The Arrival of Spring- Time to Clean the Windows
Posted: Tuesday, April 21, 2009
by Tony Price
The Darker Shade of Sports
The spring season is finally upon us, time to put away the winter coat, stock up on the antihistamines, open the windows for some much needed fresh air, watch a few baseball and softball games and time to reflect on my progress toward those New Years' resolutions. Recently I attended an event that recognized individuals and corporations that gave of their time and resources to support a program that focuses on encouraging young people in the 5 th grade to reach for their full potential. One of the speakers who addressed the gathering shared his personal testimony about how it was a teacher that was instrumental in his life as a child and helped him become the success story he represents today. His words inspired me to reflect on whom that "Unsung Hero" was that influenced me at a critical point of my childhood.
T-Bone was the perfect coach for me at that time, as I was just coming from an abusive relationship with a former baseball league coach who kicked me off the all-star team in my last season of little league. This coach was the antithesis of T-Bone, and took my confidence. At the conclusion of the championship game Bone took us to a local pizzeria to celebrate, it was here that he made his biggest deposit into my life, as he dole out the accolades MVP, defensive player and so on, he announced that he had a special award to issue the "Unsung Hero" . To paraphrase T-Bone it was like the MVP, and he began to describe the characteristics, played hard, sacrificed personal stats, efforts often over looked, etc. He concluded by saying the award goes to Tony Price, I was both dumbfounded and elated as my teammates and I didn't really know what the award meant, but I do remember catching the words it was like the MVP and that's all I needed to feel 10 feet tall. I raced back home to the housing projects to share the good news with my mom. From that day on there was no stopping me, T-bone made me a believer. Fortunately I had the chance years later to thank him. Who was that unsung person in your life? Are they still alive? Have you ever thanked them? Now is the perfect time for some spring cleaning...
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)Great article Tony! We need more coaches like T-Bone. You know a good coach when they focus on the team and not individual players. He sounds like a great guy.Thank You BriannaT-Bone was very instrumental in that one season I played under him, since then I've had other coaches who have left lasting impressions both good and bad. I just think it's time to give those "Unsung Heroes" in our lives their proper due.
It is a sad truth that there are 'teachers' and 'coaches' who hold a young person's self-esteem in their hands, only to crush it like so much trash. And, yet again, it is so wonderful that there are the few out there that do truly care and mold young minds and bodies into the greatness that they become. I remember many teachers--good and bad--who left deep impressions on me as I grew.Thank you, Tony, for sharing your mentor with us.SandraSandrayou are welcome I'm glad to share this story and experience, I think those of us who interact with young people on a regular basis sometimes forget how precious their psyche really are and the powerful effects of what words of encouragement can do.
Tony, a great article and mission given to us. I did this to my 5th grade teacher when I was in the 7th grade. I phoned her at home to tell her of my appreciation for her being so tough on me. Because of her reaction, I've done it ever since. Mitchell, the bag boy now cashier at the market has heard it. He's now a university student, Sophomore year. He saw me last week after not having seen me for a while, excused himself briefly from his customer to give me a hug. You feel like 10' tall when we give what is due to each other. This article is very inspiring. Thank you for sharing T-bone. I know the type and I'm thankful you had him to make a lasting impression in your youth. Bless you for giving him his props!Thank you for commenting Avis and for sharing your own experiences, I like the exchange with the bag boy at the grocery. That is exactly the type of interaction needed to inspire the next generation and to let people know how much they are appreciated.
Tony,It appears that T-bone inspired his players to be the epitome of honorable. Unfortunately, today we see too much showboating and me-ism in sports, especially the NBA. However, being a Celtics fan, I appreciate the professionalism Doc Rivers has instilled in the team. You don't see a lot of look-at-me players there. And they certainly have the wellfair of the other player in mind. I see it every time a player falls. Two or three other Celtics rush to help their teammate up. Nothing like respect for oneself and the other to fulfill one of life's biggest callings.Yes, having a mentor is one of the most important things youth can have. For many, a mentor's good example can set the tone for life, as in your case. I am a mentor / coach for college-age kids and they certainly need guidance. Just like most kids they don't come into this world already knowing about honor, respect, hard work, humility, and kindness. All things kids need to learn and pass on to others.Thanks so much for the article and may you continue to inspire and coach well.JeffYou hit on a lot of major points and the importance of having Mentors show the way. I agree with your evaluation of the Celtics, Doc has done a tremendous job of instilling Team first, personal glory second, what many athletes today don't realize is that if the team does well, everyone will profit. Continued success on your coaching journey as well.
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