“There’s no crying in baseball.” –A League of Their Own

We’re used to hearing inspirational speeches from coaches whose teams then go on to snatch victory out of the teeth of defeat. This speech is different. ESPN caught Coach Dave Belisle’s speech to his team after they lost the Little League World Series, and it’s clear how much he cares for these boys from Cumberland, Rhode Island. Making it to the World Series, even the Little League World Series, is a significant achievement, and of course they all arrived with high hopes of walking away with the trophy. It didn’t work out that way for them, but Coach Belisle delivers a wonderful lesson in sportsmanship. Thanks to the kindness and insight of this remarkable man, I believe their strongest memories of this season will be of the victories rather than the final disappointment.

“The only reason why I’ll probably end up shedding a tear is because this is the last time I’m going to end up coaching you guys.”

A great lesson about positive coaching, about competitive sports, and about kindness and love. I hope his speech will stick with these lucky boys. I know it will stick with me.

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/high-school/post/_/id/33405/r-i-coach-inspires-after-llws-loss