Growing Pains

If you have been keeping up with my beloved Daytona Cubs, you know that they are off to a rather slow start.  Times like these separate the casual fans from the fanatics.  They also separate the men from the boys in regards to how the individual players handle adversity.  My husband is fond of saying “this is a teaching hospital!” and that is a true statement.  At this level the parent club is more concerned with the development of the players than the numbers of wins/losses on the score board.

The stats show that the team is playing rather “middle of the road” baseball.  The win/loss record shows something different entirely.

Is there a problem with the batting?

Is pitching the problem?

Obviously errors hurt.

The numbers would indicate that we should be in the middle of the pack, yet that is not the case.  Our current record is 2-10

Yes it's early in the season and baseball is a marathon, not a sprint. But for the fans and for the guys, it’s tough to deal with.  I chose to look at it in a different way.  Many times the players come to a new team thinking they already have what it takes to make it to the SHOW.  Seldom is that the case.  We have a great coaching staff in Daytona and they have a proven track record, but they cannot win games without the team playing like a team.

I know from personal experience, that sometimes you have to hit rock bottom before your willing to try something different.  I think the human condition makes it difficult for us listen to advise from others and sometimes to even realize we may be the problem in a given situation.  I like the story about a life guard trying to save a drowning victim.  The drowning person struggles against the rescuer, or clings to them in such a way that they are both in danger of going under.  Finally, the lifeguard must render them still more helpless, by knocking them out entirely.  By doing so, the lifesaver can do their job and bring them safely to shore.

You might ask what does that have to do with baseball and with a severe slump?  I would say everything!  When the team realizes that by themselves they can’t put together a winning team, they will be more likely to listen to the instruction of the coaches.  Eventually, rather than 25 individual guys trying to make it to the bigs, they will come together as a team.  When that happens, (and I have faith it will!), the numbers will results will begin to change.

Either way, I’m sticking around to find out.  I love my team, regardless of the record, but dang, it sure feels good to back a winner!