We Can't Blame The Kids, The Parents Keep Making It Worse

Halfway through my little 7 year old son's 2nd baseball season of his life, I was asked to verify whether he could commit to a post season all-star team if he was selected. Of course I replied "Yes". He didn't get chosen, but he had a blast playing baseball this Spring!

But the e-mail I got today just verified why I think the kids aren't to blame for the changing culture of youth sports. It was a nice letter that simply asked everyone to come out and support the all-star teams that will be playing at our local park. The letter posted the 12 player rosters of each of the 7 to 10 year old teams.

I had to laugh though, because after the rosters, the names of players that "were chosen, but could not participate" was listed. Is it just me, or does anyone else find this to be ridiculous! Why are these players being recognized? The players and parents that chose "not" to commit to their ballpark all-star team are being recognized along with the ones that chose to commit.

Then I realized why. If little Johnny's not on this list, he will get his feelings hurt because other people will think he wasn't good enough. But since the parents chose a two-week vacation over baseball, they couldn't commit to the team!

I may be the only one that feels this way, but commitment has always been very important to me as a player and as a coach. In fact, I think the letter should have listed the players that were committed but not chosen, instead of chosen and not committed.