Everyone wanted to play for...
Illustration
Everyone wanted to play for Coach Joe. Each spring, boys from as far as seventy miles away came to play for Joe's team. Joe's reputation was that of a coach who demanded much from his players, but in return taught them the fundamentals of baseball and the importance of teamwork. Joe was from the old school that valued hard work and respect.
Every spring, Joe would call the hopeful fourteen- and fifteen-year-old boys together in centerfield and deliver his introductory speech. It was a speech that burned their ears. It was a speech that the young men didn't quickly forget. In essence it went like this:
"Why have you come to try out for this team? Did you come because you want to win? Did you come because you want the glory that goes with playing for this town? Did you come because you think you are better than those who didn't come?
"What you will get, lads, is this: Work, work, work. You will field ground balls, shag flies, run bases, take batting practice until you are sick. Every ball you miss will earn you one lap around the field. You will attend every practice and game without fail. You will not cuss or swear when wearing this uniform, and you will encourage your teammates at all times.
"There will be days when you want to quit. Well, do! I don't want quitters on my team. If you aren't up for it, you might as well leave now."
John the Baptist would have approved of that speech.
Every spring, Joe would call the hopeful fourteen- and fifteen-year-old boys together in centerfield and deliver his introductory speech. It was a speech that burned their ears. It was a speech that the young men didn't quickly forget. In essence it went like this:
"Why have you come to try out for this team? Did you come because you want to win? Did you come because you want the glory that goes with playing for this town? Did you come because you think you are better than those who didn't come?
"What you will get, lads, is this: Work, work, work. You will field ground balls, shag flies, run bases, take batting practice until you are sick. Every ball you miss will earn you one lap around the field. You will attend every practice and game without fail. You will not cuss or swear when wearing this uniform, and you will encourage your teammates at all times.
"There will be days when you want to quit. Well, do! I don't want quitters on my team. If you aren't up for it, you might as well leave now."
John the Baptist would have approved of that speech.
