Mike Thomas had an interesting column in the Orlando Sentinel. Kids playing in sports have it relatively easy compared to the time that he (and I) grew up. When our generation played, it was the best of the bunch who took the field. Those of us who didn’t measure up stayed on the bench. Today, everyone plays whether they’re good or not. Everyone gets a trophy at the end of the year.
What a crock.
How does this prepare our children for reality? I think people need incentive to try to improve. If they get a reward regardless of effort (not talent) applied, then it’s kind of meaningless. Accomplishment feels good if you worked for it, not if someone gave it to you just for showing up.
In my first year of Little League at 8 years old, I sucked. Parents would groan when I came up to bat because they knew I’d strike out. I sucked right up to my last time at bat in the last game, when I nailed a grounder to left field for a triple and knocked in the winning runs at the bottom of the ninth. That felt great. However, I wasn’t put on the post-season All-Star team because, quite frankly, I sucked for most of the year.
Next year, I was the power hitter for our team. Parents who groaned the year before started cheering when I walked up to bat. I even made the All-Star team after that year.
To me, that’s America. You earn your opportunities because there isn’t a prize for everyone. Who would’ve ever thought that Communists would now beat us at instilling this sense of competition?
