“Loved the photography from the state tournament.” – Lynn Dupriest. (Press Pros Feature Photo by Julie Wright-Daniel)
As always, we appreciate hearing from the readers over the past month, and those who wrote to us over coverage of spring baseball and softball…the recent Stammen youth tournament in Versailles, Ohio…and comments on our former colleague Dale Meggas and his days of telling about the tough times of being a sports fan in Cleveland.
“Press Pros, is it my imagination or did you write about more softball than you did in the past? Either way, it was appreciated. Looking forward to more in the future.” … Jeff Haddon
(Ed. Note: You have Jeff Gilbert to thank for the added coverage, and the fact of our having an extra set of hands. He did a wonderful job.)
“I enjoyed the softball coverage, especially the state tournament, and I know that you usually do baseball. How do you compare the two sports?” … Joe Riggs
(Ed. Note: The similarity stops with the rules and it takes nine players to play. Softball is far more pitching dominant, and a different game to watch. And you can’t discount that. And of course, it’s a smaller field and more confined than baseball.)
“First-time writer to say that your coverage of the state baseball tournament was outstanding. Loved the photography. Simply great.” … Lynn DuPriest
“I’ve enjoyed your coverage of the baseball tournament for a long time and wondered if you covered fewer schools this year than in the past. And why? Great job, and great photos of the action, as always.” … Craig Courtney
(Ed. Note: We did do fewer divisions than in the past, and the reason is simply that…seven divisions. There’s only so many people available, there’s only so much time in between games, the schedules are rushed, and to do it right it equates to more of everything, including expense.)
“I’ve followed the baseball tournament on Press Pros for a long time and I thought the photo of Delphos St. John scoring the final run in the Division VII game was the photo of the year in high school baseball. How does that happen? Congratulations.” … Doug Blankenship
(Ed. Note: Location, location, and location…being in the right place at the right time. The photo you speak of is St. John’s pitcher Andrew Elwer running for home plate with what the run-rule clinching run, following by a very excited head coach, Jerry Jackson. Right spot at the right time.)
“As I watched the games I couldn’t help but notice that attendance for some of the games was very poor. Do you think that it would have been better if the games were played somewhere in central Ohio so that more people could get there easier? Akron is a long drive for people in South Webster.” … Jason Webb
(Ed. Note: I actually doubt if location has that much to do with attendance. I went to the games when they were played in Columbus and the best crowds came with the best teams and for the most compelling games. In that respect I think the communities where baseball means the most are going to turn out regardless of where the game is played. I’ll say this, no one works harder than the Akron Rubber Ducks staff (Jimmy Farmer, Dir. of Media) to make it a pleasure to cover.)
“I love how we got it done without anyone having us ranked. Never count out the Blue Jays.” … Deb Pothast Fischer
Knapke Kitchens and Baths proudly sponsor the Buckeyes on Press Pros Magazine.com.
On the Stammen Classic tournament in Versailles…..
“What a great article about community baseball and the impact of dads in the home. I shared that with a number of people because it is the difference in how you grow up and what you become. Great work, Press Pros.” … Charles Hagee
“The CSC is a real inspiration to our younger generation, as is Craig Stammen. Love this for our community and future leaders. Thank you, Craig.” … Sheryle Simon (via FB)
“When I read this my first thought there was no way that a major league manager is going to fly on his off day to come home and watch Little League baseball. But then I realized it was Versailles, Ohio, the MAC, and it all made sense. Sadly, I don’t remember the Ohio State professionals doing the same, Frank Howard, or Nick Swisher, using their time or their name for the sake of promoting baseball or encouraging younger people in the manner of Versailles. It’s good to have lived long enough to still see good things happen because of the good in people, themselves. Great job, Craig Stammen, for being there and hitting those fly balls.” … Frank Paschall
(Ed. Note: To be fair, Frank Howard (you mentioned, right) lived in a day where events like this simply weren’t promoted. Can’t speak for Swisher and others, but Howard was always very accessible, and a very kind man to appear on behalf of baseball and Ohio State. But publicity off the field in his day was not what it is now.)
And a couple of notes about Dale Meggas and to be a fan in Cleveland…..
“Thanks for remembering Dale like you did, his wit and his personality. You got it perfectly.” … Ken Parker (Lincoln Tower, 1970)
“Deshaun Watson and Johnny Manziel, indeed. Since buying the team the Pilot Company has made billions and the Browns have lost the respect of the entire league. Thanks, Jimmy Haslam, for your commitment to winning.” … Dominic Penale
Minster Bank is a proud sponsor of area sports on Press Pros Magazine.com.