Did you ever Play, Manage or Coach?

Played basketball (forward), football (tailback, outside linebacker) and baseball (pitcher, outfield) through my senior year. Amateur baseball pitcher for 3yrs after highschool.

 

Played football from Jr. Peewee until midway through my senior year in high school owing a pinched nerve in my neck -- mostly played cornerback, outsider linebacker, and wide receiver. I was usually the punter, too. Wasn't much interested in other sports, except for surfing and professional bong smoking.

 

I have quite the athletic past, actually. I played basketball and hockey and was a cheerleader.

Watching PWHL Boston vs Montreal right now.

 

Played football ('Murican football, the real stuff! ) and played hockey.

Most of my recollections come from hockey where I was basically an enforcer, and good at it. This was back in the day when refs just turned a blind eye to 'em.

I've always been a brawler.

(Not saying that with pride, but definitely not saying it with shame, either.)

 

Track in high school & college. My family is a big tennis family so could play but track was my passion. Last two years in college tennis turned out to be my main sport, go figure. I assume the discipline learned from college training got me better focused. Tennis is what carried me forward, playing for a small living, now coaching tennis as well as pickleball, which is now the the tournament sport I play.

 

That's cool. I used to love to watch tennis. I used to wake up at 4am to catch Wimbledon matches on TV. Now, for some reason, I haven't watched it in years.

I played goalie in a coed rec hockey league for years. But eventually my body and age caught up to me, and now I've moved on to more cerebral and less physical pursuits. But I did consider coaching. I really wanted to coach little kids because you're not just teaching them how to play the game, but you're teaching them the passion for the game.

It seems like a really rewarding and fulfilling job. I still remember my first ever hockey coach. To be that that person in someone's life would be amazing.

 

Coaching....parents are a little different now days - my colleague is a little league baseball coach - all his problems are with parents, not the kids and the game.

 

Yes football, baseball, and soccer leagues around here have gotten out of hand many times.

 

I forgot to mention in my earlier post: I once pitched an 18 inning fast pitch softball game. Softball is seven innings. We won the game, but my right arm felt 6 inches longer after that game.

 

I sucked at sports. Couldn't hit a base/soft ball for shit. Always fell when trying to run. Got stepped on during the basketball game. Really sucked at it. But I always came back for more. Kept looking for a sport I might excel at. Haven't found it yet. Baseball, softball, football, (dislike soccer), hockey (no ice), golf, running, jumping, swimming, throwing, nothing I was even okay at. Even tried volleyball until some 6 foot 9 SOB spiked the ball crushing my head in the process. Fuck that! Coaching? Oh hell! Forget it. Mommie, Daddy, or even worse, Granma thought their little no account child was the next Babe Ruth and always spoiled the fun. Always standing outside the fence during a game after never showing up for practice of any kind and screaming at the kid for fucking up. Yea, I've seen it. I love sports of all kinds. Never won shit though.

 

I have done all of those and am lucky that a m a professional coach/instructor. My path to this point was filled with disappointment as an injury just as I was about to transfer to a major college program ended my playing career. In the long run, though, it all worked out.

I have been playing softball and basketball ever since I can remember but softball was my game. It wasn’t long before I was playing up with older girls. From that point on sports were my focus. I always loved it and thrived on the competition.

I have changed over the last couple of years. I have coached a few exceptional players but what I really enjoy is helping any player reach their potential and have fun. That’s one thing I love about the game is the fun in the dugout. It really can help the entire team.

Sorry for the ramble.

 

I still watch college softball when it's in season. Never watch baseball. Love softball.

 

I played soccer as a kid but not of my own choosing. Anything else was just whatever they made us play at P.E. Sports isn't my thing.

 

I spent much of my youth (age 8 to 14) at the local park playing baseball and pick-up football with as few as 2 guys on each team. There were almost no rules, no ref's, no fans, but it was pure basic fun in the sun. A couple of times, Willie Mays, Joe Morgan, or Willie McCovey would be there just hanging out with the kids. It was GREAT !!!

 

In high school I ran cross country track in the spring and wrestling team in the winter months. Till a heavyweight landed across my knees during practice. Stopped school sports for me.

 

Played basketball C,B,A squad in spite of my asthma. We were a real small school so if you wanted to play you got to be on the team.
Most memorable.... We all got kicked off the bus one night three miles out of town Friends dad come along in his pickup and we all piled in the topper and got a ride.

 

Hey, I was an enforcer, too. Not a big one, about 5'10" and maxed out at 180 pounds, but I used to knock out much bigger players & stood up for everyone on my team. I always led my team in penalty minutes, but I was also a good scorer and league MVP. That said, to be honest, I preferred hitting and fighting over scoring. My body has taken quite the beating over the years from hockey: Broken bones, broken ribs, torn ACL, separated shoulders, you name it.

As far as other sports, I played them all and even did track & field. I was a pretty good athlete in my prime. Now I'm just a cyclist. Much easier on the body.

Oh, and I also coached kids in hockey and did a little scouting.