Little League WS

[Its DJOver]

I would be utterly shocked if these kids, as soon as they arrive in Williamsport, weren't put through a 30-60 minute indoctrination about what the TV cameras want to see and what will get them expelled from the tournament without warning.

You sure?

http://dailysnark.com/13-year-old-little-leaguer-had-porn-star-listed-as-his-favorite-actor-espn-actually-aired-it/

[Pakuni]

You sure?

http://dailysnark.com/13-year-old-little-leaguer-had-porn-star-listed-as-his-favorite-actor-espn-actually-aired-it/

This kid belongs in the hero thread.

[dgies9156]

To criticize it as "faux sportsmanship," as dgies did a few posts back is quite cynical. I found the sportsmanship to be refreshing, and most seemed genuine to me.

But yes, I am always uneasy with lavishing so much attention on little kids. And I rarely like it when ESPN revs up the Hype Machine on anything.

I'm sure some media relations type briefed the coaches and players on what they were mandated to do.

I'll admit I toned down my criticism from what I originally had in here. I find the whole LLWS distasteful. One only has to see the whole nonsense regarding the Jackie Robinson LLWS team from a few years ago to realize how disgusting this whole thing has become. It stopped being for the youngsters and started being for the adults about the time the ABC/ESPN cameras showed up.

When it becomes about the children, let me know. I'll believe it when I see it.

[ZiggysFryBoy]

I don't like LL emphasizing the "world championship" aspect of their organization over the "recreation" aspect.  They are already selecting all star teams and playing tournament games by July 1.

If you are starting the all star teams and playing games by July 1, then you won't get out of your District.

These teams are playing year round, indoor hitting & pitching, tournaments all spring.  Some of the letter of the law leagues (West Madison, for example) might not start selecting team until the "official" start date for team selection, but 99% of these teams are already decided on before the "official" date.  Yes, they might have a "try out" for the all star team, but magically the same 12 kids will make the team.

As someone else mentioned, it is mostly about the parents now.

[MUDPT]

I'm sure some media relations type briefed the coaches and players on what they were mandated to do.

I'll admit I toned down my criticism from what I originally had in here. I find the whole LLWS distasteful. One only has to see the whole nonsense regarding the Jackie Robinson LLWS team from a few years ago to realize how disgusting this whole thing has become. It stopped being for the youngsters and started being for the adults about the time the ABC/ESPN cameras showed up.

When it becomes about the children, let me know. I'll believe it when I see it.

The Jackie Robinson story overshadowed the fact the Vegas coach used a pitcher who was literally shaking out his arm in between pitches and was obviously injured in the US championship game.   

My kid is still playing on small fields, so dont have any first hand knowledge.  But I think for the most part, the kids like it.

And wrong side of town. 

I coached in U12 in Middleton last summer.  We had two PTs and a sports med doc as coaches, safe to say we were following the pitch counts pretty closely.  Other teams were more interesting.  I thought you were east side cause you watched games at Wilson's? If I remember correctly.

[MU82]

I'm sure some media relations type briefed the coaches and players on what they were mandated to do.

I'll admit I toned down my criticism from what I originally had in here. I find the whole LLWS distasteful. One only has to see the whole nonsense regarding the Jackie Robinson LLWS team from a few years ago to realize how disgusting this whole thing has become. It stopped being for the youngsters and started being for the adults about the time the ABC/ESPN cameras showed up.

When it becomes about the children, let me know. I'll believe it when I see it.

Disgraceful ... disgusting ... jeesh, and here I rather enjoyed it.

Curious ... did you watch any of this year's LLWS or are you criticizing based upon some examples of bad stuff from previous years?

[Benny B]

You sure?

http://dailysnark.com/13-year-old-little-leaguer-had-porn-star-listed-as-his-favorite-actor-espn-actually-aired-it/

Positive.  There's no way that would have slipped past 98% of ESPN producers.  Well maybe not 98% of them, but at least not all of those who would have had a chance to kill it before it aired.

[dgies9156]

Curious ... did you watch any of this year's LLWS or are you criticizing based upon some examples of bad stuff from previous years?

My criticism is based on the fact that 12-year-olds are battling for a "world championship."

I am strongly opposed to any youth sports program that's set itself to be a televised orgy for adult egos. It isn't recreation and it isn't healthy competition. Nothing that puts 12 year olds on a world stage with millions watching on television is a good idea for anyone other than the adult egos that get fed by the results.

As I said, I'd rather be cleaning up dog poop than watch a moment of the LLWS.

[WarriorDad]

My criticism is based on the fact that 12-year-olds are battling for a "world championship."

I am strongly opposed to any youth sports program that's set itself to be a televised orgy for adult egos. It isn't recreation and it isn't healthy competition. Nothing that puts 12 year olds on a world stage with millions watching on television is a good idea for anyone other than the adult egos that get fed by the results.

As I said, I'd rather be cleaning up dog poop than watch a moment of the LLWS.

These kids are exploited and should be paid I say!!!   Does this need to be colored blue?