Same as it ever was

It is amazing how we perceive improvement. This weekend the team went 1-1-1 and finished third. And I do not believe there is a soul that was there that is satisfied with the result. Rabbit was horrible with the bat, three times striking out with the bases loaded and less than 2 outs. In fact, he was 0-6 with 5 Ks. The regression is frustrating. He did not pitch at all this weekend which was a welcome relief. He played his usual stellar defense and helped to keep the team focused when they needed a boost. So what is the problem here?

I am confused as to what the team is trying to accomplish. There is absolutely no communication between the coach and the parents. In fact, we are now playing with the boys coaching first base. Coach is the only one older than 11 on the field. There are positives and negatives to this, but I am not entirely sure the logic behind this. I had the opportunity to discuss this directly with the coach and can understand his point. However, there are many parents who have not had the opportunity to hear "the other side" of the story. The lack of communication is quickly leading to palpable frustration. I do not see the boys playing to win. I have never been a big Win or Loss guy, but I would at least like to know what we are accomplishing, what lessons are being learned by playing the way we do.

Rabbit played in a scrimmage two weeks ago with another team. They were not good. They were a new group, just formed, and were not really aware of the speed of the game and the intricacies of travel ball. To be sure there was talent on the field, but they struggled mightily against a team that had been together for over a year. What I really enjoyed about that game was the interaction between the coach and the kids, and the coach and the parents. The open dialog was great. That team will struggle for a while, but when the turn the corner, they will do so united.

I am rambling. This weekend is the Paso Robles tourney. This is the one we highlight each year. It is a great weekend, and a real treat. After this weekend we are not playing again until mid-November. This is by our choice. We are paid up through November and will be taking the month of December off. The entire family needs a break right now. The frustrations that were so minimal early in the season are becoming insurmountable. I do not want to make any long term decisions until we get a chance to step back and see things more clearly. If I had to make a decision today we would be shutting it down today. That is not fair to Rabbit, his team, or the other families. We will see it through, but we will look forward to the break.