THE PROS AND CONS OF LETTING KIDS PLAY BASEBALL

Baseball ranks as one of the most popular sports in the world, with millions of fans worldwide
watching their favourite teams and players in action every night during the season. There are
many different levels to baseball, from the game played by school kids to amateurs, college
baseball and Major League Baseball. The latter is the pinnacle of professional baseball, with
the best teams coming from the United States, and we see countless MLB bets placed every
week.
MLB isn’t the only pro competition worth a look. There are also the South Korean and
Japanese leagues where the sport is every bit as popular and well supported as it is in the
US. The schedule is so busy that you will find at least one game of note taking place
somewhere in the world every day. That could be primetime on television or in the early
hours of the morning if you are watching from overseas.

Burning questions
Why is baseball so popular, and should it be considered a worthwhile and safe pastime for
children and young adults? The sport is enjoyed by millions every year, and the benefits of
playing sports far out-weighs the negatives. But when we are talking about kids playing
contact sports, questions are always raging at the back of our minds.
Will it be fun and inclusive for all? What are the injury concerns, and how can you be sure
that the team selected will take care of your child? These may seem like silly concerns of an
over-protective parent, but as any guardian of a young child already knows, we must tread
carefully with young minds.

This article aims to assist as our team of content writers list some of the important pros and
cons of playing baseball. By the end of the page, you will have a better understanding of the
benefits of playing the sport at all levels, from school to professional, but also some of the
things you should be aware of.

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Pros of playing baseball
Baseball is similar to many other popular sports in it is a great way to get and keep fit. Even
playing catch helps burn calories as well as being seen as a great bonding experience
between parents/guardians and their children. But improved physical fitness isn’t the only
positive to throwing a ball or swinging your bat.
There are many little league organizations and clubs available for kids, and that makes it a
perfect way to mix with new people and make new friends. Children forge friendships that
last many years and often extend outside of the sport. A common interest in baseball and a
shared competitiveness help bring together like-minded folk. When kids bond, it also paves
the way for their parents to build friendships.
Baseball isn’t the only team sport popular in the US, but it is one of the least expensive. Not
much equipment is required to join a team, with most clubs providing everything required to
practice and compete, including matchday uniforms, baseball bats, balls, gloves and
protective gear. Anything you need to purchase can often be picked up on the cheap, either
new or second-hand.
The final positive attached to kids playing baseball that we wanted to highlight was the
chance of gaining a college scholarship if the player is good enough. The earlier they get
into a team and the more they practice, the better they will become, and that scholarship will
start to become a reality.

Cons of playing baseball

We flag up a few things we think you should be wary of or, at least, keep in mind. Baseball
can lead to many injuries, especially as a player grows and the intensity of the sport
increases.
Then there is the time. Like any sport, it takes a lot of time and effort to bring your game to
the next level, and some parents believe that time is better spent studying at school. Getting
a happy medium is the goal, but that isn’t always possible, especially when kids become
wrapped up in their new favorite sport. It then falls on the parent to curb their enthusiasm a
little while keeping them focused.

WEST VIRGINIA WINS IN SUDDEN DEATH SCENARIO

NILES, OH- The West Virginia Black Bears took down the Mahoning Valley Scrappers in the extra-inning frame to win the 3 game series over the weekend.

Mahoning Valley took the first lead of the ballgame, with Zach Dezenzo reaching on a single and then scoring on a wild pitch. West Virginia then responded with a run in the top of the fourth with an opposite field jack by Ryan Hernandez. The Black Bears would take their first lead of the ballgame in the fifth inning, scoring 2 runs on a Gehrig Anglin single, and a sac-fly by Caeden Trenkle.

The Scrappers would spark a rally in the sixth inning to tie the ballgame up at 3. With runners at second and third base, Dezenzo banged a single back up the middle to plate 2 runners and tie the ballgame. This contest would go to the sudden death frame in the tenth inning, with West Virginia at the plate. The Black Bears had the bases loaded with 0 outs, and would walk it off with a single into left field by Marek Chlup.

The Scrappers have a long stretch on the road, and will not return home until July 22nd against State College.

SCRAPPERS WALK OFF TO OPEN HOME STAND

NILES, OH- The Mahoning Valley Scrappers walked-off the West Virginia Black Bears to win the series opener. It was a pitching duel throughout the ballgame, but the offense opened up late to win the ballgame.

