THE MOMS OF SUMMER

We’ve all heard of the boys of summer; well what about the moms of summer? In today’s youth baseball and softball arenas, as one should expect, moms play just as important a role as the dads.

During my travels, I have come in contact with many baseball and softball moms. They have very unique and enlightening opinions on the aspects of the game. Therefore, I have dedicated this column to “Baseball and Softball Moms” everywhere.

Moms serve as car-poolers, fundraisers, team event organizers, concession stand workers, team snack coordinators, scorekeepers, equipment managers, announcers, statisticians, managers, coaches, umpires, league officers and board members.

Today’s moms look forward to attending their child’s games as much as the dads. They know that participating in youth baseball and softball will provide memories that last a lifetime. They realize kids grow up quickly, and they too do not want to miss one minute of their children’s experiences. In fact, many parents plan their schedules and family vacations around their child’s games. Moms get just as disappointed as dads if the game gets rained out or the other team doesn’t show up.

The moms of yesteryear who showed up for games with their lawn chairs and cameras in tow haven’t changed much. Mothers get totally wrapped up in the game - standing up cheering on not only their own children but the other team members as well. They get caught up in their enthusiasm for the game. But today’s moms have a detailed understanding of the game and its rules. They freely use such specific terms of the game as “pitcher’s duel”, “changeup”, “backdoor slider”, “infield fly”, “ribby”, and “it’s outta here”, just to name a few.

While it is sometimes hard to look past the competitive edge, both moms and dads realize that teaching values, ethics and sportsmanship skills should be the main focus of any youth sport. Without such a balance, there would be too much pressure on kids to win in order to make them feel like a success in front of their parents. Moms add that little extra “TLC” at an early age to let their children know they should not feel any pressure to win but to just have fun. The unconditional love of a mom and dad is so very important for a child’s development and sense of self worth.

Moms tend to be patient with their kids as baseball and softball skills take years to develop. They encourage and praise the performance of their kids, as well as that of their teammates. They look to find something positive about their play and let them know. They praise every effort, not the result.

Many moms across the country are very devoted to the Babe Ruth concept. They feel that in Babe Ruth League, Inc. there is no failure – just results. Having fun and doing the best you can produces success and good feelings about oneself.

Not to overlook the dads - we sincerely appreciate the extra efforts and dedication dads put forth for the youth of your communities. However, our modern Moms of Summer deserve special recognition for always reaching back and giving that extra bit. They have certainly earned their place as a knowledgeable fan, but also as a manager or coach in the dugout discussing strategies or on the field, or even overseeing the game as an umpire. They are a force to be reckoned with.

We must appreciate baseball and softball moms everywhere as they do help keep things going! So, to all the moms in our program, we wish each of you a belated Happy Mother’s Day!