait for 2009!
Posts: 40 | Location: Wheeling, IL | Registered: April 04, 2008
I know exactly what you mean...and everything you said is right on. Nothing like watching teams come together. It's always a let down when things draw to a close.
Posts: 100 | Location: Illinois | Registered: August 05, 2005
I do have some of the same feelings. This may have been one of the youngest groups we had on the Indians and it was so fun to watch the new guys and veterans come together and really buy into what we preach and how we play the game. It really took a few weeks to realize how young we were because we do have guys that have been with us for 6-10 years, but after that we did have a lot of 18 and 19 year olds. It was the most fun I have ever had coaching and I am so proud of the group we have they battled all year and again bought into our way of playing
We were able to extend our season by winning the AABC State Tournament and now we head to Battle Creek Michigan for the next level.
It is good to see that there are coaches that truly realize what this is about.....
