Coach's Corner for April 26
I am often asked "do I like my job?"
The answer is unquestionably yes, and it is all I have ever been able to see myself doing. The question that often follows is "what is the worst part of your job?"
Now, somewhere between trying to be politically correct and not ruffle too many feathers, I always fumbled for a real answer. I have stresses both on the field and off the field; 18-22 year-old kids are undoubtedly going to be ... 18-22 year-old kids. They make wrong choices and mistakes, but as long as they are good kids and don't repeat the same mistakes, it doesn't weigh too heavily.
Office work and fundraising can become tedious, but I do get some sort of deranged satisfaction from it. Losing is always a detriment, but luckily so far this year we have experienced much more positive postgame huddles than negative, as our record stands at 18-11-1 with a conference record of 12-3.
It is only been recently that I have absolutely been able to identify the WORST part of my job. Because of the number of players on our roster and because of their ages, I deal with death and the loss of loved ones more so than I would have ever been able to prepare myself for. My heart aches for players who lose friends, relatives, and even the beloved family pet, and although this close-knit group of Mariners are always here for each other lending a shoulder, I am often left speechless and brought to tears of my own for the harrowing circumstances that these young men are in.
I love these kids and much like their "at-home" parents, I am stricken with grief when I can't aid them and quell their heartache. I sit with them and ask them questions, I have attempted to discover the meaning of life and quote scripture in a few inaudible situations, but I have learned that the silence is not deafening -- it is in essence soothing, and my lack of education with the "Good Book" often comes out a bit scattered. I try and get them to remember good times and give them assurance that there will be light at the end of the tunnel. I mainly want them to know that I am here in whatever manner or capacity they need me to be.
In preparation for my life as the prickly collegiate coach I aspire to be, I studied the game, played as hard as I could all the time, learned different mechanics of all the positions, observed coaches who I played for, honed my communication skills and learned anything I could if someone was willing to teach. But I never learned how to deal with death, and if anyone asks me what they should prepare for if they intend to go into coaching, I will undoubtedly tell them to prepare for those situations because they appear often.
Individuals on this team are battling with something much more important than what takes place on the field, but I think it offers them comfort to know their teammates, coaching staff, and friends are all here for them. Baseball has a great ability to be a release from the everyday pressures and stresses of life.
I learned a great lesson when I played for Roger Bidwell at the University of Connecticut at Avery Point; he once told us that "all your distractions and all your problems leave when you are between the white lines." It is a lesson I attempt to convey to our guys. During practice or a game the only focus should be on the getting better and/or winning. Life, homework, family problems, girlfriends, friends, parties, work -- it should all be focused and dealt with when you leave the field.
Baseball can truly be one of the greatest stress relievers. Being surrounded by your teammates, all attempting to reach a common goal, is special. Being surrounded by your teammates and having time to escape the responsibility, tragedy, stresses of life (even if it is only for a few hours) can provide comfort for those that are dealing with death or illness.
Every recruit who comes to visit the Mitchell campus gets asked if they want to be a part of something greater than themselves. Great players come and go, great teams are often forgotten, but to be a part of a quality program that competes year after year, to be a part of a brotherhood that will always be there when you need them ... that is truly special! This team is very close and I know that they stand by each other in times of need.
We are heading to Southern Vermont College to finish up regular season play this weekend. We have clinched a berth in the conference tournament and if some things fall our way we have an opportunity to host the tournament. I am proud to be a member of this team, I am proud of the boys in uniform and how they work, act and conduct themselves, and for those guys dealing with the hardships of life. I am proud at the way they show up to the field every day.
Keep the correct perspective!
TMB
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