Bill’s Blog

Navigating the world of parenting is tough. Over my years of research, I have interviewed many “navigators.” One of my sandlot moms asked me one day, “How do we navigate all of this?” This was six years ago, long before the coronavirus hit. I said, “Well, we all have to fly our own plane and… Read more

From the Sandlot to the Super Bowl, the feelings are not much different. Eleven years ago, I was talking with Ned Yost about parenting, coaching, teaching and all of the things we do. He said something one day that I had a hard time agreeing with or understanding right off the bat. He said, “at… Read more

All my life, I wanted to be the next Mickey Mantle. I watched him as a kid on Saturday afternoon TV in his Yankee pinstripes and he could really hit. I dreamed about it every day. I had a paper route from 7th to 12th grade every morning at 4:00am, 7 days a week. I… Read more

In my Mom’s final years, she lived about a mile away. I loved that more than anyone could imagine. Every day, I could turn down her street, see her, have coffee, take her to the doctor, whatever. It took almost a year before I got used to not being able to make that turn. In… Read more

“From Day 1, when they come right out of the womb, talk to your child. You want your child to talk to you, so talk to your child…Be their anchor and support system so they can let you help them.” Over the 40+ years I have been a parent there are a few things I… Read more

I love this picture. On so many days, I think I looked just like the coach in that picture. Time certainly flies — enjoy today with your kids. I did, however, refuse to wear a uniform for fear of looking like this great dad/coach. Always appreciated the coaches who could pull it off… Brian Holman,… Read more

About 12 years ago, while coaching my last son’s little league team, the third baseman for the other team made an error — a tough hop. Having played through high school, college and the minor leagues, I know a tough hop when I see one. His coach let out a pretty scary yell. For the… Read more

Friends, The following is a story from a new friend of mine. I hope his story encourages you to spread the message of the Sandlot! I often found myself wandering into the Goodwill on Shawnee Mission Parkway looking for a furniture project, snagging a couple of work shirts, or just killing time on a Saturday… Read more

About 10 years ago, I was playing racquetball with one of the best players on the planet. His name is Alan Harris. He is a rock-star home re-modeler. We had played for 20 years and he stops me one day and says, “Hey, why didn’t you ever tell me you were famous?”. I told him,… Read more

You are not alone. As a parent and coach of a kids sports team. You will certainly feel like it a lot of the time. The stress and lack of appreciation can get to the best of us. The heat of the game and the summer’s day. The pounding of everything. No shade, no relief… Read more

The Keepers of the Sandlot closes with a chapter called, “The Ride Home.” My dear friend and long time coach, administrator, and athletic director Dick Kramer told me a story of a friend that reminded him one day that, “every message you send is received.” They all get there. The Ride Home encourages you to… Read more

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This week I got an email from Ben Wornall and Kyle Vena who ran a “backyard baseball” event for kids in third and fourth grade. I would love it if you would take a minute to watch this video. Watch as these kids all play together and really enjoy learning the game. There’s no shouting,… Read more

It’s January 22. It’s 21 degrees outside. Feels like 21 degrees. It’s time to hit! Royals Fan-fest is next weekend and it is time to hit. Take your team to Fan-fest if you can. It’s warm in there and the Hot-Stove is lit. Everybody wants to hit. Even pitchers want to hit. Hitting is what… Read more

I am a story teller. I love great stories. This is a great story. Makes me laugh just thinking about it. It is coaching kids, it is about great dads out there every day making it fun and it reminds me, baseball in January in a heated building…what I would have given for that growing… Read more

Here’s a great letter from a friend of mine. We talk about our kids all the time. A few weeks ago, he shared this story. I couldn’t have made up a blog better than this, so here it is. Periodically, these “guest” blogs are going to show up. Not because I am lazy::)) but because… Read more

As I watched the summer wind down and the kids finish their seasons, I noticed how quickly they jumped right into fall ball, basketball, soccer and of course school. It all just runs together these days. No time to reflect really on anything. And I am behind on my blogs…. To me, a blog has… Read more

My daughter in law Lindsay has always said Thanksgiving is her favorite. Initially I kind of thought that sounded a little unusual. But not now. Man do we need Thanksgiving. In this crazy world, both the world in general and in sports, everything is so hectic. So please, make this Thanksgiving matter. Don’t miss a… Read more

In his post game interviews during the playoffs, Royals center-fielder, Lorenzo Cain has been saying something very simple yet highly significant in describing what he is trying to do with each at bat.  “I just try and keep the line moving…” What a great approach.  It works in everything.  Especially with kids.  As a parent,… Read more