Baseball and SEL

This past month, we decided to cross three more stadiums off our list (we are well on our way to visiting all US baseball stadiums) and traveled to California. It was at Angel Stadium, our last game of this trip, that we witnessed not only the victory of the home team, but a brawl. And not just any brawl, but a dugout- and ball pen- emptying brawl with punches thrown by both sides- all happening in the first inning after the pitcher threw a ball behind the player’s head at the plate. The game was suspended for about 15 minutes. Managers and players from both sides were ejected from the game, which was met by deafening jeers and cheers from the crowd.

Whereas this seemed to energize the crowd, I was disheartened. I couldn’t help but think about the behaviors the young people in the crowd were learning after witnessing both the players’ and the crowd’s reaction. Ironically, written on a wall in the stadium is the Little League Pledge, which includes the following two lines: “I will play fair and strive to win. But win or lose I will always do my best.” Besides athletic performance, does "doing one's best" also include managing their anger? Are players taught social and emotional skills like self awareness and self management?

I ask these questions with no sarcasm and a genuine interest in understanding how coaches and managers help their players deal with the pressures and emotions they feel during any given game. Just as educators believe we should teach the whole child- not just their minds, but also their bodies and souls- are managers and coaches addressing the needs and teaching the skills necessary to manage the intense emotions of competition?

Just as social and emotional skills need to be taught and practiced to help students be successful in and out of the classroom, adults need to learn and practice these skills as well. And as role models, seeing these skills in action help children and young adults understand when and how to implement these skills.

I have no doubt that the players felt justified in their actions. They were angry and wanted to send a message that they would not tolerate balls being thrown at their teammates. I also know that many observers in the stands walked away believing that throwing punches was a valid response to a perceived injustice. I can’t help but wonder how the outcome would have been different if the batter took a few deep breaths before approaching the pitcher on the other team. For sure, no one would have been injured or suspended from future games, and children may have even learned how to effectively handle their anger.

Maybe a new line needs to be added to the Little League Pledge for players of every age to live by:

“And when I get angry or frustrated, I’ll pause, take a few breaths, and play the game to the best of my ability.”