In January 1996, thousands of baseball coaches gathered in Nashville for the annual convention of the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA). The Opryland Hotel buzzed with excitement as professionals from various levels of the game, from youth leagues to colleges, came together to share knowledge and camaraderie. Among the many speakers, one name stood out: Coach John Scolinos.
At 78 years old and retired after a coaching career that spanned decades, Scolinos wasn’t just there to talk about batting averages or pitching mechanics. He had a deeper lesson, one that would resonate far beyond the game of baseball.
An Unforgettable Lesson
On stage, Coach Scolinos wore an unusual prop around his neck, a full-sized home plate. For 25 minutes, he didn’t even acknowledge it, leaving the crowd intrigued and amused. Finally, he asked a simple question:
“How wide is home plate in youth baseball?”
The answer was, of course, 17 inches. He repeated the question for different levels (high school, college, and professional) and each time the answer was the same.
“That’s right,” he said, “Seventeen inches. And what happens if a pitcher can’t throw over 17 inches? Do we widen the plate to 18 or 20 inches to make it easier for them?”
“No,” he continued, “We hold them accountable. We don’t widen the plate.”
The Heart of the Message
Coach Scolinos used home plate as a metaphor for life. His lesson wasn’t just about baseball. It was about accountability and the importance of maintaining standards in all areas of life.
- In families — We must teach children to take responsibility for their actions, rather than adjusting the rules to suit their behavior.
- In education — Teachers need the tools and authority to enforce standards, ensuring students meet expectations.
- In leadership — Whether in coaching or community roles, maintaining integrity and fairness is key.
Scolinos emphasized that when we lower standards or avoid consequences, we compromise not only ourselves but also the institutions and values we hold dear.
That day, in a crowded hall, Coach Scolinos left a mark on everyone present. His words carried weight far beyond the technicalities of baseball. He challenged coaches to uphold the same standards in their personal lives and communities as they do on the field.
As he concluded his speech, he flipped the home plate around to reveal its dark underside, symbolizing the “dark days ahead” if accountability and standards are ignored.
His final message: “Keep yourself and those around you at 17 inches.”
Why It Matters?
This powerful lesson reminds us that baseball is a reflection of life. The principles we apply on the field (discipline, fairness, and perseverance) can guide us in every aspect of our journey.