Choosing to play baseball can be a turning point in a young person's life. A handful of players will have the kind of talent and drive that will give them the opportunity to play the game professionally. That is clearly the vast minority. However, becoming a part of a team and getting outside and working to improve one's skills can provide lessons that will pay off throughout a person's life.
Part of a Team
Playing baseball can teach a player about the importance of teamwork. For example, if a team is tied going into the bottom of the ninth inning and then gets its leadoff runner on first base, in order to get the potential winning run to second base, the next batter will often lay down a sacrifice bunt so the runner can get to second base. If the subsequent batter gets a hit to drive in the winning run, he might get the credit, but it couldn't have been done without the sacrifice bunt. That player might not get the attention, but he is just as vital when it came to winning the game.
Exercise in Fresh Air
This is an important part of playing a team sport outdoors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the obesity rate among young people tripled between 1978 and 2008. If young people are outside running around, exercising and practicing baseball, they will be in better shape and live a healthier lifestyle.
Individual Accomplishment
The skills in baseball are not easy to learn. Players who can hit, throw, field and run the bases often feel pride with each new skill they add. This helps drive home the concept that if you work hard you can learn new things and accomplish a great deal that you were not able to do before. This lesson translates well beyond the baseball field.
Fun
This is perhaps the most basic concept of all. Players get out on the field and they hit, run and catch and it's a very enjoyable activity. Youngsters want to have fun. Whether they are playing a video game, playing outside or going on a vacation, young people want to have fun.
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