The Little League World Series is arguably one of the most enjoyable sporting events, as the true image of baseball is captured through the raw emotion and talent of the kids, untainted by the horrors that inhibit our national pastime. The joy that these kids play with is impossible to describe because they value what really matters in baseball - having fun. Baseball is a universal language and has been a symbol of unity for a multitude of generations. There is no money involved or players worrying about themselves and their stats. No agents are present to turn the game into a business and spoil the love of the game. There isn't a discussion of whether the All Star Game MVP cheated. Just baseball. Pure baseball. The one that you and I recognize as the main source of happiness in our childhood. These kids represent more than their towns and countries. These kids represent the world as a whole. In the Little League World Series no racism or hatred exists. Williamsport can be called a Utopian society as kids from 9 different countries live together in a small town, united by baseball and friendship.
The highlight of the World Series for me was watching Uganda become the first team from Africa to win a game. Though it may sound petty, the win was extremely special as it represented that the world is moving forward and maybe there is hope for 3rd world countries. The Ugandans have become the most lovable children in America. Out of all the teams, these kids represent the love of the game the most. These kids have virtually nothing. As much as I was full of joy yesterday, I was very disheartened as I realized that soon these kids will return to their village in Uganda and return to their lives of hardship. The dorms they stayed in for the Little League World Series was probably the best accommodations they have ever experienced. No matter how much publicity ESPN gives them or how much money is donated, I find it to be very upsetting. Kids shouldn't have to live this way. One kid was talking to an analyst by a water fountain and was filled with amazement when he saw the water was clear, rather than the brown he was used to. The young man went on to say how his job was to go to the watering hole and gather water for his family after school. The boy was extremely lucky to even have a family, ESPN provided a stat which read that roughly 60% of the population is orphaned. Baseball may be all these kids have as 3 out of 5 kids don't have parents and are likely extremely poor as well. I have never been so excited for a team to win in my life. I wanted to burst into tears because I was ecstatic for them and their country.
One of the main things I had a problem with was that when the kids introduce themselves and say their favorite player, a good portion said Melky Cabrera. As much as I have never been so happy for a team to win, I have never been so disappointed in someone. As most of you, Melky had been having a breakout season in which he was leading the majors in hitting, and culminated with an All Star Game MVP. Thousands of these kids looked up to him, and he let them down. Major leaguers are supposed to be role models for these kids but they are complete opposites. The major leaguers should imitate the kids and their good hearted competitive nature. What annoys me the most is that these players think they can get away with cheating. On the jerseys for the little leaguers, there is a patch that reads, "I won't cheat!" These kids recognize their blessings and know that cheating is not an option, and the only way to success is hard work. Obviously if you are good enough to reach the majors, I don't see a purpose to cheat. I am just extremely disappointed in Cabrera that words cannot express.
The UN should model Little League, as unknowingly they were able to make cultures coexist and be united. I know that the problems our world is experiencing are of no comparison to baseball, but there are some philosophies that can be imitated to provide a better world for everyone. Little League has created a Utopian society that writers such as Lois Lowry and Ray Bradbury have tried to capture and I can't think of any other situation where ethnic divisions were ignored and friendship flourished. Baseball is truly a universal language.
The highlight of the World Series for me was watching Uganda become the first team from Africa to win a game. Though it may sound petty, the win was extremely special as it represented that the world is moving forward and maybe there is hope for 3rd world countries. The Ugandans have become the most lovable children in America. Out of all the teams, these kids represent the love of the game the most. These kids have virtually nothing. As much as I was full of joy yesterday, I was very disheartened as I realized that soon these kids will return to their village in Uganda and return to their lives of hardship. The dorms they stayed in for the Little League World Series was probably the best accommodations they have ever experienced. No matter how much publicity ESPN gives them or how much money is donated, I find it to be very upsetting. Kids shouldn't have to live this way. One kid was talking to an analyst by a water fountain and was filled with amazement when he saw the water was clear, rather than the brown he was used to. The young man went on to say how his job was to go to the watering hole and gather water for his family after school. The boy was extremely lucky to even have a family, ESPN provided a stat which read that roughly 60% of the population is orphaned. Baseball may be all these kids have as 3 out of 5 kids don't have parents and are likely extremely poor as well. I have never been so excited for a team to win in my life. I wanted to burst into tears because I was ecstatic for them and their country.
One of the main things I had a problem with was that when the kids introduce themselves and say their favorite player, a good portion said Melky Cabrera. As much as I have never been so happy for a team to win, I have never been so disappointed in someone. As most of you, Melky had been having a breakout season in which he was leading the majors in hitting, and culminated with an All Star Game MVP. Thousands of these kids looked up to him, and he let them down. Major leaguers are supposed to be role models for these kids but they are complete opposites. The major leaguers should imitate the kids and their good hearted competitive nature. What annoys me the most is that these players think they can get away with cheating. On the jerseys for the little leaguers, there is a patch that reads, "I won't cheat!" These kids recognize their blessings and know that cheating is not an option, and the only way to success is hard work. Obviously if you are good enough to reach the majors, I don't see a purpose to cheat. I am just extremely disappointed in Cabrera that words cannot express.
The UN should model Little League, as unknowingly they were able to make cultures coexist and be united. I know that the problems our world is experiencing are of no comparison to baseball, but there are some philosophies that can be imitated to provide a better world for everyone. Little League has created a Utopian society that writers such as Lois Lowry and Ray Bradbury have tried to capture and I can't think of any other situation where ethnic divisions were ignored and friendship flourished. Baseball is truly a universal language.
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