Like many 10-year-old boys, my son is obsessed with sports. His day revolves around them — he catches up on the latest highlights in the morning, checks scores in the afternoon, and watches games at night. As parents, my partner and I are delighted that our children have a genuine passion for sports, from baseball to basketball to water polo. Being a former college athlete myself, I understand the valuable lessons that come from participating in sports, such as teamwork, perseverance, and self-confidence. Although my son isn’t the next big star, I’m thrilled to see him absorb these important lessons.
However, the joy and life lessons that come from sports are often overshadowed by negativity in professional athletics. Children are bombarded with images of arrogance, tantrums, and unsportsmanlike conduct. They hear about athletes making headlines for all the wrong reasons, like the basketball player arrested for domestic violence, or they witness players arguing with referees and each other. They notice that professional teams often skip the traditional post-game handshake that is a staple of their own childhood games.
It’s troubling when it seems like the essence of sports has shifted from competition to a lack of humanity. We often see the anger and intensity that make headlines, but what about the moments of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and basic decency that should define athletic competition?
A few years back, our family gathered to watch our favorite baseball team, the Chicago Bears, face off against the Dodgers in a crucial game. Emotions were high, as they always are in tense sports moments. Amidst some poor behavior from adults in the stands, there were also instances of kindness that deserved recognition.
During the fifth inning, Bears player Max Thompson, who was struggling in the game, felt frustrated after a call from the umpire. He began to walk to first base, believing he had earned a walk, which is a sure way to annoy umpires. When the umpire called him back to the plate, Max was understandably upset. However, instead of letting his frustration linger, he did something unexpected — he apologized.
In his next at-bat, he was heard saying, “I’m sorry about that.” The umpire, who had a microphone on, responded, “What are you apologizing for, buddy?” Clearly, an apology isn’t something umpires are accustomed to hearing in the world of professional sports.
Max stammered out his apology, and the umpire, Chris Anderson, reassured him that it was fine. “No worries, my friend. You’re competing, and I get that. The best part? You came back to say that. That’s what makes you a good person.”
And indeed, Max is a good person. While our family celebrated a Bears victory that evening, it was the display of empathy between the player and the umpire that truly moved me. Despite the pervasive negativity in the world, moments like this remind us that kindness and humility exist. It’s easy to feel disheartened by the unkindness that surrounds us, and we worry about whether our children are absorbing the right values from the sports they admire.
Though there are times when I feel exhausted explaining the questionable behavior of public figures, these moments shine through the darkness. They show us how to treat one another with respect and dignity. I want my kids to see these types of role models — not just because they are talented athletes, but because they exemplify what it means to be a good human being.
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In summary, teaching our children about grace and humility in a world that often showcases negativity is essential. The lessons they learn from both the good and the bad in sports can shape their character and values as they grow.