Both starting pitchers were phenomenal through five innings of work. West Virginia starter Zach Bravo threw 5 scoreless innings which included 5 strikeouts. Mahoning Valley starter Michael Brewer tossed 5 scoreless innings as well, while retiring the last 14 batters in a row to end his outing. The offense then started to pick up when both teams went to the bullpen. Both teams we’re able to score a run in the sixth inning to get on the board.

In the ninth inning, the Scrappers got a lead-off single by Zach Dezenzo to put the game winning run on base. Brian Kalmer was hit by a pitch, and then Matt Archer put down a sacrifice bunt to move the runner 90 feet away from home plate. West Virginia intentionally walked a batter to bring up 17-year-old catcher Adrian Salas with the bases loaded. Salas banged a ground ball into right field to win the ballgame by a final of 2-1. West Virginia and Mahoning Valley compete again tonight in game 2 of the series. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05.

*Contributed By YSN’s Richie Juliano

Postgame Interview With Homer Bush:

Postgame Interview with Adrian Salas:

POLAND SET FOR REMATCH AGAINST BOARDMAN

BOARDMAN, OH- Poland just had a feeling they hadn’t seen the last of the Boardman All-Stars.  Thursday, they proved it.

Poland blasted past Austintown 12-2 in an elimination game on Friday to setup the championship rematch.

In the first inning, Poland got their offense started. Carson Martinucci singled on a 1-2 count, scoring two runs.  Poland tallied five runs in the third inning, batters contributing to the big inning included Dom Delloumo, Colin Simerlink, and Carson Martinucci, all knocking in runs in the inning.

Colin Simerlink was on the pitcher’s mound for Poland. The pitcher lasted four and two-thirds innings, allowing three hits and two runs while striking out seven and walking zero.

Bryce Freudenberg was on the hill for Austintown. The righthander went two and two-thirds innings, allowing 11 runs on ten hits and striking out one. Bryce Stovall threw three and a third innings in relief out of the bullpen.

Poland collected 13 hits. Colin Simerlink, Zachary Marantis, and Matthew Pint each managed multiple hits for Poland.

Karter Oyster went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead Austintown in hits.

POLAND 11U ADVANCES PAST CANFIELD

BOARDMAN, OH- Poland came ready to play on Thursday night thanks to eight runs in the second inning. The rally was led by singles by Thomas Tsudis, Sean Anders, and Gregory Hann, an error on a ball put in play by Ryan Metzinger and Teo Schiraldi, and a walk by Daniel Rohan.

Poland opened up scoring in the first inning. Daniel Rohan doubled on a 1-2 count, scoring two runs.

Ryan Metzinger led Poland to victory on the pitcher’s mound. The pitcher allowed three hits and two runs over four innings, striking out six.

Ben Zielinski was on the pitcher’s mound for Canfield. Ben lasted one and one-third innings, allowing two hits and eight runs while striking out two. Gino Cirruci and Brayden Kohler entered the game from the bullpen, throwing one and two-thirds innings and one inning respectively.

Ryan Metzinger, Daniel Rohan, Teo Schiraldi, Sean Anders, Keaton Gomon, Thomas Tsudis, Andrew Colla, and Gregory Hann each collected hits to lead Poland. The Bulldogs were sure-handed and didn’t commit a single error. Savva Hazimahalis made the most plays with four.

Poland will take on Boardman in the 11U District Championship Monday, July 11th at 6PM.

PURCHASE GAME PHOTOS HERE

 

HANGING WITH DR. COOPER

EAST PALESTINE, OH- To know Chet Cooper is to love him.  Pure and simple.

Dr. Chet Cooper who has been a staple of the Mahoning Valley scene for as long as most can remember has become synonymous with officiating, specifically Little League Baseball and Softball.

A veteran umpire of many levels, Chet Cooper has taken the skillset he’s learned on the diamond into the boardroom of Little League to help enhance the game wherever he can.  Cooper serves as the District 2 Little League Administrator and has the honor of hearing directly from coaches, fans, and players.  However, he also has the right to correct them (and does) every chance he gets.

Cooper does not crave power over people, he’s a servant leader with the best interest of kids, and the game of baseball at heart.

We chatted with Chet this week to discuss how he began his career in umpiring, and how he sees changes taking shape in the years to come in YSN’s special presentation of Hanging with Dr. Cooper.

PRESENTED BY

BOARDMAN PUNCHES TICKET TO CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

BOARDMAN, OH- A special team indeed.  Boardman kept their winning ways going on Wednesday night when they blanked a very good Austintown team 9-0 in the winner’s bracket showdown.

