Little League

Husband and I get lots of comments about letting LoLo Monster play sports. People are constantly telling me that I need to sign him up for t-ball or some other kind of pee-wee league. Outside of soccer at the Y, I have so far avoided organized sports for children. The reason is two-fold. First, I am far too lazy and lacking in dedication for those park teams.  I have seen my sister go through it with my nephews and I know those people would hate me. I am not bringing my kid out in the rain and I am not driving across county lines just so my 3 year-old can hit a ball on a stick and run backwards around the bases. I am not letting him miss church or “forget” to do his homework just so some coach can teach him the basics when basically all he needs to know are his ABC’s and 123’s.

I mean, really, people? My son is three. I doubt he is going to break any world records in any sport this year. I am beyond excited that he has gotten to the point where he will stop playing a game at home to go to the potty. So, why would I push my luck and agree to a full season of an outdoor sport with practices a couple times a week? I want my kid to like sports- not feel obligated to them. I want him to make friends, develop interests and learn how to read on grade level before dedicating himself to a ball. I think most of those parents, if they were being honest, would have to admit that they are doing it more for themselves than for the children. They want to meet people and hold court on the field and show everyone that their son/daughter is going to be the next great whatever it is. It is about them, not the kids. I have asked and most of the kids want to go home.

My 2^nd reason was on full display this Saturday when I went to a kid’s football game. My nephew is very talented and athletic, so I went to see him play. I am already creeped out by the amount of pressure they put on these kids, the amount of money they request from parents, and the way they try to recruit and pin adult ambitions on what is supposed to be a game. In the midst of a game for 11-13 year olds there were people drinking, gambling on the game, cursing, and taunting small children. I found the level of ignorance astounding.

How lame is it to be drunk at your kid’s game? I know what it is like to have an alcoholic parent and I was happy every time my dad came out to support, but he had a drinking problem. My daddy showed up drunk because he could not help himself. These guys were drinking at the game because they thought it was cool. That is crazy to me and I am sure it was embarrassing to their kids. Then they were betting on touchdowns and passes. I am sure that makes your kid feel good. “I missed that block and Dad lost $20.” What is wrong with these people? Shouting “Give me my money” in a little league field does not make you look like the “Big Man on Campus” it makes you look like a Big Doofus. The cursing was ridiculous. There were kids out there from 6 months to 17 years. (Yes, I think it is crazy to bring a newborn out in freezing weather to watch a game, but if you are a single parent, you gotta do what you gotta do.) I don’t think it is ever ok to curse in front of children and no matter what a 17 year old tells you, he is a child by law and by train of thought. Have you ever really listened to a 17 year old? They are not much different than a 2 year old- just bigger and potty trained. (You hope!)

Then there was the taunting. It is just pathetic for a grown man to take pleasure in seeing a little kid loose. The women weren’t much better – cursing and talking smack as we walked out the stadium. I am all about kids learning to lose gracefully and I don’t believe in coddling kids by not taking score and other foolishness, but I think adults should behave better than children. Just think how your kid would feel if they lost. You would hate for an adult to scream and be all in their face.

It was then that I knew I could not sign my sweet boy up for one of these leagues. He is fine to play at the Y and for whatever school until he reaches the age where he can tell me that this is what he wants to be a part of. I just could not live with him or myself to that spectacle. I am clearly going to need more time to prepare us both. I really don’t want to get arrested because I shanked a grown man for being inebriated and talking smack to my Monster. It could happen because I don’t play when it comes to my babies. I can tell the coach to take them out the game, but you better keep your pie hole shut. I have some time before Paul has to get involved with a league. At least I have time to hope the parents I saw last week will have aged out before we get to the park.