I always noticed it as a player but it is even more apparent now as a coach how different every player is. Don’t get me wrong, there are things every player has to do to be successful. For example, every single hitter has to have good balance, stay square to the ball and make sure the front foot is down and hands are separated from the body to give themselves the best chance to make solid contact.
Now the big thing I have noticed recently is appearance can be very difficult to judge. There can be a clean cut kid, who is built like a brick house with a big fastball and a tight slider. This kid makes it into pro ball just because of his stuff but know one knows what is going on in this kids head. Now this kid is feeling pressure he has never felt before and is so mentally weak he breaks down and never becomes the player he could have been.
Now, let’s take the kid who is not that built and has average stuff with good command. His hair is long, almost looks like he doesn’t know how to take care of himself. You can’t tell from the outside, but this kid is so mentally strong, he doesn’t crack even in the toughest situations.
Moral of the story, be sure coaches, not to judge the book by it’s cover. Give every kid a chance. You are the coach and it’s your job to get the best out of every kid. The best coaches get to know their players and what makes the tick.
Founder of Baseball Dudes. Blessed with three beautiful children and an amazing wife. Baseball is my life, after my family, and I love sharing what I have learned from it. Thanks for taking the time to view what we offer here at Baseball Dudes.
