Reminder: Words Matter

He never saw it happening. Over and over, he simply told his players he loved them and thought they could do it. He knew them, knew what their hurts and fears were, knew how to really get to them with what he said. And he used his words accordingly, building them up,...

How to Know if You’re a Fool

His swing was broken, but he wouldn’t listen. Somehow, the plummeting batting and on-base averages weren’t enough for him to admit his need for help. Not only that…his life was broken, too. A series of rebellious decisions, in the face of pleading...

The Power to Heal or Destroy

Every person you and I will talk to today is either in need of healing or on the brink of being broken. Your teammates, the guys you coach, the parents in the booster club, the random person you see at the store. How do I know? You and I are the same way, even when we...

When All You Ever Wanted Isn’t Enough

God doesn’t care how many games you win. I’m convinced of that. Winning doesn’t impress him. After all, he’s God. God doesn’t care how many all-stars you collect on your travel team. I’m convinced of that too. Nor does he care what...

Your Own Scouting Department

I like scouting reports. Years ago, when I first began coaching, I kept a notebook on every team we played. I made notes of the tendencies of each opposing hitter and pitcher. If he was a first-pitch hitter, I noted it. If he always threw first pitch fastball, I wrote...