Chew, Chew, Chew Changes

[MikeStrybel]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Baseball is not dead by any means, but I do not see kids like me playing it anymore as they do playing football or basketball. ESPN did a story on the lack of Blacks playing baseball and how many HBCUs had to recruit many non-Blacks to field a baseball team at the D1 level. Things have changed since the times Jackie Robinson played the game, that is for sure.

Peace

The opposite is true as well. I was asked to teach an umpire clinic at US Cellular field about a decade ago. I received the offer after they saw me work a Public League game that had a tense rivalry. I was the only white guy there at both events. I began my clinic with, "I didn't grow up around here. I'm a Cubs fan, so if you have questions, talk slow and I'll do my best to follow along." It worked and we now have a few more baseball umpires on the southside. I'm glad because the ball I saw played deserved top notch officiating. Inner city baseball is still there but it costs a lot more to play. I mentioned it here before but at the Niles North tournament years ago, a city team was featured. Upon reaching base they kids would put on leather work gloves. I inquired why and the AC said that the boys are used to playing on fields with glass, bottle tops and worse in the dirt. Even with a kitty litter infield they kept up the ritual. Environment shapes the future.