May 6, 1984

Sports Desk 985-2131

SPORTS BUSINESS « CAREERS REAL ESTATE

A PERSONAL VIEW OF LITTLE LEAGUE

You can't play in the rain

RED ROBINSON

RAIN IS playing hayoc with little league schedules all over the North Shore.

It is reminiscent of the stormy season of 1982. I can recall visiting friends in Novato, California in 1980. Novato is 45 miles north of San Francisco. During my visit, we went to a little league game at a local park. There in the midst of the roll- ing California hills, was a baseball field with lights befitting a major league

stadium.

Also included in the park layout was a full clubhouse for the young players and recessed dugouts like the big league teams. When you have facilities such as these, almost ideal weather condi- tions, you can understand why baseball is such a strong

sport in the southern United-

States.

We have to contend with less opulent fields and un- predictable weather condi- tions. It’s a.good thing we have daylight saving time; otherwise, it’s doubtful little

league baseball could be played during the week. Our complaints however pale in comparison to the plight of the Baseball] Canadians at Nat Bailey stadium. General manager of the Canadians, Stu Kehoe stated his club had lost over $100,000 during eight rain-outs since the young season began.

Earlier this week, I made a tour of the playing fields in the Forest Hills area. Forest Hills which is one of the oldest organized little league districts.in Canada has 410 younsters from 6 years of age

to 16 playing baseball.

It takes over 155 adult volunteers to keep the league functioning. If you want to watch a true expression of ‘‘fun’’, take in a T-Ball game at the Canyon Heights school playground any week night. These tiny tots with their jerseys and baseball caps really typify the sport. They display enjoyment that can- not be found anywhere else in organized sport.

In T-Ball, there is a pitcher

See page B2

s J NEWS photos Eric Eggerteon

WARMING up for little league play are Melvin Matias and Balraj Dubre of the Nash Wanamaker team.

A Mothers Day Gift “that makes scents”

numerous patterns &

HOCKEY TIME!

a

CONCENTRATION on the game is important as Joanne Bowen prepares to throw the ball.

BODY WORK

REGISTER NOW FOR °64/85 LEAGUE PLAY

designs Columbian Hockey League Expansion

COLUMBIAN 4 RINKS

Choose Contact or Non-Contact Teams aN ~F Schedule Includes ot Saaseare + a 32 Regular Season Games

Mother’ s Day Specials

Massage Retlexology & Body Wrap *5O *50)

silver

2 Exhibition Games Plus

Season Runs Sept ‘84 Through Mid April 85

June 15th Deadline

ename! Playotf Games

7 sunspa tanning sessions

Beautifully cratted perfume atomizer A tasteful gift for that special Mom

from S21 95

Park Royal North Richmond Centre Mall

For Information Call GARY SCOTT Director Ot Marketing

291-0626

922-9650 276-2606