I stood outside the gated area watching a team of precious little six-year-olds making some of their first attempts at batting a ball being pitched to them. They were so cute in their uniforms. They had all the appeal of one who knew exactly what they were doing being dressed to the nines in the black socks, white pants, jerseys with their names, batting helmets and a bat fitted perfectly to their small grasp.
When the coach would pitch the ball he would give gentle instructions to each team member who was “up” for his turn to practice some pre-game batting. I watched each one as they would concentrate to make contact happen between with their bat and the oncoming ball. Each time the coach pitched and the ball would come toward them, they would swing either too soon or too late.
After a couple of strikes, the coach would slowly approach the child, get down on his level and tell the little boy what a great job he was doing. He would also say to him, “Keep your eye on the ball. If you do this one thing, you will hit it.” He would then gently pat him on the shoulder while giving him a smile and a last word of, “Okay, let’s make this happen.” As the coach would resume the pitcher’s plate, the little boy would move into the right stance and begin rocking his weight from one leg to the other, just as if he were a professional league player. It was precious to me, especially because one of the little boys I was watching is Noah, my first grandson.
The third time up to bat, Noah did not take his eyes off the ball. No matter what distractions were around him, he stayed focused. More than four times in a row, he hit the ball beyond his coaches reach!! His coach acknowledged his success by cheering him on and giving him a high-five. Noah was proud of what he had accomplished! You could see the esteem and confidence beaming from his face!
Having a coach like this in the world of little league baseball is rare. I am thankful my grandson has a coach like him, who will encourage and build up my grandson and other little children. I am also grateful that he is setting an example of what mentoring and teaching others looks like. Hopefully, my grandson will grow up with some of those same qualities his coach is teaching him at a young and impressionable age.
As adults, without a team to cheer us on in our endeavors, we can begin to feel defeated. If we are aware of the need to surround ourselves with positive people, we have a greater advantage for success. No longer children and without our parents making sure we stay on track, it is our responsibility to take the necessary steps to make sure we have our own cheerleaders helping us to keep our eye on the ball and accomplishing our goals.