Letter to the editor
To the editor:
April 20 was the opening day for the baseball and softball season in our community. I went to the HEWYBL opening day ceremony and I believe it was the nicest one I have ever attended. Upon arrival I noticed immediately the enthusiasm and lightness of spirit as people moved about. Players were looking for their coaches, lining up with their team for their turn to march onto the field. Many people were sipping their coffee from the concession stand. Others were viewing sports-related merchandise at another stand. Organ music played familiar songs. Even the weather cooperated, which is unusual based on previous opening days.
The Kreps School band took over the sound waves in the air as it proudly announced the beginning of the event. When the music stopped, a soft-spoken man at the microphone welcomed everyone to the ball field. "For those of you who don’t know me, I am the president of HEWYBL." And truly indicative of his self-less nature where this league is concerned, he went on to acknowledge the many people who have worked so hard to prepare for this season, without telling us his name, Cliff Sachs. I met Cliff many years ago through HEWYBL and have known of his dedication to the league. He has done many good things for this organization and I hope he will continue for a long time to come. The league put on a fine show for us this year.
After the introductions, each team was announced, greeted by our special guest Boomer, from the Trenton Thunder organization, and jogged around the bases to find their spot in the outfield. With the exception of one team who, led by the coach, tackled our special guest Boomer, all the teams showed that they live by the league’s motto, "Good sportsmanship is practiced here." Fortunately, Boomer did not appear to be hurt. Knowing Cliff, I have every confidence that the Trenton Thunder will receive an apology from the league for this unsportsmanlike behavior and assure all of us that such inappropriate behavior will not happen again.
When all the teams were on the field, it was time for the "flag presentation." A huge flag was carried in by six men from the sidelines to the infield. I was awestruck by the reverend silence. It was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop … on the grass! And then the Kreps School band, under the direction of the retiring Mrs. Bohrs, did an outstanding job of bringing me to tears with "The Star Spangled Banner." As the music played, my eyes panned across the outfield. Every person I saw, big or small, had their hats in their hands, over their hearts.
I am proud to have a child playing in this league and to be a part of this organization. And I am especially proud of its motto "Good sportsmanship is practiced here." Those are words which every organization should live by, whether it’s a sports league or the local PTA.
Marianne Nicklaus
East Windsor