It’s How You Play the Game

December 1, 1998

I was talking with a group of parents last week at one of our elementary schools. One of the parents said he was in a bind as a coach. He had just realized that his team didn’t have the talent to compete in their league and probably would not win one game. He asked if I had any ideas and we kicked around maybe having some fun during the season or even learning some new skills as acceptable goals.

When I got home I began to think about my son, Brian’s, experience with the Minor League Browns in the Beverly Baseball Little League. The team was coached by Paul Caverley. I don’t think that Coach Caverly was quite prepared for this group of players. Brian’s team was totally without baseball talent—except for the coach’s son, David. But these kids had more personality, more character and more characters than any other team.

The first games began with wild optimism and enthusiasm. Unfortunately, the opposition had baseball skills and talent. And there was no place in the box score for our enthusiasm so we began a streak of one-sided losses.

As the losses began to pile up the players began to lose a little of their spark. But this was when the Coach was at his best. Before each game he would gather his troops and give his charge that "This was going to be our day. We were due. And we are ready to put it all together." But the enthusiasm was never enough to pull it off.

This was the only losing team that increased its fan attendance as the season wore on. The Browns fans understood and accepted the lack of baseball talent. But they really came to experience an athletic happening during each game. This team had energy. They had hustle. They had enthusiasm. And they seemed to have a sense of theater. At some point in every game they would stage a baseball frenzy that would bring the fans to their feet.

The frenzy would begin when our team was in the field and there were runners on base. The opposition would hit a ball to a fielder and the frenzy was on. As soon as that ball was in motion it wouldn’t stop until all the runners had crossed home plate. Coach Caverly was a very active and energetic leader and he was at his best during this action. He would be up and down the sidelines directing his players. He would be pointing. He would be waving. He would be pleading. But once that ball was in motion there was no turning back.

A ball hit to the third baseman would be thrown towards first base. Then it was over first base with two Browns in hot pursuit. Then it was back to second base. And now over second base and into the outfield with two more Browns after it. Then it was back to home plate. And now up against the backstop. During this time the base runners are running backwards and forwards as the ball moves about the playing field.

And the fans are on their feet and they are screaming and pointing and directing. During this frenzy Livingston Field is in a fever. The air is electric. And this is what the fans came to see. Who cares about watching talented players? This was pure theater. This was little league at its best. This was kids running about with energy and enthusiasm having the time of their life.

Well, the runners have all crossed home plate and there is no point in throwing the ball again so our team begins to gather themselves. Coach Caverly regroups his players with his reassuring optimism. " Okay, team. We’re only down 6 runs. This is going to be our day. We can do it."

Brian was filled with the Coach’s optimism. Brian had a long, powerful baseball swing. And when he was "on deck" he would be glaring at the opposing pitcher with his game face on. And he would be taking his practice swings with his bat ripping thru the air. And the Coach would be encouraging Brian. " Brian, you’re due. This is going to be your day." Unfortunately, at that time in Brian’s life there seemed to be no connection between what his eyes saw and what that powerful swing would be aiming at. Brian would take his 3 powerful swings at the ball and return to the bench completely bewildered. He couldn’t understand how that pitcher could strike him out—even tho this was the 10th straight strikeout for Brian. Again his coach would reassure him that next time would be his time.

During that season Brian never missed a practice and never missed a game. He loved being part of a team where the won and loss record wasn’t the measure of a successful season. I think Coach Caverly’s optimism has remained with Brian. Brian now has so much enthusiasm and optimism for what he does. Recently he has taken his long, powerful swing to the golf course. And he is loving this new game. He called me a while ago to tell me that he had just finished a "scramble" golf tournament where he had been a big hit. He told me that he hit every one of his drives over 300 yards. But the bad news was that they could only find three of his drives.

Brian didn’t care about the drives lost in the trees. He had fun. He enjoyed his day. And he couldn’t wait to play tomorrow because he knew it was "going to be his day." Thank you Paul Caverly for leading those Browns to a real winning season.