The Game Is For Kids

To the Editor:

The Newtown Babe Ruth Baseball League (NBR) provides boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 19 an opportunity to play in an organized baseball program. I took that sentence right off the NBR website. I was glad to see it right up top. I agree with the statement. It is important to note what is not included in that sentence. There is no mention that the NBR exists to provide an opportunity for average Joe Dad to live out his Joe Torre fantasies. There is no promise to those who see themselves as George Steinbrenner scheming to build their own dynasty year after year. Most importantly, there is no mention the league exists as an exclusive club for Bud Selig wannabes protecting there own territory or multimillion-dollar industry. No, this is an all-volunteer organization that exists (by its own definition) to provide something for the children of Newtown.

I have volunteered in this league for several years. Like most, I wanted to help out and share with my children a game they love to play. With each passing year I become more disheartened with those who focus on statistics and winning at all costs. I am also troubled by the level of cronyism and behind-the-scenes politics I have witnessed. We should be teaching our children the value of hard work and competition; the thrill of victory and the growth that comes from losing with dignity. We need to exemplify the virtues of character, integrity, and sportsmanship both on and off the field.

We like to think it’s Nicer in Newtown, but the truth is that outsized adult egos trump innocent kids’ games every time right under our own noses. I think it’s time we all do a little examination of conscience. If you find yourself yelling at a 10-year-old because he threw a ball to the wrong base or swung at a bad pitch, maybe it’s time to let someone else coach the team. If you can’t wait to get to the office on Monday to tell everyone how you did in your game over the weekend, maybe you’re a little too personally invested in the outcome. If you have served on the board for more years then you can remember, maybe it’s time to let others offer a fresh perspective. If you stay up late at night thinking about how you can outcoach the other guy, it’s probably time to step back a little. This is about the kids, period. If you can’t get past your own personal goals and put the kids first, then have the courage to step aside and let others take up the mantle.

There are many dedicated men and women who volunteer in this league and they should be encouraged to continue serving our youth. Sadly there are also some whose time has passed. Take a few minutes and consider where you are and what you have become. Then make the right choice for the young baseball players of Newtown.

John Moulder

Hattertown Road, Newtown                                             May 25, 2010