For those who remember ABC’s classic Wide World of Sports, Jim McKay opened every broadcast the same way: “The thrill of victory… and the agony of defeat.” Not exactly spanning the globe here—but on a Little League field this week, we lived out that line perfectly.
My son Ford’s team was down five runs heading into the final inning. Then came the rally. Two runs scored. Energy everywhere. You could feel the comeback building. Until a close play at second ended it all. A call that didn’t go our way.
Emotions boiled over. Words were said. Respect slipped. I pulled Ford aside to the outfield, through tears and frustration, and did what every parent dreads but must do—correct in the moment. I told him something that’s hard to hear at any age: sometimes the call is wrong, and sometimes it still stands. Authority isn’t perfect. Life isn’t fair. But respect is not optional.
Even now, I still think the runner was safe. And I’m glad the call was made anyway. Because competition isn’t just about winning. As famed GE CEO Jack Welch once said, it’s about learning and growing. That message matters in business, in life, and yes, on a Little League diamond.
The next night at practice, I saw something different from Ford. Focus. Determination. A ball hit harder than I’d ever seen.
The game goes on. The next pitch is coming. Be ready to play.