Boardman’s 12U All-Stars notched four runs in the second inning. The offensive onslaught by was led by Rocco Haas, Donovan Whippo, and Elijah Land, who each had RBIs in the inning.

One bright spot for Austintown All-Stars was a single by Bryce Stovall in the second inning.

Rocco Haas earned the victory on the mound for Boardman. The standout pitcher lasted five innings, allowing one hit and zero runs while striking out ten and walking one. Jack Gocala threw one inning in relief out of the bullpen and slammed the door shut with two strikeouts of his own.

Aeden DeMain took the loss for Austintown. The righty lasted two innings, allowing seven hits and seven runs while striking out one.

Boardman racked up 11 hits. Elijah Land, Jack Gocala, and Drew Starkey each had multiple hits for Boardman.  Drew, Jack, and Elijah each collected two hits to lead the team. Boardman was sure-handed in the field and didn’t commit a single error. Milo Wright had the most chances in the field with nine.

Bryce Stovall led Austintown with one hit in one at-bat.

Boardman will await the winner of Austintown and Poland for the championship game on Monday.

 

 

POLAND 12U BOUNCES BACK AGAINST CANFIELD

BOARDMAN, OH- Less than 24 hours after falling to Boardman in the opening round of the 2022 District Tournament, Poland lit up the scoreboard for 10 runs against their rival Canfield in a 10-0 victory.

Poland opened up scoring in the first inning, when Dom Delloumo singled on a 3-0 count, scoring one run.

Matt Pint got the start for Poland. The righty surrendered zero runs on two hits over two innings, striking out three in a dominant performance.

Hudson Erjavic led things off on the mound for Canfield. The right-hander surrendered four runs on four hits over one inning, walking one. Luke Brose threw three innings in relief out of the bullpen.

Joey Ignazio went 3-for-3 at the plate to lead Canfield in hits.

Poland racked up 11 hits. Dom Delloumo, Zachary Marantis, and Colin Simerlink each had multiple hits for Poland. Delloumo led Poland with three hits in three at-bats. Poland tore up the base paths, as Zach Marantis led the way with two.

SCRAPPERS SALVAGE SERIES SWEEP WITH 3-1 VICTORY

NILES, OH- The Mahoning Valley Scrappers salvaged the series sweep with a 3-1 victory over the State College Spikes on Wednesday night. The Scrappers trailed early, but a 3 run sixth inning jolted the Scrappers to a much needed win.

State College got on the board early and often with a run scored in the first inning. Outfielder Lyndon Weaver  tripled off the top of the left center wall to get the Spikes started. Weaver scored on a throw down to second base from the catcher. It was a pitching dual tonight between both starting pitchers, allowing just 1 combined run throughout the first five innings. The game opened up offensively in the sixth inning, with the Scrappers scoring 3 runs. Bobby Sparling drew a 2 out walk to reach base in the sixth. Sparling was then moved to third base on a double down the left field line by Reed Chumley. Ohio State Buckeye, Zach Dezenzo tripled into left center to take a 2-1 lead for Mahoning Valley. Dezenzo then scored on a wild pitch to make it a 3-1 lead.

The Scrappers held the lead until things got interesting in the ninth inning. Mahoning Valley reliever Ben Thompson walked 3 guys to load the bases up with 2 outs. Thompson prevailed with a strikeout to win the ballgame by a final of 3-1. The Scrappers return home for a weekend series against West Virginia starting on Friday night at 7 P.M.

Homer Bush Postgame Interview:

BOARDMAN 12U SWINGS PAST POLAND

BOARDMAN, OH- Drew Starkey put a bolt of lightning in the Boardman offense on Tuesday night when he hit a ball into orbit on a solo home run in the first inning.

Donovan Whippo had all the right stuff for Boardman on the mound, allowing zero runs and besting Poland  by a score of 4-0

A single by Colin Simerlink in the first inning was a positive for Poland.

Whippo was the winning pitcher for Boardman. The bulldog lasted all six innings, allowing three hits and zero runs while striking out four.

Zach Marantis took the loss for Poland.  Marantis went four and two-thirds innings, allowing four runs on ten hits and striking out four.

Boardman racked up ten hits in the game. Donovan Whippo, Patrick Groner, and Drew Starkey all collected multiple hits for Boardman 12U All Stars.

Boardman will turn their attention to Austintown tonight at 8pm.  If you can’t make the game, it will be broadcast on YSN.