“Proof that you just can’t throw money at a problem. You have to have leadership and involvement. And it doesn’t hurt to have a big leaguer.” (Press Pros File Photos)
The latest reader correspondence with some fireworks befitting the weekend…and people whose summers already appear to be long and hot. “You could be better?” wrote one.
The week of the 4th of July was hot, humid, and in response to some frustrated readers who wrote to us asking the perennial question about why some things get covered and others don’t…the answer lies in the book of Matthew, and always has. Many are called, and a few are chosen.
“I understand that you can’t see and write about everything, but if you’re traveling all over to write about horse racing and Lake Erie to cover summer high school basketball games, would it be so awful to at least acknowledge some of the summer activities of local kids…or stories on things you don’t make money on?
I would remind you that it’s right on the front page of Press Pros that you say you write the best sports stories about local kids and local schools. But I think it stinks that you cover some and not others. I think it stinks that you don’t cover kids that don’t play basketball and football. And I think it stinks that you don’t write about kids that don’t win championships. Would it hurt to write about some of the local high school bands, when you write about music all the time?
And why do you write so much about Ohio State when you could write about local athletes who are just as deserving?
You know I’m right, and if you don’t know, go to the part about “who we are” and read for yourself. You could be a lot better. I will not include my name because I don’t want to embarrass anybody. I’m just fed up, and I’ll be surprised if you even read this.” … Not The Happiest Reader You Have
(Ed. Note: Where to start? Let’s begin by saying that you don’t have to include your name, but complaints carry more respect if you do. And every computer has something called an IP address, so you’re not that anonymous. Chronologically, let’s begin with your sharing that you understand that we can’t write about everything. And yet, you don’t. Let’s also mention that while you would prefer that we write about local kids, those were local kids that we drove to Sandusky to see. As for writing about things that we don’t make money on? Not so. You didn’t include a check with your complaint…and we’re writing about it. And you question why we write about college sports so much. That’s easy…so high school athletes can see more personally the opportunity to play at the next level, and gauge their preparedness accordingly. Why we cover the athletes who win state championships? Where have you ever read a headline that says…Metropolis Finishes Last! As for ‘who we are’, there’s no promise to make everyone happy. The best I can offer you is to read www.everythingtheothersmiss.com, where no one’s ever unhappy. If the sun ever rises again feel free to write and tell us.)
Some comments on umpiring, ejections, and the souls that they’ve damaged…..
“Hello Press Pros, and a first-time writer. I loved the article about umpires and ejections and the picture of umpire Ken Kaiser. I was at the game when he threw out Earl Weaver for saying that he wanted to punch him (punch Kaiser). Kaiser told Weaver, “Go ahead, midget. You’ll probably hit me in the knee.” Even Weaver laughed. I was sitting in the second row of the seats and everyone around me clearly heard what was said. No one mentioned poor sportsmanship, just it being one of the funniest things they ever saw at a baseball game.” … Joe Lucari
“Excellent and interesting take on umpiring (and officiating). I would agree that your point about ‘gamesmanship’ and ‘sportsmanship’ is clearly misunderstood. I’ve never met anyone who was offended by seeing a coach thrown out of a baseball game.” … Bruce Decker
“I’m pretty sure that the reason officials are leaving the court over fan behavior is because we’ve raised a generation of people who aren’t competitive and have no idea of how to manage confrontation. I’m not sure you can have one without the other and we’re recruiting those same people to be athletic officials?” … DJ Locey
Finally, positive response to coverage of the Craig Stammen amateur baseball weekend, in Versailles…..
Former Reds chief scout Gene Bennett was the patriarch of amateur baseball in Wheelersburg, and Scioto County.
“It’s impressive that so many in that community take the time to work with and support their young people. You reap what you sow. Congratulations and respect to Craig Stammen.” … Larry Leffingwell
“Great article! I love it when you cover small town baseball.” … Brad Knapke (via FB)
“I loved the intensity in that little dude’s face (swinging the bat). Priceless!” … Jeff Wynk
“This is proof that you can’t just throw money at any problem. You have to have leadership and involvement, and a doesn’t hurt to have a big leaguer. Wheelersburg (OH) owes its amateur baseball program to people like Gene Bennett.” … Doug Blankenship
“Love that all those small towns still respect the game and teach it the way it’s supposed to be played.” … Steve Partington. (via FB)
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