Reader comments on umpiring…college and high school…why is baseball necessary…and “you could do more if you tried”.
We enjoy hearing from all of our readers, and especially first-timers who take the time to write us and ask some very obvious questions.
“Once again I’m not surprised that your scholarship winners come from such a small group of select communities. I’m disappointed that you don’t try to do more with other schools.” … Lea Marcum
(Ed. Note: Generally speaking, the MAC and Shelby County League scholarships are a reflection of the people who live there and their commitment to support the respective leagues. The MAC, in particular, has earned the reputation as the most competitive conference in Ohio, and now claims almost 150 different team titles since it was constituted 50 years ago. The people support the endowment generously as a reflection of their commitment to hard work in both competition and classroom, and make no apologies for the fact that a culture of ‘winning’ begats future success. Could we do more? Maybe, but not without that stated support. It’s the people who make it happen, so jump right in.)
“I enjoyed reading about your award winners. The kids are impressive and represent great hope for the future. Good job.” … Jack Huelskamp
If it’s so hard to play baseball when it’s 40 and wet, at least one wrote to question, “Why try?”
“After reading your repeated articles about playing high school baseball during the months of June and July, it’s obvious that no one has any intention of doing it. So if it doesn’t fit the current list of priorities, why does the OHSAA persist in even having baseball and softball? If the argument is that it benefits to few to change, and it’s a drain on the athletic budget, or that it’s hard to administer apart from the regular school schedule, I say let the OHSAA drop baseball altogether and have another, independent group pick up the pieces and move on. I guarantee you that there are enough committed baseball people who could do it without the excuses. Your thoughts?” … Marc Lebovitz
(Ed. Note: There would be some embarrassment to tradition, I’m sure, if the OHSAA dropped baseball. And there would be an outcry from the people running lucrative travel baseball operations, .and pushback for the argument that travel baseball provides better competition and a platform for recruiting. But for the fact of relevant baseball and the pride of playing for a state championship, you might address your question to Roselea Place, in Columbus.)
“To your point about unfair competitive opportunity, many high school teams are forced to play as many as four games a week for six weeks (April 1 to May 15) to even complete their schedule, and high school teams don’t have that kind of pitching. So why have it? If kids are playing travel ball in the summer in good conditions, why do we need high school baseball in the spring? Why not use that time for all-out spring football, since that’s the sport that makes the money?” … Paul McDonald
“I watched your recent interview with Grove City coach Ryan Alexander and that’s why high school needs baseball, and coaches like Alexander. Great!” … Tim Smith
On umpiring and the shrinking strike zone.
“At a recent Ohio State game at Bill Davis Stadium I sat behind home plate with my phone and watched the strike zone on Big Ten network. You’re right, it was tight. When I watch my grandson’s high school games the umpires seem to call more strikes and the players don’t seem to mind. They adapt. I think the high school guys have the right idea. Why not in college?” … Bob Schneider
Ed. Note: As one who’s called a lot of pitches in the minor leagues, I’ve known some guys from Double and Triple A who have gone on to NCAA baseball with more arrogance than common sense when it comes to their experience. And I have advocated for years to expand home plate from its present 17 inches to 20 because I believe more strikes makes baseball a better game. And the hitters will adapt. The critics can disagree and say that it will negatively impact hitters, but I was a college pitcher and never much cared for hitters, anyway. The good ones WILL figure it out.)
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