Written By: Jacqueline
My eighth grader is on the JV baseball team this year, and like many young athletes, he’s spending more time on the bench than he’d like. Our small school has enough talented players to fill three teams, and while I’m incredibly proud of him for making the JV team in 8th grade, it’s tough watching him sit when I know how much he loves the game.
As much as we want our kids to succeed on the field, sports offer something even greater—lessons that shape them into strong, resilient young men. Here are my biggest takeaways from this season so far.
We Are Raising Men, Not Just Ballplayers
Don’t get me wrong—I love watching my kids play, and I want them to excel. But at the end of the day, their character matters more than their playing time. We refuse to bash coaches or criticize teammates who are getting more playing time. My son plays first base, and there’s a very talented ninth grader ahead of him. His time will come, but he has to wait his turn. Life will present this lesson over and over: work hard, be patient, and stay ready. This season does not define who he is—he is so much more than a baseball player.
It Takes a Village, and Coaches Are Part of It
I’m incredibly grateful for the coaches who have poured into my son over the years. They have helped shape him into the person he is becoming. Too often, I see parents complaining about coaching decisions, but I just don’t get it. If you don’t want your child playing under a certain coach, then don’t be on the team. Coaches are not meant to be our kids’ buddies—they are there to lead, challenge, and teach. When I played sports, I was a little scared of my coaches, and that wasn’t a bad thing. Today, too many parents expect coaches to explain every decision. But part of growing up is learning to accept authority, even when it’s hard.
Would You Rather Watch the Game from the Bleachers or the Dugout?
Wearing that jersey is a privilege, whether you’re starting or sitting. Being on the team means you get to spend five days a week with your best friends, doing what you love. The inside jokes, the locker room banter, the bus rides, the dugout camaraderie—those are the things you’ll remember long after the season ends. Don’t waste this time sulking about playing minutes. Enjoy the experience for what it is.
Life Goes On After High School
I was a high school athlete myself—volleyball, softball, and even one year of basketball. Someone recently reminded me of a playoff game my senior year. The last game for our senior class. We were about to win, just one out away, when our pitcher overthrew me at first base, costing us the game. You’d think I’d remember that moment, but I don’t. I’m sure it was hard at the time, but life goes on. So much has happened since high school. I made great memories in those 4 years. I have no regrets. But I am so glad I am not still holding on to some missed opportunity in high school. I hope my kids enjoy every stage as it comes. High school sports can be a very fun stage of life but the fun does not end there.
Heaven Is Our Home
This might seem out of place to some, but it shouldn’t be for Christians. At the end of the day, our ultimate home is in heaven. Our time on earth—and on the ball field—is just a fleeting moment compared to eternity. Keep your eyes on the real prize, kid. Walk by faith, trust God, and know that even on the bench, He is shaping you in ways you may not yet understand.
Sports are an incredible gift, but they are not everything. The lessons my son is learning this season—perseverance, patience, humility, and faith—will last far beyond the final inning. And in the grand scheme of things, that’s what truly matters. I hope our family can keep this perspective as the seasons go by.
Colossians 3:23:
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
James 1:2-4:
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Jeremiah 29:11:
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.