Losing Legends, Icons and Growing in 2014

This is a late but better than never.  It seems like when a year comes to a close, most if not all media outlets do a year in review.  As individuals, we pause to reflect on our own lives and make resolutions for the future.  The resolutions may life changing or they could end up on the scrap heap in our throw away society.

In reporting and broadcasting high school sports for the past 25 years, no two coaches dominate a conversation like that of Joseph "Jazz" Diminick of Mount Carmel Area and Robert Probert of Shamokin Area.  Diminick was a football and track coach often receiving statewide and national attention in football while Probert had statewide and collegiate coaching respect throughout the state and country.  They were also PIAA officials in various sports.

We lost both this past year.  I only played two games against Coach Diminick and none against Coach Probert.  Both were in the twilight of their coaching careers while I was in the dawn of reporting and broadcasting.  Most of their personal interaction with me came from genuine mutual respect.  Both actually liked my work and complimented me personally.  I even got to officiate with Mr. Diminick.

I can't speak for former players if they loved or hated playing for either.  I am sure as time went on in former players lives, they were glad they did with much appreciation.  I don't know what the world of scholastic sports will bring in the next half century in the coal region.  I knew at one time when you left the region, you were looked at in high regard due to the influence of these two men.  They will be missed.

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SO LONG HARRY'S

 

 

On August 16th, 2014, Shamokin said goodbye to Harry's Grille.  The eatery opened by Harry Sanzatto in 1941 and remained in the same spot operated by the same family for generations.  The restaurant was known for a variety of fine food at reasonable prices. 

 

 

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GROWING

 

 

2014 was a bridge for change in my and my sons' lives.   Jonathan, my younger of two boys, completed his final year of Little League Baseball.  Although sports are far from being the be all cure all, his final year and final play brought about some excitement and pride.

 

It started out with Jonathan not wanting to play in his final season.  It then moved to reluctant practice and playing a new position.  As the season wore on, the team started to click together.  Jonathan was having fun playing a kids game.  Isn't that what it is all about?  

 

In his final play as a Little League player, Jonathan had the walk off hit to deliver the league championship for his team.  Although most of this will be forgotten by players and fans who were there by opening day 2015, he was able to see that you can overcame anything with hard work and perseverance.  That is what he will keep in his trophy case.  

Joy in Mudville

 Strike Three!!!



In Ernest Lawrence Thayer's memorable poem Casey at the Bat, there is no joy in Mudville because mighty Casey has struck out.  This past summer, I was able to find some joy in my Mudville.  With the loss of the Keystone All-Stars last night at the Little League Series, I was able to put a season behind me.  More importantly, I have come away on a positive note even in defeat.

When Carl Stotz tripped over his lilac bush in 1938 in Williamsport, what he created out of necessity has become the largest organized youth organization in the world with 2.5 members. Carl's vision of providing a safe place for young boys to play baseball is the lasting one.  He wasn't a big fan of the corporate version.

The Shamokin-Coal Township Little League had been laughing stock for District 24 for nearly 30 years.  Small miracles were making a game last to the 5th inning.  This is not a knock against the kids that played, but an indictment over adults in the area having two leagues over a money issue. I knew the only way to South Williamsport was going to be by hopping in the family car and driving up Route 15.

I got to watch my son grow up through Little League baseball and facing it's trials and tribulations.  He was fortunate enough to be on 3 league champions when his team was only considered a favorite once.  He settled into the catcher's position for his league team and all-star team knowing his dad once played the position.  His all-star team ended up with two victories.  It was the first time since 1980 that his team won 2 games in districts.

As pictured above, his Little League career came to end on July 4th.  He happened to be the last out.  We were able to catch Keystone in the Section 3 tournament as fans.  Keystone has been playing a long time since July 4th.

It was nice to watch a local team make it to the Little League World Series.  Back in 1997, I watched a coworker coach his Railway Park league to the South Williamsport's paradise.  Whether you struggle to win a district game or have the talent to go all the way, most of the characteristics of the teams are the same.  Fathers trying to coach and be examples for the sons.  Boys and some girls playing a simple game of baseball with the neighborhood friends. Boys getting a chance for the first time to represent their community.  Players taking their swings and chances at fielding a ball. Take away all the fanfare, this is most basic part of the game.

Keystone will be remembered in their community forever.  Lost over time will be who they played and how many games they won.  What will be remembered is the efforts by the kids, coaches and parents coming together and uniting a community and state. Although my son only won two games in the local district tournament and he was the last out to end the dream, there was still joy in Mudville.

Pottsville Loses a Giant

Irvin D. Schappell passed away on Wednesday in his home.  For most Little League and District 24 fans Irv was the manager of the 1997 Railway Park Little League team that made their way to the big stage in South Williamsport.  In 1997, only four team made the Little League World Series.

For his many years of service, Schappell could have walked away from the game.  13 years later he was still a fixture at Railway.

Many towns across the United States have an Irv Schappell.  Men like Schappell are hard to come by in youth sports.  In today's world, many parents and coaches look out for their own well being at the expense of the rest.  They have hard time seeing the big picture.  Their own influence on the lives of children under 12.

The men like Schappell do what they do because they love to do it.  In 1997, glory found Irv.  God bless the Schappell family. He will never be replaced, but he will always be remembered.

Little League Season Ends

I haven't been blogging too much the past few months.  I have been very busy with baseball with my sons and umpiring from the high school level on down.  First of all it has been a rewarding season for a few reasons and I would like to highlight some of them.

First of all, both of my sons aged 8 and 11 won their respective league championships.  I know what your saying....winning is everything.  I my case for my boys to see was that hard work and perseverance paid off.  Both never missed a practice and worked at things other than at practice.  For my 11-year old, he has been practicing since January.

For both of my sons, the highlight came on my 8-year old's first playoff game.  With the game tied and heading to extra-innings, my son hit an inside-the-park homerun to give his team a one run lead. The game was far from over, as he had to come in and pitch.  He set the side down in order in the bottom of the 7th for the one-run win.

Again, the win wasn't important.

It was watching his older brother looking on in amazement as his younger brother performed under pressure.  After the game, there was a feeling of that's my brother and I am proud of it.  The older one even carried his younger brother's bat bag after the game to make sure he got everything packed.

The championships were great and may be the only ones, but what happened in between was just as special.

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As I continue to post more leading up to the high school football season, there have been many going's on with elections coming up and grass roots corruption in Northumberland County.  The Yanks are saying goodbye to two legends.  Commissioner Kurt Masser addressed his past and there is a changing of the guard in France. 

Hello Brazil in 2014, leave the horns in South Africa......congrats to Espania!!!