HERE & THERE COLUMN

                            THE LITTLE LEAGUE PLEDGE

             

American's of every race and color could learn a great lesson which would help to make this great country of ours a better place to live by accepting the standards recited in the Little League Pledge and this organizations Parent/Volunteer pledge.

  I for one am sick and tired of what is going on in both  Monticello and Ferguson Mo. where the word racism is the word of the day.

  The Little League pledge says, "I trust in God, I love my country and will respect its laws, I will play fair and strive to win, but win or lose I will always do my best." The parents pledge says, "I will teach all children to play fair and do their best, I will positively support all managers, coaches and players, I willrespect the decisions of the umpires, I will praise a good effort despite the outcome of the game.
  My love for the game of baseball gets an added kiss during the month of August  when the Little League World Series takes place in South Williamsport, Pa.
  Although this great event will be over when this column is published the flavor of these youth in competition will remain with us forever.
  Loved watching a 13-year-old African-American female, Mo'ne Davis, throw her fastball 70 mile an hour and knowing that what  she has done here in this Little League World Series is good for girl power.
  She has equally made note that it's the intelligent interplay of the Taney Youth Baseball Association along with the teamwork and the attention to detail taught on Philadelphia's back fields that has given her the high-profile platform in the first place.
  Davis and the Jackie Robinson West squad have definitely received a lot of media attention. She is one of two girls in this year's  tournament and became the fan favorite.
  Urban city baseball is also proving it's popularity as the all-black Chicago team displayed talent and the fact there is still interest in the game in urban communities.
  This now famous world-wide sporting event displayed a high level of excitement and with two girls and a team from the inner city it all has bolstered Little League  which is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
  Davis as a young lady has opened doors for many other young ladies to participate not only in baseball but also in softball.
  She has proven that girls can compete with the guys and the guys know there's a new girl on the block.
  The great experience of Little League baseball and its pledge should be practiced by everyone.