For The Love Of The Game

To the Editor:

I want to thank the 12-year-old Newtown Babe Ruth All-Star team for the great memories over the past few years. They have always represented themselves and our town as first rate.

As a parent of one of these all-stars, I watched over time as these young men learned to work together, help each other, and develop a respect for each other. This year, though, I was deeply saddened to learn how unhappy a number of the players became as the all-star season progressed. This is a special group of young men who are smart, mature, and love baseball. There was never a need to question their dedication toward the all-star season, nor try to compare or handle this team like any other town’s team. Now I can’t help but wonder if the right approach was taken with this team.

My son played many innings during a very successful all-star season and also played an important role in a championship regular season. I am proud of you. To a number of his 2001 teammates I say hold your heads high and always be proud of your accomplishments, baseball and otherwise. Try not to let your lack of playing time and lack of respect during this all-star season affect your overall feelings about baseball. Baseball is a great game. Continue to play it, have fun with it, and love it. Next season will be a new season and a chance, as they say in baseball, for “a new life.”

Remember good things happen to good people. You are fine young men with great futures. Use this year as a learning experience no matter how difficult. Remember it so you don’t take life, or playing baseball, for granted. Remember it so if one day you have the opportunity to coach, you do not let these things happen to the young people you have the honor of coaching.

Remember, you will always be winners in my eyes.

From one of your many fans,

Joe DeVellis

44 Key Rock Road, Newtown                                      August 6, 2001