The Memo - Jerry Maguire Style

[CharlieHough]

What would Jerry Maguire’s memo say about the state of Travel ball and recruiting?

What would his memo say about the confusing, broken, unfair yet fair, state of recruiting today? I am not bitter and actually love what the sport has been for my family and kids and look forward to the years to come. It is just a time to reflect on experiences.

There are the “A” players who I totally respect and have their choice of Universities and offers. What about the other 90% who have had to work quite a bit harder to find their path?

Want to be a nurse? work with kids? be a doctor? Be a lawyer? Be a teacher? Work in sales? Work in public service? When are these questions being asked?

We have followed the top teams, organizations, and coaches, that in some cases, have probably never seen the inside of a University classroom (with all due respect, 2 year JC’s are not Universities). Some coaches have never had jobs or careers outside of the softball world, and it is curious how we have faith in what their advice is for our DD’s and their future career path (don’t get me started on the $$$ and budgets). The only vision is to get recruited to a top “softball” school. I see kids quitting the game left and right as the proper expectations are not being set.

We have also had coaches that are gainfully employed, have advanced degrees, and in hindsight, their visions and expectations are much clearer as to the future as well as the communication with the parents. Kids are still being recruited.

If you take a step back and really take a close look….what do you see?

How can a coach make that decision for your DD? If your DD wants to give some sort of softball lessons after college, all the best! There are few that can make a living at that. I only personally know one woman, who is still a kid in my eyes, who I respect and has a vision to succeed long term.

Participating in the college world series is an amazing feat. Having a career path after college is extraordinary.

Hey, I don't have all the answers. In life, to be honest, I failed as much as I have succeeded. But I love my wife. I love my life. And I wish you my kind of success….Dicky Fox

[badcallblue]

LMAO, even Buttermaker from The Bad News Bears had a job !!!!

Well put CH

[NumeroUno]

We PMed back n forth about ur post and I read it again and enjoyed it again

[CharlieHough]

The red wine got my creative juices flowing. Thanks for all the feedback. Some great PM's and the texts were even better.

I think it is time to write a book or screenplay. I started to list the cast of characters and couldn't stop laghing.

[McGee]

A players future after college/travel softball is paramount but iignored or minimalized by the vast majority of travel and college coaches. Education, leadership and marketable skills are the keys to career/financial success after softball yet how many players are given the tools needed to succeed. Too few take the tough courses and internaships that will prepare them for the future.

Imagine if travel programs were rated on their alumni's success after college not just the list of colleges where there players matriculate. What if college's were evaluated on their player's achievements after college not just championships and trips to the College World Series.

Most of us would be surprized by the dismal performance of many "top" teams and impressed by the performance of others. I have no douby that everone would be better off if we focused on the true future of the girls we love.

[BigSoftball]

^^^^ +1 ^^^^

[Skarp]

From a parent's/player's perspective, a softball coach is a limited-purpose utensil. He/she needs to manage the team so as to 1) impart requisite skills and knowledge, and 2) build and reward (and exemplify) character. That's it, and even that limited wish-list is relatively hard to come by. I need a coach to help plan my kid's career path like I need a case of the bloody flux.

[artomatic]

I need a coach to help plan my kid's career path like I need a case of the bloody flux.

I kind of figured I would regret googling "bloody flux"...and I was right...

[hotwheels]

I need a coach to help plan my kid's career path like I need a case of the bloody flux.

I kind of figured I would regret googling "bloody flux"...and I was right...

Damn, that was a bummer!

[3'sDad]

Regrettfully, I as well Googled bloody flux.

More than I needed to know this morning.