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Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Kid Sports: Is Our Obsession With Winning Making Us Lose The Point?

At the age of 7, I put on my first baseball uniform as a member of Joey’s Children’s Wear of Teaneck Western Little League. From that day forth, I would continue to wear team colors through high school, college, and until I retired from major league baseball in 2005. Even in between seasons or off the field, I would find ways to adorn my baseball attire, from my Phillies’ Halloween costume in the early 1980s to my “acting” on the movie Summer Catch in the late 1990s.

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6 comments:

Anonymous said...

lose what point?! you play to WIN. if you aint going to win, dont play! or go to some liberal inner-city crap where even the droolers can play!

Anonymous said...

Reminds me of an old Flintstones episode where Fred and the local little leaguers had to hide from the parents in order to play.

There is a lot of $$$ in youth sports and money to be made in terms of scholarships and professional status for those who excel (a very small percentage of those who might want to play and play at an average level).

Today's attitudes (as demonstrated by 1:34 above) don't allow for the kids who just want to play a pick up game or experience being part of a team.

Anonymous said...

"YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME!!"

Anonymous said...

This attitude that "there are no winners" has rolled over into real life. .001% of all the ball players accross the nation go onto play professionally...but "winners" or at least those that played to win...go onto more successful lives in general. You show me a kid that thinks losing is fine....and I'll show you someone thats more than likely not to meet their potential. Learning to be a good loser is great...just not something one should aim for. IMAO

Anonymous said...

I really think you guys are wrong. At the Little League level I believe it is to show the kids the basics and a learning experience for the kids. They should be having fun and not being yelled at because they struck out or missed a signal. Sure some kids will stand out and be a lot better than the rest. But this is usually the kid that has a father that has the time to work with him at home. So what about the kid that his father works three jobs to make ends meet.
Shouldn't he be allowed to play as well even if he isn't quite as good. Then as they progress into higher leagues you will see the cream rise to the top and maybe get a chance to play pro ball. But hey they are just kids let them have fun playing ball.

Anonymous said...

if your dad has to work 3 jobs, then no you shouldnt be playing. save the money for productive stuff.