The Baseball Observer - Jan/ Feb 2016
26
BEING A GOOD TEAMMATE - The Three R's
(ROLES, RESPONSIBILITIES, RELATIONSHIPS)
1. What are the characteristic of being a good teammate?
Although good teammates in baseball come in various physical sizes, degrees of talent, skills sets, experiences, and positions, they do possess the following common characteristics, more often than not:
• They respect the game of baseball in that they play it the right way (that is,
they are on time, prepared, compete with intensity, and never give up).
• They recognize that baseball can be a very humbling experience.
• They have learned that baseball is not about them but rather that it is about
something which is larger than they are (that is, team goals and team
process).
• They know their current role on the team and assume the responsibilities
associated with that role, while striving to develop and get better as a player
and person.
• They take being a player very seriously and are consistent at following
through with these responsibilities (that is, quality preparation, competitive
follow through, accurate self-evaluation.
• They relate to teammates and coaches in respectful and supportive ways, on
and off the baseball diamond.
2. Can players learn to be good teammates?
Baseball players can learn to be good teammates. In particular, their learning experiences need to focus on developing the characteristics that I have mentioned in my response to the first question.
More specifically, though, here are some ways that a player can learn to become
and remain as a good teammate:
• Identify players in your area that you admire and who are known to be team
players and who are always there for their teammates and who are respected
by them. Find out what these players do, day to day, by talking to them if
possible, and try to learn what their coaches have to say about them. It is
very likely that coaches will describe these players using some of the words
and actions which I have described in my response to the previous question.
• Recognize that the game of baseball is bigger than any one individual. In this
regard, when the team does well overall not only in terms of wins and losses
but also in how the team plays the game, it is more likely that the individual
team members will be recognized. Try to develop this kind of mindset and
appreciation.