Every couple of years or so I come upon someone or something in
youth baseball that is awe inspiring and sheds a new light on
America’s game. Someone or something that makes you feel good about
kids and sports. Someone or something that enlightens a new
perspective on how we look at life itself. And how a child sees it
through his eyes.
Every couple of years or so I come upon someone or something in youth baseball that is awe inspiring and sheds a new light on America’s game. Someone or something that makes you feel good about kids and sports. Someone or something that enlightens a new perspective on how we look at life itself. And how a child sees it through his eyes.
This year it’s 9-year-old Jackson Nott of Tracy, Calif. Like any youngster, he’s eager to play, wide eyed about learning the fundamentals and has a twinkle in his eye that he’s getting to play the game he loves so much. He’s quiet, but makes every effort to try hard on every play he makes. He cheers for his teammates and they in turn for him. He’s giving it his all, even more than the others. And why?
Well, you see, Jackson has an artificial right arm. He does everything left handed. Throws, hits and catches everything with his left hand, much like former Major leaguer Jim Abbott of the California Angels. To watch him make the transition from throwing the ball to catching was priceless. Watching him hit was a joy. To him he didn’t have a handicap, only something he had to overcome. Jackson didn’t have any excuses, only determination.
I met young Jackson at a clinic I was doing. Right from the start I noticed what he was doing was a little odd. Then I realized the situation and immediatly felt an admiration for him. I thought of all the years I’ve been instructing baseball and all the paths I’ve crossed. None like the path I crossed with Jackson. This little tiger just wanted to be like all his friends. You know what? He is. To me he’s not a handicapped player, just a kid having fun. He’s not worried about making the All-Stars, college scholarships or playing professionally. He just wants to play the next game.
Young Jackson sees the game as it should be played. Enjoying every inning of every game.No false hopes, just anticipation of making the next pitch or getting up to hit.His perspective on the game is not about winning or losing. And in my mind, he’s a winner already by just showing up at the field.
So the next time your son or daughter strikes out with the bases loaded to end the game, gives up the game winning homer or doesn’t make the All-Star team, just take a moment and think about how great it is to have your child playing the game they love. And think of little Jackson Nott. I know I will.
Rich Taylor is the owner, head instructor and CEO of Taylor Made Baseball. He is a former pitching coach at Pepperdine University and Chicago White Sox scout. He founded the West Coast Baseball School and has 26 years of youth coaching experience. His column appears on the first and third Tuesdays of the month.
