A Great Role Model

This, ladies and gentlemen, is what it’s all about.

This is one of those moments where all the talk is absolutely true about how youth sports build character, shape children and help kids become adults.

This is Dave Belisle, the coach of Cumberland American Little League, the Rhode Island team that represented the Northeast in the Little League World Series. Cumberland American lost 8-7 on Monday to Chicago’s Jackie Robinson West. It was an elimination game that ended with many of Belisle’s players dejected and in tears.

He gathered them on the field after the game, asking them to keep their heads up and saying he wanted to see their eyes. Then he delivered a moving speech that will tug at your heartstrings a bit. Here’s a transcription, via the Providence Journal:

“Heads up high. Heads up high. I’ve gotta see your eyes, guys. There’s no disappointment in your effort — in the whole tournament, the whole season. It’s been an incredible journey. We fought. Look at the score – 8-7, 12-10 in hits. We came to the last out. We didn’t quit. That’s us! Boys, that’s us!

“The only reason why I’ll probably end up shedding a tear is that this is the last time I’m going to coach you guys. But I’m going to bring back with me, the coaching staff is going to bring back, you guys are going to bring back that no one other team can provide – that’s pride. Pride.

“You’re going to take that for the rest of your lives, what you provided for the town of Cumberland. You had the whole place jumping, right? You had the whole state jumping. You had New England jumping. You had ESPN jumping. OK?

“You want to know why? They like fighters. They like sportsmen. They like guys who don’t quit. They like guys who play the game the right way. If everyone would play baseball like the Cumberland Americans, this would be the greatest game.

“The lessons you guys have learned along the journey, you’re never going to forget. We’re going to have some more fun. We have two more days of fun. When you walk around this ballpark in the next couple of days, they’re going to look at you and say:

“‘Hey, you guys were awesome!’ Everybody has said: You guys are awesome. Awesome. Awesome. Absolutely awesome.

“It’s OK to cry, because we’re not going to play baseball together any more. But we’re going to be friends forever. Friends forever. Our Little League careers have ended on the most positive note that could ever be. OK? Ever be.

“There’s only going to be one team that’s going to walk out of here as World Series champions. Only one. We got down to the nitty-gritty. We’re one of the best teams in the world. Think about that for a second. In the world! Right?

“So, we need to go see our parents, because they’re so proud of you. One more thing. I want a big hug. I want everyone to come in here for one big hug. One big hug, then we’re going to go celebrate. Then we’re going to go back home to a big parade.

“I love you guys. I’m gonna love you forever. You’ve given me the most precious moment in my athletic and coaching career, and I’ve been coaching a long time – a looooong time. I’m getting to be an old man. I need memories like this, I need kids like this. You’re all my boys. You’re the boys of summer.

“So, for the last time, we’re going to yell Americans: One, two three – Americans!”

So much greatness in there. Well done, coach. It’s everything youth sports should be.

If you’ve been lucky enough in your life to have a coach, teacher or mentor who inspires you, not just during the good times, but during the bad ones too, then this speech probably resonated with you even more.

The boys of Cumberland American Little League definitely have that type of role model. And his name is Dave Belisle.

Written by Mike Oz Big League Stew.

We need more greatness like this!  Yes, indeed we do!