Managers

Now is the time when our board reviews our sign up lists and determines manager prospects. My first thought is always, why in the world would someone want to do this? Or if we are looking at a new prospect, do they really know what they are getting into? This, comes from someone who, by my last count, managed 17 teams.

A manager must be a glutton for punishment. They have to be a sounding board for parents who think their kid is the next great major leaguer. They have to have organization skills to take care of picture day, uniforms and scheduling. They have to be a promoter for such events as Monte Carlo Night, Opening Day, All Star games and tournaments. They have to be a disciplinarian when dealing with unruly kids who want to run the team. They have to have the patience of Jobe to deal with parents who think they know how to run your team. Why? Why put up with all this?

Because it is one of the most rewarding experiences you could have in a lifetime! Not just winning. If you win, great! It is about taking the enormous responsibility of molding a child’s brain into a positive mind set. What?!?! Sports, is a microcosm of life. It is a privilege to have the platform to teach kids how to win with humility and lose with dignity. To understand teamwork is more than just playing with your friends, it is playing with kids you may not particularly like in school, but have to root for on the field. It is about teaching that if you do not give your best effort, you are cheating your teammates. When Bobby steals second base, what is more important a few days later, was he out or how did he handle being called out?

Managing a team is a privilege accepted by men and women who should be blessed with support, encouragement and a little bit of sympathy.