Sayler teaching Junior League Cubs lessons in life, baseball

PRINCETON — For Princeton Cubs coach Greg Sayler, the lessons he teaches on the baseball diamond to the boys on his junior league squad are far more reaching than how to lay down a bunt, or turn a double play.

Sayler stresses keeping a proper mental focus to his team.

“Basically, stay positive and stay more focused, not to get down or upset if they strike out or make an error,” Sayler said.

He also teaches the importance of being good teammates, telling his young squad to pick each other up and not put down their fellow players.

“Basically, play as a team, stay focused, stay positive,” Sayler said

Sayler’s lessons do not pertain specifically to baseball, they apply to all aspects of life.

“This transcends what you do,” he said. “You start learning these habits and as you go on through life, you’re going to use them.”

Sayler, who played first base at Princeton High School, and later Illinois Valley Community College, says that baseball provides a great outlet for the boys on his team, including his son, Nate Duffy, to enjoy the outdoors in the busy summer months.

“We’ve got a lot of stuff (going on) in this town, so it’s hard between soccer, baseball and everything, but I’d rather have them out here playing baseball than sitting at home in front of the TV with their X-box, exercising their thumbs,” Sayler said.

Sayler who has been coaching for nine years, all the way from T-ball to junior league, has had his share of wins and losses with his team.

“I’ve been with most of these guys since T-ball, so I’ve watched them all grow. It’s fun, I enjoy it,” he said.

“You have your good years and bad years, you just kind of go with it I guess,” Sayler said.
The Cubs have struggled a bit so far this season, dropping their first five games. Sayler said that his team, which is comprised mostly of younger 13-year-old players in the 13-14-year-old league, is learning on the fly.

“We’re a young team, we’ve got a lot of first-year pitchers, a lot of kids who haven’t had a lot of experience. A lot of these guys are playing on the bigger diamond now ... it’s a whole new ballgame.”