The big question this season is do I manage a Minor-A team where I am assured I will be able to coach my own son to his fullest potential or do I place him in the Majors where there is no guarantee for me to manage...

Every manager must re-apply and no one is guaranteed a spot, even returning managers.  Sort of...   Last year I did not have to interview at all, I was given the nod by past managers that knew of me and spoke up for me. I thank them.

This year I will need to re-interview if for no other reason but to be processed through the system.   This past season I've been working with my son at his pitching and hitting.  I even struck a bargin with a baseball clinic owner in trade for services.  This was great for my son and I saved a bundle.  But one thing doesn't change.  My son has still not hit a growth spurt that puts him in the size category of many 12 year olds.   That has me thinking.

There is one slot for a Majors manager.  I think other coaches have more experience and can give the kids more in the majors than I can at this time.  My enthusiasm and good nature is great for the Minors so I'm inclined to stick with coaching at that level.

What I'm most happy about is because I managed last year my son is guaranteed league play this year no matter where I live in the state.  My home is up for sale and we have a new home waiting for us when this sells.   Little League is a rite of passage for kids and both my son's are excited for what is to come.  Sign-ups are this month and although ...   more »

Last year I kept a promise to my son to manage the little league team he played on.   You don things in life that you don't always know or understand what you are getting yourself into before you begin. The experience was unlike any other I had participated in.   The group comradery among coaches, the bond with the kids... the experience of watching them improve ... and oh yeah... my own son!  The reason I did it in the first place! 

So now it begins again.  Yes... here in January in the cold and muck.

Because I love to write, and because I had friends interested in what was happening... and because I thought it would be interesting to treat the experience like a documentary... I began blogging about it.  Some personal matters gave me cause to pause and stop the process at one point but eventually I resumed in a manner that protected everyone's interest.

I begin again.  This will be my sophomore effort.  I take pride in the fact my position is secure by way of having already held the job.  I'll have a year of coaching behind me.  The experience of having taken coaching clinics... umpire clinics and the beauty of experiencing real game decisions will also be to my advantage.  

The first coaches clinic itself is Saturday January 12th at Saint Mark's High School with loads of clinicians, some of which I've known for years.   Baseball is such a simple game, you throw the ball you hit the ball, you catch the ball.  The details are where we learn a lot about life. 

What I think will be most exciting this year is how my youngest son will be able to participate fully.  He has glommed onto his older brother's interest since he could walk and speak.  Baseball is ...   more »