“Take all the wealth, fame, and winning you want, give me this instead.” When I go to bed feeling like I lost this, I know it will be a long night. OK, I realize not everyone will buy into that first proposition, but having the respect of others is a truer sign of success than the other three, at least to me.

Sports parents must rise to the occasion before it’s too late.

The point is winning is going for it and giving your best. Trying guarantees you can’t lose, a message I continually pass on to my hitting students. I also know I will win because my past sporting experiences have created an athletic mind.