OCR Text |
Show ' Four strikes? Dear Editor: I've played nineteen out of twenty games this Softball season. I've been to every practice, and even though I'm not as spry as I used to be I gave it my best at every game. I'm new to this area, so being a baseball lover -1 thought go on out and . play ball, you might get bruised (in more ways than one) but it's a good way to meet people and have fun. If I only knew at the beginning what was yet to come, I would of thought twice. The rules of the game are very clear -but even in winning some lady figured 4 strikes are fair. My last game last nite (because I'm going on vacation) ended with our team being defeated, not only by 3 strikes and all the rules but by one lady taking the 4th strike at our pitcher. Whether or not she was provoked I don't know -that's neither here nor there, but with the 4th strike at a friend she shocked not only us, but her own team mates. She's not alone in her childish way of dealing with anger - there were several times I witnessed violence on the field, but it never got as violent as it did last nite. I was hit in the back, not once but 3 times, when I had made a home run. My ego was hurt more than my back and after bringing it to the umpires attention I walked away. I came to this area almost two years ago, thinking boy! Utah is supposed to be a lot of close knit, well-reared, Christian families. That has held true still for many I've met, but I regret to say sportsmanship and healthy competition com-petition are not feathers in the caps of many in Vernal USA. The language that I've heard from young and old alike and the examples that have been set for my children and other children watching we adults?? play has been lacking to say the least! I've witnessed bats flying through the air, unnecessary roughness, language that would make a sailor blush, and coaches and umpires given dirty gestures. All of which I was able to shake off and continue playing. But last night was the icing on the cake. As much as I love the game, and got to know some beautiful people, this "lady" will not be a part of Vernal's Women's Softball League next year -sad. but true a few will always spoil things for others. Wilma from Western. Wilma Wilhamson |