How to Be a Great Little League Coach

What is it that makes for a great Little League experience?  Scheduling?  Fundamentals? I know warm weather sure helps!  At the end of the day, I think it really comes down to the coaching.

Last year, my son had the best MAA Baseball experience imaginable, and it really came down to Coach Jay Meinen (Owner of Jimmy John's in Muskego) and the way he was leading his assistant coaches and players into a thriving community.  

The season starts this week, and my family is back with Coach Jay, but I thought I share some thoughts on how other teams can have a magical season like we did.
First of all, Jay thrived on the "Every Kid Plays" philosophy.  Every kid had the chance to bat first, and every kid had to bat last.  Every kid got their fair share at the pivotal positions, and every kid had to play the not so important ones too.  We're talking 7 year olds - no one should be stuck out in right field before getting a chance to know every spot in the game.

Secondly, Coach Jay put the extra time in.  There's no practices in Coach's Pitch Baseball after games start… unless you're on Coach Jay's team.  We're not talking anything obsessive either.  He gave parents the option to bringing their kids 30-45 minutes early to get some practice hitting and catching.  It was optional; but the parents appreciated it, and the kids grew from it.  Just something neat that happens when you go a little above and beyond.  

Finally, Jay's team was fun because it was community.  When the season ended, and two of kids got to go to the All-Star Game, Jay organized a tail-gate before that game and encouraged the other nine players to stay and cheer for their teammates on the field.  Well, actually it was his wife Jodi who organized that.  Perhaps my fourth bit of advice is that behind every great coach stands a great coach's wife!

Anyway, wishing all of you in the Muskego Athletic Association a great baseball season!