Rob is more than just a Coach ... he is a loving and kind man who not only brings out the best in his Players, but also nurtures a love and zeal for the Game in each Girl on his Team. His Team of Girls goes through "The Grind" ... all those Practices and Conditionings and Warm-Ups ... and does not lose their love of the Game, but rather are stoked to Play Ball. They want to play for Coach Rob. They want to get better for Coach Rob. They want to Win for Coach Rob. The same love of the Game they found when they first picked up a Bat all those years ago is still burning strong in their Hearts and is evidenced by the Gleam in their Eyes when they are at the Plate or on the Field.
Rob did that. Rob worked them hard, made it fun, even during losing Seasons ... and made them love this Game so much that they wanted to come back again next year.
As a Baseball Coach, I love listening to him talk to his Girls ... it seems I can always pick something up / learn from him. Rob motivates others to be better ... be a better Player, be a better Coach, be a better Person ... just by being who he is.
Whenever we speak on the phone, we talk for at least an hour ... he wants to make sure he understands not only each of his Players, but also their Families. Despite all the things he is involved with ... his Family, his Career, the Cool Kids Campaign, Church ... he always gives his time generously so that everyone (Players and Parents and Families) on his Team feels acknowledged, welcomed and needed ... everyone feels important.
We, the Baldwins, didn't have many opportunities to get to know him off the Field. However, Rob did nothing lightly. We will remember him as a Man who took on the World on HIS terms. He went out on HIS terms. He didn't "make" people do things, he fostered a love that was already there. He wanted nothing more than to improve the lives of the people he touched. And I don't think he would want this to be the end of all their Stories. Quite the opposite ... I think he would want each of us to hear his Message, take it to Heart, and forge it into the mettle of our Character; thereby brining honor to his Memory. He gave everything he had doing the things he loved up until the very end. We should endeavor to do the same.
