Respecting ALL Our Sports

We have many sports at our school; some succeed better than others in terms of wins and losses.  Some sports are more popular than others, and some appear more exciting than others.  Many poke fun at friends for playing this or that sport, but it seems that baseball receives the brunt of the jokes.  In recent years the baseball program has not been as successful, and people have chosen to focus their attention and comments on that. 

            Friends are a big part of our lives.  When they start insulting a hobby or interest of ours, it hurts.  This is what happens to many baseball players, especially after a bad loss.  It almost seems that people want us to lose just so they can have their fun.  When we do win, they say it's because of luck or other silly reasons. Occasionally, we have an article written about us in the newspaper.  The articles have rarely been very positive, which definitely affects our morale as a team and as individuals.  But to have the article also used to poke fun at us is hurtful and discouraging.  I personally know how that feels, having been mentioned in a recent article in a not so positive light. Players have been told not to pay attention to the media coverage of our team, and we try; but it is especially difficult when others read those comments and use them against us. 

I believe that there are several ways in which the baseball team can be better supported.  The first way would be not being made fun of for playing the game of baseball.  Also, it would mean a lot if we had better attendance from the school community instead of only from our parents and the softball girls (Don't get me wrong, we love having you there!).  When I attend a soccer or basketball game, there are usually numerous teachers and many more students in attendance. Maybe people don't realize that baseball offers the same thrilling and exciting moments as any other sport.  Being the last batter and driving in the winning run, throwing the winning pitch, hitting an over-the-fence home run, or making a diving catch are all great adrenaline-pumping situations which we have experienced as a team this season.  One example of such a moment occurred in our home game against Virginia Episcopal.  In the bottom of the sixth inning we had a runner on third, there was one out, and the game was tied at zero.  A pitch got past the VES catcher, and the runner stealing home slid under the tag to give us the lead and the momentum to win the game four to zero.  Thirdly, it would also be appreciated if we were encouraged rather than ridiculed the next day at school after a loss.       

            All sports have value in terms of team building, self-control, sportsmanship, mental discipline, physical activity, and perseverance.  One sport isn't really better than another; each one just has different ways of being played and different rules.  One of the main purposes of any athletic competition is to build the character traits mentioned; but a more important goal should be to bring honor and glory to God as we use the skills and abilities which He has given us.    We are also called to honor Him in the way that we interact with each other--on and off the field.

I hope that this article will make someone think twice before making a negative comment about baseball or any other sport. Let's strive as a school community to support and respect all the sports offered at EMHS.  Go Flames!!!

- Special Correspondent Chandler Hardy

Comments

[Rose Jantzi]

Thank you very much for that reminder Chandler.

[Amy]

This also goes for tennis! I just wanted to let everyone know that the EMHS Girls Tennis Team has gone undefeated this year in conference and this past Saturday, we won the BRC Championship! Thanks to fans: our parents, the guys team and a various others...but Hannah Stotlzfus wins!

[Connor Wolfe]

I would just like to thank Chandler for putting that bit of info out for the whole school to read. Baseball has been the most degraded sport. I have learned this from only one year at the school. Our team bonded very well this season and we improved our record tremendously from the past year and the team still gets critizied. I would just like to see more school support as Chandler said. Go Flames!