There are some articles in the archives that need to be seen again. Seven years ago, I asked Mark, a veritable expert on softball, if he would write an article about the game from his point of view. This is the result, and it’s no surprise to me that it doesn’t focus so much on a particular sport, but on all of the individuals who step on the field, sit in the bleachers or chalk the baselines. I am thankful for a friend who makes the effort to express his appreciation
for so many. I pray that this story reflects what most of our children’s coaches have in their hearts, but don’t commonly
take the time to say.
A Coach’s Gratitude
By Mark Mucci
As we approach the end of another sports year, it is time to give thanks. Here’s what I am thankful for;
I am thankful for the dedicated employees who work at the Parks and Recreation Department, the unsung men and woman who manicure the fields, clean the parks, cut down wind damaged trees and fix the lights, so that our children can enjoy the parks and play the games;
I am thankful for every individual that dedicated their time this year to volunteer serving on the various boards, particularly those who scheduled games, rescheduled games and re-rescheduled games so that our kids could complete the season despite 3 hurricanes and 2 tropical storms;
I am thankful for all my assistant coaches, sponsors and team moms/dads who dedicated their time to make my job easier but didn’t get recognition;
I am thankful for all the parents who leave work early to get their children to the games an hour in advance so that we can get extra practice before the games start;
I am thankful that my children enjoy playing sports and, while we all enjoy victory, realize that there is more to the game than winning;
And I am most thankful for my wife who puts up with the late dinners, the clay stained car, the equipment cluttered garage, the late night stat crunching, the dirty uniform washing, and the empty water bottles left all over the house so that I can spend time doing what I love best…being with the kids and coaching sports.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!