Sunday, November 20, 2011

Lessons From the Field

Over the years, I've sat through countless baseball games.  I've seen some pretty crazy stuff, from wacky to disgraceful.  There are some things you just don't ever want to be caught doing.  Unless you don't mind being the laughingstock or the most hated parent at the field.  Here's a list:

Do not go and sit in the opposing team's bleachers to cheer for your team.  It's obnoxiously rude.  There are two sets of bleachers for a reason.  Stay on your own side.  Sitting in the opposing team's bleachers yelling "smash the tator" to your player at bat is just ridiculous.  Yes, this happened to TP yesterday.

Do not yell rude, hurtful, or insulting comments at players from the opposing team.  It just makes you look like a donkey's behind.

Be gracious when the opposing team makes a great play or gets an awesome hit.   All the players deserve praise from the spectators when they do a great job.

Never, ever coach from the stands.  When your kid is on the field or in the dug out, the coach is in charge.  Period. End of story.

Always be gracious, win or lose.  Especially when your team wins.  Class and sportsmanship are never out of style.

Do not challenge a parent from the opposing team to a parking lot fight.  It just makes you look classless.  Yes, this happened last week.  No, it was not a TP parent doing the challenging.

If you don't know much baseball terminology, just be quiet.  Or cheer generically.  You just look dumb if you yell out the wrong thing all the time.  People are laughing at you.  I will admit to doing some snickering myself yesterday.

Most important of all, never engage in any behavior that will humiliate your kid.  They need and deserve the respect of their teammates and coach.

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