I'm a Little League Coach Now

The title says it all... I've signed up to coach little league baseball! If all goes well (as of now, I have a veeery lean, meaning almost non-existant roster) I will have a group of 6-8 year old boys and girls to whip into shape this spring.

I'm picturing suicides for the rest of the team if one kid messes up, Full Metal Jacket style.


Joking, of course. I played baseball as a kid, softball on summer leagues and through college, and have taught also, so despite being really nervous, I'm also more excited about working with a group of kids (my own included) and focusing on having fun, fostering teamwork/cheering each other on, excercise/health, and practice/skills. I'm a little worried about batting line up etc and finding a balance between encouraging the less skilled players and giving the natural talents a place in the batting order where they can shine. It's coach pitch so I'm in charge of that, too

Honestly, this is me doing something that scares the crap out of me, which is one reason why I'm sure it's the way to go.

I completed the concussion training course on the CDC website today and am one step closer to my first season as coach.

Wanted to share the good news with my friends here. Any coaches on here?

a reply to: zosimov

The kids will be a blast, it is the crazy parents that should scare you.

a reply to: TheLieWeLive

I thought so much, too.


We've been with the league for several years and the crazy ones seems to be rare, but it's a legit fear, lol.

I might have some stories to tell on here

a reply to: zosimov

Good Luck...and have fun.

a reply to: zosimov

Congratulations!

An adventure it will be! Just don't go blaring your old cassette of 2live crew in the parking lot...

I kid , I kid,.

I actually did some coaching a couple decades ago,and found it very rewarding.

The most difficult part was dealing with over bearing parents who think there kid was destined for greatness..

The easiest part was the cpr cert .

Good luck Zozzy!

Respectfully,
~meathead

a reply to: zosimov

I coached softball for 12 years.
Start with the fundamentals.

Finding a good assistant is very helpful.

Good for you and good luck! We need more volunteer parents out there.

I have three kids three years apart. Oldest is a girl and two boys. I've coached or helped coach baseball, soccer, basketball, softball and track. Plus I am on the little league board for our town. It takes up a ton of time but ultimately it's lots of fun and I learn as much as the kids do.

a reply to: Bluntone22

Best advice in thread so far..

Fundamentals are, well, fundamental....

And yeah I was the assistant.. or the crazy parent blocker as the head coach called me...



Respectfully,
~meathead

a reply to: zosimov
Congratulations !!

You are paying it forward .

The rewards will be non-stop.

Its not just a Job its an Adventure !!!

Man. I envy you.

Have fun, you will be booking a lot of beautiful memories.

Great advice from everyone so far...
(Never coached, but have run a few games/practices when coach was out of town and was asst. coach for a couple baseball seasons in this league).
I'll bet it's in the next age bracket the competive parents really show up, cause so far I've only dealt w/ really nice parents. Could always get that one, though


Thanks, friends!

a reply to: one4all

Really exciting, right?

It's great hearing everyone's encouragement and enthusiasm!

originally posted by: Mike Stivic
a reply to: Bluntone22

Best advice in thread so far..

Fundamentals are, well, fundamental....

And yeah I was the assistant.. or the crazy parent blocker as the head coach called me...

Respectfully,
~meathead

Idk.. rolling up to the games bumpin 2 Live Crew was a close second.
Though in my case it's more likely to be Saigon or Cormega.

a reply to: zosimov

I’ve read the other comments and they are garbage.

Little league world series or bust!!!

That is one of my all time favorite series!

Don’t disappoint the children Zosimov

Down deep. They want it too

a reply to: TheAlleghenyGentleman

LOL! Do the 6-8 year olds even have a world series?!?

These are for sure career goals though, Gent. I have a very competitive streak and this is only the beginning.

I coach high school girls softball and it is very rewarding. The age group you are working with is great. They are going to get distracted and screw up, but if you do it right they just might have the time of their lives. Good luck!

a reply to: zosimov

Sweet! Eye on the prize. Love the enthusiasm!

Typically 10-12 year olds. But..... if you have a little Trout in there. Who knows. Sky is the limit.

I just moved to Raleigh so I now support the Durham bulls. Ordered my first t-shirt today. Exciting and excellent things are abound

a reply to: Metallicus

Girls softball is probably where I'd like to end up eventually.

Fun you're a highschool coach! I have great memories of all my coaches (went to 3 different high schools).

Thanks!!

a reply to: zosimov

Are you going to drink beer with them like a real little league coach I saw in the movies?

a reply to: zosimov

Congratulations Buttermaker

If you don't know the reference watch the first Bad News Bears movie with Walter Matthau it's a classic.

a reply to: AugustusMasonicus

I'm thinking no