'Game Changer' | Harry the Hopeless

Next we have Harry the Hopeless. He has always wanted to be a ball player, but he just doesn't have the physical qualities necessary to make the team. He used to be the first player to show up at practice, but now he has lost most of his eagerness -- he has figured out that he's not going to be in the starting lineup.

He knows that he will get in the game only if the Falcons are way ahead or if the league substitution rule forces you to use him. Even at those times, he is going

to play out in right field and will bat only once (and he had better not strike out or make an error). What do we do with Harry?

Your feelings:

“I like the kid, but he's like an anchor tied around our necks. I know he'll get into the game some time and he'll probably lose the game for us.” These thoughts are echoed by the rest of the team -- you can tell by the groans as the substitutions are made.

What you would like to do:

Forget that he's on the team. (Some “coaches” would encourage him to miss practice so they would have an excuse not to play him. Or they might ignore him and/or make it tough on him so that he will 'cut' himself from the team) That's not you.

What you can do about it:

Hang in there with him - who knows what tomorrow will bring. Harry may not become another Harvey Sturkel*, but he could become a good Harry. He could be a player next year; a fan in ten years; your sponsor in 15 years; and, yes, a parent of one of your players in 20 years. (Give him a reading assignment -- read about George Mikan who was voted the best basketball player in the first half of the 20th century.)

Harry's Status: Defeated – Recognition/Needs Help

* You can find his plaque and exploits in the Softball Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City.