An open letter to Little League parents

Well, it's that time of year, the smell of leather and the crack of the bat. Yep, Little League is just around the corner. So I thought it would be timely to offer some tips for the new Little League parent and some reminders for you pros.

First some background on me. I played Little League from the time I was 6 until I was 13 and moved on to Babe Ruth and High School ball. Over the last 20 years (holy cow has it been that long?) I've volunteered in various capacity. Everything from field maintenance, to assistant coach, to head coach, to my present love of umpire.

First and most importantly, Little League is for the kids. It's not for you (the parent) to relive past glory or to live vicariously through your youngster. Above all else, make it fun for your kid and don't put undo pressure on them. It's not game 7 of the World Series, it's Little League. I think there should be a Constitutional amendment banning yelling at a ballplayer that makes less than 500K/yr. Kids will strike out and make errors, it's part of the game, even Arod does it. It accomplishes nothing for you to sit in the stands and yell at the kid that did it. So ease up and offer words of encouragement, it'll be a lot better for everyone.

Second thing to remember is everyone you see on the field is a VOLUNTEER. That goes for coaches, umpires, grounds crew, you name it. We all do it for the kids and love of the game. Coaches put in countless hours of their own time so your kids can play ball. Cut them a little slack, they are human and will make some mistakes. Same goes for us umpires. We are there on our own time so your kids can play. We are going to miss some calls, we are human. Usually when I miss one I know it as soon as I've called it. Problem is I can't change my call. I feel bad but the game moves on. Let's face it, if I was any good at it I'd be working at Fenway Park not Concord Little League. Sooner or later I'm gonna hose your kid, and I'm sorry but it happens. You being belligerent because I called Jr out at first on a bang bang play doesn't help matters and doesn't help Jr learn sportsmanship.

Third, please come out and support your child. I know it can be tough in today's world of go go go, but try to make the time to come out to at least some of the games. Your child will really appreciate the effort. They may not show it outwardly, but deep down they are glad you came out to watch in the 40 degree weather. On that topic, we aren't babysitters. If the coach says practice will be over at 6, it's imperative that you are there to pick up your kids at 6. We can't leave until all the kids are picked up. We need to get home to our families and take care of our things too. A little courtesy goes a long way. There isn't much worse for a kid or a coach than practice being over at 6 and it's 6:30 and still no parent to pick them up. So please try to be on time to pick them up after practice.

So come out and support your kids and your local Little League. If you have the time and are so inclined volunteer, there is always something that needs done and it can be a very rewarding experience.

With that, lets PLAY BALL