Winning and Losing with Class

Today , on today's podcast , we're going to discuss sportsmanship how there's a lack of it and what we can do to change it and make it better , not only in baseball , but all sports .

We're covering it all . Whether you're a high school coach , college coach or just a baseball enthusiast , we'll dive into the tactics and techniques that make the difference on and off the field . Discover how to build a winning mentality .

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Grow the show and look for a new episode every Wednesday . I wanted to dive into a topic that's been pressing on all of our minds lately sportsmanship . This past weekend , college football showed us exactly what not to do Flag planting on a team's field after winning a college football game .

Michigan did it at Ohio State , nc State followed suit at the University of North Carolina , florida at FSU and Arizona State . At Arizona , even Michigan's head coach , sharone Moore , as soon as the game came to an end , turned and walked to the back of the benches and started waving and talking to the OSU fans . This is an image that is not needed in sports .

I do have to say hats off to University of Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian for stopping his players as they were attempting to plant a flag at their rival , Texas A&M's field , and I get that . Rivalries can sometimes get heated and we have to do more and we have to be better . And what does this have to do with a baseball podcast ?

Baseball is supposed to be a game of respect and honor and if you remember Vince Lombardi's famous quote , act like you've been there before . That's what winning with class means . When you step onto a field , you're not just representing yourself or your team , you're representing the entire sport .

Shake hands , acknowledge the other team's efforts and walk off the field with your head held high , whether you won or lost . And walk off the field with your head held high whether you won or lost . Anything less is a disservice to the game . Let's talk about losing , accepting a tough loss . It stings , it burns , it hurts , but it's part of the game .

The way you handle defeat is a reflection of your character . Blaming others , throwing tantrums or getting into fights doesn't change the outcome . It just shows a lack of maturity and respect . Remember the greatest players in a game have lost more times than they can count . It's how they respond to those losses . That's what made them into legends .

It's how they respond to those losses . That's what made them into legends . Let's not forget about a team reflects its coach . I'm a big believer in this . If you , as a coach , lose your temper , argue with the umpires , totally disrespect your opponent , guess what your players are going to follow suit . They look up to you . They model their behavior after you .

So if you want a team that plays with class and respect , you have to lead by example . And , like I spoke to earlier , the Michigan players did exactly what their coach was doing . The Michigan players did exactly what their coach was doing . But here's where it gets controversial .

Youth and travel sports , I believe , are breeding grounds for these negative attitudes . These environments where winning is everything often creates entitled , disrespectful players . Often creates entitled , disrespectful players . From an early age , kids are taught that they're the best , that they deserve to win and that losing is unacceptable .

And when these kids grow up , they carry those same toxic attitudes into high school , college and beyond . The result Players who can't handle losing , who disrespect their opponents and then entarnish the integrity of the game . The narrative needs to be changed .

We need to teach our young players that sportsmanship is more important than winning , that respect for the game , for their opponents and for themselves is what truly matters . We need to show them that winning with grace and losing with dignity are the marks of a true athlete . So , coaches , it's on us to set the standard .

Lead by example , teach our players that baseball is more than just a game . It's a platform to build character and to learn life lessons and to grow as individuals . Let's honor the game by embodying the true spirit of sportsmanship . Baseball Coaches Unplugged is proud to be partnered with the netting professionals , improving programs one facility at a time .

Be sure and call and tag them today at 844-620-2707 or visit them online at wwwnettingproscom . I'm your host , coach Ken Carpenter , and , as always , thanks for joining me on Baseball Coaches Unplugged .