Here & There Column 8-19-08

Big Lesson Learned From Little League Experience

When you love baseball and our youth you are bound to be around the great experience of Little League baseball or softball for many years.
The summer months of May, June and July keep Sullivan County youth and their families busy with practice and several games a week. It's fun to watch those youngsters learn the fundamentals of this great game and then work hard until they are finally chosen to represent their leagues in inter-county regional playoffs.
After area youth get selected for their league all-star team its off to the races as our local teams travel to such places as Walden, Pine Bush, Port Jervis, Minisink and Newburgh.
And sometimes parents and strong supporters of their hometown teams make poor decisions that result in just plain bad sportsmanship. We wish everyone who has played and supports this great Little League sport would be given the opportunity to read the sign at the Walden Little League complex that reads, "Remember They're Just Kids."
It's great to see coaches and umpires in Little League go our of their way to support these youth and this game. Loved seeing an umpire recently come into a losing teams dugout and offer encouragement and congratulations to the team who lost. Wow....does that give true meaning to what Little League is all about.
Little League explains their definition as "better than any other youth activity, baseball and softball have become the thread that has sewn together a patchwork of nations and cultures around the world."
In their written explanation as to what Little League is "about us" they note that "baseball and softball embody the discipline of teamwork. They challenge players toward perfection of physical skills and bring in to play the excitement of tactics and strategy. The very nature of baseball and softball also teach that while every player eventually strikes out or is on a losing team, there is always another chance for success in the next at-bat or game."
To all the many volunteer coaches, umpires and those who assist in any way....we thank you for what you do for our communities and for your many hours of dedication to a sport that has such great meaning for our youth.
The Little League baseball World Series will be held in Williamsport, Pennsylvania August 15-26.