Widening the Plate

Widening the plate. 

“Don’t widen the plate.”

Coach John Scolinos

I came across a story the other day about a retired college baseball coach named John Scolinos. While speaking to a group of fellow coaches he quizzed them on their knowledge about the size of home plate. 

Apparently from Little League to the pros home plate is always 17 inches wide, and the pitcher is expected to throw the ball over that plate. Scolinos pointed out that if someone was struggling to do so would it make sense to widen the plate to make it easier?

What Scolinos 

was pointing out was that making excuses and allowances for behavior that is missing the mark doesn’t actually end up helping in the long run. If the expectation is 17 inches then it’s time to literally step up to the plate, and put in the hard work required to get the job done. 

Sometimes as parents and teachers we want to make things easier for our children. It is difficult to see them struggle or face disappointment. We may go out of our way to make their young lives “perfect.” That’s actually the easier route as a parent, having to be the bad guy doesn’t feel good. 

In making our children’s lives easier and softer we are really doing them a disservice. Life can be difficult at times, and is filled with disappointment and unfair circumstances. Trying to prevent this by widening the plate, like allowing everyone to be a cheerleader, may sound kind and inclusive. However, in the real world you don’t always get what you want. 

Not everyone has the same level of talent, and some have put in hours of practice to earn their spot on the team. Learning to accept defeat graciously is a life lesson. This year’s winner of American Idol, Laine Hardy, went home last season, and returned this year a better candidate.

The media has coined the phrase “snowflake” to describe many of today’s youth. Perhaps their parents and teachers kept making allowances, and never held them accountable for the personal responsibility that they would need in the future. 

Being a parent is probably the hardest job you’ll ever undertake. Don’t be so quick to “widen the plate.”