In 1981, the actor James Caan, blessed with roles in more than 50 films that included an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal in The Godfather, decided to take some time off. He said that after six years he found himself broke and the dogs ribs were showing. So what did he do during these six years? He coached Little League, T-ball, soccer -- you name it. He began coaching because of his own son, but it soon became his passion. One boy, Josh, made it worth his efforts. The kid couldnt hit the ball Caan recalls, you could see his head was down and he felt ashamed. Caan began going to Joshs home to work with him one on one. The next to the last game of the year, Caan reminisces , Josh comes up to bat. The kid just creams the ball. He starts running to first and then second. I am on third, coaching the base. When he sees me waving him home, he looks at me -- and I will never forget it as long as I live -- and there were tears in his eyes. Just before reaching home, he stopped, jumped up and landed with both feet on the plate. He put both fists in the air and he looked up at God. The whole dugout cleared out to hug him. Nothing can replace that. I mean to literally change a kid. That was the best time of my life. I dedicate this post to my grandson Gene Loyd Johnston II who coaches his sons Little League and to all the coaches who have the opportunity to make positive changes in kids lives...
Posted on: Sun, 20 Apr 2014 12:28:19 +0000
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