I spend a few hours each Saturday watching Son #2 play baseball which I love. He's a fabulous pitcher and, on most days, a darned good hitter. And he's super cute. (Biased, I know.)
What I also enjoy is listening to the helpful comments from the dads watching from the sidelines.
"Swing if it's a good pitch."
"Try to hit the ball with the bat."
"Run if you make contact."
"Cover your base."
Really Dr. Smartypants?
At this age, most of the statements are positive reinforcement regardless of outcome. Good eye. Nice swing. And the parents basically root for any kid with a great hit or impressive catch regardless of team. One for all and all for one.
From what I've been told, this is preferable to the maniacal zeal that apparently comes as the kids and teams become more competitive. A fellow mom recently told me that, while her older son was playing a team across town, the home team parents were encouraging unethical plays and hurling slurs about the visiting kids being rich and snooty. After the game, which "our" team won, an upset woman stormed up to the coach and screamed, "I hope you all die on the ride home."
Wow. Lighten up, Francis. And, uh, nice role modeling.
With that said, I'll take a goofy remark any day.
"Pitch it over the plate son."
2 comments:
you missed the kid in right field from the opposing team, looking up at the sky, he screamed, "I hate the world" and then flopped to the ground.
how cute! i completely understand.
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