Note to Editor:
Sorry to take away from the pressing issues of the Budget. Please post as a separate item. Thank you.
An Open Letter to Joe Franco and the Plainview Baseball Board:
Mr. Franco,
The parents of the 5th grade Boys AAA Division want to let you know that your juvenile attitude and cut-throat antics as a coach are disgusting. Your win-at-all-costs tactics and negative comments and actions towards members of the other teams and their coaches are so completely disrespectful that you should not be allowed to coach.
Don’t get me wrong, we all want to win, but to win at the cost of good sportsmanship is not only a black mark against the great game of baseball, but also against you and your morals. When exactly did this turn into something so critical that you don’t know how to be respectful when you don’t win a game? You need to lead by example and show your team that it is more important to play a fair game and not to twist the rules to your advantage in every situation so you can take advantage of the other teams.
THINK next time you open your mouth in front of these impressionable 10 and 11 year old boys and THINK about how you are acting, what you are saying and how you are saying it – and remember that EVERYONE can hear what you are saying about a hitter not being a good hitter or a pitcher not being a good pitcher. Good sportsmanship is paramount to winning a game. The only way to get respect and not be classified as a bully is to give respect – not only when things are going your way, but especially when things don’t go your way. Taking the moral high ground instead of stooping to schoolyard bulling is one of the things we are trying to teach our boys along with the game of baseball.
It’s not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game, Mr. Franco – and, frankly, you suck at how you play the game, regardless of how many games you win.
Concerned Plainview Baseball Parents
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This isn't restricted to 5th grade kids. Our family has had bad experiences with cut throat teams not allowing kids to play bases when they are 7 and 8 years old. Unless your kid is the coach's kid or good friend your kid is washed up by the time they are in 3rd grade and we wonder why our kids would rather play a video baseball game than Little League.
ReplyDeleteThis post saddens me. We had a bad year once but luckily our son decided to try again and we lucked out with a coach that should be written up in Sports Illustrated as the perfect coach. He teaches the game and good sportsmanship, allows opportunities for all kids to play and is ALWAYS positive and encouraging, win or lose, especially when the team loses. The attitude of the coach makes all the difference, especially for the kids. Thanks to all the coaches in Plainview (no matter what sport) who are good role models and do the right things. Parents know who you are and we appreciate your time and efforts.
ReplyDeleteThe older the kids are the worse it gets. I have seen too many parents living their failed sports career dreams through their kids. Then you get in the middle school and the program is the same problems . Why do they not have some b-teams. There are so many kids that want to play sports but can not because they may not be as good or more than likely as aggressive and nasty as some other kids so they do not make the team. If you want to get rid of obesity , forget about wellness crap, give more kids a chance to play sports and put the politics and arrogance aside. Plainview does not have a good record overall with sports teams and that is partly due to playing political games when picking who gets on the team and who does not
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely right on target. Reading your post disgusts me because too many of Plainview's coaches are re-living their sports dream and have utter disregard for the children they bully. A coach bullies when he constantly calls attention to a child when he may not be as "perfect" as the coach's kid or, as you say, the coach's kid's friends. It seems that if the coach's kid or his friend's kid can't pitch and hits everyone, that is okay--he still gets to be a pitcher and he is still a "hero." But my kid, who can throw a damn hard ball, is singled out even and designated a "non-pitcher" even before given the opportunity to show what he's got. The same is true for the coveted first base. C'mon people: we are tired of hearing how my kid can't play first base because he will get hurt. I have seen most injuries occur when kids are up at bat. Kids can get hurt ANYWHERE at ANY base or in the field. GIVE KIDS A CHANCE YOU DOPES! And our wonderful "Baseball Association" unfortunately fosters this way of thinking, as I have been told by some of our DIVISION HEADS that this is "just how things are." You people who run the league are just as responsible for this warped way of how our coaches are permitted and get away with dealing with kids. You have no idea how many parents forego complaining to the head, but just disappear form baseball instead just to avoid a bad situation. Kids grow up NOT playing baseball, taking a bat to a ball, being part of a team, because of you. You rob these kids who are smarter than you to realize that a pompous coach is not going to change and he is better off not being in an abusive situation. Think about how the kids feel. Watch your tone and how you speak to kids. Would you want someone to speak to you that way? Again, as one comment was made, some of you coaches do give kids a chance and you know who you are and you are wonderful. However, so many of you coaches are all about winning. All kids should be rotated for ALL positions. NOBODY here is going to have baseball careers. Act HUMAN and stop driving these kids away! Coaches: start adopting coaching styles that do not single out children on the field. Compliment the kid who tries. Give that kid a chance. You may actually be surprised to see what can happen.
