Healthy living is important to me, not just as a cancer survivor and thriving professional, but as a hands-on parent hoping to instill valuable habits for life. So when my son turned four, he joined the ranks of hopeful baseball greats and played his first season of Tee-Ball. Our family has always appreciated the sport, both my husband and I were raised by fathers that whipped out the old fashion scoring book while listening to the games on the radio. While I’m glad we started him young, it wasn’t until this season that we felt the passion of America’s favorite pastime with our child. And boy did we see fireworks. Beyond the sport itself, this season of coach pitch baseball was filled with healthy life lessons. So to all the committed, nurturing, skilled and leadership driven Little League coaches like ours this year – I say thanks.

If your kids play sports, or you remember the good ol’ days, you know a good coach makes a monumental difference in your (or their) experience. For my kid, though he hasn’t quite blossomed athletically yet, this season has been incredible.

First, I say thanks to all the Little League coaches that rush from their busy lives to orchestrate a team event in the rain, snow or sweaty heat, while we, the parents, sit and gab, eat, play on our phones or cheer on the sidelines.

I say thanks to all the Little League coaches who constantly communicate effectively. Whether it’s on the field to help our kids think about the next play or it’s the emails they send to update us on the next practice, these coaches stand out because they teach us all to be thoughtful about the game as well as each others time.

I say thanks to all the Little League coaches who may throw a pizza party, but remind our kids that healthy habits are important: broccoli and milk will make them strong and a good night’s sleep is a must!

I say thanks to all the Little League coaches who create a community of leadership. Building a coaching staff with a number of  team parents who focus on having fun, while also differentiating the baseball lesson, helps every kid succeed and builds their self-esteem.

I say thanks to all the Little League coaches who promote good sportsmanship. Whether it’s cheering for all teammates, celebrating the big and little wins or helping provide insight and motivation after a loss, they are helping us raise our children with compassionate qualities.

I say thanks to all the Little League coaches who involve the parents, asking us to practice or watch MLB games with our kids. Reminding us that whether our child loves or hates the games, this time together is priceless and the memories will be forever.

I say thanks to Coaches Chris, Brian, George, Charlie, Andy and Pam of our Coach Pitch Yankees team and to the rest of those one-of a kind coaches, mentors and role-models that take their Little League role seriously and to a higher level. Thank you for loving the game and instilling these great life lessons. You are all a class act and I’m forever thankful for your passion and leadership.

What life lessons have touched you (or your child) most from participating in a sport or playing for an amazing coaching staff?