[officialtony]

I certainly didn't mean to ruffle any feathers. I love watching young athletes play the game for the love of the game and not for money - like the pros. I also love watching ( and being a part of ) the umpires who do it for the love of the game and not for money - like the pros. I certainly understand the disdain that some people have for the little guys becuse they don't enjoy that. There are a great many of us who do enjoy the sport for being a sport and not a business. If your love is not for the small diamond or for doing it because it promotes youth athletics, that's OK. But please don't begrudge us small guys our pleasures like small diamond ball or paying to be a part of a Cooperstown Dream game. It does sound like some people look down on those of us who don't get the Big Show stuff because we can't - or choose the Small Show Stuff. I don't mind that because I don't ever expect to be part of the Big Show. It's a place I choose not to go. Honestly, I'm probably too old and not good enough to get there anyway. I can live with that. Even with others looking down on me because of it.
Having said that, I still respect everyone's right to their opinion -and my right to disagre.

Thanks.