Aspiring Little League Baseball Players: A Rare Look Inside an American Pastime

With roots reaching as far back as the 18th century, Little League is an integral part of the great American pastime of baseball. Kids have been playing variations on the game in streets and backyards for centuries, and in 1938, Carl Stotz began to organize what would become the Little Leauge. The first official Little League game was played in 1939, and it went on to spur programs that developed into the youth baseball league Americans know today.

The official website of the Little League defines its mission as being to "promote, develop, supervise, and voluntarily assist in all lawful ways, the interest of those who will participate in Little League Baseball and Softball." This includes helping kids develop positive character traits, learn to work together and get the exercise they need to be healthy.

A Dwindling Interest?
Unfortunately, it seems that kids' interest in baseball isn't what it used to be. A Wall Street Journal article reported a 24 percent decline between 2000 and 2009 in the number of kids ages seven to 17 playing baseball. The Little League itself saw a 25 percent decrease.

No specific reasons were given for this drop in participation; however, it's not hard to find possibile explanations. Baseball as kids originally played it was more about having fun than beating the other team. Its loose rule structure allowed for the exuberance of youth and playing the game wasn't seen as a make-or-break part of a child's future.

Today, baseball has become tightly organized with a focus on "making it big," even in Little League. Parents feel pressured to get their kids involved in sports since athletics are seen as an essential part of being "well-rounded." Tournament games and travel teams are being pushed on kids before they're out of elementary school and are often more stressful than fun.

Coaches and parents may also be to blame. Instead of letting kids play baseball for the spirit of the game, adults can blow the whole thing out of proportion. Fights between parents and negative attitudes from coaches make baseball a chore. Some coaches, though they treat their teams well, simply don't know how to make the game engaging, leaving many kids standing in the outfield during practice rather than running around and playing.

What Baseball Does for Kids
When handled the right way, baseball can have many benefits for the kids involved. The most obvious of these is exercise. With around 30 percent of kids qualifying as overweight or obese, it's more important than ever for America's youth to get up and move. A game of baseball detaches kids from TV, computers and other sedentary "screen time," brings them out into the fresh air and gives them a well-rounded workout. Baseball counts as both cardiovascular exercise and strength training, but kids will be too busy having fun to notice they're exercising. 

Being involved in baseball also:
• Improves motor skills
• Increases strength
• Hones athletic abilities
• Teaches kids how to interact positively with peers
• Offers the opportunity to make new friends
• Bolsters self-confidence

The teamwork involved in a game of baseball teaches fairness, cooperation and discipline, all important skills that will help kids do better in other areas of their lives. Learning how to communicate and follow directions in a group setting prepares them for higher education and the workplace.

Why Do So Many of The Best Baseball Players Come From Sarasota, FL?

Some sports experts would argue that Florida’s warm year-round climate is partly responsible for many of the nation’s best baseball players coming from Sarasota High School while others give credit to the high school team’s coach. The Sarasota High School baseball team, which is called the Sailors, has brought home eight state championship trophies with coach Clyde Metcalf guiding the team during six of the championship games. Furthermore, just this year, three players out of five in the area who received the call to join a Major League Baseball team once played for the Sarasota Sailors. 

Is it the Climate?

Sarasota’s climate does benefit baseball players. For instance, Florida players begin each season earlier than many of the players who train in other states. A 12 year old who plays ball in Florida will likely compete in the first game of the spring season around January 15. Kids who play ball in Georgia won’t begin until middle or late February. Ball players in the northern states generally start their spring season around April 1. Therefore, Florida players get more time on the field. 

Is it the Coach?

Perhaps mentorship of youth plays a role?  In 1971, Clyde Metcalf graduated from Sarasota High School. His dream was to coach high school baseball and create his own program. In 1982, he was offered the position of coaching the Sarasota Sailors. Upon receiving his dream job, he said, “This is a super opportunity, and it’s one I’m really glad to have and accept.” Coach Metcalf has been directing the team for more than 30 years, and he recently reached the amazing achievement of 800 wins. After arriving at the milestone, he said, “I think it is something that I will look back on in a few years, and it will mean more. I think the thing I enjoy most about it is that I have done it at one school.” Coach Metcalf helps each of his players look to the future by planning for college or a longtime career in baseball. This focus on the future may have a role in so many of the school’s players making it to the major league. 

Clyde Metcalf is highly respected and admired by his players. In fact, back in April, Ian Desmond, who plays for the Washington Nationals, congratulated his old coach on the 800-win milestone by tweeting, “Congrats to Sarasota High School head baseball coach Clyde Metcalf on his 800th win. He’s a legend and should be recognized as such.” 

Major League Players from Sarasota 

When reviewing the Wikipedia page about Sarasota High School, scroll down to the section marked notable alumni. Out of the 23 people listed, 13 of them are notable for becoming major league baseball players. 

The Herald Tribune created a list of the greatest high school baseball players from southwestern Florida. Derek Lilliquist is at the top of the list. His major league career lasted for eight years. Lilliquist made it to the pitcher's mound in 1984, and he finished with a 0.80 Earned Run Average or ERA. Lilliquist batted .432 and hit eight home runs. 

Doug Million came in second on the list. The Colorado Rockies selected him during the first round pick in 1994. After being selected for a major league team, he used a portion of his sizable signing bonus to buy new baseball uniforms for the Sailors. Million was still working through the minors when he had the asthma attack that caused his death. 

The newspaper’s voters selected Ron Scott as the third best baseball player to come from the area. The Chicago White Sox originally drafted him in 1990, but he turned down the offer and decided to play for the University of Florida. In 1993, the St. Louis Cardinals drafted him, and he played for three seasons. 

