Reese Bobby was one of the smartest life coaches in the history of the world. He instilled in his fictitious son Ricky a treasure trove of great thoughts that will lead us all to great success and a life filled with amazing accomplishments.
“If you ain’t first, you’re last!” was one of the greatest inspirational quotes ever!
So what does that have to do with fastpitch softball you ask?
In the world of recruiting, being a player’s second choice is just about as useful as a “poopy flavored lolly pop.”
You didn’t think I was going to leave Patches O’Hoolihan out of the discussion, did you?
College coaches who end up being a player’s second choice are in a constant state of disappointment and heartache.
When a player calls you and tells you that they loved their visit, love your program, love your staff, love your players, love your school, love your city and love you but…
Your heart dies, just a little bit!
A wise softball coach told me once, that if your recruits always say yes, you are aiming too low. That’s absolutely correct, but that doesn’t make hearing a player who you know would make a huge difference tell you that you just finished second in your efforts to recruit them any easier to hear.
Then again, Reese also tells Ricky he was “high” when he made the amazing quote above. He might have been “high” but that doesn’t change the fact that he was right.
Coming soon, Coach Tory’s list of the amazing players who almost said yes!
About the Author: Tory Acheson brings a wealth of knowledge to the Fastpitch Prep staff. He has coached at all levels of the game, including the last 25 years at the college level at the University of Wisconsin – Parkside, Tennessee Tech and Kennesaw State. He began his coaching career at the high school level spending 9 years Whitnall High School in Greenfield, Wis. and is now working as a professional softball instructor.
