Coaches discuss poignant Cumberland Little League video

SALEM – When it comes to debating the “thrill of victory” and “agony of defeat” in sports circles, there remains an ever-harsh reality that some of life?s greatest lessons can be taught through the latter.Moments after the New England representative, Cumberland American (RI), was eliminated from the Little League World Series on Monday, ESPN cameras panned in on the team surrounding manager Dave Belisle.In the two minutes that followed, the emotional skipper delivered a heartfelt message to his players during a captivating speech that has become something of a viral-video sensation.Chief among the poetic-like monologue?s anecdotes was the following claim from Belisle before requesting a tear-jerking and symbolic group hug: “The only reason why I?ll probably end up shedding a tear is because this is the last time I?m going to end up coaching you guys.”On Wednesday evening at Stephen O?Grady Little League Field, a quartet of coaches prepping for the championship game of the Ray Gallant Memorial Tournament shared their views on how it feels to be in Belisle?s shoes.Lynn manager Jeff Earp hasn?t come across a clip of Belisle?s masterpiece just yet, but offered his two cents on the relayed explanation.?There?s really no way to prepare for what you?re going to say to a group of kids that has been together since the middle of June,” he explained. “Spending so much time together creates a special bond between not just the players but the coaches and players as well.”Earp?s assistant, Leon Elwell, is no stranger to such situations, having coached the Lynn Babe Ruth 13-year-old all-stars to a District 1 title this very summer before bowing out during the State Tournament in Quincy.?As coaches, we?ve all been there. It?s never easy saying goodbye but only one team can win the final game,” he stated. “I thought that speech really captured what spirited competition is all about.”Across the diamond, Peabody manager Brian Herbert expressed that such meaningful words would be prudent following the forthcoming game.?Win or lose, that kind of talk will happen tonight for sure,” he said. “I thought Belisle made a great point in saying that he would never forget any of his players.?If one of my guys remembers me when he?s much older, then I?ll know I succeeded as a coach.”Herbert?s assistant, Dan Letarte, finished his first season as the St. John?s Prep baseball coach this past spring and offered a different viewpoint, through the high school experience.?When we lost in the Super Eight Tournament, I honestly think we learned more about ourselves than we had during the regular season,” he admitted. “I was able to preach to the guys a bit about how this was the time that being good teammates was most important. They?re likely to run into each other 10-15 years from now and the first thing they?ll bring up is baseball.”?That kind of camaraderie is what I love about this game,” he concluded.Letarte returned to the present day, offering his input on the looming contest.?Win or lose, tonight is a big game for these guys in the sense that it is their final Little League game. It?s important that they go out and have fun.”