Well, now you've all gone and done it. Since NO ONE has made a post recently, now you are stuck with my post :) As a parent it is sometimes hard to know when to speak up (possibly being labeled "over protective") or when to back off. But this was a case I felt I needed to speak up. I took both Andrew, who is 9, and Nathan, who is 11, to tryouts for Little League yesterday. Nathan played last year and did very well, even with a casted arm for half the season. Andrew played on the Greenland 2nd grade baseball, but this is his first year of little league. The call came last night that both of the boys were placed on AA. (which for those who don't know - it's the bottom). Anyway, I felt this was correct for Andrew but NOT for Nathan. Now, understand, that Nathan also has a cold and isn't feeling himself this weekend either. So what's a mom going to do? Let your child cry and get picked on by his brothers, all the while knowing he has the potential to play in the next level (AAA) or sit back and let things be. I decided to make a couple phone calls and I explained he wasn't feeling well and that even his coach from last year said he was AAA material. So they let him go to tryouts again today but with the understanding that there is no promise he will be moved up. I asked Nathan what he wanted to do and he said "go to tryouts". So, we went, and tonight we should get another phone call letting us know their decision. Of course, Brian and I both feel there is too much politics and it should all just be for fun anyway, but the kids don't need to get into all that and I just want to support my kids in whatever way possible. Unfortunately this is how life really is sometimes, can you think of a time or situation that was unfair. Maybe someone undeserving got the raise or promotion at work? Maybe as a parent, you've been faced with whether or not to speak up or shut up in a situation. Post away........we need action in here people!!!!!
Sunday, March 13, 2005
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4 comments:
cheryl, that's a tough one. not one i'm looking forward to anytime soon. but i'm sure i'll be faced with this same question as my son (hopefully) becomes the next Curt Shilling :) I know I would hate being a coach and have a parent come to me about how their son should have been picked. On the other side, i've seen way too many times, a child not get picked because of politics - it's sad that they don't just choose the best kids for the team, period.
I wish your son the best as he plays and hope he plays where he deserves to play - as it sounds like he practices hard and is a pretty good ball player.
Cheryl, for what its worth, you did the right thing assuming you didnt scream and yell and basically rip the guy a new one. You have taught your sons by example to not accept defeat but to get up, dust yourself, and say screw you, and give it your damnest again. (hopefully not with my language lol) You got him the second chance. You also have an opportunity to teach him to accept that which life gives us, if if didnt change their minds. So all in all, you handled it well, and gave a two part lesson to all of your sons. Take it from me, the WORLD'S GREATEST DAD, you did good.
Thanks guys!! Does this mean I am the world's greatest mom :)
Good news! Nathan did go to try outs again on Sunday, and he did get placed in the AAA division. He is very happy, and I knew all along he could do it! I am glad I spoke up in this case. He was feeling a lot better on Sunday than he did Saturday. I'll keep you all updated as the kids play.....we'll post pics. Good luck with your little one Shaun! They grow very quickly. Enjoy every moment!
Shaun, the coach is actually the same one Nathan had last year, and we requested that Nathan be on his team again this year. Last year the coach was a AA coach, this year he is a AAA coach, and he, in our and other parents' opinion, is a fantastic coach - he sees the game as a game. The problem is the "higher ups" who instead of having fun with the game play politics with the League instead, and that's the problem we have with LL.
Did you know, that the FOUNDER of Little League, the person who started it all and set it up, resigned and walked away from his creation, because it stopped being about fun and playing a game, and instead became political and overrun with people with agendas. Let the kids play and have fun. End of story.
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