Fielder’s Choice

Janice Wagg, who is leading the Marshall County Dizzy Dean League through Holly Springs Parks and Recreation, recently e-mailed me the complete schedule of games.

They run through early June. The post-season tournament starts June 12 with plans to complete it by June 18.

Of course, all that hinges on weather.

Here’s hoping I can make it to some more games — to take photographs or to just watch the children enjoy the games.

Youth baseball/softball holds a dear place in my heart. I played it, and my children played it. Some of my best of times were being able to coach them during that age period.

When I was publisher of the weekly newspaper in Red Bay, Ala., a Dixie Youth league coordinator gave me an article entitled, “An Open Letter to Dixie Youth Parents.” I think I have reprinted it every year.

Cut this out, and keep it on the refrigerator this season.

Dear Mom and Dad:

1. Always applaud when a boy (any boy) does something right — regardless which team he’s on.

2. Don’t ask him to keep his uniform clean. This will prevent sliding, which he dearly loves.

3. As long as he faces the diamond an 8-year-old is an excellent outfielder.

4. If he misbehaves at home, threaten to tell his manager; during the season Mom and Pop come second.

5. A home run, accomplished by a bunt and/or errors, is a home run no matter what the scorekeeper says.

6. An 8-year-old who attempts to catch a ball with one hand is doing very well. If he goes after it with two hands, he’s major league material. And if he actually catches it – allstars, here he comes.

7. Fifteen consecutive walks in one inning by the same pitcher are not grounds for pulling him out. He may have a no-hitter going.

8. If the final score is no more than 20 runs apart, the game is considered a “close” one.

9. When the team manager is red in the face and pulling out his hair, it is not the time to ask him, “What’s the score?”

10. The shorter the boy, the longer the bat he’ll pick. This is his way of evening up the sides.

11. Sliding is a technique devised by men which allows little boys to rip their pants legally.

12. When figuring out an 8year-old’s batting average, you count each time he lifts the bat from his shoulder and swings. A real hit counts as a triple.

13. When an 8-year-old infielder catches the ball and then throws it to the wrong base, don’t yell. You can yell only if he stops to count the stitches on the ball.

14. Any parent disagreeing with a manager should either volunteer to help coach or else hold his breath for the balance of the season.

15. When a youth league player decides a certain sweatshirt is his “lucky” shirt, cherish it, nurture it, mend it, and pray it lasts until he’s 13.

16. Above all — remember these children are just that ­ children. They can gain a great deal from their experience as a member of the team, and if they happen to learn a little bit about the game, why, that’s what it’s all about.

Enjoy the season!