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Online now: 1 member: TABLE SETTER 11; 58 anonymousDiscussion: How To Prevent Your Manager From Apoplexy
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| Sept. 30, 2012 southpaw Men's 70 1077 posts | How To Prevent Your Manager From Apoplexy Disclaimer: I am the world's worst manager, no doubt. I manage my team for 2 primary reasons: 1)probably could not make another team 2) no one else is willing to do it. I use the term "manager" instead of coach, because I see my role is more of an administrator. Also, seniors who have played 20, 30, 40, and more years should know the game by now. I should not have to "coach" anyone. In addition,a dictatorial approach is very off-putting, at least to me. I welcome others advice and insight; I probably get to caught up in a game sometimes and forget to see the big picture. With that being said, although I am just AA, and I realize that the dynamics change according to classification, sponsorship or lack of, etc., I offer some thoughts about your role on a team. 1. Actually listen when you have the initial conversation with your prospective manager. Don't attack or accuse with "you did not tell me we were not sponsored or there would be money involved", "you did not tell me I would have to play OF or EH at times", "you did not tell me that we were going to bat everyone, every game." etc. 2. Make sure your opinion of your capabilities matches your abilities. 3. Do not demand a particular position, when it is obvious that is not your forte. 4. If winning is the only important thing, go play for someone else. 5. If alcohol and drugs are more important than softball, do not play at all. 6. If you cannot say anything constructive or encouraging, keep it to yourself. 7. Give your coach the benefit of the doubt, you may not know all the facts. 8. Do not, I repeat, do not bring your wife to one tourney and then bring your girlfriend to the next. We already know how "macho" you really are. 9. Do not become so frustrated that you did not start pitching the last game of the day that later in the evening, in the parking lot, you raise your shirt to show the pistol in your waistband, to your manager. 10. Do not inform your manager after a tourney that another manager has offered you a better deal, so you will be playing against him the next 2 months, but will still be available for the nationals in September, if needed. 11. Do not inform your manager in the midst of a tourney that another manager has made a better offer, so the next game will be your last. But, you will still be available for the nationals in September. If I did not believe that the vast majority of senior players were playing for the right reasons and would treat others with integrity and courtesy and respect, I would already have surrendered. Thankfully, I know that the majority are good people. Any thoughts? |
