Just like many 10-year-old boys, my son is a passionate sports enthusiast. His day revolves around sports — from catching the highlights on SportsCenter in the morning to following the stats during the day and cheering for his favorite teams at night. As parents, my partner and I are delighted to see our children embrace sports, whether it’s baseball, basketball, or even water polo. Having been a college athlete myself, I truly understand the vital lessons athletics can impart, such as teamwork, perseverance, and self-confidence. While my son may not be a standout athlete, I’m grateful that he’s absorbing those valuable life skills.
The joy and lessons from sports aren’t limited to playing; they can also be found in watching games. Unfortunately, the messages our children often receive from professional sports can be disheartening. They witness a lot of arrogance, tantrums, and poor behavior. They hear stories of athletes getting into trouble, like that basketball player arrested for domestic violence, or see incidents like a football player hurling a water bottle on the sidelines. Kids notice that professional teams often skip the handshake at the end of the game — a tradition they practice in their own youth leagues.
It seems that, at times, the essence of sports shifts from fostering a sense of community to merely focusing on competition. This shift worries me. Children are exposed to anger and extreme emotions on the field because these moments tend to dominate headlines. But what about the kindness, teamwork, and basic decency that should define sports?
One evening a few years back, our family gathered to watch a crucial game featuring our beloved Chicago Bears against the Rams. The stakes were high, and emotions ran high as well. Amidst a few instances of unsportsmanlike behavior, we also witnessed touching moments that could easily have gone unnoticed.
In the fifth inning, Bears first baseman Jake Thompson, who was struggling with his performance, disagreed with an umpire’s call. Frustrated, he began to walk toward first base, a gesture that umpires understandably dislike. The umpire called him back, and Thompson, visibly upset, had a moment of emotional outburst. However, in his next at-bat, he did something unexpected — he apologized.
As he stepped up to the plate, Thompson was caught on mic saying, “Sorry about that.” The umpire responded, “What are you apologizing for, man?” Clearly, apologies are rare in the world of professional sports.
Thompson hesitated but then assured the umpire that he meant it. The umpire, friendly and understanding, replied, “No worries, buddy. You’re good. You’re just competing. The fact that you came back to say that shows what kind of person you are.”
What a remarkable exchange! While my family celebrated a Bears victory that night, the kindness displayed between the player and the umpire moved me to tears. It’s easy to fall into cynicism in today’s world, where negativity often overshadows the good. We worry whether our children are witnessing proper role models and learning positive lessons from sports. In the midst of life’s pressures and the emotional intensity of sports, we might overlook these small yet significant moments of grace and humility.
I’ll admit there are times I feel exhausted explaining the questionable actions of athletes to my kids. I’m often left searching for answers as to why adults sometimes fail to uphold the same values of decency we try to instill in our children. It can be disheartening to guide them toward kindness when they see so much negativity around them.
But then moments like Thompson’s emerge. This is how decent individuals act — with humility, kindness, and grace. Such exchanges illustrate how we should treat one another. These are the role models I want my children to admire, not just for their athletic prowess but for their humanity.
In conclusion, as we navigate parenting in a world that sometimes feels harsh, let’s remember to highlight the instances of grace and decency that exist all around us. These moments remind us of the power of humility and kindness, which can be as impactful as any victory on the field.
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