Last Updated on January 3, 2024 by The Smetz Files
Life lessons we learned from a year of youth sports.
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If you’ve read my blog, it’s clear the game of baseball is important to our family (read more). We take baseball seriously and it is the bedrock of our little family unit. This past year G played rec ball for our local sports league and we dipped our toes into the travel ball scene for the first time. Here are some key takeaways from the past year:
Being a good teammate is being a contributor
What kid doesn’t want to be the home run hitter or starting ace for their team? Sometimes being the emotional leader, the heart of the dugout guy is just as big a contribution to team morale as hitting the walk off or catching game thrilling web gems.
Baseball is a game of failure, it’s a tough mental game. Being a good teammate and doing the intangible things is crucial for the ebbs and flows of a game and a weekend tournament. We always tell G we’re not raising a good athlete, we’re trying to raise a good kid, both on and off the field. Hustle, play hard, respect the game, and be a good teammate.
Focus on improvement – get 1% better each day
Baseball is tough. It is a cerebral sport with countless options and you have to be ready to make a split decision. Slumps are real and they can be hard to battle, especially for kids learning the game and growing into their bodies. Jay always asks G what he did to get 1% better each time he takes the field. From hitting to throwing to catching to strength and conditioning, each element matters. We saw his development and the dividends of his hard work from fall season to winter workouts to spring season. Developing good habits contributes to being 1% better each day.
Just getting started on your sports mom adventures? Read Sports Mom Essentials What You Need for Youth Sports. Links to all your Sports Mom Essentials – TaptoShop
The families you play with make a difference
When we look for a team for G to join we consider several things. Of course we want G to be well suited in terms of talent and development, we want to respect the coaching staff’s philosophy, but we also look for a good family fit. The families you play with make a difference. You will spend countless hours at weekend tournaments, practices, and team events, so you want to enjoy that time with teammates and their families. From setting up tents to who remembered the bug spray and extra sunscreen, the families matter. Also, don’t underestimate the support system of getting kids to various practices and game locations when you have multiple kids in multiple sports…sports families are your village!
Read Three Lessons I Learned From Young Athletes and Expensive Equipment & Warranties: Sports Mom Advice
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