Does Every Kid Deserve a Trophy? Ask most parents why they involve their kids in youth sports, and many will tell you it is designed to get them exercise and to establish life skills including teamwork. But are we failing in teaching them that not everyone is a winner because we hand out trophies too freely? It’s an issue that has been discussed for years, and a local columnist (J.D. Mullane of PhillyBurbs) offered his take on whether every child should receive a trophy for participation in a column published Tuesday. He starts his column by saying:

“What would you think of a father who told his children that their shining sports trophies, colorful ribbons and medals awarded at the end of the season simply for showing up were undeserved? That such false honors, typical of suburban youth sports associations, should be handed to talented teammates, and not to every enthusiastic dabbler daydreaming in the outfield.

You might say such a man is a miscreant, cruelly tromping a kid’s “self-esteem,” which the trophies are intended to inflate. Let me introduce you to such a monster: me. I believe the widespread practice of awarding trophies to every kid who participates on a team, no matter their talent, should be discontinued.” 

He goes on to explain further why everyone does not deserve a reward:

“When it comes to sports, some kids are destined for greatness, but most are destined to be great fans. Giving everyone a trophy is unfair. It would be national news, probably, if an athletic association announced that it would honor only top players, because this is a lesson in fair play. Kids understand this. It should be explained that the real world neither respects nor rewards those who glom another player’s glory. The sooner this is learned, the better children are prepared to survive, thrive and pursue their own happiness in a highly competitive world.”

It would appear as though the whole trophy situation in youth sports doesn’t reflect real life. Everyone doesn’t win. Trophies and awards are meant for the ones who achieve and go above and beyond, not just for showing up.

Are we failing to teach our children a valuable life lesson by handing out trophies to everyone simply for participating? Weigh in below.

-LD

h/t @JDMullane, PhillyBurbs

Unbe-Lee-vable August. Clifton Phifer Lee has been worth every penny for the Phils this season. While it wasn’t as outstanding as his record-setting June (42 IP, 21 H, 1 R, 8 BB, 29 K; 5-0, 0.21 ERA, 0.69 WHIP, .151 opponents batting average), Lee went out and had one of the best August’s imaginable (5-0, 0.45 ERA, 39 K, 8 BB, 39.2 IP, .173 BAA, 2 ER, 1 HR, 0.78 WHIP.)

From PhillyBurbs: “Lee now holds the distinction of being only one of three pitchers to have two months in one season with at least five wins, no losses and an ERA under 1.00. The other two? Some ham and eggers named Walter Johnson and Bob Gibson.”

And some comments from The20:

@JoshCornfield: RT @gregvince: Cliff Lee is my favorite human being on this planet.

@ToddZolecki: According to Baseball Reference, Lee first pitcher to have 10+ starts of 7+ scoreless innings in a season since Gooden and Tudor in 1985.

@ryanlawrence21: Lee is obviously on one of his runs. But on the season as a whole Hamels has a better ERA (2.58), WHIP (0.97) & opponents BA/OPS (.211/.568).

Well done, Cliff. Lawrence raises a good question though…Who do you think should start game 1 in the postseason for the Phils? Vote on Facebook.

-LD

[PhillyBurbs, @joshcornfield, @toddzolecki, @ryanlawrence21, Facebook]

Photo: Getty Images

It’s Time to Reapply. After 33 years of research, the FDA yesterday revealed new sunscreen regulations that will take effect in Summer 2012. For the first time, you’ll see labels touting “skin cancer prevention” when applicable.

As The20’s @PhillyGG reiterated:

Only SPF 15 - 50 proven to protect against skin damage.

What’s it all mean? Next time you head to the Jersey Shore, wear sunscreen! Or a hat, as  Friday’s “Hat Day in the Sun” is promoting.  

-LD

[WebMD, @PhillyGG, PhillyBurbs]

Photo: Getty Images