Eagles,
I do not follow baseball outside of a passing interest in what it says about the human condition and the nation. But even I have heard about the reputation of the fans of the Philidelphia Phillies baseball franchise. Lately, the news has reported on Phillies fans in a different light regarding Trae Turner, a player with an 11-year 300 million dollar contract.
Turner, whose elite resume marks him as one of the best baseball players in the last 15 years, has had a remarkable season due to his bad performance. Engulfed in a persistent season-long decline, Turner found himself demoted to the No. 8 position in the Phillies' batting lineup on August 3rd. Despite his efforts, he remained hitless in three attempts, plummeting his average to a season-low of .235.
But then something inspirational happened. A megafan with a massive following on YouTube used his influence to change the minds of his peers and asked, "What if instead of Booing Turner, we give him a standing ovation?" It worked. Fans responded.
The 2021 National League batting champion did not return home to the sound of criticism from the infamously demanding Phillies fans, as had happened earlier in the season. Instead, on that Friday night, he was greeted with a standing ovation as he approached the plate. He answered their call with a high fly ball to deep left field, pulling off a three-run home run. Since the change, Turner has exceeded expectations, and the "City of Brotherly Love" fans have lived up to their namesake.
We who supervise children do much to help students advocate, persevere, and believe in and for themselves. But sometimes, they need to know that we are their biggest fans and WE believe in them. Often, when students make mistakes or misbehave, our correction can make students change their beliefs in themselves. Our corrections should include skill retraining and practice so that they can help themselves get back on track. Most importantly, in moments when students struggle and are not themselves, a kind word to remind them we are rooting for them can make all the difference. Standing ovations are optional but recommended.
