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When a player gets hit by a wild pitch, everyone in the parks knows who threw it. A very concerned coach runs onto the field to check for any injuries, and attempts to offer soothing words of encouragement. After all, that young batter just took one for the team. As the batter rubs the pain and forbids any tear from dropping, she is awarded first base with a good round of applause from both teams. The offending pitcher is watched cautiously and play is continued for all to enjoy.
This is not the case when a coach is hit by a pitch. Too many times parents and fans express their disagreement with a coach by unleashing unwelcome comments throughout the crowd of spectators. This scene is all to common around our ball fields. Someone, usually a parent, isn’t happy with a coach for one reason or another. The parent will publicly announce their disagreement about a decision, tactic, or call a coach has made.
At the same time, the coach is on the other side of the fence trying to help a team of 12 or more players to improve physically, mentally, and socially. One side of the fence is working for the team, while someone on the other side wants to throw fastballs at their own coach.
There are several reasons why people throw pitches at coaches. A daughter may not get the playing time, she may be out of position, or she was taken out of a game. No matter what the reason, a parents fastball can be very damaging to a team, especially if the pitch was intended for the coach.
When a coach gets hit by a pitch there is no reward of first base. The crowd never applauds, and trying to rub the pain away in nearly impossible to do. When a batter gets hit by a ball, everyone knows who did it, but that’s not necessarily the case when a coach gets hit. Usually the offending pitcher (fan or parent), works quietly and swiftly around the ball field, trying to gather support for their unreasonable views.
When a player get hits by a pitch, she is, without a doubt the first to know. When a coach gets hit, he or she is usually the last to know. The batters pain goes away quickly, but a coach’s pain may last forever. Sports are a great learning institution, but coaching sports can sometimes come with a heavy price. How may friendships have you lost since you started coaching?
The slightest whisper against a coach can sometime be deafening in the long run. What was initially said can evolve into a totally turned around and sometimes damaging rumor. Some parents can throw a fastball to a coach’s head by being verbally vindictive. A severe hit like this can cause long lasting character damage. Taking someone out of a game may hurt some feelings for a short period of time, but viciously attacking someone's character can be damaging for a lifetime.
As parents, we teach our children to be responsible for their actions, and when we talk ill about someone, this is not setting a good example for our children to follow. Sometimes, parents can, and do forget their own lessons in life. Parents and coaches, working together can be a very positive force for a young athlete to cultivate from.
Next time someone tries to throw a pitch at a coach, take time to block it. A simple block of the pitch can do wonders for the player, team, and coach. Instead of throwing for the head of the coach, we all should aim for a strike over the plate. A pat on the shoulders, a firm handshake after the game, or even a simple “good job” can be the best cure for a coach that’s been hit by a pitch. |
