On The Force or the Tag is a 5-part series recounting of my season as a volunteer baseball coach in a city league to which I had no prior affiliation. Along the way, I’ll connect my coaching experiences this season to memories from the four best coaches I had growing up. Kent Anderson, Tony Lang (my brother), Jay Rabeni (my brother-in-law), and Jeff Holm continue to influence how I approach my day and my life. They represent the best-case scenario of youth sports, from Little League to college. – PAL 

• Part I: My Baseball Life
• Part II: The Rhythm of Practice, Bloody Fungos & the Joy of Tony and Jay
• Part III: Win the Inning
• Part IV: An Insider’s Account of an All-Star Selection Meeting
• Part V: The Other Coach

Little League: Kent Anderson (second from right, coaches row). I am first on the right in the front row. 

Ages thirteen through fifteen: Tony Lang (first on the left, back row), Jay Rabeni (second from right, back row). I am first on the left in front row. 

College: Jeff ‘Holmer’ Holm. Far left, grey jersey. Only coach I referred to as coach (still do). I am first on the left, second row.