Click here to subscribe today or Login.
By JOHN BATTISTA; Times Leader Staff Writer
Sunday, May 25, 1997 Page: 1D
DALLAS — It may be Little League. To the managers, though, it’s larger
than life.
Many coaches believe Little League has more to offer than just baseball.
“I try to instill sportsmanship,” said Jay Tanner, 39, Dallas, an
optometrist for Pugliese Eye Specialists, Kingston. “Everybody’s a winner.”
The coach of the Back Mountain National League Reds said once teamwork is
established, it becomes easier to demonstrate baseball’s fundamentals of
hitting, catching, fielding and running.
Mark Engler, 40, Dallas, also contends managers should be teaching more
than baseball to 10- to 12-year-olds.
“I want them to set personal goals for themselves,” said the first-year
coach of the Back Mountain American League Rangers. “Each kid has to work
within their abilities.”
To hone their baseball skills, though, takes practice. According to Tanner,
that entails two-hour practices three times a week. Add the time it takes to
play two games a week and the total grows to 10 hours per week.
But with more than 1,000 children involved with Back Mountain Baseball,
Inc., from tee to senior ball, some children will have more athletic ability
than others. Tanner said the best way to spare children’s feelings is be
honest and treat them fairly. He said this approach emanates from another
group that is vital for Little League’s survival:
“Parents are what make it go.”
Rick and Ginny Ide of Pikes Creek have been associated with Harveys Lake
Little League since 1986, when their oldest son, Michael, played baseball.
The Ides were so happy with Little League they became more involved. Rick
Ide is in his first year as Harveys Lake Little League president, while his
wife works as player agent.
Ginny Ide is responsible for overseeing the Little League stand and food
purchases and its profits, which go to Harveys Lake operations, such as the
purchase of a new microwave. She also drives her younger sons, Matthew, 12,
and Steven, 10, to baseball practice and games.
Stan Shultz, 39, Dallas, regularly attends the games his son, Cory, plays.
Both have been pleased with Tanner’s coaching skills.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better coach,” Shultz said.
Fred DeSanto, District 16 Little League administrator, concurs.
“If the parents have a good experience, they want to bring their children
into the program.”
One child praised his coach for making Little League enjoyable.
“He taught me how to hit. Now I’m very good,” beamed Neil Buckman, 12,
Dallas.
No matter how good managers might be, some leagues want to be positive they
are accepting model citizens, said Robert Krehely, Plains Township, community
relations director for District 16 Little League. He said the district allows
the 30-plus leagues to decide who is capable of a manager’s position. Some
leagues even screen candidates using state police background checks.
Once accepted, managers have to be concerned with more than teaching
baseball. Ginny said coaches need to raise money for Little League costs —
roughly $5,000 for 200 Harveys Lake uniforms.
More than money, though, is needed for a Little League team to function.
Many managers need spouses to assist them by calling the team’s families about
extra practices or rainouts during the four-month season.
“The husband and wife have to work together to keep the team running,”
Ginny Ide said.
For Tanner, coaching his 11-year-old son, Kevin, is the only incentive he
needs.
Photos by LEWIS GEYER
Manager Jay Tanner gives a pep talk to his Back Mountain National League
Reds prior to their game May 17. About 1,000 boys and girls participate
annually in Back Mountain Little League.
Jay Tanner, Back Mountain National League Reds manager, rakes the infield
of the W.W. Kubis Memorial Field before a game. Tanner believes baseball
skills are honed through practice. Including games and practices, his team
puts in about 10 hours per week.
Back Mountain National League Reds manager Jay Tanner watches from the
third-base box as his team bats at the W.W. Kubis Memorial Field May 17.
Tanner coaches in Back Mountain Little League, one of 30 leagues in District
16, the largest district in the country.