When great things end..........

I have been fortunate for the last 6 years to spend some time coaching and really just hanging out with my son and his 9 teammates and friends. We never really got into the travel ball with these young men, but every league around our hometown, we have tried to play in. For about 6 years, I have had the same core of 10 kids sprinkled in with kids from other areas who called and asked if we had room, or that I knew and thought would be a good fit with these young men.

These young men are all seniors this year and our last time playing together as players and coach ended last night in the wnc fall tournament. As we all sat together after the game, I realized how much time we had spent together in the last 6 years, and how much fun I had. I won't lie and say I was ever much of a coach, winning wasn't that important, but playing the game with respect and having fun and staying out of trouble 24/7/365 were the rules. I tutored kids in Geometry, english, etc.....answered questions about life, about dealing with parents, dealing with teachers, and how to handle life's situations as they arose.

Somewhere along the way, these kids became pretty good ballplayers, with 1 already commited to a major university and probably 3-4 more that will have the opportunity to play at the next level if they so choose. Somewhere along the way, these kids grew up and became men, but one thing never changed, we always had fun and played the game hard, and I never had to call one of them down for anything on the field or off. In 6 years, I never had a parent come to me and say, "my kid isn't playing enough, or my kid should be playing here, or hitting here, or anything of that sort." I think that says alot about these young men and their parents.

I know this post is kind of off the wall and doesn't really fit with anything here, but I guess what I am saying is that these young men will get to play in the spring, I will have to watch from the stands. I am going to miss coaching them. I never really cared anything about baseball or coaching until my son turned 12, I regret that. If given the chance to help or coach or just go play catch with your child or one that just asks, always say yes. Without these 10 young men and the others sprinkled in here and there, I can't imagine my life being as fulfilling as it has been to this point.

If you get a chance this spring season, come check out these 10 kids from Swain High School play the game, they may not be the greatest team (pretty dang good though), but I guarantee you will enjoy watching these young men on the field and watching the respect they display for the game.

 

Kevin- this is exactly the place to post this.

There are many members past and present that are or will go through what you have. It is tough in that you are not watching just one son getting ready to make his mark in the world, but........10 sons.

It is the most fulfilling thing that one can hope to have. I hope, as time goes by, that you will consider taking all those experiences that you have obtained and dust off that hat again.....and coach another team of young kids and watch them grow up to be well rounded men.

Good coaches are not found on trees.

 

Had not considered

how hard last night would be for you. Having been involved this fall should have given me more insight. This was an amazing group of young men and an unbelievable group of families. My son and family were so well received by your team and their parents. We will always be grateful for this chance to get to know all of these wonderful people. Swain Baseball is alive and well.
Thank you for all you have done for my son and the rest of the Team.

PS They don't complain because they are afraid of you.

 

You get what you give, and in my brief time getting to know Kevin11, I can say that I'm 100% sure that he gave more than his share. Not once in my encounters with him have I ever heard anything negative come out of his mouth. Coaching is a thankless job, and I thank God every day for folks who choose to do so.

 

My hat is off to you and your players. This is what makes baseball the greatest game on earth. Trying umpiring now that you are done coaching you just might love it.

 

This is exactly the kind of post i want to read here. I wish there was more of this. Finally something about baseball that isn't showcase. This is what the game is about but more importantly, this is what life is about. They may be good baseball players but it appears they are even better citizens. From one citizen to another, thanks for making a difference in these kids lives.

 

Kevin,

I'm sorry to hear it ended for Swain. I was really pulling for you to make it to the championship game to play a very surprising Asheville High team. I really wanted to see how our team might fare against Josh, one of the best pitchers in NC. Please stay involved with baseball. We need good people like you! I hope to see you again soon.

 

Great Post

I wish you guys the very best this spring Kevin. Meeting and getting to know people like you and your son has been the best thing about showcase baseball to me. Kids are very lucky to have someone like you in their life. Good luck this season and dont blink because it will be over before you know it.

 

To me the toughest 2 games I have circled on my schedule this spring are the 2 with Swain. This it an outstanding team for a small 1A school. Great kids also. I always enjoy that trip. Good luck Josh and Kevin and we will see ya in the spring.

 

Your the Man!

Kevin, your son will always call you "Dad" and these boys will always call you "Coach". Nothing can be a higher honor or more humbling. A piece of you will be a part of each of their lives and how they live it. As Grier would say "Chief is AWESOME!"