springtiger, i think i see your point which seems to be to stress TEAM and sportsmanship. Like you, I have coached many seaons at both the rec and select levels, and for several age groups (mostly whatever age my kids happened to be at the time) i have traditionally stressed the same values, but have also given individual awards. Ususally at the end of year pizza-bash, and every kid gets an individual award that's unique. we try to have a slide-show presentation and make each kid feel recognized - some of them can be very humorous. (we acknowledge everything from "most improved player," "best attendance", even a few "blooper" awards. it's all designed to keep it fun and keep them interested. i think the parents enjoy it as much as the kids seem to. good luck....
That is great, Cadillac! I do a similar thing, in recognizing each individual kid for some accomplishment when he receives his "team" trophy... I like the slide show presentation idea. I need to appoint one or more team photographers for the upcoming spring baseball season!
