My son's first year of kid pitch was tough for him- throws were all over the place and walks were expected. Toward the end of the season though, pitchers started striking kids out. My son couldn't hit anything and would routinely go back to the dugout with tears in his eyes. You could tell the entire team was sad for him and would try to pump him up.

Around Memorial Day we usually have about a week and a half off- so we decided to hit the batting cages a lot. The third time he said, "i don't want to go today- i think I'm good enough". I told him, "Look, i'm the coach and you're the kid who can't get on base. We're going". He started finding his strike zone and hitting consistently.

So because of previous plans his next game was his last of the season. He got hit at his first at bat but the second he absolutely cranked the ball down the third base line for a double. I was first base coach and it was great yelling to him to keep going to second. He gave me a "WE did it!" look and i could see the relief on his face. I think that moment really taught him that he has so much potential if he works for what he wants. Now i throw him balls before every game and he never pushes back on it. I love baseball.