Why is it so hard for some people to do the right thing?
What makes someone “act out?”
Why do people not want to put in the work?
In athletics it’s puzzling to me.
Show up, put in the work, be coachable, be a great teammate.
Is that hard?
Go to school. Do the work. Don’t be a distraction
It’s a simple formula.
Be nice. Work hard. Stay positive.
Here’s an article on a high school baseball player who I have had the pleasure to be around the past three years. This guy is amazing. Outstanding baseball player; better person. Goes about his business every day.
By the way, he’ll be a first round draft pick in the upcoming MLB draft.
A popular psychologist once said to me, “parents have hijacked youth sports.”
This guy has worked with many pro and college athletes and has been a consultant for a lot teams. He’s seen and heard a lot.
This afternoon I went out to watch the district championship baseball game between the Okemos Wolves and Grand Ledge Comets. The Wolves came out on top 6-4. Caleb Bonemer smashed 3 home runs and pitched the last two innings to close the door. Earlier this week Bonemer was named Gatorade Michigan Baseball Player of the Year.
I work at Okemos High School. I see the entire team every day. I have built a good relationship with many of them. In a society that likes to bash youth sports and their parents, I am here to tell you there are a lot of good parents and kids out there.
If you have coached you have probably come across a few kids and parents who are awful. They make the job a lot harder. Constant complaining whether it’s an e-mail, text, or phone call. They’ll even take to social media and criticize you. I’ve been confronted in the hallway following a game. Always bickering about something. Pouting and whining. It’s tired. Usually it comes down to playing time.
The Okemos High School baseball team is amazing. Not just on the field but off it. They are respectful, humble and do very well in the classroom. This afternoon following the game I had the chance to meet a couple of parents and let them know they have done a great job with their boys. I often talk about how you can make a connection between good students…I want to meet the parents. It all starts at home.
Raise the kids the right way and you’re doing your job.
PLAY THE RIGHT WAY 