This question comes up every once in a while…
Why do coaches and instructors not working for a MLB organization call themselves a “Professional Coach”?
My thoughts…
From private instruction to youth/amateur coaches to HS and college coaches to professional coaches, the term “Professional Coaching” is heavily used. So many throw the term around that unfortunately it seems to have lost its value. It seems to be more of a marketing ploy than actual truth in many situations.
Can a coach who only played HS Baseball consider himself a “Professional”? Can a coach who only played/coached College Baseball consider himself a “Professional”? Can a coach who only played/coached Minor League Baseball consider himself a “Professional”? Or does he have to have played/coached in the Big Leagues to be able to call himself a “Professional”?
The term is up to personal opinion but the deeper I get into the youth/amateur Baseball world, the more and more I am seeing a lack of good experienced coaching. I’m not just talking about with the young ages, I’m talking all the way through college ball. In the professional world, it’s too often brought up about how under developed physically and mentally young professionals are. Yes, they may throw really hard and hit the ball really far, but game awareness lacks mightily. Instincts are lacking and common sense leaves coaches scratching their head.
For me, there are so many factors that could go into this term. Playing and coaching experience, leadership skills, age, reputation/word of mouth, is it a side gig or full time gig, how do they relate with the kids and their parents, how do they speak, how do they carry themselves, etc. Understand too that just because a coach/instructor played college or professional Baseball, that by no means means they can teach it. There is a HUGE difference in playing the game and teaching the game. To be a good teacher takes time. It takes experience. It takes the right mindset. It takes being coachable. It means pushing ego to the side and being open minded to what the more experienced have to offer. I have played for and worked with some great coaches who never picked up a Baseball after their HS career. Just imagine how much they had to learn. How long it took them to gain experience. How many questions they had to ask and how often they had to just keep their mouth closed and listen.
Again this is up to personal opinion. Make your choices by asking around. Find those in your area that you trust and have older players as those families will most likely have the most experience with multiple coaches/instructors. Be very careful of just going off of what you see on some flyer or on a website. Do your research. Make an educated decision as this may be one of the most important choices you make for your Dude.
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.
