Headlines From The Nation's Press

Each week we open the show with some of the most glaring and reoccurring stories chronicling the ugliness surrounding youth sports organized by adults; issues pertaining to our children's health and education. These headlines clap like thunder across the country signaling a warning to parents, coaches, administrators, lawmakers, and community stakeholders that widespread change is imperative.

My good friend, and frequent guest on the show, Professor Doug Abrams of the College of Law at the University of Missouri, will add you to his daily mailing list of these stories. Simply email Doug and ask him to add your name to the list.

The Main(e) Event

Minor League Baseball: affordable entertainment for the whole family, and where they still play for "love of the game."

One of the best and most affordable family entertainment venues in Southern Maine is Hadlock Field, home of the Portland Sea Dogs, the AA Affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. We'll talk with President and GM, Charles Eshbach; Director of Media and Community Relations, Chris Cameron; and players Keoni DeRenne and Dusty Brown.

We'll also have Brendan Thomas, Haley Osgood, and Celia Brown who cook hotdogs, sell fries and other great concession items. Plus, our own summer intern, DJ Abisalih, who produced this segment, and is in his third year with the Sea Dogs, working in ticket sales.

With box seat ticket prices at only $8, general admission tickets at $6, and just $3 for kids and seniors; close-to-the-action seats; really good and affordable food; a picnic area; unbelievably clean restrooms where you don't have to be afraid to take a child; players who are always available and willing to sign autographs; and lots of fun, family events going on, Hadlock Field is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening, and bring the whole family...without going broke!

Players at this level still play with the dream of "making it to the show," and still play for "love of the game;" and it shows! The main objective at this level isn't to win championships, but to develop individual skills and gain experience as a professional. This is a place to see tomorrow's big league stars...before they become unapproachable!

Red Sox stars, Jonathan Papelbon, Jon Lester, Josh Beckett,  Manny Delcarmen, Dustin Pedroia, and Kevin Youkilis all played for the Sea Dogs. Other stars that came through the Eastern League are Nomar Garciaparra, Trot Nixon, Carlton Fisk, David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, Derek Jeter, Greg Maddux, Mariano Rivera, Vladimir Guerrero, and Bernie Williams. And, did you know that Hall of Famers, Nolan Ryan, Mike Schmidt, and Warren Span all came through the Eastern League?

This show will provide a behind-the-scenes look at minor league baseball right here in Southern Maine, and we'll have a Family Pack of 4 tickets to give away to one lucky caller.

John Gerdy Returns

John Gerdy has been a frequent guest on the show. As for former college star and professional basketball player; former Div. I Associate Athletic Director; special consultant to the Knight Commission; college professor, researcher, and prolific writer, John is an outspoken proponent for he reform of interscholastic athletics.

John is also an expert on the influence of sport on our culture and society, and a good friend and colleague of mine. In this segment of the show, we'll continue talking about what it will take to restore interscholastic athletics to their proper role in the educational, moral, social, and public health mission of America's colleges and universities.

Provocative, informative, and entertaining discussion about "reclaiming the timeless value of sport and play" at the university, high school, and youth levels! Don't be afraid to call in and let us know how you feel and what you think.

The Coaches Corner

OK, so why is the Little League season over for 95% of our kids who are not "All-Stars?" The big complaint from high school and LL coaches is that the playing season (spring) is too short, cold, rainy, snowy, and muddy.  July and August are generally nice and the kids are out of school. So what if a handful are gone on vacation? Its a shame to see all of those LL fields vacant when they could be filled with boys and girls playing ball all summer instead of "chillin', or just hangin' out" until school resumes.

Regis' Rant

Its a question of priorities! We're willing to pay professional athletes $80 million over 5 years; raise $250,000 to put in artificial turf for the local high school; raise $100,000 to support the high school's athletic teams, all the while that we tolerate our teachers to be the lowest paid professionals in the land; our kids to be without math and science books; and the dropping of health and PE classes at a time when obesity is the #1 public health issue. So, what's up with that?

The Parent Trap

Question for Parents: "Will You Still Love Them If They Don't Win?"

Think about that!

We invite our listeners to call in and share their views.

Listeners can take part in the show by calling:

207-775-2217 or 1-866-811-9505.

or email me during the show at:

Regis@thecenterforkidsfirst.org