In reading all of these recent threads, we have the extremes of baseball. We have those complaining about showcase teams and then those posting about their 7 or 8 year old. How did we ever make it back in the day?
I long for some of the past. In my home town, kids signed up for ball at 8 years old and attended the "clinic." It was run during the day. At 9:00 in the morning, parents dropped the first wave of kids off. 15 kids to a team or 30 kids to a group. We did infield/oufield and hitting. High school kids did the instruction but worked for the park department. The next wave came in at 10:30 and wrapped up at noon. Wednesdays and Thursdays were games between the 4 teams. Fridays were "special work" days were kids who needed/wanted more work came in. Any 9 year old could sign up as well from the little league. During the games, the coaches pitched and no walks. The emphasis was fundamentals. Working in this program is where I got the coaching bug. I remember that my boss once said that the only thing that could make this better was if they wore bluejeans to play. I didn't understand what he meant by that then.
As we grew up, we didn't have travel ball or showcases. We met at a local field and played ball all day. Sort of sandlot if you know what I mean. Everyone knew who the best players were from each part of town as well as who the best players were from other towns. Word got around. When our season ended, we had All Stars. Then, the best got to go play those players/teams in local tournaments. Those all star teams eventually turned into the high school teams. It was common for the high school coach to be in the stands. It was common for all of us to hang together rotating through each sports season. We all dreamed about being pros. We were shocked when college offers came our way. It wasn't our focus. I think my love for the game is because the game was always on my terms. I know it is too simplistic to think that all was so good back then but for me it was. I wish some of today's youth could have the same experiences.
Take care,
Darrell
I long for some of the past. In my home town, kids signed up for ball at 8 years old and attended the "clinic." It was run during the day. At 9:00 in the morning, parents dropped the first wave of kids off. 15 kids to a team or 30 kids to a group. We did infield/oufield and hitting. High school kids did the instruction but worked for the park department. The next wave came in at 10:30 and wrapped up at noon. Wednesdays and Thursdays were games between the 4 teams. Fridays were "special work" days were kids who needed/wanted more work came in. Any 9 year old could sign up as well from the little league. During the games, the coaches pitched and no walks. The emphasis was fundamentals. Working in this program is where I got the coaching bug. I remember that my boss once said that the only thing that could make this better was if they wore bluejeans to play. I didn't understand what he meant by that then.
As we grew up, we didn't have travel ball or showcases. We met at a local field and played ball all day. Sort of sandlot if you know what I mean. Everyone knew who the best players were from each part of town as well as who the best players were from other towns. Word got around. When our season ended, we had All Stars. Then, the best got to go play those players/teams in local tournaments. Those all star teams eventually turned into the high school teams. It was common for the high school coach to be in the stands. It was common for all of us to hang together rotating through each sports season. We all dreamed about being pros. We were shocked when college offers came our way. It wasn't our focus. I think my love for the game is because the game was always on my terms. I know it is too simplistic to think that all was so good back then but for me it was. I wish some of today's youth could have the same experiences.
Take care,
Darrell
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