I was impressed by Larry Simoneaux’s column on Little League (“Enjoy it kids, you’ll look back fondly,” April 2). I can relate to that, having coached Little League teams in Edmonds for five years, when my two sons were young.
With the daily practices, league play and tournaments, I had a family away from home. Each one of the boys had a chance to show their parents they were learning to play the game, but also to follow the rules.
One example was when one of my players was taken out of the game for breaking a rule. He was to sit on the bench until the game was over. When the next inning started, his father came out of the stands and wanted to know why his son was not playing. I told him his son was benched because he broke a rule. He told me he was taking his son home. He went into the dugout and told his son to come with him. His son told his dad that he broke a rule when he threw his bat and helmet after striking out. The boy stayed, but his father went home alone.
I was proud of the youngster for exemplifying teamwork and showing that following the rules was part of his training.
One more incident: While walking alone along the street one day, a young man about 20 years old stopped me and said “Hello Mr. (Coach) Hammond.” I didn’t remember his name, but when he told me, it brought back many, many memories to enjoy.
CHARLES HAMMOND
Everett
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