Coaching my son Ben’s 10-year-olds Little League team, the kids were drilling me with questions in the dugout. Typical stuff like “What is the score?,” “What inning is it?,” and “What time is it?” Then came a new question, “How much do coaches get paid?” Easy answer, nothing. The follow up question was harder, “Then, why do you coach?”

Later in the game, my son Ben threw the ball to me, as he prepared to pitch that inning. As the ball crossed home plate and landed in my glove, I savored the moment. Savored a pleasant summer night, playing catch with my son.

Returning to the bench, I watched as a few errors behind him landed young Ben in a bit of a pickle. I called time and trotted out to the mound. Bending down, I looked into Ben’s worried face. Poking him lightly in the chest, I smiled and said, “You’ve got this.” Jogging back to the dugout, I smiled. Gentlemen, it’s moments like this, that’s why I coach.