Close games are nearly always won or lost on a few key plays that change the game or the momentum. Last night’s game was no exception.

Two key plays triggered the outcome. The catch by Manningham and the drop by Welker. While the catch was a great play by both quarterback and receiver, the drop by Welker allowed the Giants to get the ball back in order to make that play. It would have been a great catch as well by Welker, one he has made a thousand times, just couldn’t come up with it.

I will not focus on either play, but the reaction of the Patriots after the missed catch. It was almost “Bartmanesque.” Everyone remembers Steve Bartman and the reaction of Moises Alou after the interference. He blew up. You could just see by the reaction of the Patriot players that they knew that play would cost them.

How does this apply to baseball? As a coach, how you react to your players failures impacts them greatly. I know it’s hard to be upbeat all the time and always see the silver lining, but when you are leading young men and boys, you have a different responsibility. It is not all about winning, not until you are getting paid to play. Getting angry at a player or “showing him up” can cause more harm than good. The player sees your reaction. Parents see your reaction. Other coaches see it. I know it’s not easy, but you have to set a good example for your team. The best, most respected coaches are the ones who build up their players, not knock them down. And who knows, when the same situation comes up again, maybe that player makes the play.