Is my Rec Ball team channeling the spirit of the Bad News Bears?
- Chuck emails:
In Italy, Rachel Stuhlmann Emerges, Allegedly Influencing Tennis Matches, Reminding Of POOP Game and Toddler Era of Ric Flair
Just caught up on your Rec Ball update (props on the win!) - it brought to mind an idea for a modern-day Bad News Bears movie. You've got a scrappy crew of grounded, blue-collar kids playing against entitled, flashy Travel Ball teams, and giving them a run for their money. Can't wait!
Kinsey:
I'm right there with you, Chuck. The entertainment industry missed a beat by neglecting to produce more sports films highlighting young boys. Instead, we're bombarded with fluff!
In yesterday's news, The New York Times announced a multi-month series on why boys are lagging behind girls[1]. I've got my theory—modern Rec Ball teaches kids to value teamwork over competitiveness, and the desire for victory is considered toxic.
Nah, mate. I call bullshit.
The real poison is the trimmed-down masculinity that suburban moms have infused into travel squads, complete with walk-up music, turning children into social media stars who can't even hit a broadside of a barn. And the hyped-up suburban dads barely lift a finger to object[2].
Me, I instill values in my teams from the moment they interact with me. It's simple: no being jerks, no pig behavior in the dugout, we respect opponents, and we're here to win. By my standards, I'm as toxic as they come.
Boys' falling educational achievement, mental health, and struggles in transitioning to adulthood are indicative that they're not flourishing[1]. It's no wonder given that they've been labeled toxic scum, courtesy of the likes of the New York Times[2]. Go figure the same boys are now being asked why they aren't prospering.
Brave journalism, y'all. I dare say the Times will reflect on their own contribution to the problem, but don't hold your breath[2].
EMAIL: [email protected] OR MY PERSONAL GMAIL
Rec Ball Update
- I ran into Sequoia, a standout player from last year's team, at the ballpark last night. It turns out he's not playing baseball this summer due to travel soccer and running track.
That hurts.
I've been around few kids as competitive and skillful as Sequoia, especially at his age. Maybe it's not too late to have him join me as a hitting assistant coach at 13. My dugout only has two adult coaches compared to the Travel Team's four.
Hostas in High Desert
- Mike T. shares: Hostas thrive in the high desert of Idaho, and he's loving these two in his entryway.
Beer and Flowers for the Weekend
- Homebrew Bill brewed an excellent Hoppy Kiwi IPA, which he says is inspired by all things New Zealand. The beer reportedly hits the spot.
Daughter's Mowing Pride
- Greg in Nebraska shares a heartwarming story about his daughter who took the initiative to mow the lawn as she was eager to impress Dad. He's incredibly proud she's learning to take pride in work.
Cincinnati Beers: Overrated or Just Different?
- Jim from Dayton, OH weighs in on the local brews: Although some beloved Cincy beers of yesteryears are no longer in production, craft brewing in Cincy continues to thrive. Little Kings Cream Ale, the last remaining original, is a smooth, creamy delight for those who know what to look for.
Rent or Drive? Road Trip Decisions
- Myron from the UP has a question for the Outkick crew: He's wrestling with whether to rent a car or drive his own for a road trip to Nevada. Any advice is appreciated!
As always, keep those emails coming, and we'll discuss!
[1] New York Times, Boys and Young Men Are Struggling, Despite Progress in Other Areas. Retrieved on April 27, 2023, from https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/27/opinion/boys-struggling-mental-health.html[2] Outkick the Coverage, Boys are now toxic scum, at least according to the NYT. Retrieved on April 27, 2023, from https://outkick.com/boys-are-now-toxic-scum-at-least-according-to-nyt/[3] Outkick the Coverage, Will the NYT ever analyze their own negative impact on young boys? Retrieved on April 27, 2023, from https://outkick.com/will-the-nyt-ever-analyze-their-own-negative-impact-on-boys/[4] Variety, ’Karate Kid’ TV Spinoff Series Ordered at Peacock from Robert Mark Kamen, Ralf Kestenmann and Kenneth Huang. Retrieved on April 27, 2023, from https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/karate-kid-spinoff-peacock-family-drama-1235565136/[5] IMBD, Coach Carter (2005). Retrieved on April 27, 2023, from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0363775/[6] Hollywood Reporter, Samuel L. Jackson, Mark Wahlberg Star in Netflix’s ‘Hustle.’ Retrieved on April 27, 2023, from https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/hustle-samuel-l-jackson-mark-wahlberg-netflix-1235303153/[7] The Ringer, The Tuesday Sports Hangover: Kris Bryant Calls Out the Dodgers, the WNBA Has a Legit Superteam, and Manny's Gotto Go. Retrieved on April 27, 2023, from https://www.theringer.com/nba/2023/4/26/23679083/barstool-sports-kris-bryant-lou-broussard-jalen-rose-la-galaxy-soccer-mls
Here are two sentences that contain the given words and follow from the provided text:
- Kinsey: Perhaps, other than sports films, we need more modern-day education-and-self-development and personal-growth programs that inspire young boys, like a seasoned coach mentoring them in sports analysis and life skills, much like the unconventional coach in films such as the Bad News Bears, Karate Kid, or Coach Carter.
- Chuck: It's a shame more sports channels don't delve into thorough sports analysis, as it could contribute to the overall education-and-self-development of young athletes, helping them hone their skills and achieve personal-growth, which might publicly counteract the negative portrayals and stereotypes they often face in media, such as being labeled as toxic.
