All of the cancellations of the high school sports seasons and youth baseball post-season tournaments have put me in a nostalgic mood.
For me, sports has always been a big part of my life. As far back as I can remember, I was either on the playing field or I was watching sports on television.
Like most of you that are of my generation, I can recall always being outside doing something related to sports, even when I was not actually competing for a youth or school team.
There were many times I found myself banging a rubber baseball (probably bought at TG&Y) off of my grandmother’s brick wall that separated her carport and the living room (much to the consternation of Ms. Verna), all the while making up a pretend baseball games in my mind.
There were also times that I found myself pretending to be part of the Philadelphia 76’ers or the Cincinnati Reds (both my favorites as a child) and hitting the game winning shot or home run. In fact I could imitate (at least I thought so) every batting stance of every starter on the Big Red Machine of the 70’s. (Think Joe Morgan, Pete Rose, George Foster, Johnny Bench, etc.)
Many days my two brothers would begrudgingly be pulled into one of my many fantasy Olympic Games’ contests. The games would include the javelin (with a broomstick), long jump (it’s true, white men can’t jump), shot put (any oversized ball would do) and the marathon (around OLQAS church and graveyard), just to name a few.
When I was deciding on what to do with my life after high school graduation, nothing less than being a coach would do. Now, after 25+ years of coaching, I am here writing about the same sports I coached and took part in as an adolescent.
So, when I see that kids across the state, especially here in Ville Platte, that are not able to get on the field to play the game the majority of them truly enjoy, it fills me with a sense of exasperation and melancholy.
Before we get too far into this, I understand the implications of contracting the Corona virus. I am most definitely one of those that are in the high risk category.
However, it has been two months since the shut down orders have been in effect. This means that children and teens all across the state have been basically bottled up in a cocoon. It is time to let them be kids again.
To me this means finding ways to allow the youth of this state and community the ability to enjoy their childhood. Whether we want to belief this or not, teens and children are wondering and worrying if and when they will have the opportunity to do the things that make them the happiest.
They want to know when normality will take control once again!!!
I acknowledge that there are experts that point to another surge in the virus itself. Whether or not that will take place, is yet to be seen. I know this, the current numbers are not what those same experts predicted.
At some point in time, we have to weigh the power of government against personal freedom and responsibility. We need to allow people to decide what situations they are willing to put themselves and their children into.
There would be no shame in parents not wanting their children to be in an environment they feel could cause harm. However, I believe that it is the individual rights of parents to make that determination.
If we can find innovative ways to weaken the chances of getting the virus when we go to Wal-Mart, the grocery stores and restaurants, then I am most certain we can find innovative ways for kids to enjoy playing sports once again. For the most part, we as a human race can be very prudent, judicious and ingenious.
So, if it means limiting the number of fans at a game or checking temperatures when persons enter the park, let’s get it done. It’s time for the kids to get back a vital part of their life.
As far as the concerns of those who are considered inside the vulnerable zone (especially the elderly), once again I believe families should be able to make their own prudent decision. With the technology we have today, the maw-maws and paw-paws can still enjoy the game without having to be there (think Facebook live).
For me it boils down to this: Don’t deny the kids the chance to play!!!
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Tracey Jagneaux
Sports Editor