WYB strives to create change on, off the field

WASILLA — In early May, more than 300 young ballplayers will hit the field for the new Wasilla Youth Baseball season. But long before the first pitch there has been an offseason worth of work as WYB volunteers and coaches prepared for the summer youth season. A big part of that has been the implementation of new training procedures for those leading and coaching the league’s young talent.

WYB has partnered with the Positive Coaching Alliance, a national nonprofit organization that strives to develop, “better athletes, better people.” WYB Board President Chris Emond said the partnership is a positive, a needed step forward, for the association.

“We want to change the culture for youth sports,” Emond said.

Emond said the program is helping WYB to provide training for coaches, leaders and parents. WYB aims to build a foundation of the basics and fundamentals of baseball for its coaches, Emond said, and provide resources for the coaches.

“I never went to learn how to be a coach somewhere,” Emond said. “I would have loved to have this when I was coaching a lot.”

But it goes beyond basic hitting, pitching and fielding techniques, Emond said. The league is also stressing attitude, sportsmanship and character. That includes the players, coaches and parents.

“My first week as board president we had two women screaming and swearing at an 8-year-old ball game,” Emond said. “This is a recreational league. Kids are supposed to be having fun.”

Emond said he has seen issues with questional behavior involving coaches and parents, but the league is working hard to work past that.

“It’s going to change (the culture) for Wasilla Youth Baseball,” Emond said.

Legendary NBA head coach Phil Jackson and NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young are among those affiliated with Positive Coaching Alliance. Emond said emotional maturity is another emphasis for the national nonprofit.

“What they’re saying is we’re seeing kids come up and they don’t have the emotional skills,” Emond said.

Emond said there are currently about 320 players spread across 26 different teams for the 2019 season, which starts May 4. Players range in age from 4 to 14.

WYB is a Pony League. Shetland (4 years old to 6), Pinto (7-8), Mustang (9-10), Bronco (11-12) and Pony (13-14) aer the divisions.

Emond said the WYB Board of Directors has implemented a set of objectives. They include providing a family safe environment, ensuring structured and focused programs, providing positive role models, encouraging mature and responsible adult interactions, and teaching the ideals of good sportsmanship.

Contact Frontiersman managing editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.