Go, Eggert!

Some of you asked me to post an update on my journey as a little league baseball coach .

So, here it is.

Last night, we played our last game. Against all odds, we made it to the playoffs… and all the way to the final!

The game was postponed four times, due to the smoke from the Canadian fires and then rain. So, when the time finally came, everybody was buzzing with excitement.

It was amazing to see so many people in the bleachers. We even had some signs in the crowd!

As we gathered in the dugout before the game, I could see the nervous anticipation in their eyes. We had played with our opponent before, and we knew the odds were on their side. But we had come this far together, so we were going to make it special, no matter what.

The game started, and despite our best efforts, we fell short. The final score was 18-11 in favor of the opposing team.

Some kids cried.

Hell, I almost cried.

But it was a good cry.

The kind that shows when you really care about something, and you know you are going to miss it.

Yes, we were disappointed, but amidst the defeat, I realized that this journey taught me a bunch of valuable lessons:

YOLO

Just like accepting the coaching position despite my evident lack of knowledge in baseball, we should always be open to embracing new challenges. Sometimes, the greatest opportunities lie outside our comfort zones. Take a leap of faith, say "yes," and trust in your ability to learn and grow.

Never stop learning

My crash course in baseball coaching is a reminder that learning is a lifelong journey. That is true in life and in the fast-paced corporate world, where staying relevant and adapting to new technologies and trends is crucial (Generative AI, anyone?). Embrace a growth mindset, seek knowledge, and leverage available resources to enhance your skills.

Feedback is a gift

Throughout the season, I provided feedback to all the kids. I showed them how to take position, how to catch the ball, how to settle their feet before batting. At the end of the season, all of them showed improvement in their performance. Also, I received a lot of feedback from parents and other coaches. And today, I’m better for it.

Never give up

After the game, my wife and I gave each player a little present. Before handing it out, I asked them if they learned something new during the season. Most of them said “To never give up.” Facing challenges with a positive attitude and the willingness to adapt is vital. Our team encountered setbacks and mistakes throughout the season, but we persevered. Adaptability and resilience are essential qualities that everyone will need at some point in their lives. Embrace change, learn from failures, and keep moving forward.

Have fun!

Regardless of the outcome, the joy and enthusiasm of the kids after each practice or game reminded me of the importance of having fun in everything we do. We should always aim to create a positive environment around us, one that fosters enjoyment, trust, and community.

I am grateful for the experience and the lessons learned. We may not have won the championship, but we achieved something far more significant.

We came together as a team, embraced challenges, and grew as individuals. And, we had a lot of fun in the process.

Go, Eggert!

#coaching #growthmindset