crushing a dream

[Sol]

To all the litle boys and girls who dreams are crushed by unfair practice of picking LL All-Stars---the loss is all on the team-To the athletic directors who turn a blind eye to such non sense-coaches who go along with such and more you will reep what you sow. Many children who are now overlooked will become tomorrows stars and when begged by "coaches" to play for me can tell them to take a leap. I hope that those this applies too realize how you bring us ball players into a state of depression--when you work hard all season--are at every practice--never whine--always listen--do what is asked of you and in return have adults who show up 15 mins before a game--never hold a practice--it is totally ridiculous!!!! THIS is not a whine but the HONEST truth of todays society.

[Hughesville Grandmother]

This not only happens in LL, but also in Jr & Sr high school sports. My grandson loved basketball, practiced all the time, joined the team, attended all practices, attended all games (and sat on the bench most of the time), was an honor roll student, never in trouble, etc. He was not one of the 'star' players with the most talent so he did not get to play very often, and then for only 10-15 seconds in a game. There were 3-4 players with the most talent, so they were the ones who always played every game, even when they were way ahead, and the coach could have put some of the other players in the game. After two years of this, he finally said he had enough, did not go out for basketball to be a 'cheerleader', turned in his uniform and quit. He saw that he was never going to get to play, and was tired of spending all his time practicing for naught. I usually don't condone being a quitter, but in this case I felt his pain. You are 100% correct SOL, this is the honest truth in today's society. These kids go out for sports to have something to do and stay off the streets, but the coaches don't care. But if one of them gets into trouble, it's always the kids fault!! Same for the skateboarders in our town. Instead of creating a safe place for them to go and practice their sport, the mayor and police ran them out of town! First time caught board taken away for 15 days,$25 fine for second offense if caught in town and board taken away for 30 days,$100 fine for third time and board taken away for 30 days, after that board taken away permanently. Great way to treat our citizens of the future.