MLB Star Shares Good Sportsmanship Tips with Kids

When life throws you a curve ball, Major League Baseball (MLB) star Mark Teixeira says it's important to be a good sport.

Here’s how the first-baseman keeps it classy on the field:

Q. Why is good sportsmanship important?

A. Good sportsmanship is important because baseball is not just about winning and losing. When you win, do it with class and don't make fun of the other team. When you lose, don't pout and make excuses. You should have fun playing, and being a good sport is a big part of that.

Q. How do you make sure you always exhibit good sportsmanship?

A. I think about how lucky I am to be playing Major League Baseball. It's easy for me to be a good sport because I get to play baseball for a living. There are lots of young players that watch me, and I want to be a positive influence on those kids.

Q. What’s a good way to learn good sportsmanship?

A. Good sportsmanship is learned through the wins and losses of a season. After you win, make an effort to tell the opposing players that they played a great game and tell them good luck next time. When you lose, congratulate the opposing team and tell your teammates that we will try harder next game. Only through playing the game the right way will you learn good sportsmanship.

TELL US: How do you and your team practice good sportsmanship? Share your tips in the comment section below.