Allentown's East Side Senior Little League Needs Pitcher's Mound

On his Facebook page, Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski claims he was at opening day for East Side Memorial Little League yesterday. You won't find him near the Senior Little League.

They were scheduled to play on Saturday, but there's no pitcher's mound at the regulation baseball field along Martin Luther King Highway.

Very nice dugouts, but no pitcher's mound.

In addition to being unable to keep the firefighters properly equipped, Fed Ed decided that there's no money for a pitcher's mound.

The kids from East Side have to schlepon over to Alton Park for agame and hope noone else was there first.

Organized sports are a good way to keep kids from straying. But Fed Ed makes it harder for Allentown's youth to do the right thing.

Meet Wayne Grube

Though he's no relation, Wayne Grube (pictured above) is named in honor of the late, great Easton High School football coach and Northampton County Council member. Like his namesake, Wayne is very active in youth sports. He coaches for the Bethlehem Steelers, as well as North Central and Northwest Little League organizations.

Grube, along with fellow coaches Bob Hock and Mike Richline, spent Holy Saturday getting a baseball field behind the Steelers' complex ready for baseball. Sons Matthew Grube and Andrew Hock, both pitched in.

Brother, Can You Spare a ... Bat?

Before I ever saw Northampton County Judge Emil Giordano in a courtroom, I saw him at numerous baseball diamonds. He loves sports, and was a triathlete himself in his younger years. I always thought he would have been an excellent professional coach. He loves the kids and they love him. Almost all of the boys he coached in first and second grade are now excelling in baseball and basketball.

Me, I'm just a fan. But Judge Giordano has always assured me I'm a great athletic supporter.

His son Joseph and niece Victoria started an organization last year called The Tenth Inning. They collect gently used baseball/softball gloves, bats, batting helmets and catching gear so that they can be redistributed to children in need in local communities. Believe me, there are many kids out there, especially in Allentown, who would treasure a hard ball or a half decent glove. I've seen that firsthand.

This program was a big success last year. According to the Judge, "The generosity we witnessed last year with all the donations collected was amazing!"

So if your kids (or you) have outgrown that old baseball or softball equipment or you have sporting goods in your garage that haven't been used in a while, fill out this form and wait for a call from Joseph or Victoria.

I'll be checking, too, but first I have to make sure I have no outstanding warrants.

Lehigh Valley BatWorks Hits a Home Run

These maple and ash planks await their metamorphosis into baseball bats

From Little League through the college level, aluminum and carbon-fiber composite bats reign supreme. With names like Voodoo, Stealth and Attack, manufacturers attempt to instill some baseball magic into these metal and plastic bats. Coaches love them. Parents, not so much. They can cost $450. But what about the kids?

Given the opportunity, they'll most often drop the plastic or metal for the cheaper wood bat. The ball might not travel as far. It's definitely harder to hit. But no plastic or metal bat, despite their magical names, can replace the sharp crack of a piece of lumber sending Mr. Spalding over the fence ... or through someone's window. It's the sweet sound of Spring. Real magic.

Zach Reidy, age 5, is ready to swing away.

So not surprisingly, wood bats are making a come back, especially in tournament play. Pennsylvania Legion baseball is returning to the wood. This is where Lehigh Valley Bat Works, enters the picture. A wood bat manufacturer with a new batting facility located near the diamonds at East Allen Township's beautiful Bi-Centennial Park, it's going gangbusters.

At a recent open house, proprietor Steve Toth demonstrated the 10-day process involved in making a wood baseball bat, from beginning to end.

The finished product, waiting for a good home

First, the lumber - solid cuts of ash and maple - is weighed and carefully examined for defects. "Every bat we make is a pro quality bat," Toth claims. After that, the bat goes on the lathe for shaping, with a tolerance of 0.002 inches. From there, it's a sander. Finally, the bat is stained, painted and personalized for the hitter. Just as Roy Hobbs burned "Wonderboy" and lighting bolts into his "very special" bat, so can every Little League ball player, who can come to Bat Works and get fitted for the kind of bat that best suits him.

The best part is the price. A youth bat can be as cheap as $40. A heavier piece of lumber, and one that could be used in the Show, will range between $65-85.

