Baseball. America's past time. Inspired millions of children yearly... peanuts, popcorn and cracker jacks. And I seriously don't know if I ever want to go back.
Tonight, at my oldest son's baseball practice, I was informed "he was not good enough" to play on the team. In front of my son, standing right there. They are moving him down a division, before the season even starts. With just 2 practices to base this decision on, they have basically shot my son down and moved him down. This is the same kid, who spent the entire weekend, practicing, throwing the ball with his dad, uncle and g-pa... so that when he got to practice today, he would "do better" and be able to stand tall knowing he did his best.
DANGIT! He did a GREAT job tonight. He was catching the ball, throwing and getting the ball to the person he was aiming for. But, nope, at 6 years old, I already have to explain to my child why life is NOT fair. Why he is "not on the team". I know, sometimes you don't make the team. I know this. But the issue was, he was already on the team. He had the shirt, the socks, the hat and they kicked him down. I am furious. Livid. I want to yell at anyone who will listen. But instead, I had to maintain my calm, discuss this with the needed "people"- coaches, commissioners, etc. In order to make the best decision for the "team" UGH!
So, I drive home, listening to my son cry because he did his best, "why was it not good enough" " I did everything they asked me to do, and they still don't want me mommy?" "I did everything daddy told me to do, and tried so hard. My friends are on that team" I want to scream. Yell.. jump up and down and fight for him. But no one is listening...
I hope, I really hope that this move is a good thing. That maybe just maybe, it will make him a better baseball player and a better team player. But right now, right now..
I am one very mad mother bear!
5 comments:
hugs and sorry to that they said it in front of him. How rude and that sucks.
Oh no, I am playing this very positive and optomistic in front of Gabriel. I want him to enjoy the sport. My main frustration was, they never should have put him in the division if they were unsure. It is easier to move up, than move down in my opinion.
What a complete JERK! I know coaches want to make a good team and they are trying to do the best for the kids they have. But that does NOT mean it's OK to say such things in front of him!! Also... OMG this is a 6-year-old's team??? Can we cut the competitive attitude and concentrate on teaching the kids the value of playing well on a TEAM and working on your effort and discipline? It sounds like he tried VERY hard to do better so that he wouldn't let his team mates down and this guy just made him feel like that was worthless....
OOOOOH I am steamed about this!! I don't blame you at all. I think I would have felt like smacking that guy if he did that to my son!
Go get him Momma Bear!
That's terrible. Poor little guy. Hope he's able to get over the disappointment.
PS I'm a fellow "junkie" and found your blog on the boards...
I am so sorry to hear this!! It burns me how "little league" and other sports have gotten so out of hand... when coaches crush a childs spirit for the good of the team... or parents yell and scream if one child drops the ball... I am not a proponent of doing everything for a kids "self esteem" - but I do believe that 6 year olds are too young to play sports that think this is ok. Perhaps your child will be better off - what would this coach be like if he was coaching your son? Tell your son that there are several people out here that think he's wonderful and know that he will do fantastic - no matter what team he plays on or if he plays at all!!! And for you - a giant hug - it's horrible as a mom to see your child hurt like this - it just breaks your heart!! Be glad, though, that you are a mom that knows your child was hurt and you love him anyhow... there are some parents that wouldn't have gotten that.
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