Meet James Lowe

 

We recently connected with James Lowe and have shared our conversation below.

James, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?

Coach Ballgame’s optimism is deeply rooted in his love for the game of baseball and the joy he sees in kids when they discover their own potential. Growing up, he was inspired by the positive impact that sports and great coaches had on his life, teaching him the values of hard work, teamwork, and perseverance. He believes that every day presents an opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life, and that drives him to stay optimistic.

His optimism also comes from witnessing firsthand the power of encouragement. When kids are uplifted and supported, they can achieve incredible things, both on and off the field. Coach Ballgame carries that belief into every Sandlot, knowing that a positive attitude can be contagious and help build a strong, confident, and resilient community of young players.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Coach Ballgame, whose real name is James Lowe, has built an impressive career both on and off the baseball field. As a former four-year starter and All-Ivy League outfielder at Brown University, he developed a deep love and understanding of the game that would shape his future endeavors. For the past 20 years, Coach Ballgame has dedicated his life to coaching and mentoring over 100,000 kids worldwide, spreading his infectious enthusiasm for baseball wherever he goes.

In his current role as the Lead Ambassador for Play Ball at Major League Baseball (MLB), Coach Ballgame has taken his mission to new heights. His Sandlot Tour, which traveled to over 100 cities in 2023 and 2024, is a testament to his commitment to making baseball accessible and enjoyable for kids of all backgrounds. But Coach Ballgame’s mission goes beyond simply teaching the fundamentals of the sport—his goal is to “Make Baseball Fun.”

To achieve this, he focuses on two key elements: engagement and character development. He believes that when kids are genuinely excited about playing baseball, they naturally develop important life skills such as teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship. Coach Ballgame’s unique approach involves creating an inclusive and positive environment where every child feels valued, regardless of their skill level.

Recognizing the pivotal role that coaches and parents play in a child’s athletic journey, Coach Ballgame has recently turned his attention to educating and equipping these key influencers. He understands that the secret to growing the game of baseball lies in building an army of great coaches and well-informed parents. This is why every stop on the Sandlot Tour includes a free Coaches Clinic. These clinics are designed to empower coaches with the tools and knowledge they need to foster a love for the game in their players while also emphasizing the importance of character development.

By focusing on this holistic approach, Coach Ballgame is not only nurturing the next generation of baseball players but also shaping the future of youth sports. His dedication to making baseball fun, combined with his passion for teaching coaches and parents, ensures that the game will continue to thrive for years to come.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Please check out this video of how the National Sandlot Tour got started.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7SzYhlpMIR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Reflecting on his journey, Coach Ballgame identifies three key qualities that have been most impactful:

1. Passion for the Game
Coach Ballgame’s deep love for baseball has been the foundation of his entire career. This passion not only fuels his energy and enthusiasm but also connects him with the players, parents, and communities he serves. It’s what keeps him going on long days and what drives him to create memorable experiences for kids on the field.

Advice: Find what you’re passionate about and dive deep into it. Passion is contagious; it inspires others and makes the hard work feel less like work. To develop this, immerse yourself in your field, stay curious, and always seek ways to learn and grow.

2. Empathy and Understanding
Building strong relationships with kids, parents, and fellow coaches has been crucial. Understanding the individual needs, challenges, and motivations of each player allows Coach Ballgame to tailor his approach, ensuring that everyone feels valued and supported. Empathy helps him connect on a deeper level, making a lasting impact beyond the game itself.

Advice: Listen more than you speak, and try to see the world from others’ perspectives. To develop empathy, put yourself in situations where you can engage with diverse groups, ask questions, and genuinely care about the answers. Practice patience and understanding in all your interactions.

3. Resilience and Adaptability
The journey hasn’t always been easy, but resilience has kept Coach Ballgame moving forward. Whether it’s dealing with unexpected challenges on the field or navigating the ups and downs of building a business, staying adaptable and maintaining a positive outlook has been essential.

Advice: Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. To build resilience, practice stepping outside of your comfort zone regularly. When things don’t go as planned, take a moment to reflect, adjust your approach if needed, and keep pushing forward with a positive mindset.

For those early in their journey: Focus on honing these qualities through practice, reflection, and learning from both successes and failures. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who inspire you and challenge you to grow. Most importantly, stay true to your values and remember why you started your journey in the first place.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

How to Play Baseball: A Parent’s Role in Their Child’s Journey by Chuck Schumacher (Author) has been pivotal in shaping my understanding of how to support a child’s development, both on and off the field. The book emphasizes the importance of balance—encouraging a love for the game while nurturing a child’s overall well-being.

Key nuggets of wisdom:

Focus on the Journey, Not Just the Outcome: The book taught me that the real value in youth sports isn’t just about winning, but about helping children develop resilience, teamwork, and a strong work ethic.

Communication is Key: It stresses the importance of open communication, allowing a child to express their feelings and thoughts.

Modeling Behavior: The book reminds parents that kids learn by watching, so demonstrating good sportsmanship, patience, and positivity is crucial in their development.

This book has not only made me a better coach, but also a more mindful parent, guiding a child’s journey with empathy and insight.

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