LV Batworks' Steve Toth has hit a home run with his wood bat business

A Miracle at Easton Rotary Field

Hannah McGovern (R) sings National Anthem

It was built and they sure came. Over five hundred people were on hand for Opening Day at Easton Rotary Field on September 9. Right next to Charles Chrin Community Center on Greenwood Avenue in Palmer Township, it's a $750,000 astroturf baseball diamond. There's a teletron in left center field, stands, and most importantly, lots of ballpark franks. But this is no ordinary ballfield. It's a miracle.

You see, this ballfield was built for kids whose physical and intellectual challenges prevent them from playing in the local little leagues. On Opening Day, 105 of them had an opportunity to be real baseball players, thanks to the efforts of hundreds who donated their money or services to the Northampton County Miracle League.

The stadium itself is a miracle. No bonds were needed. It was built in just 133 days. Not one dime is owed to anyone.

Dave Colver: He built it and they came.

This is largely due to the efforts of Dave Colver, Chair of Palmer Township's Board of Supervisors. His Board authorized this project in 2010, when it was just a dream. Then he volunteered to act as Project Manager.

"Dave, you built a miracle," said Miracle League President Rick Agretto before the ceremonial first pitch was tossed. Colver, known in the community as "Mr. Palmer Township," credited the many local businesses and people who provided money or, just as importantly, their time.

Easton Rotary kicked in the first $100,000, and after that, it all snowballed. Charles Chrin served as site contractor. No charge. Finelli Consulting Engineers did the designs. No charge.

Kevin Benton, Jr., enjoys a ballpark frank

There are 250 Miracle league fields in the United States, including one in nearby Schnecksville. But Colver explained that what might seem like a short trip to many can be an ordeal for a family with special needs children.

Northampton County Executive John Stoffa, who serves on the Miracle League Board, summed up the sentiments. "There are no strikeouts here," he said. "Only winners. May the miracles continue for years to come."

After the dedication ceremony, there was a double header. Everybody won. Every athlete saw his or her name on the teletron. And the last batter of every half inning hit a grand slam. Everyone left with at least one ballpark frank.

And a smile.

Rocky Mo Davis hits a grand slam.

Connor Francis escorted to first after belting out a single.

Slideshow:


Blogger's Note: It was a pleasure to meet Untouched Takeaway at this event. She was there to cheer on a friend's son. I also had the privilege to meet a few readers. Some of them even agree with me!! But I forgot to ask if I could mention them.

Pitch In For the Tenth Inning

As the baseball gods begin beckon kids to warming practice fields, many parents (and grandparents) go broke. Despite a Little League ban against many composites, it's an increasingly expensive sport. A good bat, by itself, will still rock you at least $150-250. You'll be lucky if it lasts a season. If it does, your son or daughter will have most likely outgrown it. Then there's the registration and tournament fees and all the gear: batting gloves, cleats, sliding pants, helmets, fielder's gloves, and so on. It's easy to spend between $600-$1,000 for just one season, without blinking an eye.

Many kids, especially in Allentown, simply lack the money. I've seen it myself. While J.B. Reilly dribbles in his indoor basketball court, dreaming about the money he's going to make in the NIZ, many of Allentown's kids skip out on baseball completely. Others play without cleats, or use borrowed bats that are too big or too small, wearing helmets that don't fit.  

This is where Joseph Giordano and Victoria Tesone, son and niece to Northampton County Judge Emil Giordano, have come up with a wonderful idea. It really could help some of the baseball and softball programs in different Lehigh Valley communities. I'll let them tell you.

                  Have your children outgrown their old baseball or softball equipment?

              Do you have equipment in your garage that your kids haven’t used in a while?

The Tenth Inning is looking for gently used baseball/softball gloves, bats, batting helmets, and catching gear so that they may be distributed to children in need in local communities.

If you have any items that are in usable condition, please email us or call us at 610.360.7048 and we will make arrangements for pick up.

      Joseph Giordano      Victoria Tesone

An 11 Year Old Boy's Weekend

Saturday morning, at 11 AM, the 'Canes 6th grade Summer basketball team played their championship game against a talented bunch of young men from North Pocono. Though the 'Canes were down by 9 points at one time during the second half, they managed to claw their way back and win the game by 3 points. Of course, the parents made complete asses out of themselves, but the kids on both teams were great.

