|
Published: August 08, 2007 11:38 pm
TIM SCHMITT: The next Bonds? He could be tough to find in this world
COMMENTARY
By Tim Schmitt
tschmitt@gnnewspaper.com
BUFFALO —
Jonathan Phillips pushed his glasses higher on the bridge of his nose, hiked up a pair of bright orange shorts and focused on Lindsay Catalano’s words with the sun beating down Wednesday at Dunn Tire Park.
Forget Barry Bonds’ historic shot, A-Rod’s milestone or Tony Gwynn’s induction into the Hall of Fame. Phillips’ concentration was on Catalano, a Buffalo Bisons intern and Kenmore native, who painted a mental picture for the 8-year-old.
Phillips was to pretend a fly ball had been knocked to right. Catalano would tell him the ball was in the air, he’d float a few feet down the third base line, then hustle back to third and tag up for home.
When she bellowed, he listened, streaking for the plate with glasses bouncing.
Things went well for a few feet, then Phillips slowed. He veered out of the baseline and onto the grass. He missed home plate.
Hours removed from the fall of one of the world’s greatest sports records, Phillips didn’t just look a kid on foreign soil. He looked like a kid on foreign soil who didn’t care to be there.
Surprised? You shouldn’t be.
The romance between kids and baseball — especially inner-city kids and baseball — has gone the way of Brad and Jen through the past decade. Phillips, part of a group from the Niagara Falls Housing Authority’s Summer Enrichment Program, told me he wasn’t sure what he was supposed to do on the field. He later said he’d never even played baseball.
The reason?
“I don’t have a ball or a bat.”
Where kids like Phillips used to flock to diamonds, they now find a court. Phillips said he prefers basketball over baseball, even though he said the New York Yankees were his favorite sports team because “they represent New York.”
He added that he never watches the Yanks because he can’t catch the games.
But Phillips is a perfect example of a kid who’s got no chance to become the next Bonds, even if he’s got the skill. As part of a generation that’s been passed over by the national pastime, or vice versa depending on who you ask, the chance to wear pinstripes is remote.
In 1975, 27 percent of Opening Day big league rosters were black. Last year, that figure had fallen to less than nine percent.
And with little guys like Phillips consistently picking hoops over a bat and glove at Hyde Park, those numbers have little chance of improving.
“We’re trying to give kids who might not have a chance to be out here a day they can remember,” said April Davis, who works for Independent Health, which helped organize the event. “This was a great chance for these kids to get out here and get some exercise.”
But will it mean more baseball players within city limits?
“I’m not sure if it will help,” said Colorado native Ryan Mulhern, who plays first base for the Bisons. Mulhern tossed balls to kids in the underground batting cage during the clinic.
“I don’t know why it’s not bigger in the cities here. Maybe it’s too cold.”
Ouch. Gotta play that card, Ryan?
Phillips, Casey Walls, Heaven Cox, Charles Hayes and Aalyha Holifield were just a few of the campers who got a chance to spend time with Bisons Mulhern, Yamid Haad and Keith Ginter on Wednesday.
Maybe it’ll make a difference. Maybe kids like Phillips will become inflicted with baseball fever.
Odds say otherwise.
Contact group sports editor Tim Schmitt at 282-2311, ext. 2266.
|
|
|
Photos
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Customer Service
Customer Service Immed. F/T position. Includes weekends. Must be customer oriented, computer ...>MORE
Service greeter
Service greeter wanted, PT entry level. Looking for someone with strong customer service skills to work in our fast grow...>MORE
Insulation Installer
Insulation Installers. Exp. preferred but will train the right candidates. Start $8-$10/hr. Earn $15. in less than 30 da...>MORE
Packers
Packers, General Production & Assembly 1st, 2nd and 3rd shifts Sanborn, Tonawanda & Amherst. Re...>MORE
Nursing
NURSING. RN's. Up to $7500 Sign on Bonus. Thinking of a change? Consider Mount St. Mary's Hospital. Various positions av...>MORE
RN
RN, Director of Quality / Education: to plan, organize, develop and direct all staff development and CQI programs. North...>MORE
Wait Staff
WAIT STAFF P/T 11am -2pm or 3:15-6:45pm. Will train. Apply Amberleigh Retirement, 2330 Maple near Transit. ...>MORE
Driver
Drivers CDLA. Must be able to go to Canada Good pay, great benefits. Call 278-2000 Ext. 106...>MORE
Certified Pharmacy Tech's & Certified Medication Tech's
Certified Pharmacy Tech’s & Certified Medication Tech’s Competitive wages. Call Lisa McKensie Ransomville Manor 79...>MORE
Job Fair
HUMAN SERVICES JOB FAIR For COMMUNITY MISSIONS
Program Locations/Job Opportunities working w/c...>MORE
See all ads |
Mercury 1999 Grand Marquis
Mercury ‘99 Grand Marquis 4 dr, leather, all options, 49k org mi., showroom cond. $6000. 860-2854, ...>MORE
VW 2001 Beetle
VW 2001 Beetle, loaded, GLX turbo, exc. cond, all service records, fun to drive, blue bk $5600, take best offer, 990-06...>MORE
Dodge 2001 Neon
Dodge 2001 Neon 4 dr, auto, a/c, new tires, c/d no rust, inspected, $3900. white 860-2854...>MORE
Pontiac 1999 Montana
PONTIAC 1999 Montana 57,000 original miles, full options, like new, $3300, 694-0441...>MORE
Chevy Astro 1999
CHEVY ASTRO GOOD CONDITION 1999 with 113K miles. Asking: $2200.00. Call: 693 2471:...>MORE
Ford 1999 Ranger
FORD 1999 Ranger, 5 speed, 130K, fair condition, $2000 or best offer, 716-310-0531...>MORE
Buick 2005 LeSabre
BUICK 2005 Lesabre Custom, excellent condition, fully loaded, $6700 or best offer, 754-4540...>MORE
Ford Windstar 1998
FORD 1998 Windstar $1000 or best offer. 298-5220...>MORE
Chevy 2003 Impala
CHEVY 2003 Impala 25,600 miles, loaded Exc. Cond. $10,000/bo 297-2199...>MORE
Chevy 2007 Impala LT
CHEVY 2007 Impala LT 25,800 mi, ext. warranty Exc. Cond, $16,500 297-2199...>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|