THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 19, 1996 TAG: 9605170219
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 85 lines
I am writing to voice my concerns to parents of children who play minor league baseball at Bennett's Creek Little League.
For the last two years, a local rule prevented children from stealing home. Last week, the board elected to eliminate the rule. I voiced these concerns in a letter to the league president prior to the decision.
The rule was enacted to allow more players to get up to bat and to speed up games. Most importantly, I feel that it prevented children from getting hurt in collisions between the runner, catcher and pitcher. Also, I think it rewards hitting and allows managers to insert developing players at infield positions (third base).
Advantages to allowing stealing home, as I understand it, are: It makes the game more like real baseball, teaches pitchers and catchers to cover home and teaches children to steal home.
I have been coaching in minor league for five years, and this rule has worked great. It speeds up games, allows more children to bat and encourages children to knock in runs, not steal them.
We have 11-year-olds against 7-year-olds at this level. If changing this rule will result in any additional injuries to our children, I cannot see any positives. As a league, I would have hoped that we would put the safety of our children at the foremost of our priorities.
Finally, I read the purpose in our Little League handbook, and it spoke of ``healthful activity, good leadership, teamwork, goals, fair play and helping children become good and decent citizens.'' It did not say anything about stealing.
Mike Nierman
1996 ``Yankees'' coach
Martin Road
Suffolk Parent `primary teacher' of his children
The issue: Christian conservatives, masters of grassroots strategy, want to be heard in local and national elections, yet disputes over which issues to pursue fragment their voice.
Values are indeed No. 1. Those values are taught first and foremost at home; however, my son is at school during the day. Values also are being taught in other places, such as the school.
My role is to represent Christ biblically, to be a responsible citizen, one who demonstrates respect for others, though not always agreeing. As a biblical Christian, I defend the right and responsibility to train my children to honor God and the Scriptures. I defend the right to be the primary teacher of my children.
I deeply resent the idea that the city, state or federal government is better at teaching or training my children in the basic skills for living. Educators are indirectly hired by taxpayers. Do you tell your boss what you are going to do, or does he tell you?
Jonathan P. Brown
Bradford Drive
Suffolk `Meals' serves special care to her relatives
Over the past few years, I have encountered worries that many of my fellow ``baby boomers'' have been facing: the health, care and well-being of aging parents.
When my mother and grandmother, both lifelong Suffolk residents, were unable to shop for or prepare their meals without a great deal of hardship, Suffolk Meals on Wheels became a ``life-saver'' for our family. Since I live too far away to help daily, Meals on Wheels has definitely relieved me of a great deal of stress by providing delicious and well-balanced meals.
My mother, living alone now, has continued with the program. I do not worry if she is receiving the proper nutrition so important for good health. Believe me, that means a great deal!
From first-hand experience, Suffolk Meals on Wheels serves an important function for the area's citizens. The folks behind it, Bee Norris and her wonderful staff and volunteers, are to be highly commended. They not only do a professional job, but they also demonstrate genuine caring and concern through their extra visits and calls. They are truly nice folks! Suffolk Meals on Wheels is special, and I don't know what we would do without them!
Patricia A. Droves
Ridge Road
Stafford by CNB