My grandson, Dat, went right from that game to Bally, Pa, for a baseball tournament. The 11U 'Canes were pitted against 8 other teams like the LV Baseball Academy and the Forks Township Young Gunz. They played twice on Saturday and three times on Sunday. They lost the championship game to the Northeast Titans, who hail from the Poconos. That game did not even start until 9:30 PM on Sunday, and I did not get home until 12:30 AM.

It was a long weekend, made longer by the rain. On Saturday, teams just played through the light rains. But on Sunday, the fields were such a mess that all games were delayed by 3 hours. So when I arrived in Bally at 10 AM, I was the only person there. I walked throughout town, learning that Bally has the oldest Catholic school in the state and more active industry than some bigger LV municipalities.

Right before Dat's game was supposed to start at 1 PM, the Catholic skies opened up and baptized everyone. The fields were a mess and I thought they would just call it a day. Nope. They worked on the fields, had them dry in about 2 hours, and the games finally got underway.

Then it got unbearably hot and sticky. As day turned into night, the heat was replaced by a new enemy. Catholic bugs invaded, taking bits and pieces of us with them, along with a few ball players.

Women who had refused to use the port-a-potties all day began making beelines for the two johns at the far end of right field, where kids had been going all day.

And the games went on.

Then people noticed an unfamiliar smell. The women were convinced it was those johns, but it was fertilizer from a nearby farmer's field. The aroma was a punishment for playing on Sunday.

It also seemed like every game played went into extra innings.

When the championship game finally got underway at 9:30 PM, nobody was sure the lights would stay on. Tournament directors were worried they would just automatically shut off at 10 PM, but players began making the sign of the cross and that seemed to appease the baseball gods.

I wanted to tell you about Friday night's tea party, which was no picnic. I'll give you my report about that later today, after I get some rest.

While I'm konked out, my grandson will be up early to visit the Eagles baseball football camp. From there, he has football practice and is itchy to get involved in a wooden bat baseball tournament in two weeks.

Could you imagine what kids would be like if they drank coffee?

Pete Orr, Class Act

Though he's a AAA Minor League ball player with a $600,000 contract, he must still remember that baseball is still magic. It's really a kids' game, only to be ruined by adults. Third baseman Pete Orr seems to understand this, and before every home game, is very gracious to the kids standing next to him during the national anthem. Each of those kids will remember those moments the rest of their lives, and I'm sure Orr is making points with the baseball gods.

11U 'Canes Win ECTB Annual Clash of Champions

In their third straight tournament victory this year, Bethlehem's 11U (11 and under) 'Canes won the 12th Annual ECTB Clash of Champions this weekend. Rostered with players from four different Bethlehem little leagues, this Liberty High School feeder team rose to the top of seven contenders during a sweltering weekend in which the real enemy was the heat.

These are no sugar canes. Behind in two of the four games played, these scrappy kids clawed and fought to win. If one boy had a problem, and every 11 year-old is going to have problems, others would pick him up. They look out for each other. Most of them have played together in different sports for years.

Gabe Albino, from South Side Little League, got a new bat for his birthday this weekend. I'm not really sure whether it's a bat or a cruise missile launcher. He sent two that are currently being tracked by NASA. When the team was down four runs, and we all thought we were going home, Alex Laudenslager blasted a 2-run homer that ignited the bats like Friday night fireworks at the 'Pigs. Dave Bertolati blasted double after double, and when it was needed.

Kyle Picht and Dat Lambert were like acrobats in the outfield, making diving catches, robbing certain runs.

Thanks to an iPad application, I was able to score the game. Not only does it generate stats (which are only about 80% accurate because this was my first real use), but it actually creates separate stories about each game.

Game 1: "Canes drubs Forks Tp Young Gunz, 12-3"

Game 2: "Canes offense too much for Frozen Ropes Elmsford in 10-2 rout"

Game 3: "Offenses dominate as Canes outscores West End Outlaws 15-12"

Game 4: "Bartolati (pictured left) helps Canes down Frozen Ropes Elmsford 11-6"

How cool is that?

It also creates the scoreboard you see above, at the top of this blog.

How cool is that?

