Throughout last season, I was one of those parents who regularly complained. I wasn’t over-the-top at all, and tried to act as courteous and professional as I could. That said, I expressed my feelings whenever I thought it was necessary. And, I thought it was necessary quite often. I shared my thoughts on how I didn’t think it was right to ask parents to fundraise on top of the registration fee, how the grass needed to get cut more often. I raised my concerns to managers, and I even attended a Board meeting toward the end of the season. I’ll never forget that meeting. After I shared my thoughts the League President sat back, thanked me for my feedback, he said, “I think you need to get involved more. There will be a few open Board positions next year. You should consider one of those.” No way, I thought. With three kids, I was too busy. Plus, with all of my complaining, there was no way I’d be elected, and even if I was, the other Board members would tune me out. Over the course of the summer, though, I ran into the League President occasionally, and each time, he encouraged me to run for a Board seat. He said while he didn’t always agree with my opinions, I was at least engaged and interested in the well-being of the players and running a better league. I called my sister who once was a Board member in a league in Georgia. She told me the only way for a league to improve and prosper is for a lot of parents to get involved, especially committed ones with a good heart who will see projects through. So, I submitted my name, and to my surprise, I was elected. I could tell not all Board Members were thrilled, and I probably was elected by the slightest of margins, but I was on board. And, to be honest, most of the Board Members welcomed me. Over the course of the next month, as we began to prepare for next season, I realized just how much work is involved in operating a league. I mean, A LOT of work, but you know what, I liked it. I saw that while I didn’t always agree with some of the decisions, the Board definitely had the kids’ best interest in mind. Instead of just complaining, I was doing something, and I was making a difference. I not only handled my responsibilities I also pitched in to help with the field cleanup, and even provided some ideas on how to increase Sponsorship, so we might have some extra money in the coffers for things like cheaper registration fees. At the October Board meeting, a parent came in, and addressed the Board, complaining about this, that, and the other. I smiled when the Board President said that she should get more involved in the league. Her and her husband own a landscaping business, so I suggested she help out. She immediately said she had no time. It sounded very familiar. I’m committed to getting her involved next season. My guess is it’ll happen.

At the end of every season, parents who recently had their child graduate from our program face an emotional time. The family will likely reminisce about the fun you have had at the baseball and softball fields throughout the years. While your child’s playing days may be over, there’s no need for you to leave. The success of Tri-League on a large team of dedicated parents. If you’re like most involved parents, you’ve learned many of the ins and outs of what makes for a successful league over the years. Not having a child actively playing in the league provides you with a unique perspective on how you can assist in our operation, while not having to also play the vital role of being a Tri-League parent. The players who follow in your footsteps can greatly benefit from your knowledge and experiences if you stay engaged. If you remain in the Tri-League community, you’ll find new ways to appreciate what we have to offer, and, without a child playing, you’ll also have more time to figure out and suggest ways to make our program even better. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to stay in contact with the families and friends you’ve gotten to know. And, you’ll be able to provide support to those families, so they can have the opportunity to enjoy their own Tri-League experiences. If you are already a Board Member, on our Parent Board or Executive Board consider staying in that position. If you are not a member, but would like to be, talk to us, and express your interest for next season. If being a Board Member is not something you’d consider, there are plenty of other volunteer positions. With the proper background checks, parents can assist with umpiring, helping out in the concession stand at Opening Day, All Star Day Closing Day or fundraisers and many other activities. Parents can also help create fun off-the-field activities and coordinate spirit-wear and signage. Just because your child has aged out, that doesn’t mean he or she can’t join you in staying involved, as well. They’d enjoy interacting with the friends they’ve made and seeing the coaches and local league officials who have made a positive impact on them. The Tri-League experience for you and your Little Leaguer extends far beyond that last out in the final game. You’ll always be considered a part of our family, and we hope you can stay involved for many years to come.

It is said that you never get a second chance to make a good first impression. The first impression you want to make on your team is that this is going to be fun! Make it so from your first practice. Bring plenty of energy to the field, along with jokes and riddles. Be willing to be corny. Smile. Laugh. Encourage and reward your players when they do the same. Just make it genuine, and how could it not be genuinely fun when you get to coach and they get to play such a great game? “But, what about winning?” you may ask. Well, winning is fun, and to a great extent, having fun makes you a winner on and off the field. So, here are some ideas on how to make practice fun. Everyone tell a joke or funny story during warm-ups. That way, the outgoing kids establish their leadership and the introverts start to come out of their shells. That begins to engender a confidence that feeds into their plate and field performances. It also helps the players bond so that they’re willing to “go to bat” for each other in challenging times. Recognize birthdays and other milestones. Give your players the sense that you care about them. Have the player whose birthday comes next sing Happy Birthday to today’s birthday boy or girl. Give the players a little chance to express pride in their school grades or a sibling’s accomplishment. Make every drill a competition. Kids love to compete. They’re keeping mental score even when you are not. Zig-zag drill? Whoever completes it first, or whoever completes it cleanly, or with the fewest drops after several trips down the line gets a treat. Timed base-running? Make it a relay race. Keep things moving. No standing around waiting for reps. If you’re doing run down drills with five players, and you have 9 or 10 others on your roster, run three run-down drills. You may not be able to watch all three at once and be able to technically pick apart each throw, but technically picking apart each throw is no fun, anyway, and the other 10 players who would have been left standing around are now engaged, appreciative of the fun, and maybe tired enough to listen intently to your summary praise and criticism of their drill. Test players in different positions. Give players a chance to audition all over the field. Help your natural pitchers, catchers, and shortstops understand the humility that can come with playing right field. When they better understand what their teammates’ experience is waiting for some action, they will empathize and become better teammates. Celebrate achievement. Positively reinforce accomplishment as often as possible. Be careful not to over-do it, or your constant faint, shallow praise will fall on deaf ears as will your future sincere, earned praise. But, any time any player legitimately steps it up a notch in effort or results, celebrate. Sometimes with ice cream. Three words. Home run derby.