Put Down the DS and Play at SS

Another Thursday night has passed, which means another night of beer league softball has helped pad my pocketbook. Tonight's games were a bit long (one was an hour-and-half long 23-22 decision; the other, a 14-13 eight-inning affair) but were very exciting and enjoyable. One observation, however, disappointed and slightly saddened me. In the stands were two boys (my guess is that they were between the ages of eight and twelve) playing Nintendo DS's. Let me make it known that I hold no grudge against modern technology. I have a problem, though, that these kids might not understand and/or realize the beauty of the game of baseball/softball.

Sure, the great-grandson of the original Nintendo Game Boy might be the more enticing and interesting to these youngsters than a bat and a ball, but they would have learned a great deal more by watching tonight's games than by pressing up-up-left-down-A-X-right-B-right. These kids would have seen teamwork in action. In this day and age of "me, me, me, me," it's important that today's generation learns how to work and co-exist with others. Tonight's games exemplified the essence of teamwork: giving one's all for the benefit and progress of a group attempting to accomplish a goal. Each athlete on the field played his heart not to impress the twenty people in the bleachers or to get an endorsement from Nike. They gave their all because they love the game and because they wanted to help their respective teams win. While the kids might achieve victory and a short-term since of success with their video games, they will never gain the same sense of accomplishment that one feels after earning a base hit, striking out a batter, or some other feat that helps one's team reach its ultimate goal: winning the game.

From the sports fan's perspective, it bothers me that these children might not develop an interest in ever playing the game or getting involved with it in some other capacity. I have noticed that those that begin playing the game at an early age are more likely to continue playing it. This by no means means that these young gamers will never get involved with baseball or softball. Many people start playing later than others and stick with it, while others that started at the tee ball level quit before reaching high school. I didn't become interested in sports in general until middle school. Learning the nuances of the game--the rules, scorekeeping, strategy, etc.--at a younger age would develop an interest in the sport and help them make an easier transition into the game if they've never played it.

I understand how and why pre-adolescents would be more attracted to video games than baseball or sports in general. However, these kids would be better served learning the game of baseball/softball. Developing teamwork skills, a knowledge of the game, and healthy habits through the exercise the game provides will help these youngsters in the future much more than they can ever imagine. Most importantly, learning the game would instill a love of the game that many in the more recent generations lack. Hopefully, the two boys I saw this evening will embrace the game, allowing the umpires of the world to shout "PLAY BALL" for many years to come.

The First Post!!!

It happened. Yours Truly has finally created his own blog/website. It's a bit of a bummer that I won't be able to work with html, but we'll have fun with this thing while we can. Sit tight while we finish constructing this baby. When I'm done, you yourself might blurt out, "HOLY CRAP!!!"