Sunday morning, on my way to get my grandson, I bumped into Express Times editor Joe Owens. He was on his way to a Phillies-Mets game. As great as that is, and it's pretty high on the list for me, I'll take these tournaments any day of the week. These kids love it, and frankly, I don't think they care as much about the score as the rest of us. They just like to be out there, even when the rest of us are dropping like flies.

Only One Undefeated Team Left in Little League District 20 World Series

And it would be the one in Perkasie. Pennridge. They nipped an undefeated Nazareth last night, 4-3.

Lehigh's offensive powerhouse, which was pummeling opponents with double digit scores, was lifeless last night. North Central Bethlehem blanked these bruisers, 5-0, eliminating the Illick's Mill team from further competition.

Because Nazareth and North Central Bethlehem each have one loss, they will duel each other on Thursday, 6 PM, for the right to take on Pennridge.

Twelve other leagues are now watching from the sidelines.

Little League World Series Continues Tonight

Friday's results:

Nazareth (2-0) hands Northeast Bethlehem (1-1) its first loss with a 10-0 pounding.

Pennridge (3-0) climbs over Mountainville (1-1) in a squeaker, 5-4.

Lehigh (2-1) eliminates the combined forces of Fountain Hill & East Side Allentown (1-2) from further LL world series competition with an embarrassing, 20-1, score.

Northwest Bethlehem (1-2) bows to North Central Bethlehem (2-1), 6-4, in a game marred by fielding errors. My grandson's team will watch the rest of the series from the sidelines.

District 20 teams eliminated so far are Freemansburg, CityLine, Hellertown, South Side Bethlehem, Northwest Bethlehem, Fountain Hill & East Side Allentown.

Sunday's games:

Two more teams will be eliminated on Sunday.

Mountainville (1-1) will be at Lehigh (2-1), 1 PM (Directions here).

Northeast Bethlehem (1-1) will face North Central Bethlehem (2-1) at 5 PM. (Directions here.)

The two undefeateds, Nazareth and Pennridge, get the weekend off.

Sunday Night Update: After its opening loss to Pennridge, Lehigh Little League has been on a tear. It has scored a whopping 49 runs in its last three games, and has allowed only 7. This afternoon, it stunned Mountainville,11 to 1. Its record now stands at 3 and 1.

The Northeast and North Central game was delayed as a result of angry thunderstorms, and will be played on the 4th at 1:30 PM.    

Little League District 20 All-Star Games Tonight

Little League Majors (11-12 yo boys and girls) are in the midst of the 65th World Series tournament right now, which will be capped off with a championship game in Williamsport on August 28. Locally, the following games will be played tonight.

Nazareth (1-0) @ Northeast Bethlehem (1-0), 6 PM. (Directions here).

Mountainville (1-0) @ Pennridge (2-0), 6 PM. (Directions here).

Lehigh (1-1) @ Fountain Hill & East Side Allentown (1-1), 6 PM (Directions here).

Northwest Beth (1-1) @ NorthCentral Bethlehem (1-1), 6 PM (Directions here).

Two losses and you're out. District 20 teams eliminated so far are Freemansburg, CityLine, Hellertown and South Side Bethlehem. Tonight, two more teams will fall.

Little League World Series Competition Underway

It's that time of year. School's out, and for most 11 and 12 year-olds, it's time to relax at the pool or beach. But some families have put off their vacations while their boys spend hot afternoons dodging giant gnats and other critters that thrive on baseball fields at this time of year. As beads of sweat roll from their foreheads, they wear a hat to keep the sun out of their eyes. Instead of swimming trunks and flip flops, their uniform is long pants and cleats. Instead of diving into an inviting pool of water, they slide in a cloud of dust. At the hottest time of year, their hands are covered by batting or fielding gloves. And one of them, thankfully just one, must wear a suit of armor to fend off wild pitches.

Why do these kids torture themselves? Because the 65th Little League World Series is underway, and on August 28, one will emerge as this year's champion.

My grandson plays for Northwest Bethlehem, one of the fifteen leagues in District 20. It's double elimination, and that's a good thing because they lost their first game to Pennridge, 5-4. Last night's 12-1 drubbing of Bethlehem's Southside was a different story, and included a grand slam by Alex Laudenslager.

