By Tom Oldham Former AAA Pitcher (Seattle Mariners) Private Instructor
Youth baseball is an interesting level of development for not only young pitchers, but young players in general. Many times in youth program, the coaches are unpaid and their work is volunteer based. Because of this setup, at times their motivation is lacking and is apparent by the effort that they put forth on the field with the players. However, we must realize that the important aspect of our time is making these young players not only understand the fine details of the game, but also be excited about doing so. In evaluating the coaches in our organization, I will watch not only how they approach the pregame and drills the incorporate, but also their attitude and enthusiasm in the dugout during the game.
Currently, I have observed almost every age group, and the same observations have been made throughout. When the coach is excited about what he does, it is reflected through the player’s performance on the field and in the dugout picking each other up. We have one particular coach who does an excellent job of not only teaching the fine points of the game, but doing it in a way that is enjoyable for the kids. He has one drill where the outfield must run to the spot where the ball is to be caught, but treating it like soccer and having the spongy ball used for the drill, bounce of their heads. While unorthodox, the kids love the drill and it teaches the importance of sprinting to your spot to get under the baseball and moving through the ball preparing to make the throw.
While excitement doesn’t equal success all of the time, it sure has for this particular age group. They have only lost a handful of games out of about 45 games they have played so far. The excitement and true love for the game is not only projected in these games and with the players, but also with the parents. They enjoy coming to watch their sons play and have fun while doing it.
This isn’t the case with another age group, who struggles with excitement that drains the life out of the players, but also frustrates the players. While winning cures everything, you have add excitement for the players to have the level of care necessary to want to develop, rather than just going out there and playing. So, as coaches we need to understand that even though it may not be as easy on some days to show excitement, it is a necessary component for the development of our players. Our passion and love for the game can be transferred to the players and ultimately build the foundation in which player development can propser.
Youth baseball is an interesting level of development for not only young pitchers, but young players in general. Many times in youth program, the coaches are unpaid and their work is volunteer based. Because of this setup, at times their motivation is lacking and is apparent by the effort that they put forth on the field with the players. However, we must realize that the important aspect of our time is making these young players not only understand the fine details of the game, but also be excited about doing so. In evaluating the coaches in our organization, I will watch not only how they approach the pregame and drills the incorporate, but also their attitude and enthusiasm in the dugout during the game. 
