How These Lessons Translated Into Playing Professionally

For 20 years, I spent a majority of my time on a baseball field. As both a player and coach.

My path:

- Little League

- Travel Baseball

- High School Baseball

- College Baseball

- Professional Baseball

- Coach at Two Universities

With Father's Day quickly approaching - I thought it might be a good time to dive into some thoughts & highlight four lessons from my baseball dad.

My dad would simplify it by saying: "don't be a punk."

Mannnnn, as a youngster -- it's uncomfortable to walk up to adults, shake their hand, and thank them for their time. But, looking back now -- it set a foundation of respect for others & their time.

No one else at 10 years old was doing it.

Camp would end -- the other kids and parents would jet.

Low-key, I would try to get out of there without doing it -- and, my dad would stop me and ask:

"did you thank the coaches for their time."

This was a great life lesson -- I am incredibly grateful to be taught this at a young age.

Quitting wasn't an option.

If you start it -- you finish it.

When I was 12 years old -- I joined a new travel ball team that I was the outcast. Everybody knew everybody - and, no one knew the new kid (me).

In the beginning - I didn't fit in. I wanted to quit.

My dad wasn't having it -- 

Thank goodness - because I made great friends and spent a few years playing with that team. I met guys I would later compete against in high school, college, and pro-ball.

More so, I learned how to be uncomfortable with being the odd-man-out - and, how to navigate integrating with a new team -- it's an art, and a practice -- one in which a person won't learn by quitting.

"As long as you get one good thing -- it was worth your time."

Spend enough time around baseball and you will come across bad teammates, coaches, clinics, camps ... but, there's always something good to takeaway from it / them.

My dad would tell me this, and it didn't really register until I got older.

But, there really is lessons in every situation or person that you come across.

Find the good -- and if you can't find it -- find how the bad made you good.

Teddy Rosevelt said it perfectly, and it applies to baseball in a big way if you look at it right:

"Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far."

My dad always told me: "there is a fine line between cocky and confident. Be confident - don't be cocky."

There is more upside to being a confident, skilled teammate -- than there is being a cocky superstar -- 

When your career ends -- people will remember you for who you were as a teammate -- not as a ball player.

Be a good teammate. Carry yourself with a presence. Let your game do the talking.

Thank you for reading! My name is Randall Thompson, and in 2014 I started a company where we turn baseball bat barrels in drinking mugs.

I'd love to write more things like this -- so, if you think it's valuable -- share with someone in the baseball community that can get value from it.

When you share it will help spread the word about Dugout Mugs!