ReplyDeleteTo the writer who opened this up for discussion: THANK YOU!! This behavior does not just apply to your kid's coach, but MANY NAMES can be substituted for MR. Franco's. Coaches: stop intimidating. Have some respect. This is NOT your childhood. STOP being the bully. If you can't, then step down and stop coaching. Our children will be better off. There are some really nice dads (and moms) out there who know how to talk to and mentor kids. And play baseball.
ReplyDeleteThe "you can't play first base rule" is total NONSENSE when we've all seen kids and even entire teams get hit at home plate.
ReplyDeleteNotice that the kids who CAN'T play first base CAN play out field and sit on the bench? These kids are the heroes of little league - without them the superstars wouldn't be able to hog the bases and play more innings.
Some of these coaches bully parents also. Usually the parents of the kids who aren't playing first base!!!! It's too bad that Little League is lose/lose for some kids and those are the kids that probably need the confidence of a positive sports experience the most. For parents its like the bad part of high school dealing with the self-important uber-jocks all over again except it's worse since you're watching it happen to your kid.
Stephanie Nelkin, you are soo off base and would like to know where your information is from, is this something you personally have witnessed?
ReplyDeleteyou may want to get your facts straight before naming names.
ReplyDeleteIf kids are being bullied then the parents should be speaking immediately to the coaches or to the Little League Assocation--there should be no tolerance regarding this
ReplyDeleteI have only seen this once over the last three years and hoep it is not as frequent as some imply here....
It is such a shame how Plainview says its "all about the kids", which is all a joke. It really is "all about winning" Just take a look at there soccer program & see how many kids quit or moved on to others programs because of it. Some children just take a little longer to find there stride.In the school system if your kid needs extra help, we get it for them. But in sports the "bubble kids" get lost or quits...It is suce a shame!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI understand this may not have been written by Stephanie Nelkin, but to allow a personal attack on a named individual who volunteers his time should not be allowed. I would think the screening process would not allow personal atacks. please do not hide behind an anonymous. If you feel so strongly about joe franco's coaching, which is totally off base, then maybe you should contact him directly, 516-729-0671 he would be glad to speak to you. maybe you should speak to any parent or child that has had him as a coach.. One issue with a game does not give you the right to pass judgement as you have, frankly I feel that you suck that you have so much to say but feel the need to be anonymous. you obviously are one sided, as you know there is always atleast 2 sides to a story.
ReplyDeleteDanielle Franco
While I have had personal experiences with such coaches, and yes, disgusted by such actions,and agree with much that is written if true, I am disappointed that these parents were sure to NAME Mr. Franco but wouldn't put their own names in the accusation. I have coached with and against Mr. Franco over the years, and have never experienced or witnessed this behavior first hand.
ReplyDeleteI don't exactly know the situation, but here is a fact of life. One issue is enough to negate all of the good. Sorry. And, I give credit to anybody that volunteers, but then do it right and don't hide behind the fact you are a volunteer. Do it because you want to do it and help the kids. Everybody can tell which are those coaches. Nobody wants to hear the high and mighty stuff. BTW, why bring Stefanie Nelkins into this, obviously as a joke. Stick to facts.
ReplyDeleteMy son found out in third grade that there was a baseball clinic run by a parent-coach since kindergarten that some of his friends were keeping quiet. He was also encouraged to not tryout for travel baseball, which of course was devastating for him. How is he, or anyone else supposed to catch up in skill level against this hand-picked group? Whatever happened to setting the kids up for success?
