Stereotypical

Sports at my alma mater are sort of vague. Not that there aren’t any athletes, but that the athletes limit themselves. It has seemingly been a contagious theme for decades that basketball is the only sport that’s important. However that was initiated, may indeed but forever unknown. What is really unknown is when will that unjust cycle be broken. There are way too many athletes dedicating themselves to a sport that only has two rounds of a professional draft. Not that I am against basketball, I like imitating Jordan every once in a while myself. But when it comes to a future, I know that if I’m not one of those kids highly publicized by the age of 12 then my chances are very slim to make it anywhere let alone to a professional level. I have been around this area for quite some time now, and I can honestly say that some of the kids are quite talented. Due to them inadequately overly dedicating themselves, they never get the work in it takes to play a sport like baseball.
Until this past season, no one person can even remember the last time the school had won a baseball game. Even when I played, the coaches would move the few dedicated players aside just to play the basketball players because they were a tad more athletic and maybe a little more respected. Oh yeah, I did say a few dedicated players. Even the kids that played baseball took basketball more serious. There would be a conversation that goes something like, “come on, lets go play catch. Play catch! Baseball is for white boys, but we’re hooping around 5:30.” Unfortunately we’re implanted with thoughts like those, and they are honestly a shame. The last time I checked an African American, Barry Bonds, held the all-time home run record. Now there’s going to be somebody that’s going to say, “he took steroids”. To that person or people, Hank Aaron had the record before he did. Basically, it never matters about the color of our skin. What we have to remember is that dedication is key.
To that person that has those dreams of playing pro ball, then be a dedicated STUDENT OF THE GAME! Don’t be arrogant just because you can flash a jump shot, or because you can score 10 points in a dirt ball game. Develop a work ethic, and go for it with all you have. My only point, that I hope is well taken; use that dedication to give yourself deserving opportunities. Don’t limit yourself, and most certainly don’t do it in the aspect of playing what is supposedly a white man’s sport. Tell that to the Japanese, after they have won the WORLD Baseball classic its first two years. Tell that to a good friend of mine by the name of James Gillmore. When he first started playing, he couldn’t even catch a simple pop fly. But he used that dedication he had and by my senior year he smacked one about 380 feet over the left field wall. He scored yours truly so I had to give him that shout out.
Now of course, its not all the kids’ faults. Until a few years ago, there were zero programs in place to enhance any athletic possibilities. No little league, nor were there any summer baseball camps and there still aren’t any of those in place. Luckily we had a few brilliant minds that brought a community football team to a town that didn’t even own a football field. To the same town that could have probably built a football dynasty, but mysteriously chose not to. I suppose that will be a later topic. Just to keep it short for these old people in the area, give these kids what they need! They can’t go out there and do it themselves, so its up to you. Its not fair that we have just as much athletic talent as any school, quite possibly in the state, but because of stubborn, ridiculous, and pitiful so called leaders in the community we can’t supply these kids with the help and opportunities they need. Make something happen, immediately. I’m almost certain that there are several kids who’s life may actually be depending on that one opportunity. Just keep in mind, there will always be trouble out there whether these kids get things in place or not. There’s a reason detention and alternative classes are full everyday of every year. Maybe its time that coffee got smelled……………