As the 2003 Little League season enters the final innings, I’d like to pass on a public “thank you” to all past and present members of the Little League board. Owing to the fact that my wife is on the board, I’ve gotten a glimpse of what the board does and the results are evident during any spring afternoon stroll through the complex behind Les Schwab.

I suspect that most of the board members don’t attend the meetings for the sheer joy of being at yet another meeting after a 40-, 50-, or in some cases, 60-hour work week. Many of the issues they wrestle with are not pleasant, but issues do arise that require resolution. In many cases, “success” may be defined when opposing parties are equally mad about the solution.

The efforts of the board results in kids playing ball. Fields are scheduled, kids are placed on teams, they have uniforms, coaches have clinics, umpires are trained and available for games and equipment is available. First-aid kits are distributed.

It doesn’t always work perfectly. Rain outs cause scheduling problems, anticipating turnout creates uniform problems, coaches have varying experience levels and umpire availability can be a challenge. Parents may take some issues too seriously or in other cases, not seriously enough. Some parents don’t know the rules, others know them only too well. There are varying levels of skill and experience within each team and there’s a constant balance between the desire to win and ensuring all players play.

But thanks to the board and the coaches it does work and this spring has been a good year at all levels. The quality of play is up, umpires usually make the right call (of course they would say “always”) and the Majors field has a scoreboard along with a host of other improvements. Most importantly, about 800 kids are playing ball every week, learning about the game and creating life-long memories of playing in the shadow of Mount Si.

Again, thank you to all past and present members of the board. You make this community a better place to live and raise families.

Mark Aberle

North Bend

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