This past weekend, my son wrapped up his fall baseball season with a 13U tournament, and it was nothing short of exhilarating. His team played their hearts out, showing strong pitching, tight defense, and an aggressive offense. They faced a great team, and the stakes were high—winning this game meant advancing to the final, where they’d compete for that coveted ring. We had a strong start, going up 6-1. But in the last inning, things started to slip. A few errors and some walks later, our lead vanished. The game ended 8-6, with a heartbreaking loss.
As a parent, watching the end was tough, especially seeing the disappointment on my son’s face. He had been a leader on the field, constantly encouraging his teammates, playing well, and giving his all. But then, one error—a missed grounder at third—let the opposing team take the lead. It was a gut-wrenching moment, knowing how much he wanted that win and the effort he’d put into it. It’s those moments as a parent when you feel the ache, wishing you could shield them from the sting of failure.
The car ride home was quiet. But as I reflected, I realized just how powerful this experience was for him—and me. Baseball, like life, is filled with ups and downs, wins and losses. There’s always the next inning, another game, or simply a fresh day. And every setback is a chance to learn, grow, and become stronger.
John Maxwell says it best in The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth, specifically in his “Law of Pain.” He writes, “If you can maintain a positive life stance, you put yourself in the best position to manage bad experiences and turn them into positive growth.” When we manage difficult experiences well, they can be catalysts for growth. Sports provide that classroom; they teach resilience, grit, and the importance of picking yourself up, dusting off, and stepping back up to the plate.
As I look at my role as a parent, I realize the unique opportunity I have to guide my son in these moments. My goal isn’t just for him to be a skilled player. More than that, I want him to learn to take risks, accept failure as part of the journey, stay positive, work hard, and show kindness to those around him. I hope to raise a young man who doesn’t fear setbacks but sees them as fuel for his growth, knowing that life, like baseball, is about the journey.
This weekend may not have ended in victory, but the lessons learned are invaluable. It’s these moments that shape our kids, teaching them that strength lies in resilience, in getting back up, and in moving forward.
Tyler Lennon
Owner
