Diaries of a High School Coach

Thank you all Braves for the kind words and for the chance to respond to some questions some may have. My computer skills are limited but i'll try to post as often as I can. Our teams have developed "chemistry" in the past by first earning repect with each other. I believe it is important to be honest and fair with every player, and give everybody a chance to be successful. We do this through competition in practice, but also competition in non-conference games. Granted we may lose some games early in the year due to playing some players that are "not ready" yet, but it provides a fair way of judging who will help you when the conference games begin. Again, I feel you must earn a players respect first and show them you care about them and you care even more about the team.

 

Welcome aboard Coach Mennitt. It is great to have your perspective and insight. I know from experience watching one of your summer teams that you have a knack for getting guys to do anything for you. Mine would have run through a wall if you'd asked him to. We miss you at On Deck.

A few questions for you.

How hard is it to go home to your wife and youngster (still 1 or do you have 2 of them now?) and leave the baseball at the field? I stay awake at night when my little league team loses. I know it has to be tough for you guys.

What do you do to make sure your guys who spend most of their time on the bench stay ready, and how do you deal with the disappointment of an upper classman not getting the playing time he deserves?

How much parent politics have you had to deal with over the years and how do you deal with that?

i'll have more questions later...

 

Coach

I recently read that you were transferring schools. I thought it would be a good idea that you could post your thoughts about transferring here, instead of a 2 sentence writeup in the paper.

This way you can explain in your own words and not be misquoted as well as giving your career the justice it deserves rather than a 2 sentence sendoff.

 

Great questions Dodgerblues; First thing i'd like to say is i have two children and a wife at home (my daughter is 10 weeks old and my son is 3 going on 23). You've heard you try to leave your work at work and not bring it home , but we know that is darn near impossible. The thing I told myself after my son Sam was born was that when the loses start hurting more that the wins feel good, then that it is time to move on. To address your question about upperclassmen and their playing time I believe that as a coach your have to have enough foresight to know if that senior is going to help your club before cuts are made; if not he needs to understand his role from the beginning. I had 3 or 4 seniors this year that did'nt play very much but, most understood it was from their own undoing. Sometimes it's hard whe you have alot of seniors because they have so much on their minds in the spring (ie. beach, prom graduation, college) . The third part of your question about parent politics was a problem for 1 year (9 years ago), it will never be a problem again. Players must earn respect just as a coach must earn respect and they must know that you as a coach are going to make mistakes but, everything you is for the good of the team. Sometimes parents don't get involved with a team because people might feel they have "other" motives. I had two parents who made signficant contributions this year and one of the sons played J V. ; the other didn't start on the Varsity until half way through the year. (Both parents agreed with my decision) . Hope I didn't ramble>

 

I did accept a new job at Parkwood Highschool and am looking foward to the challenge. My reasons for leaving Independence are listed in no specific order:
1. I live in Union County
2. It will be a better situation for my family
3. My class load will be better (teaching schedule)
4. I long for a true "neighborhood " school where players stay together thoughout their playing days
5. Administrative support
6. "My Cheese" moved

I would like to say it was never an easy decision, I hate leaving my players behind because they are the reason you do the job in the first place. My players understand and want what is best for me but , it is hard leaving any group. I love the Patriots and will always wish them well.

 

:applause:...I know it was a very difficult decision, but I want to thank you for sharing your reasons to the members.

We wish you the best coach and know you will be successful in your new job. I selfishly do not like to lose a quality coach from Charlotte, but I understand your reasons and wish you the best.

Now...the Board is yours...post whatever is on your mind. Questions from the other posters or an opinion of HS baseball that you might want to share.

 

Great book. Everyone needs to read it. Hope that everyone works out for you coach. As for your comment on a "neighborhood" school, does this in any way have to do with the "pick your school" policy in Charlotte?, or is it something else?

 

Good luck Coach Mennitt... I know all about cheese being moved...often too many "rats" out there STEALIN it if u know what I mean?!?!?....

 

The O....What do you mean?!?!?!?

 

Coach Mennitt, I was reading the all conference thread and thought I would present a politically charged question for you. How much does "back room negotiation" play into all conference selection? Do you think the best 10-15 players from each conference are always chosen?