Lessons in baseball and sports from The Andy Griffith Show

Many may find it hard to believe that a television show from the 1960s would still be relevant today, especially in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world. Yet The Andy Griffith Show — which aired from 1960 to 1968 (and, thanks to syndication , has never been off television since 1960!) — was one of those rare sitcoms that still relates to everyday life, and even sports.

The show, which provided a humorous view of simpler times and a simpler life, is one of the most popular TV shows ever. Andy Griffith was once asked why the show had so much staying power and his simple answer was because it is a show about people who cared about each other. Despite co-star Don Knotts leaving the show to make movies after the fifth season, when The Andy Griffith Show went off the air in 1968 (after 249 episodes) it was still the number one show in America.
The Andy Griffith Show — or TAGS as it is now commonly known — is not only relevant to many of today’s life lessons, but offers three episodes that speak to issues in today’s sports world. And watching the behavior of some of today’s athletes, many of they could stand to watch a few TAGS reruns.

One episode entitled, “A Medal for Opie” (episode #51), which aired on February 12, 1962, features Opie, Andy’s son, wanting to win a medal in the 50-yard dash at the sheriff’s boys day track meet. With Barney Fife (Knotts) training Opie a few days preceding the event, Opie builds his confidence and dreams of winning the medal, but finishes last in the race.

Instead of hanging around to cheer on his friends and congratulate those who finished ahead of him, Opie dejectedly walks home to be by himself. Later, Andy expresses to Opie how disappointed he is that his son was such a sore loser. After some contemplation, and not wanting to disappoint his father, Opie’s mood comes around and he listens to his father talk about what it means to be a good sport. The episode ends with Opie learning that you don’t have to be happy about losing, but you should accept winning and losing as part of life. Opie is happy again once he realizes his father is proud of him for learning about sportsmanship.

Lesson No. 1: Be a good sport.

In episode #195, entitled “The Ball Game (October 3, 1966), Opie’s youth baseball team, the Mayberry Giants, is playing against its rivals, the Mount Pilot Comets, with the winner advancing to the state championship. The gentleman who is scheduled to be the home plate umpire for the big game falls ill. With the blessing of both coaches, Andy is asked to umpire the game. Initially Sheriff Taylor refuses, saying he didn’t think it would be appropriate since his son is playing in the game. After some encouragement, Andy reluctantly accepts the job.
As luck would have it, near the end of the game, Opie tries the score on a close play at home plate. Opie slides in an attempt to score the tying run but is ruled out by Andy. Almost all of Andy’s family and friends give Andy the cold shoulder for several days after the game. After witnessing the game and the treatment Sheriff Taylor receives, Howard Sprague, the county clerk in Mayberry, writes an article for the Mayberry Gazette discussing Andy’s unusual situation, his bravery, and his willingness to help as a favor to the teams and communities in the game. Sprague also challenges anyone who continues to be a critic to volunteer to be an umpire.
Lesson No. 2: If you think that umpires, referees or other sports officials need to improve, become one yourself — you just might gain a new perspective. (Full Disclosure: I was a high school and college basketball official for 23 seasons.)

“Opie’s Piano Lesson” (episode #215, March 13, 1967) provides an interesting example of time management and dealing with stereotypes. Opie agrees to learn to play the piano by taking lessons from neighbor Clara Edwards and practicing two hours a day. However , former professional football player Flip Conroy comes back to Mayberry to help with his father’s business and agrees to coach the football team. A conflict arises when football practice occurs at the same time as Opie’s piano lessons.
Lesson No. 3: Being an athlete does not exclude you from participating in other important activities.

I often hear people say that playing sports prepares young athletes for the real world — sports build character. I would take that a step farther — playing sports and watching The Andy Griffith Show is a good one-two combination for teaching kids how to confront life’s many challenges. As Andy Taylor would say, “Be somebody!”