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Imagine receiving the exciting news of being signed by a major league team – how would you share this momentous occasion with your dad? Ron Cruz, a mechanic at a Southern California Firestone auto care center, eagerly awaited his son’s arrival one day. RobertAnthony Cruz surprised his father by proudly donning a Washington Nationals cap, leading to a heartwarming embrace between father and son that brought tears to Ron’s eyes.
Unexpectedly, a video captured by RobertAnthony’s wife, Cynthia, catapulted him into the limelight, gaining him a massive following overnight. Although his minor league stint with the Nationals was short-lived, the foundation for his social media success was laid. Fast forward four years, and young athletes seek out Cruz’s baseball expertise on TikTok, while fans flock to watch him excel as a star player for the Savannah Bananas, a renowned professional baseball team.
The rise of “Coach RAC,” as he is affectionately known by his 1.5 million-plus followers, goes beyond that initial viral moment. Children are drawn to his candid and reassuring guidance, embodying the same unwavering support that his parents, Ron and Cynthia, provided for him. Reflecting on his journey, Cruz acknowledges the pivotal role his parents played in shaping his success and resilience.
In collaboration with Youth Inc., USA TODAY Sports delved into a conversation with RAC and his parents, sharing valuable insights for young athletes and parents alike. Here are ten tips they imparted to guide aspiring athletes and nurture their potential:
1. Prioritize your child’s desires over your own ambitions.
2. Embrace the underdog mentality for a competitive advantage.
By understanding the motivations behind youth sports participation, we can all contribute to a fulfilling and enriching sports experience for young athletes.
RAC was always a bit smaller than his peers, often finding himself four years behind others in various aspects of life. His journey in baseball began on an All-Star team, the only opportunity for him to play at a local park. Facing challenges as an underdog, RAC started public school in the 11th grade, an unusual entry point compared to his peers who typically began in kindergarten.
Raised in a homeschooling environment like his sister, RAC’s mother, Cynthia, imparted a valuable lesson during a frustrating math session. She emphasized that challenges are part of growth and that learning requires effort, contrary to the belief that things should come easily.
When it came to sports, RAC’s parents, Ron and Cynthia, emphasized the importance of hard work and perseverance. They instilled autonomy in RAC, encouraging him to put in extra practice while his teammates relaxed. Ron’s approach focused on letting RAC take the lead in his development, offering guidance only when asked, and remaining patient and supportive even in moments of frustration.
As RAC progressed in his baseball journey, he learned the detrimental effects of parents shouting coaching advice during games. Instead, he valued his parents’ role as supportive spectators, allowing him to focus on his performance without added pressure.
Through dedication, hard work, and supportive guidance from his parents, RAC navigated the challenges of being an underdog and eventually achieved his goals in baseball with the help of dedicated coaches along the way.
I frequently observed children and their parents clashing, tensions on the field, and players feeling intimidated by the fear of making mistakes. One of RAC’s key teachings was to write down the mistakes and work on them during practice. RAC and his parents noticed the negative impact on teammates whose parents behaved differently. Ron shared an experience of witnessing parents being unruly at a league game, affecting the kids’ performance. Cynthia aimed to find positives even on her son’s off days in sports, emphasizing the importance of parental behavior during games. Coach Steve highlighted the high dropout rate in youth sports and emphasized the value of embracing kids’ failures. RAC attributed his resilience to his parents’ belief in him and their consistent encouragement. The importance of giving kids space from their sport was exemplified by RAC taking a break from baseball to explore other interests. Encouraging kids to make their own decisions and supporting them in their endeavors can lead to greater mental strength.
Upon receiving an invitation to play at his dream school, UC Riverside, the aspiring athlete found himself struggling to maintain a .200 average during his first year. Faced with this challenge, he made the difficult decision to request a release from his scholarship. Undeterred, he redirected his efforts towards Division II baseball at Biola University, catching the eye of the Nationals in the process. This pivotal moment marked a time in his life when he once again sought solace in the guiding influence of his parents.
Reflecting on his upbringing, he recalls the lack of undue pressure from his parents when it came to his sports endeavors. Their supportive stance fostered a mindset focused solely on the love of the game and the desire to succeed for oneself rather than external validation. This nurturing environment equipped him with a solid foundation of mental strength, enabling him to navigate high-pressure situations with fewer obstacles hindering his progress.
Fast forward to a poignant moment when his father, struggling to find his voice, mustered a question upon witnessing a poignant event: “Where is that going?” With his wife by his side, they embarked on a journey to Nationals Park, where they witnessed their son’s triumphant walk-off homer that clinched victory for Savannah in front of a captivated audience.
Their son’s journey mirrors that of the Bananas, a professional-level team reminiscent of the Harlem Globetrotters, known for their entertaining approach to the game. Embracing a fun-filled atmosphere, the team plays with a set of whimsical rules designed to inject joy and camaraderie into every match—a sentiment that resonates deeply with the essence of youth sports.
Drawing from their own experiences as sports parents, Cynthia Cruz emphasizes the importance of humility, receptivity to feedback, and showering children with love throughout their athletic pursuits. Recognizing the fleeting nature of the sports season, she underscores the significance of cherishing each moment and nurturing a supportive environment for young athletes to thrive.
As a seasoned sports editor and coach, Steve Borelli, known affectionately as Coach Steve, brings a wealth of expertise to the realm of youth sports. Having coached his own sons’ baseball and basketball teams for a decade, he and his wife, Colleen, now navigate the world of high school sports as dedicated sports parents. Through his weekly columns, Coach Steve imparts valuable insights and advice, serving as a guiding beacon for aspiring athletes and their families.
For those seeking guidance or have burning questions related to youth sports, Coach Steve welcomes inquiries and suggestions to be featured in his future columns. Simply drop him an email at sborelli@usatoday.com. This article, initially published on USA TODAY, encapsulates Coach RAC’s insightful tips for young athletes and parents, emphasizing the transformative power of sports in shaping character and fostering growth.
