The win/loss record is remembered for a few days.
The positive experience will remain for a lifetime.

A little league win/loss record is almost meaningless to me.

When our 13- and 14-year-olds began their baseball season a few months ago, I explained to every player:
“This season is just a warm-up for the game of life.”

At each practice and every game, we focused on the following:
Encouraging others, staying focused, paying attention to the details, working hard, maintaining positive body language, responding appropriately to failure, and finding a way to contribute to every single play—even from the dugout.

I explained, “The wins will come if we focus on improving this list.”

We won a few games… and lost a few. We laughed a lot and learned even more. We sweat, got hit by pitches, played remarkably well in some games, and walked away frustrated from others.

We discovered some hidden gifts in players. We adjusted when weaknesses stood out.

We also smiled, joked, and enjoyed every single day.

In the end, we finished with a winning record and placed 2nd overall.

Most importantly, we created a positive experience—something reflected in this letter I received from an opposing coach after the last game was played:

“Brian, please send this to your players and parents.

Dear Coaches, Players, and Parents,
I wanted to take a minute to send a personal note on behalf of myself, my coaching staff, and our players. It has been an honor to compete against you this season.

I’ve been coaching baseball since my son was six (he’s 14 now), and we’ve played hundreds of games across the state—rec, select, travel, etc. I’ve never come across a team, coaches, or parents as polite and respectful as yours.

Your kids played hard, every pitch, and never quit. That’s a testament to the coaches, parents, and, most of all, the players. They played the game the way it was meant to be played—with heart, hustle, and effort. I don’t think I ever saw one of your players take a play off.

You have a wonderful group. We wish you nothing but the best. I hope you all have a great summer and that our paths cross again.

Sincerely,
Chris”

The win/loss record is remembered for a few days.
The positive experience, and influence on ourselves and others, will remain for a lifetime.

You decide what’s more important.

Job well done, team.

Remain encouraged,
Coach Brian