Hartley Miller's Slap-Shots August 18th Edition
Although the Prince George Canfor Rebels weren’t finalists, they enjoyed the Canadian Junior Little League championship game in Lethbridge, especially as East Nepean, Ontario, trounced the Calgary Centennial Reds 9-3. So, why would PG and other tournament teams cheer an eastern club?
The Reds defeated the Rebels 1-0 in the round robin and 12-2 in the semis. Is this enough of a reason to dislike the opposition? Not according to Rebels manager Gary Allbee, who has been involved in baseball for over 30 years. In fact, Albee insists he has never seen a team with such a bad attitude. “They were a very arrogant team. I haven't seen a team like that before at this age level. They had lost out in the semi finals last year and they had seven kids returning this year and they just came with the attitude that as long as they showed up they would go home with the championship. Arrogance is the only word I can use,” said Allbee. And we're talking about 13 and 14 year old kids!
Even the locals didn't hide their feelings according to Allbee: “I talked to lots of people that were running the tournament and they said they can't (cheer for the Reds). You should never have feelings of wanting a 14-year-old group to lose, but they did bring it upon themselves”.
Tournament director Kevin Kvame was quite diplomatic when questioned about Calgary: “I don't want to judge them on their attitude or anything, that was for other people to do. I think it was fairly obvious in the final game, that East Nepean had a larger cheering contingent than Calgary.” Kvame also added: “I think there were things that could have been done (by the Reds) to make them more popular, but it wasn't a popularity contest. They were there to win and their coaches did what they thought was best, so lets' leave it at that”.
When kids behave in this manner it’s often a reflection of their mentors. “I think it had to start from the coaches. I believe there were four Calgary players thrown out of games over the week, so I definitely think that it starts from the coach” said Allbee.
Kids need to learn respect, display sportsmanship, and enjoy themselves. This Calgary group is an example of how sports teams develop a negative image. These teams may be in the minority, but this doesn't excuse the actions. It won't be long before these teenagers become adults and unless they mature in the near future, there attitudes will never change.
The Rebels, on the other hand, won a Provincial and came third at Nationals. “It was more than I expected and it just topped off a perfect year to me. I told the boys to be proud of what they have done” stated Allbee.
Nine of the 13 players move up to Senior Little League next year, and Allbee is unsure if he will coach them. With son Chris, and an ace pitcher like Aaron Tyacke, it may be hard to stay away.
“I would say he (Tyacke) is as good as anybody in the province and the only pitcher I saw that would be better than him in Canada is that (Cam) Wych of Calgary”. Wych beat PG twice, but “he has a terrible attitude” according to Allbee. Somehow, even I could have guessed that one.
From the quote rack:
"Second prize, of course, is four season tickets."
Paul Katcher of sportsbybrooks.com, on the lowly New York Knicks offering a sweepstakes for two season tickets.
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"Several clubs are expected to work him out -- not because they need a power forward but because Kemp has fathered so many children that he can guarantee a sellout."
Dan Daly of the Washington Times, on Shawn Kemp's NBA comeback attempt following
a three-year absence.
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"After seeing Lancaster on the sideline, I am not sure we should be calling him the Little General any more."
Cam Hutchinson of the Saskatoon Star Phoenix, on the return of Ron Lancaster as coach of the Hamilton Tiger Cats.
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"Just goes to show that in L.A. it's difficult to outrun the law."
Larry Stewart of the Los Angeles Times, after L.A. County Sheriff Lee Baca won his (60-64) age division in a local 3.1-mile charity run.
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"Maurice Clarett was dressed in body armor and had four guns, including an AK-47, when he was arrested. Man, talk about being prepared for a short-yardage situation."
Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California, on the former Ohio State running back.
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And in case you missed it……..
The Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald has reported the University of Texas has installed flat-panel television sets above the urinals in the football players' lounge. What better place to avoid a leak of the team's screen play.
And how was your week?
Hartley Miller is the sports director for radio stations 94X and the Wolf@97fm. He also writes for the
PG Free Press. Hartley's e-mail address is hmiller@94xfm.com
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My first impression after reading this article is what a bunch of SOUR GRAPES. The Rebels last game of the tournament was a 12-2 mercy loss and instead of congratulating the opponent all you do is run them down. I can understand that the team had a bad attitude but to carry on to the degree that you did is ridiculous, especially with 13 & 14 year olds. Everyone knows that some 13 &14 year olds have a little edge to them, so why don’t you just cut them some slack. You were beat by a better ball team who may have had an attitude, but end it there. For someone who has been ball for over 30 years, like you claim, I think YOUR attitude needs to be re-examined.