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For the Love of the Game....

I feel like I am growing into an “old-timer” already. Only 35, getting ready to be 36 and I am starting to say things on almost a daily basis like, “They don’t make ‘em like the used to.” And, “Players today are not like they used to be.” And the number one old timer line, “Back when I played……” Get my drift? But, I am going to defend the “old-timers” of this world, because, it is the game of baseball that “old-timers” are trying to preserve. The game of baseball has changed and I think all of us can agree with that. I think for the game to be preserved, it is going to take us young, “old-timers” to make an effort to do so. Because, this new generation of ballplayer will be the ones taking the game to the next generation, can you imagine?

The players that I grew up playing with, loved the game. The players that I grew up playing with and against in Miami, many of which are still star players in the major leagues right now, played the game with passion. Even the players who were not the most talented, were not the front line guys, still loved to play and had a genuine desire to have the spikes on at all times. Today, you don’t see this enough. For the love of the game.

Yesterday, I had a private lesson with a young man about 10. This kid was so excited to be able to practice and learn something about baseball. It was refreshing. He didn’t care about what uniform he had on, or what AAU team he was playing for. He just wanted to learn how to become a better baseball player. This little boy’s passion and love for the game was contagious. He is not the most talented kid I have seen. But, he was able to learn and apply information, and because he loves, respects and has passion for the game, it was exciting for him to hit the ball a little harder and more consistent. And, be able to throw the ball a little harder with more command. For the love of the game.

I think players today love baseball. I think they like watching college and professional games and they dream about playing there one day, just like players of my generation and those before. However, we are breeding players who don’t seem to understand that it takes a commitment, desire, dedication, and work, to become a good baseball player, at any level! I am not sure if we the parents, in our desire to be on winning teams at the youth level, have somehow forgotten to instill this in our kids. I am not sure what the answer is to be honest. I just know, we don’t see enough players exemplifying true love and passion for the game.

Maybe we burn them out. Too many games? Too many tournaments? Too much baseball? Too many summer teams, too many private lessons, too many camps, too many workouts after school, too many showcases??? Are we trying to win or be the best so badly that we are treating our amateurs like professionals in their workload? Are we not letting kids be kids? I am all for working hard, and putting your time in to be successful, don’t get me wrong. But the love and passion for the game of baseball is being lost in the youth because we put too much pressure on these young men. We expect too much. For the love of the game?

I remember being in AAA with the Richmond Braves in 2005, the last year I played. I was in my 11th year as a professional, had a wife and two kids and I was playing for one more shot at the big leagues. The game started to change for me. I was becoming anxious at the thought of playing. For the first time in my career, the game turned into a job and it wasn’t fun anymore. This happens to all of us at some point in pro ball. The problem with baseball today, is that high school players all over the place can now tell you the same story. And more and more will. Which, is a shame. Something needs to change, but unfortuneately, it will not. High School programs act like they are in college. And even the good players, who do have passion, are becomeing passionate about the wrong things. Schlorsihips, signing bonuses, card contracts….For the love of the game?

I am off my soapbox for now. I have got to go prepare for the most challenging coaching job of my young career. 5 & 6 year old Flag Football. If you have any tips, let me know........

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Comment by Kyle Grucci on January 20, 2009 at 2:06pm
Nice Post, Andy. Being a parent and coach of youth sports myself, I see this happening on a daily basis. I too am for hard work and dedication to get better and ultimately excel. However, today it seems like the kids are playing on organized travel teams at a very early age. It's almost the reverse of what it was when I was young (I'm 36 now). The desire to play ball on an organized team was first fostered in the back yard with friends on a daily basis over many summers. That desire led to us *wanting* to play organized ball. Today, the kids are signed up 3-4 years earlier in organized leagues and I guess the assumption is that the desire will come as a result of it. I'm not saying that this is necessarily wrong - just different. As parents and coaches, we need to continue to teach the kids to first love the game so that it stays with them as they play at higher levels.
Comment by Nick Frese on January 20, 2009 at 2:52pm
You are right on the money with your. We need to allow kids to fall in love with the game on their own terms rather than us shoving it down their throats. When was the last time you saw a pickup game in your neighborhood? I'm betting the answer is "never". They just don't happen anymore because every second of baseball playing time is tied up in organized, structured ball, training, camps, etc. And that is just not right. LET 'EM HAVE FUN.
Comment by Michael Wheeler on January 20, 2009 at 5:14pm
I agree. Let the kids have fun. I referee football; youth flag all the way through varsity high school. One thing that gets lost very quickly is the fact that it is supposed to be fun. When I am getting yelled at by a coach on the field or a parent at a 4 and 5 year old flag game there is a serious problem. It is ridiculous.

