Runner seeks $60 refund from Paul Bunyan Marathon

I am a longtime runner and avid marathoner. The 2007 Paul Bunyan Marathon was scheduled to be run in Bangor last Sunday.

Unfortunately, this year’s race was cancelled four months ago. The race director, Phil LeBreton, cited the need to spend more time with his family in a BDN story on April 5.

Fair enough.

What is not fair is that I have yet to receive my $60 entry-fee refund from Mr. LeBreton and I wonder if many of the other 14 runners who preregistered for the marathon are waiting for their money as well.

I would like to hear from other runners in the Bangor area who preregistered for the race. I am a member of the Maine Track Club and can be reached at runslow@maine.rr.com

Ronald Dearth

Falmouth

Counting pitches can also determine winner of game

First, please let me say that I am not one to publicly complain. Although there are many travesties that occur quite frequently in this world, I keep my opinions to myself, but my conscience will not allow me to do so when the victims are a team of 13 boys who just wanted to play ball.

Second, I am not a poor sport or loser. In every game someone must win and someone must lose, I can wholeheartedly accept this when it was won or lost fair and square. But in this instance I do NOT feel that is was fair to say the least.

With the new 85-pitch count rule, I strongly suggest that after EVERY inning both teams consult and compare pitch counts and sign off or you may find yourselves in the same position as the Coastal All-Star ages 11-12.

Our last game, we were up to bat in the top of the sixth inning, the score 4-0 in our favor with two players in scoring position and two outs remaining, the opposing home team stopped the game and protested the pitch count. Without getting into the sordid details we were forced to forfeit the game without even the opportunity of a rematch, thus eliminating Coastal from the tournament, leaving 13 boys heartbroken and confused.

For at least five of these boys it will be their last year in this division so you can’t even say, “next year boys.” Where is the justice in that!

I’m still trying to wrap my brain around this whole situation. So much for the days when you played for the love of the game (my son lives and breathes baseball) and you lost because you were outplayed and outscored. It has now come down to someone (who wasn’t even present) deciding who wins or loses when there is an official pitch-count error.

Janet Trundy

Deer Isle

Owens was baseball standout

The recent coverage of Bangor Police officer Jim Owens’ retirement brings to mind Jim’s athletic prowess. Particularly in the realm of baseball, Jim was a terror on the base paths, a fine lefthanded spray hitter and a great drag bunter.

Jim had an accurate arm from the outfield, shortstop and third base at Brownville Junction High School where he played on some fine teams coached by Carroll Conley and at Nickel College.

Jim was also a star in semi-professional ball with the Band A Rovers.

Since moving to Bangor, Jim has done much for the cause of baseball and taking youngsters to Japan.

Bill Sawtell

Brownville

Lobster Bowl deserves TV

Why does no Maine TV station televise the annual high school Lobster Bowl football game? Not enough viewer interest or not enough sponsor interest?

Richard Mackin Jr.

Millinocket