ReplyDeleteI do agree that there are some excellent coaches who are firm, fair, and an inspiration to the children. Unfortunately, Danielle, there is no good recourse for the parents who have legitimate concerns about a coach, especially if it is only their child who is treated unfairly. In these cases, the parent is treated like they are high maintenance and the child loses.
Anyone reading this post about Joe Franco must surely be scratching his head. This characterization (or character assassination) is so far from truthful that it makes me wonder who wrote it anonymously and what beef do they have with Joe. Joe has been our son’s baseball coach for two years. During that time Joe has been the most competent, fair and nurturing coach we ever had and he has become a friend to our son. Every game is the same: Joe works with and supports each child, gives each kid a chance at all positions and instills in them good sportsmanship. He loves the game and shares that enthusiasm with the kids. It never mattered if the kids won or lost- Joe’s coaching, support and sportsmanship doesn’t change a bit- the kids know it and so do the parents. The real proof is that every other baseball coach enjoys playing against Joe’s team because they know Joe, respect him, and have fun- win or lose. How many coaches would call a time out- and then run out to the mound or batter’s box- TO GIVE AN OPPOSING TEAM’s CHILD SOME TIPS OR A LITTLE SUPPORT. The person who wrote this post likely based this laughable observation on a misconstrued comment. If you know Joe, played for him or against him, coached with him or against him you know that the
ReplyDeleteperson who shamelessly posted this vicious blog is 100% wrong. We are lucky that people like Joe, and other coaches, are willing to put up with so much parental nonsense and still keep volunteering. I guess Joe just loves baseball. Thanks Joe!!
Barry and Jerri Greenspan
I have coached against Joe Franco for the last 4 or 5 years and couldn't disagree more with the original post here. Joe has always shown nothing but repsect for my teams and acted in nothing but a civil, fair, and encouraging manner to players and coaches on both teams. Are you sure you meant Joe Franco?
ReplyDeleteBill Tucker
I have been coaching against Joe for the last 4 or 5 years and he has been nothing but gracious in both victory and defeat. He has always acted civil, fair, responsible, and encouraging to players and coaches on both sides of the field. Are you sure you're talking about Joe Franco?
ReplyDeleteBill Tucker
Anyone who knows Joe Franco, knows him to be a friendly & nice guy. Is he perfect? I am sure his wife will agree that he's not. He might get a little carried away sometimes coaching, but to post negative comments on the internet about him is not the way to get your point across. Have the courage to walk up to him and tell him he is coming across too strong. He devotes his free time to coaching, and while this doesn't make him a saint, our community does owe him a debt of gratitude for volunteering his time. At the very least he should have the chance to be told in person if he is coming across too strong, and I do agree in the case of Saturday's game he might have. Joe, don't be discouraged, you have many friends who like and support you in the community.
ReplyDeleteBefore discussing my personal thoughts regarding this particular post, I have to express my disappointment that such an anonymous post would be allowed. A post that attacks the integrity of an individual should be signed. In addition, if such thoughts and feelings are present, there are definitely other channels to go through that would be more productive. My thinking is that the person who posted this letter had another agenda and not necessarily the best interests of the children in mind. In addition, I do not believe that attacking someone without taking responsibility for the attack is good modeling for children.
ReplyDeleteWith respect to Joe Franko - I have watched him for years work with the kids and only make them feel good about themselves. He is always encouraging, no matter what the situation. He has a knack for turning everything into a positive and does so with a sense of humor. I know that my son has benefitted from Joe's contribution to little league and like the fact that he is on his team.
On a final note, my son has had many coaches in his young baseball career. All have had their positives and sides that I may not personally agree with. However, everyone of them have deserved respect for the hard work and long hours they put in, dealing with the children needs and wants and addressing parents concerns. They all deserve praise and not the type of attack that was evident in the above posting.
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ReplyDelete