Little League coach visits son on the mound to tell him he loves him
This is what sports are all about.
Getting a visit on the mound is rarely a happy occasion. Normally it’s fraught with nerves. A moment where you know you’re about to get pulled, typically because you messed something up. That didn’t happen in the Little League World Series game between Oregon and Italy, far from it.
Up by six runs in the top of the fifth, the pitcher walked a batter. Suddenly his coach (and dad) came jogging out of the bullpen to address his player. What happened next is rare.
“Hey. I just came out to tell you how much I love you. As a dad, and a player -- okay? You’re doing awesome out here. One more hitter then I’m going to “Juge”. This is your last hitter, okay? Understand? Come right after him. Hey, cheer up, have some fun, come right after him. Okay? Lets go.”
This is what being a coach of youth sports is all about. We get swept up in the competition and rivalries, but these are kids. This should be fun. It’s a reminder to us all that it’s better to show a little love than motivation.
