Since I appear to be the only person around who isn't interested in the Game of Thrones event this evening...and I have a crazy amount of coffee in me, I thought I'd sit down and update the little thing I call a blog. I haven't written anything in over a year (that should tell you how insane my life is) but I have been thinking about some things and I just thought I'd put pen to paper (sorry, old analogy).

First off, if you know me, you know I don't like to discuss politics in an online medium. I just have always thought you need face to face discussion, simply because of the passion involved. I'm still amazed at how hostile people get when talking to people that support the opposite candidate or party. Look, one of my closest and dearest friends is an avid Trump supporter. Even though I am a lifelong Republican, I strongly object to many of Trump's and his administration's decisions and policies. That being said...I think people from different sides can believe in different things and still be cordial, and even share a beer together. I'm a fervent believer in learning both sides of an equation. I watch CNN, MSNBC and Fox News. I want to hear both sides. I want all the information I can get before I make a decision on an issue. I wish more people would do the same. I talk to so many people that only look at their side...and have no interest in learning what other people think or see. And that's a disservice.

Now...onto my passion, Coaching. I have so many things I'd like to discuss here that its difficult to organize my thoughts. But one thing that I've spoken to many coaches about lately is the issue of playing time at the High School and travel ball levels. I was told the other day about a Freshman that quit JV ball at a local high school (not my school) because she wasn't getting the playing time that she thought she earned or deserved. My first thought was disappointment because that player will most likely never play for her high school again. But my 2nd thought was...what questions did she ask to understand why she wasn't receiving the time she was hoping for. I asked the coach...did the player ever ask you why she wasn't playing more? Or did she ask what did she need to do to get more playing time?? As a coach, I love when a player asks me what they need to do. It shows that they are being proactive and are taking responsibility and ownership of the situation. I'm sure there are coaches out there that play "politics" or have grudges against a player, but I've yet to run across a coach that refuses to play a player that won't help that coach and team be successful (notice I didn't say anything about wins). Success comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes. And if there is a player that can help with the success of the team...they'll be on the field. I've yet to meet a kid that walks out to practice on the first day and says to themselves, "I'm going to be a distraction on this team". Something happens along the way to cause a player to go this direction. Its my job to make sure I'm doing everything I can to support a player as best as possible. And when a student becomes a distraction, it means I failed as a coach. So communication between me and my players is crucial to prevent an issue from becoming a problem.

On the positive side...a couple of things that make me notice a player and make me want to get a player in the game 1) Be productive when your opportunity arises. Now I know even the best hitters will fail 6 out of 10 times. But moving runners, taking a pitch or 2 if you're leading off the inning...those things will get you noticed by the coach. 2) Ask questions. Ask the coaches what you need to do to get better. Ask for additional fly balls, ground balls etc. I've NEVER told a kid no who asked me to stay to get extra work. Unfortunately...it just doesn't happen much anymore. 3) Help with things without being asked. Don't make me tell you to help with gear or help clean up the field. Make sure everything is taken care of before you leave. 4) Communicate with me. Being a teen age girl nowadays is extremely challenging. I know there are times when they are not feeling 100%, either mentally, emotionally or physically. And I don't need to know the details, but talk to me (or if not me...another coach). I always try to be supportive but communicate with your coaches. 5) Don't be late to practice or games. If a coach says be there at 230pm...be there at 2:15. Don't be strolling up at 2:30 and then make the team wait while you get your shoes on. 6) Be a supportive teammate. Nothing frustrates a coach more than players who aren't paying attention or cheering on their teammates during a game.

As a high school player, this is often the first time kids have to experience the issue of playing time. In travel ball these days, you don't like how much you're playing, you just find another team. That option isn't available in High School. It can be a huge adjustment for both the player and the parents and it can be extremely frustrating. (I've dealt with it myself with my kids). But the first thing I've always asked my kids if they start displaying frustration is...Did you talk to your coach? Did you ask what you need to do? And unfortunately...sometime the answer is not what you want to hear. But that's life. Sometimes there is someone better than you at your position, sometimes numbers play a part, and sometimes you and the coach just don't mesh. It happens...it sucks but it happens. And it happens in the real world also. I've told some parents that I not only try to teach softball to my players, but also adult responsibility. Parents wont always be there to defend their kids...they need to advocate for themselves. One thing that's becoming increasingly harder to communicate is the concept that a team needs EVERYONE to be on board to be successful And that's not just softball. To be a successful team, each member needs to understand that their role is crucial to the overall success of the team. If you can get each player (and their parents) to understand that...then as a coach, you've done your job. I wonder if the "showcase" world has created a generation of athletes that learn that they need to shine as an individual to get noticed, and the team comes 2nd.

And look...I have made a ton of mistakes as a coach, I'll make a ton more. I've missed on players both positively and negatively. I haven't always been as communicative and supportive that maybe I should have been. I've made a ton of friends and lost some too because of my decisions. Its not easy coaching other peoples kids while your missing your own kids games or events. But I signed on for that when I took the gig. And I love what I do. I love seeing the smiles on the face of a player who just got the game winning hit, or made a great play. And I also love putting my arm around a student that just needs some support after making a mistake. I love seeing a player at the store and having them say hi and tell their friends "That's my coach".

Coaching is a calling. And I hope when all is said and done, I hope I can look back and say I made a difference. Not because I won some games, not because I have a couple of patches, but because I made a small difference in these students lives. If I can do that...then I've been a successful coach.

I know this seems a bit self-serving. And if you've made it this far...I thank you. I'm not sure I'm even all that interested in what I have to say. I have a list of items that I'll be writing about in the future. I hope that maybe you'll stop by once in awhile and see if anything I say interests you. I have no idea if I'm even a decent writer...I'll leave that up to you as the reader. But if you have a comment, please give me some feedback. I'd love to hear what you have to say.

Thank you for taking the time to read my musings.

See ya on the field.

Coach Mike