Deceptive Statistic

The other night, as Allen Iverson’s total mounted in the seventh game of the Philadelphia-Milwaukee series, a graphic was flashed on the screen showing Sam Jones and Dominique Wilkins as all-time high scorers in seventh games.

There is no comparison of these modern day players, like Iverson. In Sam Jones’ day, there were no three-point shots.

Bill Sawtell

Brownville

Down East hospitality

Thanks to the volunteers from Down East Hospice who made all the runners and walkers feel appreciated at the Cobscook Bay 5K, 10K and 1-mile fun run. The cold and wet weather certainly underscored the warmth of your hospitality.

The cookout provided sustenance at the perfect moment. When participants began showing the first signs of hypothermia, volunteers speeded to the rescue with blankets, dry clothes, back rubs and heated cars. It was the type of fun day that provided interesting fodder for runner folklore. Running in a downpour has its benefits especially when it is for a deserving cause.

Christopher Almy

Charleston

A good game spoiled

You know it’s hard enough for me to watch major league teams day in and day out, intentionally walk Manny Ramirez whenever the Red Sox have a scoring threat, but doing this in Little League takes the cake!

I’ve been involved in baseball for over 40 years and until this year, never heard of intentionally walking a batter in Little League multiple times a game. What are the coaches thinking? I know it’s strategy, but come on, let the kids play! Don’t they realize they’re stealing fond memories from a childhood?

They’re there to hit, run, throw, catch and learn and have FUN, not intentionally walk to first base.

When I played Little League, many moons ago, our coaches worked with the pitchers to improve so they’d go after the top hitters, gratifying to both sources!

In fact, not to blow my own horn, but when I was 12, I can still recall striking out the side with the tying run on third and their top hitter at the plate in the bottom of the sixth inning, not to mention 17 strikeouts in the game.

Great Memories!

I think it’s time we get back to the kids playing real baseball and the coaches taking it a little less serious. Let’s hear the crack of the bat and the ball hitting the mitt!

Coach Dick Adams

Holbrook Farm League

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