Northwest's big rival is Lehigh Little League. Most of those kids go to school and play in other sports together. They even combine forces for a traveling team. But at this time of the year, they duke it out. Lehigh usually comes out on top.

But just like Northwest, Lehigh fell to Pennridge, 8-0. That's really no surprise. Pennridge is last year's district champ.

Like Northwest, Lehigh made up for that loss by punishing and eliminating Hellertown last night, 18-5.

Friday, Northwest will face Northcentral Bethlehem's Bombers. Lehigh will be up against the combined resources of Fountain Hill and East side Allentown.

Will Lehigh and Northwest meet? If they continue to win.

In the meantime, Pennridge is off until July 9.

The District 20 champ will go on to Sectionals. From there, it is state, region and then the World Series.

Could it be a team from the Lehigh Valley? Stay tuned.

Bethlehem's 11U 'Canes Win Mother's Day Classic

Look at 'dem bums.

They look awful happy in a Sunday afternoon picture, but things sure didn't start out that way. On a chilly Saturday morning, the Bethlehem 11U 'Canes, a feeder team for Liberty High School, started their tournament season as they always do. By losing their first game.

This motley crew is an assortment from Little Leagues all over Bethlehem. And as you might expect, they're used to Little League rules, where there's 40' between every base and no leading is permitted.

But when they faced the Forks Township Young Guns at 9 AM in ECBT's Mother's Day Classic at East Allen's Bicentennial Park, they learned it's a lot harder to get on base when you have to run 50'. And it took them, and their coaches, several innings to catch on to that leading concept in a tournament involving seven teams from New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania with names like the MuckDawgs.

So naturally, the 'Canes started off by giving up four runs in the first two innings. They did wake up somewhere in the middle of the fourth, but it was too late. They finished Game 1 at the losing end of a 6-5 score.

That's when they started clawing their way back, rolling over Pro-Skills Silver by 16 to 3 and sending the Red Land Nationals to no-man's land, 11 to 3.

Next the 'Canes would face the Staten Island Aces, who should be called the Staten Island Asses. Their coaches, dressed in matching shades and Hawaiian luau shirts, looked like they belonged on the Sopranos. And before the game, I overheard one of them saying they have to rip our hearts out and show no mercy.

Alrighty then.

At first, things seemed fine. The Asses were up 2 to 0, and the Sopranos were actually cheerful. But one swing of the bat, and things change fast. Before they could make an offer that no one could refuse, the 'Canes who were on top 3-2.

That's when the Sopranos started protesting every call and making idiots out of themselves, annoying the umps. But it was still a tight game. They loaded up first and second. Then the second base runner headed for third. A throw came in to third baseman Justin Schmoyer and, in a cloud of dust, the runner was called out.

At that point, the Asses exploded. Two of the three coaches came out to argue the call, cursing and yelling. Both were ejected, but the players and parents were applauding them and jeering the umps.

I'll tell you a little secret. They were right. The runner was safe. I was sitting right by third, and Justin never touched the kid, nor did he have the ball before that little Ass was on third. Justin later told me that even he know the kid was safe.

But the ump called him out so he was out.

Baseball is kinda' like a courtroom that way.

Anyway, the 'Canes ended up winning the game by 1 run and would advance to the 'ship. The Asses were awarded a third place trophy, but the kids threw it on the ground and stomped all over it until it was shattered.

I don't blame the Little Asses. I blame the example set by the Big Asses.

After all that chaos, the final game was anti-climactic, but the 'Canes won, 9-6.

Team members include, in no particular order, David Bertolotti, Alex Laudenslager, Jake Wagner, Kyle Picht, Dat Lambert, Justin Schmoyer, Jake Unangst, Zach Besz, Jason Hughes, Harrison Fandel, Jarret Burcin, Josh Snead, Gabe Abino and Sam Kraihanzel.

Finally, A Baseball Game!

After weeks of rainouts, little leaguers were finally able to squeeze in a game on April 21, when Norhwest Bethlehem Cardinals visited the Southside Bethlehem Braves. After falling behind in the early innings, the 11 and 12 year-old Braves roared back and briefly led the game. But back to back homeruns by the Cards, over the fence, were too much for the Braves to overcome.

