Mr. Shawn Douglas is the Materials Manager at Connecticut Mental Health Center and a beloved volunteer Little League Coach with the Walter “Pop” Smith Little League in New Haven. Douglas's love for "Pop Smith" started early: he played in the league for six years as a child and was part of the undefeated State Championship team that came one game short of winning the Little League World Series in 1980. In high school, he played varsity baseball for four years as starting shortstop and went on to play semi-professional while serving in the military in Hawaii.
“I coach to give back,” said Douglas. This year, Little League started late due to COVID-19, but since July, he has been coaching the New Haven Fire Department team of players ages 8-10. When he’s not on the field, he maintains all supplies for the CMHC building including its three inpatient units. He is responsible for the areas of stock, shipping, and receiving. Douglas has been working at CMHC for 23 years and recalled the days when the Center had a softball team and Client vs. Staff basketball at the Yale Gym. “I really enjoyed interacting with clients,” he said of those experiences. I would love to start something.”
Q: What do you enjoy most about coaching Little League?
SD: Teaching the children the game of baseball and any life lessons you can teach within the game. I really enjoy that part of it. I have this one kid—it’s his first time ever playing the game. Our last game, he came up to the plate. Bases were loaded. He was so nervous. I kept saying, “You can do it, you can do it, you practiced this.” And to see that kid hit the ball! That’s why I do this—to see the kids develop that confidence. To think that I had something to do with it–that’s why I coach. We were losing that game 9-3 in the last inning, and we came back and won. Most of the kids come from Coach Pitch, so it was actually the first game they ever won on their own—although at this age, I don’t really care about winning and losing.
Q: What have been the special challenges this season due to COVID-19?
Just to see the growth in the kids is amazing.
Shawn Douglas
SD: With the social distancing, coaches have to wear a mask at all times. It makes it difficult to teach the kids. They can’t hear you. It’s extremely hot. But other than that, it’s been a smooth season. The kids really enjoy it. It’s not really too challenging, because I love what I do.
Q: What is a key to your success, something you would suggest to other volunteers?
SD: Patience. You have to be patient with the children. When you know everything about the sport, it sometimes becomes kind of frustrating. But just be dedicated. If you’re dedicated, you’ll enjoy it once you get into it. The kids bring it out in you. Just to see the growth in the kids is amazing.