Sunday, June 8, 2008

"It's All About the Kids"

That's a quote from Mary Beattty, Secretary & Treasurer of the Wellsville T-Ball league from this morning's ER. In my Catching Up column I intended to give a tip of the hat to Miranda Corbin. She is the lady that approached council last week seeking permission to start a baseball and softball league for kids too old for t-ball.

From the Stefanoff article I learned that the t-ball league has been around for three years and they played their first regulation game this past Saturday. There are currently four teams in the league. Dex Thrasher is the league Commissioner. Holly didn't mention who won but it's not important. The important aspect is that it is an activity for some of the ville's youngsters. It's an organized learning opportunity that they can have fun with and look forward to. Just read the heart warming story on young Jaiden Foden in Saturday's ER. I don't know Jaiden but he is already a hero in my book.

Mandy and Jay Corbin hope to extend the league to include teams for older kids. They are envisioning both baseball and softball teams with three different age groups from 10 to 18 year olds. Mrs. Corbin learned she didn't need permission from Council. Joe Soldano was quoted as saying "you don't need our blessing".

From what I gather the t-ball league is already organized to the point of fielding teams with uniforms, a schedule and fixing up the facilities. I sincerely hope that both groups can work together for the expansion. The t-ball folks have already gone through the motions to accomplish what they set out to do. They could be a big help with what they learned to assist in the expansion. They'll have to get together for scheduling when they get to that point.

In the meantime they are looking for sponsors. Maybe the different clubs in the village can find it in their hearts to kick in for this worthwhile project. Many moons ago I played little league for the Elks team. They are planning some fund raising functions but that probably won't cover everything.

Like Mary said "it's all about the kids" and those kids are our future. A tip of the hat goes out to all of you folks involved. Thanks for your efforts. You certainly have my blessing.

ole nib

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Like you Nib, I remember, as a kid, playing baseball. From Minor league to Little league. I started out playing for K of C or Knights of Columbus. Then there was Batman. Lots of fun and we learned a lot. It was good wholesome fun that kept us busy and out of trouble. And this didn't involve a Ps2 or XBox, or any of it's kind. We didn't have T-Ball back then, sure wish we did. The awards banquets we had, up at the pavillion and down at the K of C hall were a blast. I can still remember, if you can believe it, hiking up to Hammond Park. I would head up to 15th St. and climb over the fence to gain access to the big drain pipe that ran under Rt.7. We would straddle the water and run the length of the pipe to get to the other side. After a quick look for salamanders at the little creek at the other side, we would then hike up the big mountain side to reach the backside of Hammond Park Ballfield. After a hard day of practice, we would start our decent down the same way. I can't imagine letting my son do this nowadays. I wonder what the statutes of limitations are for child endagerment, Ha Ha. I guess it just went with the era, we used to do all kinds of scarey stuff back then. I won't even mention sliding down the big crabgrass hill, on sheets of cardboard, that drops off onto the Aten Ave Exit. I think my dad would still be chasing me around the yard if that got out. Luckily he doesn't own a computer.
Anyways, to wrap this story up, good luck to all the fine people involved in the youth baseball league. I've always tried to help out when I can, a few yrs back we even cosponsered a team. Well, we're back in town now and my offer still stands. We can do all sorts of fundraisers to raise some needed funds. Please don't hesitate to call me. The number's the same, 532-0900. You'd be surprised at how the people step up to the plate ( pun intended ) when the kids are involved. Nick Dalonzo

Anonymous said...

I salute Mary Beatty, Jay and Miranda Corbin, Dexter Thrasher and all the other parents and volunteers. We need more baseball leagues in Wellsville. Years ago, there were always 3 or 4 leagues going. I was lucky enough to play 9 years of summer youth baseball, and 3 years at the high school level. Now is the time for these kids to learn the game as we did years ago. Believe me, youth league is where you learn the game, not at the high school level, you should already know the game by then. When they get to be in high school they should know the game inside and out. The numbers are down at the high school level partly because kids did not get to play and learn the game when they were young. We have little leauge football, youth basketball, youth track, as well as many girls youth leauges. Believe me, you all deserve a pat on the back for getting involved in T-ball, and now trying to get baseball going. If little Jaiden Foden is not enough to get kids motivated to play, I do not know what will. God bless you Jaiden, and kick butt in T-ball. Best wishes, and if there is anything I can do to help out with the league, please do not hesitate to contact me.



Joe Soldano

Anonymous said...

Been gone from the Ville for a long time....didn't realize there was no little league....wow! Best times of my life! Gotta love Tony's Cafe, KC's, 24 hour laundramat, Elks, VFW, Meade's, seeing big Wayne Wright...all 6'3", 230 lbs., with mustache and beard at 12 years old, pitching from 46 ft.away.
Nib...do you know where I can send a donation to help?
Ted

Anonymous said...

I just want to say thanks to all who organized and sponsered the Wellsville T-Ball League. Thanks for giving my son Jaiden Foden the chance to expand his abilities and to show his-self that he can succeed in anything that he does. I was a little hesitant at first because of my own fears, but i see now that i will let him challenge whatever it is that he wants to. He is and has been such a blessing to me and his whole family, i just keep asking myself, "where would i be without my lil man?" He has touched alot of peoples hearts and i appreciate all that recognize him for being special and calling him them heros. I think it will keep his head up for all the years ahead of him....Thanks Dexter Thrasher and Gary Thompson for helping him and accepting him to play with you and the teammates. I really appreciate how not one child has said anything to Jaiden about his Syndrome. I hope he inspires other little children with and without physical challenges that anything is possible through God. He is a champ in my book and always will be. He has been strong every since birth and i just love him to death. I pray that he keeps his strong attitude all through his life. Thanks and much love Teresa Foden (Jaidens Mommie)

************* said...

Ted - Off the top of my head I would say you could send your donation to Mary Beatty. She's a good person and even if you don't want to donate to t-ball she would get it to the right people. Mary lives on Commerce. In the meantime maybe someone involved from the ville can advise us on where donations can be sent.

ole nib

Anonymous said...

