One of the toughest parts of being a baseball (or softball) parent isn’t the early mornings, the hotel weekends, or the endless tournaments.
It’s this:
Wanting something for your kid… more than they want it for themselves.
A lot of us have been there. We picture the college stadium.
We imagine the scholarship call.
We dream of the big moment.
But sometimes—even with all the training, the travel, the showcases—our son or daughter may not share the same vision we do.
And that’s okay.
What matters is figuring out what they want, not what we want for them.
So how do you know?
How do you really tell if your child loves the game, or if they’re playing it because they think it’s what’s expected of them?
Here are some honest signs… plus real questions you can ask to get clarity.
Signs Your Son or Daughter Truly Loves the Game
1. They choose the game when no one is watching.
Kids who love the sport don’t only grind on team practice days.
They hit off a tee in the garage.
They throw into a net.
They watch game film.
They want to get better for themself, not for approval.
2. They bounce back quickly after bad days.
Players who love the game can have a brutal strikeout or bad outing…
and still want to play tomorrow.
They don’t quit emotionally every time something goes wrong.
3. They talk about baseball without being prompted.
They bring up plays, teammates, goals, or something they’re working on.
Not because you asked—because it’s on their mind.
4. They care about the process, not just the highlight reel.
They don’t just love the home runs and the winning—they love the grind.
The warmups.
The routines.
The work.
5. They show curiosity.
Kids who love the game ask questions:
“How do I throw harder?”
“Why does my swing do this?”
“What does that coach look for?”
Curiosity is a huge indicator of internal motivation.
Signs They Might Not Love It as Much as You Hope
1. They only train when you tell them to.
If you’re the engine—and they’re being pulled behind you—that’s a sign.
2. They dread practice, but enjoy everything else.
Everyone likes tournaments, hotels, and gear.
But do they enjoy the actual work?
3. Their goals sound like yours, not theirs.
Listen closely.
Are they saying “I want to play in college”…
or are they repeating it because they think that’s the right answer?
4. They constantly compare themselves to others.
Players who love the game stay focused on improvement, not rankings.
5. They seem relieved when a season ends.
Rest is good.
But relief says something different.
Questions That Reveal How They Really Feel
Sometimes the best way to understand your kid is simply to talk to them—without pressure, judgment, or a speech waiting on the other side.
Ask questions like:
1. “Why do you play baseball? What do you enjoy the most?”
Listen for THEIR reason—not yours.
2. “If baseball disappeared tomorrow, how would you feel?”
This one is telling.
3. “Do you want to play in college, or do you feel like you’re supposed to?”
Be ready for honesty.
4. “What are your goals for this year? Not mine—yours.”
5. “If you could change anything about baseball in your life right now, what would it be?”
6. “Do you feel pressure from me? And be honest.”
These questions can open a door most parents don’t even realize is closed.
As Parents, Here’s the Hard Truth
You can push a kid into lessons.
You can pay for the best teams.
You can travel across the country.
You can buy every training tool known to man.
But you cannot manufacture passion.
You can support it.
You can nurture it.
You can celebrate it.
But you can’t create it for them.
And the last thing any of us want is for our son or daughter to feel like they’re living our dream instead of theirs.
If You’re Unsure Where They Stand… That’s Normal
Every athlete goes through phases.
Love for the game changes.
Motivation rises and falls.
Burnout is real.
Pressure is real.
This isn’t about judging them—it’s about understanding them.
Helping them grow in a way that aligns with who they are becoming, not who we hope they will be.
The Takeaway
Does your son or daughter really love the game?
Sometimes the answer is yes.
Sometimes the answer is no.
And sometimes the answer is “I’m not sure.”
What matters is being the kind of parent who’s willing to ask, listen, and support them either way.
Because at the end of the day, baseball is just a game.
But your relationship with your kid?
That’s forever.