By Staff
I would like to take this opportunity to invite everyone out to the ball parks over the next few weeks as youth baseball and softball playoffs are getting under way.
We are very fortunate in Dowagiac and Niles to play host to multiple games in the Little League District 15 baseball and softball tournaments.
In Niles in the F.O.P. teams that participate in Little League baseball.
In Dowagiac, both baseball and softball teams are involved in this outstanding post season event.
The regular season wrapped up a couple of Saturday's ago and since then the All-Star teams have been preparing for the post season which actually got started in some divisions on Tuesday.
Dowagiac's teams get started tonight and play will continue throughout the month of July and, if lucky enough to keep advancing, into the early part of August.
For those of you who enjoyed the regular season, the post season gets even better.
Not only will Dowagiac and Niles teams be playing in the Little League district tournaments, but the All-Stars will also take part in tournaments staged in Berrien Springs and Hartford.
And then, in no time at all, the Eaton Park Invitational will get started over in St. Joseph.
Not only will teams from Dowagiac and Niles F.O.P. be playing in these tournaments, but squads from Howard Township, Brandywine and Cassopolis will make their way into post season play at one or more of these tournaments.
I guess the part I like best about our area teams playing in tournaments such as these is that the players, coaches and fans get a chance to interact with players, coaches and fans from other communities.
It is always fun to watch fans from other towns get all jacked up for their particular All-Star squad.
Cars, trucks and vans are brightly painted to support their teams.
It is also nice that our communities get a chance to travel to another town and get a look at their youth sports facilities, get a chance to stop at one of their local eateries or stop in and shop if time permits.
There definitely are many things one can do besides just root on their favorite team at this time of year.
Take the time to learn something about another community other than just the fact that they are the opponent.
Take this time to enjoy the true spirit of what youth sports are all about - life lessons.