Echua Gaban's smile says it all. This Southside Brave was just happy to be playing. That's a victory all by itself.

Opening Day

To some of you, you know Spring's here when you see the Yanks or the Phils. To me, it's the kids. They still play the game for the pure joy of it.

Little League has started. Above, you see Dat L. at the mound for Northwest Bethlehem's LL Cardinals. He's one of four pitchers used. Their ace has a cool nickname. Harrison F. is known as "Harry the Heater."

The Best Time of Year

It's started. Magic time!

Emmaus Considers Baseball Stadium For Kids, Instead of Millionaires

In a two-part series, Pennsylvania Independent reports that under Republican Governor Tom Ridge and Democratic Governor Ed Rendell, taxpayers have invested over $1 billion in sportscenters like hockey arenas and baseball stadiums, including Coca Cola Park, home to the IronPigs. Without question, this public investment creates a lot of pride and spurs other kinds of economic development, but it's still corporate welfare. They make rich owners like Craig Stein and Joe Finley even richer. But who could possibly oppose publicly funding a baseball stadium for kids? Look no farther than Emmaus.

Yesterday, someone forwarded me this email from Otto Slozer, enshrined in Bill White's notorious Hall of Fame for reasons lost in the mysts of time:

"We are trying to put together a 'Strike Out the Stadium' rally Monday before the Council Meeting. We are going to meet outside Boro Hall at 6:10 until 6:30 then proceed to the Council Meeting Room to be seated. We believe events are about to move forward and the Council needs to see that we ARE STILL ON TOP OF THIS ISSUE!

"In case of rain, skip the rally BUT PLEASE GO TO THE MEETING!"

According to WFMZ, Emmaus' baseball fields are in such bad repair that high school teams have been playing in Lower Macungie over the past dozen years. East Penn School District wants to bring baseball back home, but it costs too much. And that's when somebody, somewhere, decided that the school and borough could work together and rehab one of the diamonds used by the Legion at Community Park.

Built in 1967, the current field has seen no significant improvements, other than the installation of lights, in 43 years. Dugouts are falling apart, the field is uneven and the diamond is starting to
deteriorate. So the idea was to combine resources and kill two birds with one stone. East Penn School District ($300k), Emmaus ($100k) and private sector donors ($50k) would build a stadium for the kids.

Borough Council has been besieged with a petition signed by 900 people, who mostly have no objection to fixing the field, but hate the notion of a stadium. One Emmaus resident even suggests that the Borough forget about baseball and instead build a skate park for the grunges and goths, where they all can do kickflips and nosegrinds.

Sounds good to me.

School Board member Julian Stolz, who voted against the stadium, complains there is no money and no real need. He likens it to "keeping up with the Parklands."

Over the past few years, my grandson has competed against those nasty Emmaus Hornets in baseball, football and basketball. No matter what the sport, those little thugs (most of them are juvenile delinquents) come ready to play. Just a few weeks ago, they clobbered the Bethlehem Steelers in youth football.

Enough already!

So I'm all for depriving these little monsters and screwing with any attempt to improve their high school programs. If they want a stadium so bad, let them do it the old-fashioned way. Become millionaires. Then Rendell will bring over a few cardboard checks faster than you can say Comcast.

Bethlehem 'Canes Win Berth at ECTB National Championship

On Saturday, it was so hot that even horse races were canceled. But 10 year-old boys from four different states were still playing baseball in Allentown's Fountain Park and Bicentennial Stadium. Parents were dropping like flies, but the kids had a blast, trying out big barrel bats they could not use in little league.

The Bethlehem Canes, a feeder team for Liberty High School made up of boys from several little leagues, played in soaring heat on Saturday and Sunday, only to be rained out on Sunday afternoon. They resumed play in Bally yesterday at 5 PM, and ended up winning their second tournament in a row. What's nice about this one is they now have a free entry to the national ECTB series in Orlando, later this year.

Justin Schmoyer the Destroyer, who had a new big barrel, hammered at least four moon shots in this tournament, including two in one game.

Here's their record over the weekend.