Some Final Thoughts 

Whether the credit for best baseball players goes to the climate or coach Metcalf, the fact remains that the Sarasota High School baseball team continuously gives students, faculty and the area’s residents a reason to cheer. 

The Main Aspects of Real Estate Projects That Succeed in Urban Areas

Urban apartment complexes that commonly succeed are located within two miles of numerous supermarkets and coffee shops, utilize renewable sources of energy and are situated near several bus lines. Urban housing can also be attached to sizable parking garages, and these buildings should have ample security.

The Proximity of Parks and Forests

One study indicated that individuals who live in urban areas are much happier if large forests are situated within five miles of their homes. Certain analyses have also shown that the presence of many trees, flowers and shrubs on the property can tremendously improve the well-being of the inhabitants.

Substantial Lighting and Security

In order to reduce crime rates, the hallways and the outdoor areas of the property should be equipped with sizable flood lights. Buttons that are able to notify the security guards of a threat may be installed on light poles and near doors.

Constructing the Roofs

If the new structure is located in an area with a cold climate, the developer should add ice guard underneath all of the shingles. The flashing can also be reinforced by caulk to ensure that rain and snow can not slip through the cracks in the roof of the complex.

The contractors should only install ridge vents on the roofs of buildings that are situated in warm climates. In spite of their many benefits, most vents are made of plastic and are likely to leak during the winter months.

Improving the Roads

Potholes in the driveways and the small streets that are situated on the property can cause severe damage to the vehicles of the residents. Generally, these openings form during the winter because water seeps into the cracks in the concrete and subsequently turns into ice, which rapidly expands. As a result, the holes should be filled during the spring of each year.

Ensuring That the Interior is Warm

Every building on the property can be equipped with especially thick insulation that is made of cellulose, and this material lasts for a much longer period of time than fiberglass. Some studies have indicated that high-quality insulation may lower energy costs by 35 percent.

The Heating System

The vents should be placed near the largest window in each suite in order prevent cold air from entering the room. Certain analyses have proven that as much as 45 percent of the heat from a furnace can dissipate through the sides of air ducts, and to stop the heat from escaping, the contractor should place thin layers of insulation around the pipes.

An Electric Gate

The developer may install a gate that protects the main driveway of the property, and the entrance should be situated near a small structure that contains a security guard. This person will be able to ensure that only authorized vehicles can enter the parking lot.

Recreational Activities

A wide range of studies have shown that individuals who exercise are happier and have more energy than those who are not physically active. The owner should add a small gym and a pool to the complex, and in order to help the residents relax, a hot tub and a sizable lounge may be installed.

The Proximity of Public Transportation

A developer will improve the quality of life of the inhabitants by ensuring that bus stops are located within one mile of the new housing. Some developers even sign contracts with transportation companies that allow buses and vans to pick up residents at the complex. Furthermore, the owner should post the schedules of the buses on numerous bulletin boards that are located in each building. 

The Sources of Energy 

In order to substantially reduce the costs of energy, the contractor may install solar panels, a system that uses geothermal energy or a device that converts the force of flowing water into electricity. The owner should only add a system that produces power by using wind if the equipment can be placed on the top of a building that is substantially taller than the surrounding structures.

The Insurance Policy 

When obtaining an insurance plan, the owner must ensure that the costs of damage that is caused by fires, hurricanes and earthquakes are covered. Usually, the monthly premiums of the policy will be substantially lower if the complex features a fence, contains security guards, is made of fire-resistant materials and is not situated within 250 yards of a river.

My Thoughts on Sports, Mentorship, and Rehab of Youth in America

Sentencing Urban Youth: Why Sports and Mentorship Leads To Successful Rehabilitation

Urban teenagers have the same chance of dropping out and becoming involved in criminal activity as they do of graduating from high school and finding a job. Urban youth who run into trouble may be written off by a society that feels that there is no time to help those who have fallen short of expectations. The sad reality is that troubled youth often slip through the cracks. Active mentorship programs that focus on using sports to aid in rehabilitation have the potential to help urban youth succeed after delinquent activity.

The Role of Mentorship in Rehabilitating Troubled Youth

How does mentoring help troubled youth grow into successful adults? Many teens who act out do not have the support of an adult at home. The simple act of having someone who cares about whether or not they succeed can be enough to make these teens think twice about the choices that they make.

Interacting with a mentor has been shown to develop social skills and improve emotional health. Mentored youth are able to practice proper methods of engaging in social interactions with their mentors. Knowing that someone is looking out for their wellbeing also improves school attendance rates and cuts down on the possibility that a young person will become involved with drugs or gangs.

High-risk individuals who have engaged in risky or even criminal behavior in the past need a mentor to help guide them. Delinquent youth can become responsible contributors to society with the help of a mentor.

How Sports Can Help

Improving the possibility that a troubled youth will become a success is a major goal for mentors. The use of sports as part of the mentoring process can help divert delinquent behavior to help young people excel.

Sports programs that involve youth mentors have been shown to lead to a marked reduction in criminal activity involving minors in metropolitan areas across the United States. Engaging in sports allows a teen to interact with peers in a positive way. Playing sports teaches young people to work together as a team to achieve goals, and the positive relationships formed as a result of playing sports can have lasting benefits.

The advantages of rehabilitating urban youth through the use of sports are not limited to the development of social skills and the lessons presented through team-building exercises. Sports can teach young people to hone skills related to math and reading in order to better contribute to the team.


Sports and mentorship programs show promise in the rehabilitation of urban youth. Unfortunately, many cities are not yet convinced that the benefits of these programs are worth the associated costs. Volunteers and financial sponsors can help make the future brighter for urban youth.