Book Synopsis
The object of baseball is to be safe at home. In Little League Baseball that often reaches far beyond the diamond. Little League coaches not only teach baseball, but also valuable life lessons including teamwork, sportsmanship, dedication and discipline.
Coaches are also there to make sure their players have fun, win or lose. Long-time coach Andrew Pansini offers this insightful game plan for Little League coaches focused on creating meaningful and enjoyable experiences for their players, and their families.
Book Excerpts
"Like many great institutions, Little League had humble beginnings. In 1958, Carl Stotz, a lumberjack clerk, was playing catch with his nephews when he had the idea to organize a game of baseball for kids to play. Today, more than 2.4 million players play Little League Baseball."
"Coaching kids in the sport I’ve always loved is perhaps my fondest avocation. Coaching is a place where I get to share my passion for baseball and hopefully guide kids in a positive way that gives them a sold personal foundation as they move forward into other aspects of their lives."
"First and foremost, Little League Baseball is all about having fun playing the game. As coaches, it’s our responsibility to ensure our players, and their parents, have an overall positive experience."
"Learning to lose with grace in Little League is a pivotal lesson that extends far beyond the confines of a baseball diamond, At its core, Little League serves as a microcosm of life, where victories are cherished, but defeats are inevitable and equally instructive."
"Many coaches take a team believing that since they have played baseball in the past, they will have no problem coaching a team. If there is anything you learn from this book, coaching is very different from playing the game. You may understand the game, but coaching a group of young children is a different ballgame with unique challenges."
"Man, this is baseball. You gotta stop thinking, just have fun - The Sandlot Movie"