It might be because I’m getting old or perhaps it’s because I didn’t have Lacrosse as an option to play when I was growing up, but one thing I do remember is having a passion for baseball when I was a youngster. I knew the best players in baseball and who my favorite was. My friends and I would pick apart each other’s favorites to defend our picks as being the best. When I ask kids I coach their favorite player or what style of pitcher/hitter they want to emulate I often get a shrug followed by a blank stare.
How is this possible that kids can’t name one player in the sport they are playing? I believe that understanding the sport in all of its capacities is vital to creating a base in which a player respects the game and develops a passion to play it. What were the original four major league teams? Why was Jackie Robinson important? What number did Babe Ruth wear? How many strikeouts did Nolan Ryan have in his career?
To truly understand your sport is to fully appreciate it and love what you’re doing to get better. Family stories about why you have the values you do based on lifetimes before are important in becoming the person you are just as much as a sports history shapes the player you will be.
Part of my lesson routine now is to ask my student about a certain player and what they contributed to the game. Kids are usually dumbfounded that Cal Ripken played every day for 2,632 games in a row. I am too for that matter but please at least know who he is!!! As teachers and coaches, it is our responsibility to teach history of the game just as much the mechanics. Respect and love of the game will not fully be realized without that knowledge.
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.
