The Championship Mindset: Leadership Masterclass from the Little League

"Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do." — Pelé

Reliving the Bad News Bears

I've made a return to baseball, this time as a coach for an incredible group of eight and nine-year-olds. This team’s journey could be the plot of a movie. As one of the youngest teams in the league, with only a few returning players, we had a rough start. Our first practice looked like a scene from the Bad News Bears—most of the kids were terrified of the baseball. Fast forward to today, we just clinched a win in extra innings during the Semi-Finals, earning a spot in the Championship game. Through this season, I can’t help but draw parallels between the leadership and life lessons we’re experiencing firsthand.

Here are 10 leadership lessons I’ve been reflecting on:

1. Win and Lose as a Team

Regardless of skills, size, or abilities, every player on our team has contributed to our success. From the start, we agreed that being good teammates, supporting, and respecting each other would be our foundation. Are there more skilled teams in our league? Absolutely. But as a collective, I’d choose this team any day. It’s amazing how much you can accomplish when no one cares who gets the credit.

2. Fundamentals Aren’t Always Fun, but They Make the Difference

Our difference-maker has been a relentless focus on fundamentals—more reps throwing, making simple plays, and swinging off the tee. Consistency in practice translates to confidence and momentum in games. Like in leadership, a solid foundation is crucial for building success.

3. One Player Can’t Win a Game, But They Can Create Momentum

My son and another returning player won the championship last year, so they’ve naturally stepped into leadership roles. We rely on them not just for their skills but for leading by example. Their energy and enthusiasm are contagious, and when they make a great play or encourage their teammates, they shift the momentum and set the tone.

4. Leaders Need to Know Their People

As coaches, we quickly learned to adjust to varying skill levels and personalities. Some kids need structure and tough love, while others thrive with a hug or a pat on the back. No two players are the same, all of them have their own personality and character. Leading individuals within a team takes more effort, but the results speak for themselves.

5. People Develop at Different Paces—Challenge Them and Build Confidence

We set the tone early that this season was about fun, creating memories, and building a love for the game. We didn’t shield the kids from challenges, but we also celebrated failures. Like in life, baseball is about taking swings, making errors, and learning from them. Belief in our players, rather than punishing mistakes, has been key.

6. The Little Things Matter

Many of our wins were by just one run, thanks to a combination of small victories—timely defensive plays, stolen bases, and breaking the game into manageable chunks. In life and baseball, consistently doing the little things right leads to big wins.

7. Short Memory + Positive Mindset

Baseball, like life, is 90% mindset. Success hinges on confidence and the ability to move on to the next play. We teach the kids to have a “goldfish memory”(gold fish have a 10 second memory) —shake off the last play and focus on the next one. Reflect, learn, and move forward with a positive attitude.

8. Failure is Learning

A culture that sees mistakes and failures as opportunities for improvement is vital. Failure can be your best teacher. With a short memory and a present mindset, keep taking swings—eventually, one will be the hit you’ve been waiting for.

9. Your Best Looks Different Every Day—Battle and Compete

On some days, your best might be three big hits and stellar defense. On others, it might be struggling but still contributing in a different way. In our Semi-Final game, one of our best pitchers had a tough time throwing strikes but came through at the plate with two crucial hits. Recognizing and acknowledging these contributions is key to leadership. As a leader it is important to recognize and acknowledge the ways your team can make an impact. As a teammate  it is important to find a way to compete and contribute, whatever that looks like on any given day. 

10. Culture is Key

From the first practice, we emphasized a safe, fun environment where learning and growth were the focus, along with hard work. The outcome is a team closer than any I’ve seen. Players recognize and support each other, and we’ve even got the parents involved with matching sweaters (by their own doing) and a team theme song. With the right environment, success follows.

Closing Thoughts:

"The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team." — Phil Jackson

In baseball, as in life, the best individuals don’t win championships—the best teams do. Failure isn’t just possible; it’s part of the process. Even Hall of Famers get out seven times more often than they get hits. But when you lay a strong foundation and commit to the process, it’s a heck of a lot of fun.