The Twins are in full swing, as are the little leaguers.  The kids are extremely fun to watch.  More importantly, it's really fun to watch them learn the game.  The four kids that I have cover T-ball, softball, and baseball.  Six different teams in all, not including any plus teams if they make it.  As a parent, you want them to do well, be the best and win.  I mentioned learn the game earlier, but that was just for show.  Nobody signs their kid up to lose.  In fact, you get frustrated watching your kid's team lose.  It might be your kid making the last out, or another kid drops the ball, as a runner scores from first.  If you feel bad, imagine how the kid feels.  I have had to stop myself several times on the ride home with a young player in the car.  Maybe it was after a loss, strikeout, or even a win.  "Car coaching" is a big NO NO.  Many parents remember the failures in a game, and forget to compliment the good plays.  I was guilty of it once.  I wasn't upset or yelling, I was just going over the events of the game.  I didn't realize how long I was going on about the missed play in the field.  The young man had been looking out the closed window.  When he turned to address me, I saw the slow tear being pulled by gravity over his cheek, onto his uniform, which was made dirty by the missed play.  "I got three hits you know, and we did win the game."  I swallowed the growing lump in my throat, and shut up immediately.  I wasn't being mean, harsh, or critical in my mind.  In his mind however, I was.  I guess it doesn't matter what we are saying, it's what they are hearing.  I told him that I was sorry.  I was forgiven, and asked to just let him have fun and play.  He was right. When I saw the following scenario, I knew that I should share it with all parents of athletes:

A mother was making a breakfast of fried eggs for her son. Suddenly the boy burst into the kitchen. "Careful! CAREFUL! Put in some more butter! Oh my goodness! You're cooking too many at once. TOO MANY! Turn them! TURN THEM NOW! We need more butter. Oh my! WHERE are we going to get MORE BUTTER? They're going to STICK! Careful....CAREFUL!!!! I said be CAREFUL!! You NEVER listen to me when you're cooking! Never! Turn them! Hurry up! Are you CRAZY! Have you LOST your mind? Don't forget to salt them. You know you always forget to salt them. Use the salt. USE THE SALT! THE SALT!!!"

The mother stared at him. "What is wrong with you? You think I don't know how to fry a couple of eggs?"

The son calmly replied.... "I just wanted to show you what it feels like when I'm trying to play baseball......"

Have a good season with your kids and remember to play catch after dinner.  You'll be amazed at what you learn from them.  

Good luck,

Rook