Let’s get something straight: if you’re feeling a little lost as a coach or parent in the world of Little League, you’re in good company. Nearly half of the 200,000 coaches in little league are first-timers, stepping into this role for the very first time. And it’s not just them—every season, there’s a fresh batch of kids nervously lacing up their cleats for their first practice and parents trying to figure out the difference between an inning and a can of corn¹.

Here’s the secret those so-called “know-it-alls” don’t want you to realize: nobody knows it all. Most of us are figuring this out as we go, fumbling through drills, learning the rules, and trying to remember which side runs the snack shack and which side gets the field together. Even the seasoned veterans of the league started somewhere, making mistakes and learning on the fly.

The beauty of Little League is that it’s not about perfection. It’s about showing up, trying, failing, laughing, and learning—from the kids, from each other, and from all the little moments in between. There’s no single “right” way to do this, but there’s a great way: together.

So let’s swap stories, share what worked (and what didn’t), and remind each other that being a novice isn’t a flaw—it’s an invitation to grow. Whether you’re a coach trying to figure out how to run a practice or a parent learning how to clean grass stains, you’re part of a big, messy, wonderful team. And here’s the best part: we’re all in this boat together. 🚤