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Michael Josephson's radio commentary
WE EXPECT MORE OUT OF ADULTS
Rick's 11-year-old son Mark was in a youth baseball league. He was not
highly skilled and he got easily discouraged. Rick urged him to stay
with the program. "Just do your best," he said. "That's all anyone can
ask and your best is good enough."
Mark struck out his first two times at bat but Rick struggled to look
positive. Later, Mark hit a hard grounder to third. It was close but
Rick was sure Mark beat the throw. When the umpire, a volunteer
parent, called Mark out, Rick went wild. "Hey, zebra!" he yelled, "Are
you blind, stupid or is the other team paying you?" The umpire looked
over at Rick who added, "You're an idiot. If you can't do the job, stay
off the field!"
On the way home, Mark was unusually quiet. Finally, he said, "Dad, I
thought you said my 'best was good enough.'" "It is," Rick assured him.
"Besides you were safe that last time, you were robbed by a bad call."
"I wasn't talking about me," Mark replied, "I was talking about the
umpire, Billy's dad. I know he was doing his best but you got really
mad at him."
"Yeah, son, but he's an adult and we should expect more out of adults."
Mark looked his dad right in the eye and said, "That's what I
thought too. By the way, I was out."
Rick's good intentions just weren't enough. We expect more from adults
-- more fairness and respect, more sportsmanship and more self-
restraint. If your kids play sports, be a model, not a problem.
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts. |
