An active mind, a strong body, and a willing heart make the children of today better citizens of tomorrow. One of the more active stimuli for such development is Norwood's Little League, drawing its players from all sections of town. Yet, the league and its officials are unable to accomplish this by themselves. Adult supervision, guidance, and interest are necessary prerequisites.
Every game should be well attended. But look at the attendance at Little League games this year. The spectators and parents are conspicuous by their absence. The players are giving their all to a non-existent audience. A program that creates and spreads joy, happiness, and laughter among children and spectators alike suffers from the absenteeism of enthusiastic onlookers. A potential influence for mental, physical, and emotional health is lost by a lackadaisical attitude of parents who feel they cannot spend an hour or two urging their children to become better citizens.
Unlike school attendance which is compulsory, participation in Little League baseball is entirely voluntary. Both, however, have much In common. They have rules and regulations and both have leaders educate and expect children to live up to them Both instill in youth a respect and consideration for the rights and privileges of others, both request and expect cooperation to the fullest extent—and this to be done willingly; both demand an exhibition of good sportsmanship in all phases of activity. Under the influence of good leadership in organized groups, young and Impressionable children are prone to mimic what they see in others. In this way they acquire a salutary set of values that will be useful to them In later life.
To be sure, everyone loves a winner — children, parents, and managers alike—whether it is In a game of baseball or in the game of life. To appreciate and understand the sweets of victory, one must taste the bitterness of defeat. For, In this way, children learn that there is no easy road to success and that any victory is gained only by hard work, teamwork, self-sacrifice, and joint cooperation by all concerned. To be able to educate young minds to such a philosophy, a standard of values must be set, abetted by understanding and consideration for others. A child cannot do this by himself. The grownups must be the guiding influence to a healthier tomorrow' for their children.
Many adults give freely of their time and efforts to mold or help to mold the futures of youngsters in their hometown. Many with no children of their own take part in Little League activities. Yet, many an evening Is spent in helping children learn the game of life when they could be off in some other pursuit. These individuals, because of their temperament, education, and employment backgrounds possess the necessary qualities of leadership Many are businessmen, educators, and professional men. Whether they be managers, coaches, or umpires, their knowledge and experience is invaluable in helping the citizens of tomorrow'
However, as is so true In life, there are not enough of them when their assistance is so sorely needed. Too many parents adopt the attitude "Let George Do It." The parents put their own interests foremost and above those of their children They feel that the Little League is but a babysitter for one or two hours. Some parents even expect the managers and coaches to pick up their charges and drive them to and from the ballpark They have the attitude that others can and will do what they themselves are unwilling to do. Every year the Norwood Little League has issued a call for parents to volunteer some of their free time and to assist in running the baseball activities of the town's — and of their own — children. Every year, the answer is always the same. The same dedicated volunteers appear year in and year out, while the other parents are off to greener pastures. Every year, the league officials are on the verge of tearing out their hair — and some of them still have hair left—while seeking to stir up enough interest In the parents to take an active part in this healthy recreational outlet.
This same attitude is carried over to the town officials j who feel that they should not concern themselves with this ] national pastime if the parents are unwilling to take j enough Interest in their own children. Witness the baseball fields. All are in need of repair and upkeep. The element of danger is always present. J Poor playing fields make the possibility of injury to young-Isters a constant threat. No * game is worth the risk of permanent injury to any child. What little is allocated for the maintenance of these parks Is insufficient to insure a safe baseball area for the children of the town. Playground budgets must not be cut because of the inertia of parents and public officials j Playground budgets must not be reduced because "children cannot vote."
j Many of the successful men in this country are what they are today because of sandlot baseball and the many lessons it taught them. Many of the successful men of tomorrow will be what they are because of the valuable experiences Little League baseball taught, them. In time, they will become our leading citizens— lawyers, accountants, educators, doctors, philosophers and the like. They will mature in time to run the affairs of the country as well, if not better than the preceding generation. In this respect, the Little League can feel that, in some small way, it has contributed to this growth.
It is time for all adults— parents and public officials alike—to realize the potential of Little League baseball In formulating and guiding the future destinies of our children. It is a must In the world today. What we do today will reflect in what our children will do tomorrow. The world needs leaders for years to come. The Little League is one source of such leadership —and It can do the job. However, all parents and civic-minded citizens must do their part. They must get behind the teams, make their presence felt at every game, and volunteer to do whatever they can. This is also applicable to the town officials who must also take an active part in molding the future of America.
Support Norwood's Little League teams by your active participation in their goal and attend all of their games —now and in the future.
By GEORGE OBUCHON
President, Norwood Little League
(All articles were originally published in the Norwood Messenger unless otherwise noted)
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