I know you are getting paid to develop talent for your job, but if that overflows into your kids football games, please step back and reevaluate what you are doing.

See you at the park!!
Wheels
Comment by Scott Green on January 20, 2009 at 6:21pm
We have recently entered the market for kids in little league. They are not being taught the fundimentals of baseball. Our main focus is to provide 30+ players an avenue to play. 7 games in 4 days. But working with the kids is so rewarding. They want to learn, and even kids up to 12 years old do not know how to play their positions properly. Baseball is America's Past time. Let's keep it that way. playattheplate.org
Comment by Scott Green on January 20, 2009 at 6:27pm
Kids learn to love the game from their parents. When was the last time that you listened to a game on the radio. Is that not what we we grew up with? I listened to Ernie Harwell broadcast the Tigers games. It is something that I will never forget. I was not about the sponsors but about the game.
Comment by Bill Stanton on January 20, 2009 at 9:27pm
Andy- Great blog. You touch on a few subjects here that are important to all of us who love baseball.

The reality is that few kids have the physical tools to become a professional player. With this said, there is no reason that these kids cannot play baseball, love baseball and some day pass this love on to their own children.

Baseball is a difficult game. Hitting, catching and throwing the ball well takes practice..... and more practice. Kids are drawn to soccer because they are with friends, running around......... and kicking the ball a few times in a game gives a sense of accomplishment.
On the other hand, the kid who does not practice baseball much will not be successful, become discouraged and stop playing baseball.

Nothing against soccer, but with leagues in the fall, spring and summer many kids are playing soccer when they could (should) be playing baseball.

I love that you mention pickup games. I have many great baseball memories of pickup games at my local park. It was baseball in the morning, home for a quick lunch, then basketball and tackle (no pads) football in the afternoon and home for dinner. That was a full day!
Comment by Tucson NABA Baseball League on January 21, 2009 at 1:33am
That's a great blog, and a sentiment that is shared by baseball players, fans, and parents all across the nation. And the sad part? Its not just in baseball. I recently read a story that said college basketball programs are now legally able to scout and recruit kids as young as the seventh-grade!
Comment by Warren Fishback on January 21, 2009 at 5:42pm
I can see your point.I have a full schedule with practice,workouts,batting lessons with high school and travel ball,college camps,showcases,keep my grade up...its a commitment,sacrafice...but its what I want to do.My parents told me early if its really what I wanted it will be very hard and take alot of time,but they would help me and support me, not push.its what I really want,to play college ball,that keeps me going.
Comment by Jen Liu on January 21, 2009 at 5:43pm
Amen to that! The passion has to come from within, not from "stage parents" who take away the love for the game. If a kid is truly passionate, he/she will want to practice and play, not be forced to. My mom used to threaten me with not letting me sign-up for summer baseball if I didn't keep up my grades. That was a mean threat :-)

I have great memories of growing up on the baseball field. Every day after school, I'd walk or ride my bike to the park to practice, play, or get in on a pick-up game. Now as a grown-up big kid, I look forward to the work day ending so I can go to the baseball facility to practice everyday! Some things never change! :-)

I just wish there were more opportunities for the girls and women who truly love playing baseball. Those who have the commitment, desire, dedication, and work ethic but had the misfortune of being born a girl. Don't get me wrong, I like being a female and all, I just wish I had the same opportunities my male counterparts have.
Comment by Warren Fishback on January 21, 2009 at 5:50pm
I forgot to add...playing ball... I really love every minute of it. Hardwork and all

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