The Best “Sports Parenting” Advice I’ve Received

One of the perks of my job is I get to meet incredible families almost daily.  I get to observe parents who have been successful raising happy and confident adults.  I thought I would share a quick story from an encounter with a father from 2010.  

We were in Memphis, Tennessee playing at Rhodes College.  There was a game prior to ours that I wanted to scout.  All we had was our charter bus so I needed a ride.  Larry Gasser, who’s son Brian was a pitcher on our team, offered to drive me.  

I knew Mr. Gasser but not well.  It can be a nightmare for a coach to be in this situation.  Unfortunately, you never know if there is an agenda.  

Brian bounced between our number one or two pitcher his freshmen year; however, he opened up the 2010 team as our number three.  In essence, he had been demoted to start the season.  To be honest, I was hesitant to be “trapped” in a car with Mr. Gasser.  

Did he have an axe to grind?  Was I going to get bombarded with questions?  Would it be a 20-30 minute interrogation?  

The ride I dreaded led to an amazing conversation.  I was a new father.  We talked about raising children.  We talked about being a good husband.  We talked about making a difference.  Not one time did we discuss the baseball team or his son’s role.  It was incredible.

There is one pearl of wisdom that Larry shared that I wanted to pass along to you.  I asked him, “Do you get nervous when Brian pitches?”  His response was priceless and I share this often with parents.  

“Coach, I realized a long time ago that Brian is a good boy before the game, and Brian is a good boy after the game.  I just enjoy watching him during the game.”

Make it a great week,

Mike

P.S. It worked out pretty well Brian.  He became the National Pitcher of the year in 2011.  He was also a part of two National Championship teams.