HAROLD KELLER

Let kids enjoy fun and set example As the Little League baseball season gets into full swing, I’m impressed to write about the most important people at any game – the players and the umpires. In my opinion, the least important people at the game are the fans. Some fans can really ruin what was once one of America’s greatest pastimes – baseball. The most vocal fans usually show their ignorance of the game and they forget the main purpose of kids playing is to have fun. Little League is supposed to be a pleasant setting where players have the opportunity to learn more about the game of life than the game of baseball. Many parents could care less if their child learns anything, as long as their team wins. Winning becomes an obsession with the parents and their spirit trickles down to the children who learn fast that having fun is not the most important thing. Now for the umpires – I’m reminded of a story a few years ago about Donald Jensen, who was struck in the head by a thrown bat while umpiring a Little League game in Terre Haute, Ind. He continued to work the game, but later that evening was placed in a hospital by a physician. While being kept overnight for observation, Jensen wrote an eloquent letter to folks whose shenanigans make you cringe or bow your head in shame. At one point, he says: “The purpose of Little League is to teach baseball skills to young men. Obviously, a team which does not play well in a given game, yet is given the opportunity to blame that loss on an umpire for one call or two, is being given the chance to take all responsibility for the loss from their shoulders. A parent, or adult leader, who permits the younger player to blame his failures on an umpire…is doing the worst kind of injustice to that youngster…This responsibility is bound to carry over to future years.” What Donald Jensen wrote that night in Indiana was absolutely right. Next time you’re tempted to insult or mistreat an umpire, remember him – the late Donald Jensen. The following morning, he died of a brain concussion. Remember, how we (the spectators and players) act, reveals how we live. HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational group. Call him at 652-8477.