But the worst was my best friend who thought his kid was the greatest player in the world. To be brief, he wasn't the greatest player in the world.
Thankfully, I never coached his kid. But I had to listen to many years of him bragging about his kid and him trying to force me to say how great his kid was. Sorry, I just couldn't bring myself to lie.
We know a few parents like this. I know one group of parents, who knows (at least I think they know) their kid will never even play high school baseball (too small-too short), but they are still spending 3-4 thousand dollars a year on select ball and private lessons at age 12. The kid seems to love it, so if you have the money go ahead and let the kid do what he wants to do.
My child is twice the athlete that this kid is, but has no interest in playing baseball everyday. He barely shows any sports awareness at all so I just don’t push him in that area.
You are so right about parent’s not understanding their kid’s own abilities, or lack thereof. The business connected to this blog actually is a pretty interesting concept for parents to get honest feedback. What I think the company may be missing is that many parents don’t want honest feedback, although if I was a coach I’d point them in that direction.
Too many parents really don’t understand how exceptional you have to be to play at the highest levels.