Coaching Advice needed

[Big Hitter]

Our coach ( first time last year) from last year has decided not to coach (15 yo level) again this year. He says he needs to watch some of his daughters game also witch is great I accept that. I understand. This would be the last year he could coach as next year it would be non parent coaching at the 16yo level. I know last year when we started there was a problem with 1 parent who's son didn't get much playing time he was ready to quit then but I (assistant coach) talked him out of it. When we started he wasn't really into it but as the season went on he was very proud to be running a team like we had. Right now the association is gettting coaches and such figured out and he doesn't want the job. This guy has a very good knack of talking to the kids and getting them to perfom to the best of their ability at practices and games. All the kids on the team look up to him with very high regards. I think some of these guys may quit baseball if he doesn't coach. I'm planning on taking over the team if I can't get him back. I'm going to get together with him this week to see if there's any hope to get him back. I don't think he realizes how much of an effect he has on these guys.

How do I get that gungho coach back? Ideas?

[colesdad2]

BH - Show him your post, tell him what you've told us. I coached a lot of years and then gave up my last LL team for my youngest son's 12yo season for a variety of reasons. It was a huge mistake - my team, my son, MY kids (a couple I had coached for 4 years) suffered under inexperienced and arrogant coaching. Worst example I've ever seen of parental favoritism. I know of at least one player who says he'll never play again. Not the most talented kid, but one that absolutely loved and knew the game. I will always regret giving up that team.

[Bushido]

Simple,have the players talk to him.

Besides me having the quality time to spend with my son,I coach to see all the other kids grow as players as well. They together are my motivation to make the sacrifices to continue coaching.

[longball]

If you are planning on helping him out again try to re-assure him that it is okay to take a few nights off to watch his daughters and that you can handle the team the nights he is not there. I also agree with havng the players talk to him, maybe even some of their parents. As a long time coach it feels ggod to get positive feedback from parents and players. As a league Prez I hate to loose good coaches that can connect with kids. i am facing that problem at the Jr's level this year. We have ZERO coaches that have experience with that age group. Fortunately, and unfortunatley, my 12 yr old has agreed that he does not bneed to play at the majors level just to be able to crank out a bunch of homers, so he and I have agreed to move up so I can pick up one of the Jr's teams. We are loosing to many kids at that age and it kills me not to have good coaches. Hell, show him MY post asking him to stick around;) Good luck my friend.