The Car Ride Home: Respecting Youth at a Vulnerable Place and Time

The primary goal of youth sports is not to train professionals. It is to mentor people. We coach people, not sports. It is the quality of the person not the player that is the most significant outcome. If a child leaves the game with confidence, resilience, and a sense of worth that extends beyond the scoreboard, coaches have succeeded—even if the record does not reflect it. And if a child leaves the game entirely but carries with them a love for their best effort, teamwork, and self-belief, that is the only significant win. The most important coaching may happen at the moments coaches never witness—during the drive home, when a child decides whether the game made them feel smaller or stronger. A coach’s responsibility is to make sure the game they teach is worthy of that ride. Youth sports have never been more organized, more competitive, or more well-intentioned. Fields are lined, schedules are full, and adults show up in record numbers to coach, teach, and support. Most parents and coaches involved in youth sports are trying to do the right thing. They care deeply. They want children to succeed—not just in the game, but in life. And yet, quietly and steadily, something is being lost.Across sports, and especially baseball, children are leaving the game earlier than ever before. Not because they lack talent. Not because they don’t understand the rules. But because the game that once brought them joy has begun to feel heavy. Pressurized. Conditional. This book was written for that space. It was written for the moments no one puts on highlight reels. For the conversations that happen after the lights go out and the dust settles. For the car ride home."In The Car Ride Home, accomplished author Adam Sarancik truly captures the dynamic that will always exist between young athletes and their parents and coaches. With a unique perspective as both a writer and a coach, Sarancik offers a perspective that is both practical and profound, reminding us that connection must come before correction, and how our messaging as adults can either build confidence or diminish it. This book accurately packages the intentions (well-intended or not) of many coaches and parents, and the resulting emotions their young players are left to deal with. Any invested coach, parent or league should check this book out; if you’re like me, you’ll finish it before you put it down!"Adam Revelette ,Editor, Inside Pitch, American Baseball Coaches Association“The Car Ride Home is a must-read, must-teach, must-share book for leagues, coaches and parents of youth in all sports. If youth are ever to truly love the game-or life or any sport-the way those who respect it do, this book delivers an inspiring story with non-negotiable truths that simply cannot be ignored.”Alex Esquerra , Pastor, Owner/Next Level Coaching, Former Head Baseball Coach, Horizon Christian High School, 2011 Oregon 3A State Champions“This book has a golden message! A message that’ll help us improve relationships with those that matter the most. It's a wonderful blueprint to help parents, coaches, and leagues cultivate win-win conversations. Given the landscape of youth sports today, this book is more important than ever. Highly recommended reading!”Coach Bo, 8020BASEBALL"As a Dad, coach, and former college baseball player, this book really hit home with me. The Car Ride Home is a must read for all Dads, Moms and coaches of youth in any sport."Rob Michael, Former George Mason University, Pitcher, So. Cal Little League and Travel Ball Coach, Multi-Media Personality and Consultant“A well written and moving story offering an important message for parents, coaches, and leagues on how to truly encourage and support young athletes.”Ron Rutledge, Baseball Coach, La Salle College Prep High School Read more