Welcome to the "Mission Fields"
We had a good day of work on our fields last weekend. We still have plenty of things left to do but we got a few things done that have been long in the works. Our "Mission Field" scoreboards were installed finally! We were able to get the 3rd practice field moved and get some of the fencing done as well. We are blessed to have the space we do for our players.
Image Caption: Mission Field Scoreboards. Just a reminder of the main Mission!
Can you handle the pressure?
Pressure is something all our players at some point will have to deal with. One thing I personally think is great about kids playing sports and especially baseball, is it provides real life situations with pressure. Learning how to work through a process to deal with success and disappointment can help a player manage situations throughout their lives.
Image Caption: 2026 Player Hasten Conley getting mentally prepare for an at-bat.
The Navy Seals have a saying, “When under pressure, you don’t rise to the occasion, you sink to the level of your training.” One thing we try to create is a pressurized practice environment and then when the game starts, they have experienced everything already and they are prepared for it. It takes time of course!
Jesus provided us with a scouting report on how we would have to deal with life here on earth.
John 16:33
“You will face many trials and sorrows”
We have all experienced it. Disappointment is all around us in our adult lives. When we experience those setbacks, the pressure of real life hits us, we will sink to the level of our spiritual training.
However, the second part of that scripture provides our hope! “But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Jesus has prepared a way for us and he can strengthen us to take on any amount of pressure we may face.
Working with our older players one day, we had a kid tell us on a certain play it felt like slow motion. We had practiced this over and over in their training. We went back and looked at the play that took place and it all happened in 3.2 seconds! He was prepared so he didn’t feel any pressure to make the play.
When we embrace our walk with God and look to him when we face those trials, we understand how he can prepare us for what’s bound to come our way. The book of James warns us as well of trials coming our way but to take joy in those trials for what they can bring you!
James 1:2-4
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
I want to leave you with a quote that I think would help your player go through the pressures they feel.
Pressure is a word that is misused in our vocabulary. When you start thinking of pressure, it's because you've started to think of failure.
Tommy Lasorda
We are going to fail, in baseball and in life. How we react is how we will begin to deal with future failures. Let’s prepare ourselves spiritually to react in a way that glorifies God in all we do.
Parental Reminder
Something different this week. As we are starting game play, we wanted to share an excerpt from the Parent Handbook.
The Car Ride Home!
This portion of your kids journey car be the most stressful part of your kids experience in this sport. This point can’t be stressed enough!!! As coaches, we have
heard countless times from players, “I am dreading getting in the car now”. Usually after a strikeout or a bad play. No kid is trying to strikeout or make a bad
throw. We all want our kids to be the best of course. When a player is loose, without tension, they play more relaxed. If they know impending doom is coming,
they will not play loose! Allow your player time to unwind, 99% of the time, they will start a conversation with you about how they could do better in that moment.
You will be surprised what you can learn and how you can help them grow.
Looking Forward
Most of our teams will be taking the field for the first time in the next two weeks! We are so excited to see their hard work pay off. Let's wish them all well and if you get the chance, go watch one of our other teams play and cheer them on!
Image Caption: First ever M-Pact T-ball team gearing up!
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