Hi all,
Talking to Coach Palmer last night I realized I forgot to mention another key reason why we both felt we shouldn't play on Wednesday. We both feel that our players are not 100% ready to play. And we take 100% of that blame.
We have tried to teach the kids a lot in a short amount of time. We are trying to teach them everything they need to know to be successful. With that comes a lot of things that don't have anything to do with the game itself. Example: getting the equipment and bringing it to the dugout. This is something we have had to go over each and every single game. Not acceptable in my opinion. I'm a firm believer in the boys sprinting on and off the field. I have seen very little of that. And so far, I have been very nice about not taking the players out because of that. The players' effort would be like the grades they get in school. And for a lot of the players, they are not passing in my classroom. Now, don't get this confused with results. I don't care if someone strikes out every time as long as they are giving their best effort. There are countless other little things we ask the kids to do that doesn't directly correlate to the game, but are essential to their success as ball players and as maturing young men.
At practice tomorrow I'm going to have a long discussion about what we as coaches expect and deserve. As a player and coach I do my absolute best to respect the game of baseball. And that's what I want my players to do as well. And right now they are not up to par for my liking. I don't care what the scoreboard says at the end of the game, as long as we put forth our best possible effort and treat the game with respect. If we can do those things we are winners in my book.
At this moment, we aren't putting forth the effort and respecting the game enough to where I feel they should represent the city of Brookings.
I have explained to the boys that playing the game is a privilege. It's not something to take for granted. And when they put that uniform on they are playing for more then themselves. They represent their families and they represent the city of Brookings. And I cannot put them on the field if they put forth the effort and respect that consequently disrespects their family and the town they call home.
I hope this makes you understand my coaching philosophy a little more. This was more of the reason than the umpiring. And I regret not putting this in my initial e-mail. For that I apologize.
Coach Palmer and I would rather see your boys grow up to be great husbands and fathers than great ball players. We, as coaches, try to use baseball as a means of bettering your son. Baseball provides great lessons in life, and we are more concerned about those lessons than we are two games at Clear Lake.
Any questions, comments, or concerns please let me know.
Wade