Defeated Brooklyn Park Bulldogs, 10-3. (This team is actually from Maryland and deserves a trophy just for their colorful uniforms).
Defeated Black Diamonds, 16-10. (This team is from Frackville, my mom's home town).
Defeated West Jersey Wildcats, 9-5. (Bordentown, NJ).
Defeated Triple Threat Bearcats 10-3. (Gilbertsville, PA).
Defeated Pro-Skills Baseball Academy, 10-8. (Cherry Hill, NJ. We though we had them and were up 10-2. Then they scored six runs in the top of the 6th.)

The short video above includes the Canes and Pro-Skills, hamming it up after the championship game.

Next week, football starts.

I have lots of stories to tell, but they can wait a day.

A Home Run Derby of Sorts

Last night, I finally made it to the Iron Pigs for their All-Star home run derby. It's my first trip this year. Ironically, I've missed most of their season because my 10 year-old grandson has kept me pretty busy going to his own baseball games. As exciting as it is to watch professional baseball, I'll take the magic of a kids' game any day of the week. A boy who has struggled all season can suddenly have a clutch hit. A slow runner could suddenly explode and steal home. A little catcher might just make that throw to second, shocking everyone, including himself. With runners poised on first and third, there could be a trick play. Some outfielder might make an impossible dive for the ball, and triumphantly pick up his glove, holding that ball. First and third basemen might run into fences and dugouts, going after, ad sometimes catching, foul balls. I've seen all of that this season, and more. But there's one thing more mystical than all of that.

Dugouts have become much more lively, with teams cheering on whoever is at the plate. Ten year-old boys have picked up a new type of fan they did not have last year. Ten year-old girls. One cute little girl cheered my grandson every time he was at the plate. "I just love Dat," she'd sigh, to no one in particular. I told him about this after one of his games. I was waiting for him to tell me he hated girls, but he instead asked me to point her out. As amazing as that is, there's something more mystical than that.

The bomb. Sending a text. The long ball. The bleacher burner. Going yard.

Especially when it matters. I've seen a few of those this season, too. But nothing like last Friday, when Lehigh Little League was playing Hellertown for the District 20 championship. These teams had both beaten and eliminated Northwest Bethlehem, where my grandson Dat plays. Naturally, I had to see this clash between Hellertown's Hellions and Bethlehem's Bombers. Besides, half of Lehigh's kids play with Dat on the Bethlehem Canes, a tournament team.

Things started poorly for Lehigh. They had home field advantage, but gave up five runs in the first inning. Now hurler David Bertolotti, who is only 9 years-old and actually gets stronger the longer he pitches, was throwing well. No reason to yank him. But the boys were making fielding errors and overthrows, something you can't do against Hellertown.

Instead of yelling at these boys in front of everyone, or picking a useless fight with the ump, manager Burcin kept his cool, not letting the kids get down on themselves. They are, after all, ten year-olds. In two more innings, thanks to consistent hitting from Kyle Picht and Jared Burcin, Lehigh had picked up eight runs and was suddenly ahead. But Hellertown, like Lehigh, was not prepared to go gently into that good nigh. They fought and clawed back with solid hitting and wicked change-ups. The lead went back and forth until the score was tied at twelve.

That's when Sam Kraihanzel came to the plate. Sammy is that rarest of creatures, a long ball hitter. What's more, he's a clutch long ball hitter. I've seen him hit a few in tournament play. But nothing like Friday night. He sent the very first pitch tossed at him into deep left field. It sailed over the fence marking the end of the field. It then continued to soar, nailing one or two sea gulls, until it collided about 12' high with another fence serving as a buffer with another field. But for that fence, Mr. Spalding would have screamed for at least 300'.

Just like that, the score was suddenly 13-12. Magic.

"I just love Sammy," sighed the very same girl who just a few weeks earlier was in love with Dat.

After his four bagger, Sammy came out of the dugout to warm up a pitcher. His smile was worth a million bucks.

Lehigh would go on to add four more runs before finally tiring out. But really, it was Sammy's long bomb that took the wind out of Hellertown's sails.

So when the clouds opened up and rain cascaded into Coca Cola Park last night, I did not mind the delay. Everyone huddled together, soaked, under hot dog and ice cream stands and even in rest rooms. People joked with each other. I would have liked to have seen Nazareth High's DJ King, who was invited to hit a few with the big dogs. But I left after about forty minutes.

You see, I've already seen the magic of a long ball hitter this year.