As our youth coaches and players prepare for the upcoming summer of competition, I thought it would be appropriate to send my well wishes to all the parents, coaches and players hoping that each of you take the time to enjoy the experience together and realize that these are the greatest days for families to show support and encouragement. Most of all, please remember that our job as parents is to encourage our kids to work hard, become a great teammate and enjoy the process of learning the game of softball. The most important thing to realize is that there will be good days and bad days as long as you are willing to put on a uniform and compete in athletics. What can we do to inspire young players to be a student of the game? One of the greatest tools that you have today is the power of television and the tremendous increase of games that are now available to watch in the comfort of your living room. Why do I mention this? When I was a kid, and even though we had a black and white television with rabbit ears to tune in the station, I was able to watch the Yankee game of the week and listen to Vin Scully on the radio as he broadcasted Dodger games. This is truly how I learned to think the game!

I would love to encourage you to use the many softball games in the next couple of weeks to use as a teaching tool and gain tremendous insight on how the game is played. Having the opportunity to learn from the former Olympic players such as Jessica Mendoza and Michelle Smith is a great chance to listen to their comments and know that they have played this game at the highest levels. There are many great announcers that add a tremendous amount of expertise and if we encourage our players to use these games as a teaching tool, you will be amazed how much you can learn. Unfortunately, we live in a culture that gives us so many options to entertain ourselves that I think we sometimes miss out on golden opportunities to watch and learn. Twenty years ago, we were complaining that softball players could not turn on the TV and watch a great fast-pitch game and follow players to emulate as players and role models. Today, the game is alive and well and from Regional, Super Regional, College World Series and the World Cup, you have a chance to truly become a student of the game! This is your chance to learn from the best our game has to offer today!

I am shocked how many players do not like to watch baseball or softball games on television! We, as parents and coaches, need to encourage the use of these games as a great teaching tool even if you have to record them and use them on a rainy day. The best teachers have found that most students are visual learners and I cannot think of a better way to teach the skills, strategies and the team dynamics. I hope you will take me up on this simple but powerful opportunity to develop your players. Have a great season and just remember – “One pitch, one at bat, one play, and one situation. Think “small” and “big” things result.” Mike Schmidt on success in Baseball.

Have Fun and Best of Luck!

Coach Candrea