There’s something magical about a Little League field. The sound of cleats crunching on gravel, the unmistakable smell of fresh-cut grass, or the buzz of nervous excitement in the dugout before the first pitch. For those of us who have had the privilege of coaching, the real magic lies in something less tangible — the joy of being part of a kid’s journey. This year, I have the pleasure of coaching my younger son's team, the AAA Orioles, at Washoe Little League. The first games started last week, and I am very excited to see this fun team learn and grow over the season.
One of the most rewarding parts of coaching Little League is witnessing the transformation of kids — not just as players but as people. You see the shy, quiet kid who barely speaks in the first practice become the one cheering the loudest from the dugout by the end of the season. You see the frustrated player who couldn’t make contact finally connect for that first solid hit, and the way their whole face lights up is pure gold.
Progress is measured in inches and smiles, and every little win — whether it's a great play or a great attitude — is worth celebrating.
Sure, we’re there to teach the fundamentals: how to swing, how to throw, how to run the bases. But what we’re really teaching are the life lessons hidden in the seams of the game. Teamwork. Perseverance. Respect. Handling failure with grace and success with humility.
Baseball is just the classroom. The lessons last a lifetime.
There’s a special kind of camaraderie that forms on a Little League team. It's not just among the kids, but with the parents, assistant coaches, and even the other teams. You start the season as strangers, and by the time the last out is called, you’ve built a little community.
Some of my favorite memories aren’t even from the games themselves — they’re from post-game ice cream trips, goofy warm-up routines, or heartfelt pep talks in the outfield. Coaching brings people together in ways that go far beyond the scoreboard.
Let’s be real — coaching Little League isn’t always sunshine and home runs. There are missed practices, forgotten gloves, wild throws, and the occasional tear after a tough inning. But even the chaos has its charm. It’s in those moments — the ones that test your patience and creativity — where real growth happens, for the kids *and* the coach.
You learn to meet each child where they are, to adapt, to encourage, and to lead with your heart.
Coaching Little League is one of those experiences that gives back tenfold. The early mornings, the lineup shuffles, the endless reminders to keep your glove down — it’s all worth it for the joy of watching kids fall in love with the game, and in the process, discover a little more about themselves.
So if you ever get the chance to coach, take it. Because at the heart of every great season is a coach who believed, encouraged, and showed up — and that kind of joy is unforgettable.
PLAY BALL! AND LETS GO WASHOE!
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