Carol Anne Costa: A Swing and A Miss

Carol Anne Costa: A Swing and A Miss

The week that was; was troubling. Advice to Kanye West, write a book and call it, “The Famosity of a Dope”, as yet again, a Grammy spectacle was made by insulting Beck and advocating for Beyonce to win the Best Album category. Yeah ok, Like Queen B needs that, I’m pretty sure she was as mortified as most, witnessing the perennial scene stealing stunt. Then the revelations of exaggerations and mis-rememberings of the once trusted, Brian Williams proved enough for a 6 month exile from the Nightly News desk. Truth be told, I still like Brian and hope he makes his way back into the good graces of the viewing public. The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart saying, “Peace out.” was another shocker. Kayla Mueller, an all American girl with a good heart and ISIS hostage whose reported death was sadly confirmed by her family in a heart wrenching press conference provided a glimpse of her grief and a shocking reminder that we are still a nation at war. This was a week of many topics their deep conversations.

Say It Ain't So

It was Wednesday's late breaking news of the Little League International Organization stripping the Jackie Robinson West, Little League Team of its title that was absolutely sickening. The actions of a few adults in a quest for a Little League victory broke the individual and collective hearts of so many Little Leaguers and did I mention they are children. So now what? As their title is stripped and their accomplishment derailed it is on display for the world to see on every news outlet viewable by phone, TV and tablet, their embarrassment and shame must be untenable. ESPN, every news outlet and social media site set it as its front page and announced the story with big headlines and pictures of the once happy trophy hoisting Little Leaguers. The depths of their humiliation and despair are to me, unfathomable.

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Ironically, the tournament which gave the nation such incredible highs in August just hit the skids. And, began down a treacherous slippery slope on “Grown Ups Can Really Suck” mountain. Really? The reports of the deception by falsifying boundaries to engage ineligible players by adults who ran Chicago’s Jackie Robinson West can only be described as disappointing and heartbreaking. These adults, so called, failed to realize the consequences of these bad decisions that will have lifelong repercussions on the kids they just took down. My heart is sad and my anger enormous, as coaches have profound and deep legacies on the children in their charge.

The mission of Little League, according to the website is: Little League® is an international pastime that has been a fabric of societies throughout the world for 75 years. Since its founding in 1939 by Carl Stotz, Little League has instilled leadership, character, courage and loyalty in all that participate, including the nearly 1.5 million adult volunteers. Little League can be found in more than 80 countries worldwide with more than 2.4 million children participating each year. Little League has celebrated many milestones due to the dedication of its players, parents, and volunteers. While I truly believe the majority of the adult volunteers are good, honest, and true; unfortunately, the win at all cost folks infiltrate the ranks and cast a shadow on the healthy competition and have long lasting negative influence on fair play and sportsmanship.

They can fix the record, move the near winners up to champions and do all the ministerial paper tasks to “set the record straight,” but how do we now deal with the kids who feel cheated and the team that knows it was used? An anonymous quote may be a start, “Forget what hurt you, but never forget what it taught you.”— Unknown. This story is sad and long living in the hearts of children. The hurt embodied can only be a life lesson with a fading scar.

Dave Belisle and Mo’Ne Davis

It is not about a misplayed relay, a wild pitch, a non foul in the last 30 seconds, a misread signal, a muffed overhead, or a missed 2 foot putt. This is about the game, the experience, the camaraderie, the fact that all competitors make mistakes and all can survive and pull together; win lose or draw, and know the effort is the game not the outcome. This story hit me like a ton of bricks, as a former coach and member of the RI High School Tennis Coaches Hall of Fame, the wins and losses are secondary to fair play, fun and sportsmanship ... ALWAYS. Have I consoled my share of heartbroken players?  Of course and at least for me that is the richness of coaching. I will take a minute to send my love to my “players” who have kept in touch over the span of 30 years. I love you all, “ladies of the 80’s.”  You played, you lost, you won, you laughed, you cried, and more importantly you made a path for others to compete. That is why Mo’ne’s pitching taught an entire nation to be proud to “throw like a girl.” And, Dave Belisle’s speech inspired us. His words are keepers and still bring tears to my eyes. He reminds us to never forget that the charge of coaching kids is precious. Coach's words and deeds are often powerful and permanent.

Does this unfortunate episode represent the worst of the vicarious parent culture that exists in our country? Perhaps.  I know it’s tough to admit, but you know as well as I, that certain grownups manipulate, browbeat and act in the extreme to further accomplishments of kids on the field, court, ice, or pitch. This is a stunning example of that reprehensible behavior. In the end who suffers? The kids, the players who knew nothing about the underhandedness which now rests on the pillows of every child who put on that uniform and played their heart out to the Nation's delight. If I could reach each one of them I would hug them tightly and let them know they are all still amazing. To the parents and grownups who are living through the kids, you had your chance; back off, don’t cheat, and watch Dave Belisle’s speech over and over until you, GET IT! I send a great big shout out to Jackie Robinson West kids; you left it on the field. #sportsmanshipmatters

Carol Costa is a public relations and community outreach specialist; she has experience in both the public and private sectors. She is the Chairwoman of the Scituate Democratic Town Committee and has extensive community affairs and public relations experience. She previously served in the Rhode Island Judiciary for nearly 17 years. Carol also enjoyed a successful development stint at the Diocese of Providence as Associate Director for Catholic Education and is currently the Executive Director of the Warren Housing Authority. Her work has been published in several local outlets including GoLocalProv, Valley Breeze, The Rhode Island Catholic, and Currents Magazine.