’Pen Pal
Another 10 rules to
live and play by
ASIDE from the actual playing of the game, the "Xs and Os" of baseball, I've always wanted to figure out what were the most important things to teach a team while preparing them for play.Here is the continuation of the continuation of Pal's picks.
This time, it's the 10 Commandments of baseball (in no particular order, and with respect to the actual 10 Commandments).
Thou shalt not:
It took a while to come up with these, but I enjoyed doing it.
- Be late for anything. When you're on time, you're late. Get there early. Help out. Learn new things. Get extra help.
- Wear your uniform like a Bush Leaguer. (A Bush Leaguer is someone from the lower leagues or it's someone who shows little or no class when doing things.)
Tuck your shirt in and wear your cap the correct way. Have pride in the way you appear. If you look good, you'll play that way.
- Rag on an opponent at any time, especially when your team is getting killed. Spend the energy on yourself.
- Hot dog it by dancing, holding up No. 1, "raising the roof", or the like. That is, unless you're willing to do it when you screw up, too.
- Say anything personal to your opponent.
This is baseball, not a debate, or a fight. Take care of yourself before you pop off to others. (The Golden Rule is applied here.)
- Show up anytime NOT ready to play.
Take advantage of what you have now. It won't be there forever.
Train hard, play hard, and when applicable, study hard.
- Show disrespect for an opponent. Never underestimate them. Never think they aren't well-coached. And never run up the score or do things like steal, bunt, or take the extra base when you're far ahead.
- Do anything to purposely injure an opponent. High spikes, faking tags, slamming into a fielder with the ball, are all instances that can be done without.
- Do anything to bring shame or disgrace to your team, school, or family.
Play with class, act with dignity, and make those around you proud of the way you are.
- Do anything to disgrace the game. The game of baseball will survive.
It was around long before you and me, and it'll be around long after we're gone.
The game, its participants, the way it's played and the values learned from participation are important.
Writing this gave me the opportunity to finalize the things I feel are important to me in teaching the game.
Here's a challenge to you. Try to figure out your important rules.
You may surprise yourself in what you select. If some are radically different than mine, let me know.
Pal Eldredge is a baseball commentator for KFVE
and former varsity baseball coach at Punahou School.
His column runs Mondays during the Major League Baseball season.
Star-Bulletin sports can be reached at 529-4785 or: sports@starbulletin.com