Do you ever get all choked up when you see great enthusiasm in a ball team? When you see unity in a group of kids working together to reach a common goal? I do and personally I don't even mind if they reach the goal, but think it's awesome to witness the great life lessons they are learning during the process. I had the privilege of watching some young boys play on an All-Star baseball team this past week. These baseball players were ages 10 and under. The team had less than a month to practice together before a major tournament that would determine if they would play in a state championship. Tonight was the big game! The team that I'm writing about lost the game and their season is over until next year. I have to admitt I was sad at first when the team lost, but you have to walk through the journey with me to understand why. I know I just wrote that it doesn't matter if they win or lose, but what's learned in between, and that is true! But don't we usually want the underdogs to win? When you see a team come together, doing whatever it takes to make it work, and still they don't make it to the championship, don't you just want to make it all better for them as parents? I know you do because I felt that way as I walked away from that game. The team I was rooting for lost, and it stopped them from going to state championships and I'm not even one of the parents of the players. It's our nature to root for the team that has great sportsmanship, keeps the enthusiasm during the whole game, and the scores being so close that you're on your toes to whole time.
This game tonight was a continuation of a game that had been rained out 48 hrs before and the score was still 0. The players of both teams were dedicated to playing in the rain, pushing themselves to do their best during down pours and the umpire shut down the game at the end of the third inning and it would be rescheduled. So tonight we started at the top of the 4th inning.
I had been talking with one of the kids on the team earlier that day. He would be first up to bat and he was fired up and determined what would happen. He told me he would somehow get to third base and the next batter would send him home. As I stood there next to the fence with anticipation I watch, waiting. The kid already had 2 strikes thrown at him and the 3rd time the kid hits the ball to get to first base. The opposing team fumbles twice that allows him to steal both to second and third base and his coach signals him to home plate and he follows direction. He runs to slide into home and he's tagged out. Can you imagine it, your sitting there in anticipation knowing this game determines going to state champoinships. It's top of the 4th inning and the scores is 0. You're wanting so bad for these kids to score a run. First batter up has the chance to score with a home run and he's out.
At this moment a decision can be made, you can shrug it off and get back into the game or you let it drag you down and keep you off focus to win. But here's the catch: it can't be just one person who has to shrug it off, it has to be the whole team. Knowing what this young man had told me earlier I felt so bad for him. He wasn't saying this to me with a haughty, big ego. He was stating it with confidence as a good plan for the team to win. He knew the next batter would be able to send him home because he's such a great hitter. As the game continued the team got a bit discouraged and they lost the momentum they had had two nights ago when the game began. But this young man who had just gotten out at home decided to still lift up the team. He was the kid that was starting the cheering in the dug out and the team followed. He continued to do his best out in the field for defense for the rest of the game. The opposing team had a momentum going tonight and won 6-1.
Was it a total loss for the team. No way!! These young men stuck together supporting each other till the very end. Walked away learning to take more risks on the field and not to be afraid to get out there and slide into home, run after players when stealing bases to get them out, and learn the power of shrugging it off and getting back into the game. Both teams had great attitudes and deserve commendations for good sportsmanship.
What are we teaching our kids about teamwork? Are we teaching them to see the big picture in how to work with others best by cooperation and encouragement. Are we showing them the importance of learning the lesson when we make a mistake, and getting back up and trying our best again no matter how often? Are we showing them how powerful it is to have enthusiasm to create a positive atmosphere when working with others? Because if we start reinforcing those great habits and outlooks early in their lives can you imagine how effective they will be as they become adults and work in large corporations, start their own companies, or become teachers and role models for the next generation? Wow, that gets me excited!! Let me hear your thoughts?
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