When Dropping the Ball

Spring training is in full swing. For some reason, I'm more excited about this Phillies season than any other, possibly because I'm seeking redemption for the abrupt and heartbreaking end of 2011. That spectacular collapse, along with the game-costing blunders of the more recent NFL playoffs and Super Bowl, have caused me to wonder:

• When a team doesn't meet expectations, does the blame gets passed around?
• And how does the individual player handle their mistakes?

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We all know Giselle Bundchen was happy to give the finger point the finger at Wes Welker when he dropped that perfectly thrown pass from her man, effectively losing the Super Bowl for the Patriots. But how did Wes feel? (Besides generally shitty?) Do professional athletes take it as hard or harder than the rest of us when we let down our friends or team? I know fear of disappointing teammates is a major stumbling block for Abby, and it basically squelched any desire Ian ever had to play sports (along with his general lack of athleticism). So how do you deal with it as a professional when your salary and the stakes are so high?

I'm sure it's bad enough to literally or figuratively drop the ball, but there also must be unwritten rules for how you respond. I'm assuming your teammates want to know you're sufficiently crestfallen and heartbroken, but I imagine collapsing into a heap of sobs is not particularly appropriate. I wonder, too, does one apologize at the professional level? And if you do apologize, how do you expect your teammates to react? Do they tell you that you suck and that you totally let them down or is that just what they're thinking? Do they pretend they don't know you? Is there some form of retaliation involving shaving cream or tire slashing, or could they possibly pat you on the back and say, "You'll get 'em next time, Tiger."?

Without question, it takes a certain kind of person to play the role of prospective hero or fall guy. I, for one, cannot imagine being in a less desirable position. The game is on the line and my kick, catch, pitch, or hit may make the difference between victory or defeat? Um, no thanks. Clearly these pros are much stronger than we mere mortals.

Having never played team sports in my life, I'd love some feedback from those of you who have.

• What are the unwritten reaction rules for messing up?
• Does someone teach you how to respond when a teammate lets you down? If so, what do you learn?
• Do you think the rules change as you progress from Little League and Pee Wee to high school, college, and the pros, or does sportsmanship remain the same regardless of how high the stakes?

Weigh in!