Hello, Thank you all for taking the time in reading this and giving us your prayers. As for Jaiden, what an inspiration to all of us. I do not find myself too often gettin into a conversation of any sort without me leading it into t ball. I love these kids as if every single one of them was mine. Kids are gifts from God and we as the the whole league try our best to treat each and every one of them as gifts. I also want to send a big thank you for all the help that I get to help this go so smooth. Just to mention a few that help me endlessly are Gary (buddha) Wilson, Kenny Durbin, Joe Ramos, Mary Beatty, Chris Amato, and this is just to mention a few. There are so many people that make this happen. We have had great coaches that have stepped up and gave their time and effort to these kids, such as Tracy Anderson, Earl Work, Jay and Mandy Corbin, Chuck lockhart, Tonya Dalrymple, and many many more.....I appreciate all that you do for these kids.As for donations, you have no idea how much any sort of donation would be appreciated and helps out these kids. You can contact myself (Dexter Thrasher) at 330 532-2082 or Mary Beatty at 330 532-9036 with any questions. And one last thing, IF YOU CAN FIND ANY TIME TO COME CHECK THESE KIDS OUT WE HAVE A GAME MONDAYS THROUGH THURSDAYS AT 6 PM AND SATURDAYS AT 11 AM, WE WOULD DEFINATELY APPRECIATE IT AND LET THESE KIDS TOUCH YOUR HEARTS AND LET THEM KNOW THAT THIS COMMUNITY CARES AND ARE BEHIND THEM. Again thanks for your time and always let these kids know that they are your heroes and you are proud of them because they are our lil gifts from God. Thank you Dexter.

Anonymous said...

I would like to take the time to say Thank You for those of you who are coming out in support of "OUR KIDS"...It makes my heart feel good to know that one small little group in 3yrs. time have tried to carry a torch for these children who are yours, mine and ours..
Also a Tip Of The Hat to Dexter Thrasher Jr. for stepping up to the plate to get T-Ball going again in Wellsville.
It has not been an easy journey but we have made the best of it for the "KIDS" and we have worked with what we had.
Once again I would like to say Thank You to the Sponsers who have helped us along the way, we could not of done it without you. And for the Local Wellsville Business who have helped us to. I wish that you could see inside my heart how proud I am when I drive into Hammond Park and look over and see the two brand new Dugouts coming alive with the help of Budda Wilson & Cat Carter. They have put in alot of hours trying to make this happen. Never one complaint from them. I hope that their hearts feel as good as mine does. They deserve a hugh "THANK YOU". "This One's For The Boy's."
And too little Jaiden I am so glad that you are apart of Wellsville T-Ball and hopefully we in some way are helping you to start your Journey in Life. You are a Real Champ in all of our "HEARTS". Go gettem Jaiden!
In closing I am getting to see a Dream Of Mine come true. And my Heart just dances inside to see the faces of these young kids proud of what they are becoming.

From My Heart To Yours,
Mary Beatty

Anonymous said...

Would like to say a big THANK YOU to my brother (Coach Dexter). And to all the Parents, Coaches, And Helpers of the lil kids of the ville. This is something great for all the lil kids in the ville. There is alot of hard work involved in getting all of this together. That would be great if they get a league going for older kids, I as a parent of two boys think that would be great . My oldest is 11 and he plays in the league in Chester do to the fact that there is no baseball in the ville. LET'S GET BASEBALL IN THE VILLE!!! Good Luck to all the T Ball Teams. Especially to Rof Inc.
(My Nephew Skyler's Team) GO Skyler
Good Luck Wellsville T Ball !

Kristi (Coach Dex's Sister)
*Bring baseball Back to the Ville*

Anonymous said...

Amen to everybody who has been supportive on here for those involved in T-Ball, and for those who are trying to bring back baseball to the league. As I said in my other comment on here, work together as you are now, and keep the kids number one like you are now. If you get baseball started next year, I would be happy to be involved in some way. I coached T-ball 3 years ago when my daughter played for Perpetual Bank, and it was a trip, I enjoyed teaching the kids, and watching them have fun. As I said before if there is anything I can do to help now, don't hesitate to contact me. Again God bless all the kids, and God bless all the volunteers.

Joe Soldano

Anonymous said...

Do you often wonder what your children will do you when they grow up? I tried to raise my children to be kind and help others. I am truly proud of the way Dexter Thrasher has grow up to
be a really great father and the love and compassion he has for the kids that play T-Ball. He puts
his heart into everything for them.
Often there were times he wasn't
sure if he able to do things to make it all better. But he will not give up he is very dedicated and willing to do anything for any of them. I am willing to help in any way that I can to help this organization be a success. I am also very proud of Skyler,my grandson,
he is growing up like his dad. Also the dedication that Dawn, my daughter-in-law, gives to helping them with support and doing whatever is needed when asked. I am very excited to sponsor the ROF
team. I also would like to thank everyone involved in this event without all of you it would not be possible to continue to grow and become the best. See you at the games!
Dexter's mother