What I have learned from Little League

Some 19 years ago, when Keith was little and cute, Wes talked me into an activity that seemed harmless. The kids were adorable, the grass came up to their knees, they needed help running the bases and they always thought they won, even though, no one kept score. If I knew then, what I knew now, I'm not so sure we should have ever started.
Little history, we started this tradition 19 years ago. The year Rich was born, we had 4 kids in Little League on 3 teams. The next year we had 4 on 4 teams. For the last 5 years, we have only had 1, and we will be done this year. That is around 35 teams.
This is what I have learned.
#1. It is almost impossible to have a good coach. It seems that coaching brings out the worst in men or women. Usually the coach makes his own child cry every game, leaving everyone else with an awkward moment.
The assistant coach is doing this job so his son can play a position that he is not qualified to play. It is best to just grin and bear it.
By the way, we have had 3 good coaches, one was a women, and 2 were men.
#2. People say stupid things at the game.
"Watch the bat hit the ball." "Just play catch." or one I heard last night, "You need to smile."
What does that mean?
#3. It is not fair. The coaches kids do play the infield when they shouldn't and they do not sit the bench. That is just part of Little League.
#4. At least one time every season, your child will not be able to find a sock, hat or belt when it is time for the game. Improvise.
#5. The last year or when they are 12 is the hardest. The kids take this stuff very seriously, and they are very hard on themselves. There is no need to yell during the game when they blow it, they know and they feel bad.
#6. Catching the ball in the outfield is all about confidence. The first time it happens, it is often an accident, but when they see the crowd go wild, they will do it again. Not only that, but as they get older, it is more important to catch those balls.
#7. It really doesn't matter. Although at the time, life is consumed with Little League, in the long run, it really doesn't matter. My goal has always been that they might just enjoy the game. This usually comes about after they graduate from High School.
Kids will grow up to succeed in many other activities regardless of how they did in Little League.