A Checklist for Players, Parents and Coaches

Inspired by Michael King, RHP San Diego Padres

Last week, Michael King shared his story and his message for the next generation. The response was humbling and it reminded me of why I started Inside the Dugout.

His answers weren't complicated. They weren't revolutionary. But they were a reminder of things we all know and we often forget once the season starts and the pressure kicks in.

So I took everything Mike said and turned it into something you can actually use.

Read through this before the season starts. Come back to it throughout the year.

⬜ Am I playing multiple sports throughout the year or specializing too early?

⬜ Am I competing every single day, not just when it's easy?

⬜ When I'm in a slump, am I focusing on my teammates or only on myself?

⬜ Am I a great teammate?

⬜ When I fail, am I studying what beat me and coming back better?

⬜ After a bad outing or tough loss, am I giving myself 10 seconds and then moving on?

⬜ Do I love to compete or do I just love to win?

I was obsessed with competing. It's what drove me. Whenever I struggled, failed, or found myself in a slump, I fought through it with patience. I understood it was part of the game. I kept focusing on the process and trusted the results would follow.

Next time you're struggling — try it.

Read through this before the season starts. Revisit it when the pressure kicks in.

⬜ Am I their parent first or their coach?

⬜ Am I showing up without overstepping?

⬜ Do my kids feel my love and support no matter what happens on the field?

⬜ Are they playing because they love it or because they feel pressure from me?

⬜ Am I helping them keep perspective after tough games and bad outings?

⬜ Am I spending money on showcases and travel teams before my kid has mastered the basics?

⬜ Are the conversations at home after games building them up or tearing them down?

As a parent and coach, I do my best to ask the right questions. It's not always easy — I want to share what I think will help. But I remind myself often — less is more. Once I get the sense they've moved on from the game, practice, or workout, I move on too. Sometimes it takes me a little longer than it should but I’m learning.

I want what's best for my kids just like you. But I don't want to add pressure to their experience. It's already hard enough.

Read through this before the season starts. Come back to it throughout the year.

⬜ Am I teaching my players to be great teammates first?

⬜ When a player is struggling, am I making it about the team — not just the individual?

⬜ Am I protecting the fun and competitive spirit of the game?

⬜ Am I balancing winning with development or just chasing wins?

⬜ Am I developing the whole player and not just the baseball player?

⬜ Are my players competing freely or playing out of fear?

⬜ Will my players carry something I taught them long after the season ends?

When I'm coaching, it's all about the experience and the environment. I instill discipline, consistency, effort, attitude — and most of all, being a great teammate.

None of those lessons have anything to do with talent or results. I've learned as a coach that these qualities matter far more than just improving their ability.

"Keep hating to lose. Be an even better teammate. And stay athletic for as long as possible." — Mike King, RHP San Diego Padres

This isn't a one time read. Come back to it in June when the season feels long and things aren't going the way you planned. Come back to it when you're frustrated in the bleachers. Come back to it when your team is struggling and you don't know why.

More importantly, come back when things are going well too. To remind yourself what really matters.

The answers are usually right here.

Help me keep more kids in the game. If you found this helpful, please forward it to another parent or coach.

Thanks for being here. See you next week Inside the Dugout.

-Coach Steve-

Steve Holmes
Founder, Inside the Dugout
2006 MLB Draft | All-American | Youth Coach | Dad