Smells like Team Spirit

This is really 2 stories.

The first story is that I am blogging again.  Well at least today. I'm back to where it all started because I can't remember the password for the other blog.  And it's kind of fun to look back at the posts here.  I haven't done a post since 2016!

The real story is the one from today. The story of the guy who manages his daughter's softball team.  Who put his heart in every game, every practice, every girl.  That's the story.

This season has been rocky.  He has a monster team but they just haven't gotten it together to play as a team.  There have been some wins but more losses. Some really close games and some games that just leave you shaking your head in disbelief.  But he believes. He believes in every single player. In the potential of the team to beat any other team in the league.

What makes him special as a coach is the same thing that makes him special as a human.  He is a good person. He gives people the benefit of the doubt. He is forgiving and kind.  He never loses his cool but fights for what he believes in.  I've seen it in different situations.

I always worry that people don't really understand his intentions.  Why he makes choices on the field.  Parents can be tough. I hear them in the stands.  But he knows his role. He has to take it sometimes. And he's the first to admit when he's made the wrong choice. To take the blame for a decision, or indecision. He's not too proud to say, that was my fault.  Even if it means being yelled at or blamed.  I think he is protected by a suit of armor worthy of a Game of Thrones battle.

Today at the team meeting, after an exciting game but a tough loss, he talked to the girls about working on strategy.  The focus of the season being on learning the strategy of the game more than the batting and catching. It's what will elevate them as players, gaining value not just winning games.

After the coaches spoke, one of the girls raised her hand and talked about how much Bobby has helped her believe in her ability to be a better player.  She said it was his belief in her that made her play better - and she's doing amazing. Isn't that what this is all about?

Taking on leadership roles gives you the chance to do great things, or just to make sure terrible things don't happen.  But it also exposes you to criticism, blame, and frustration. Some people can take it. Some people deal with it for the greater good. They withstand criticism without always getting to tell their side, because that's not the point. They absorb the frustration and take the blame. It's not always fair but it comes with the territory.