Tiffany Drake
Special Report
be between the ages of four and 18, or they can continue to play until they’re 22, if they are still enrolled in school,” he said. He said he believes little league nurtures healthy characteristics in children. “It teaches them a lot of the values and a lot of the ideals that we want our kids to grow up with,” Duke said. “Little League does it in a good environment where you have people all pulling together to help these kids have a place to learn these values.” Coach and RCWLL board member of five years Todd McCrea said he believes it is a heritage to be passed on by volunteers and coaches that want to teach children how to enjoy the game. “The experience for the kids is to just have a fun experience, and for most it is the free snow cone after the baseball game, win or lose,” he said. He also said he enjoys watching the children become confident, overcome adversity and excel under pressure. McCrea said the pinnacle experience for children who play in Little League is the World Series in Williamsport, Penn. “Every kid or adult who has played Little League dreams of going here,” he said. Michael Janecek said whether the youth progress in baseball or not, being involved with Little League is worth it. “Whether they become a fan, or play catch in the back yard with their kids one day, then that’s great,” he said.
22 • The Pine Curtain