The Argus Observer | Online

Comment Blog - Note: All Comments Subject To Approval

hmmmm.... wrote on Jun 17, 2009 1:00 AM:

" Maybe you can see if Mr. Cook wants to help in the English department since he is out of a job because of the school board's decision. He's a great guy too! "

Random People wrote on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 PM:

" Go ahead and play, princess. Looks like you FOD girls need to hire an English tutor while you're on the road, though.

Grandma Jo, it appears your commendation was just a day late. "

Grandma Jo retired shortstop wrote on Jun 11, 2009 7:42 PM:

" I would like to commend the U-18 players for not responding to this blog. You girls are so fortunate to have this opportunity and it appears that you are representing the Treasure Valley in the best way.
It's too bad the parents didn't show the same restraint.
As for 'Get Over It,' clearly you are expressing your frustration at being left behind. It is wrong of these adults to imply that you are not skilled enough or "committed" enough to play on a high-profile team. I truly think they are turning a blind eye to the fact that this is beyond the means of many families in our community. The comment made by one, 'You have your whole life to work,' implies that you have a choice in this matter, but the truth is, there are many teenagers in Ontario who help pay the family bills. But, as you say, you are still able to participate in the sport locally and enjoy the friends you've made while doing so. Life is not fair, but you can make the best of it. Love of the game, girl, love of the game! "

fod player wrote on Jun 11, 2009 10:34 AM:

" you random people need to get over us and let us play. "

to get over it wrote on Jun 11, 2009 9:25 AM:

" FOD do no what fun is... Its playing softball. Getting out their and seeing new teams and meating new friends. Their are no words on how much fun we have. I am so thankful that i have such great parents. "

Baseball Junkie wrote on Jun 11, 2009 6:25 AM:

" To Get over it....it's just that "Get over it!" If you had the talent and desire to play you could find a way to come up with the money to play. I coach a select team and we find ways for the kids to come up with the money every year, car washes, yard sales, bake sales, etc. Never give up on a dream and be a kid while you can....you have your whole life to work. "

Foosball Champion wrote on Jun 10, 2009 9:35 PM:

" Wow. This article touched a little nerve, I guess. The parent who wrote the taunting reply about traveling teams--"Not good enough for competitive sports?"--is just the sort of sports bully I've detested all my life. The one thing I can say about this issue is that my own children all played county rec sports, and for the most part, I felt that the taxpayers were providing a great service for all kids in the community. People who have the ability to coach or officiate, I encourage you to get involved with these programs and, in turn, share your love of sports with young people. Let these elite players and their families (Too good for county rec?) chase the dream. "

F.O.D FAN wrote on Jun 10, 2009 4:51 PM:

" Wow were is that coming from (to:get over it)Its really sad that you just cant be happy for the girls. They work really hard and they love the game and how much FUN it is. David is great... All the time he puts in. Most of the girls on the team all have jobs. They all work really hard and the dedication they all have.They work all day then go to practice no matter what the weather is like. I would say that some great kids. I support my daughter and if playing softball is what she wants to do then as a parent i will make it happen. Beleave me we give up a lot so she can play. We love watching the sport and watching her. I guess thats somthing you dont do for your kids.Thats sad for you.
Good luck to both of FOD teams. We are very proud of you. Keep up the great work.
Thanks David for all of your time and dedication. We need more men like you. "

FOD Parent wrote on Jun 10, 2009 4:44 PM:

" To GOL Fan:

Do you know how many Ontario players are playing summer softball? Just because they are not on either Hopper's or Yano's U18 teams (yes, there are two) doesn't mean they aren't playing. It just means they are young enough to play U16 or U14, which many of them are.

To Get Over It:

Take your own advice and get over it. My player has to work to earn her money to play thru fund raisers and sponsors and even yardwork at home. Yes it takes money and dedication, and yes these older girls have jobs and get good grades too. Why does that bother you? They and their families choose to do a little more to be a little better. How does that make them spoiled? I don't know of any fellow parents in the stands who are rich, we all make sacrifices to support our kids.

Maybe you should take a look in the mirror and figure out who you are really mad at and deal with it, rather than taking anonymous shots at kids who happen to have ability and heart and work hard for their accomplishments. "

Tired of the MUD SLINGING wrote on Jun 10, 2009 3:00 PM:

" I was informed of this blog by a friend and after reading it was very dissapointed. Summer sports programs are for the benefit of the kids whether its competitive or rec. league.So what if it costs more to play competitive, most of these teams do fund raisers to help offset the cost and help the players and their families who may not have the funds to pay on their own and not to mention many local businesses add to the support through donations. Maybe instead of just sitting at home and slinging mud at these coaches and players you should get off of your butt and go watch some of these teams play and see how much fun these players are having playing the sport they love, not to mention new friends near and far. If you choose not to support you shouldn't critisize if you are unaware of the circumstances of these teams. The level at which an athlete participates is irrelevant and they should be supported whether you like the coach or not the athlete has no control over that. I understand that finances play a big part in competitive ball, but even rec. teams have to travel maybe not as far but it still costs.The parents and players who choose to play at the competitive level are not all rich or spoiled brats some of them work extra hours or jobs to make ends meet and I am speeking from experience. Good luck to ALL summer athletes and their parens and please ignore the comments from all the ignorant people out there and play because you enjoy it!! "

Get Over It wrote on Jun 10, 2009 11:31 AM:

" I just love it when anyone is critical of a sports program, they're accused of being a whiner or a benchrider. I'm neither. I'm just somebody whose financial situation doesn't allow me to play on Hopper's team. You (June 9, 11:56pm)are exactly the kind of parent I was talking about. Hope it's worth all your trouble and expense, and your daughter gets the scholarship you're fishing for. I, meanwhile, will graduate with a good employment record, decent grades, and a great bunch of softball friends in Ontario, Nyssa, Payette, . . . but none in Beaverton. Good luck. "

To Get Over It wrote on Jun 9, 2009 11:56 PM:

" Boy somebody didn't get to play and rode the bench a lot. Weren't good enough for Competitive Sports??? I'll let you know my wife works nearly 50 hours a week and I work 60 - 70 hours a week and we still travel to our daughter games and support her and her team. It's called dedication. You should dedicate yourself to supporting instead of whining. Go FOD you girls rock nice job last weekend. Good luck this weekend. "

FOD Supporter wrote on Jun 9, 2009 6:44 AM:

" Field of Dreams is a lot like the TV Stars. There are players from all the area towns. I think it is great that Hopper gives up his summer for this. Get off of his back! He has helped my daughter become a better player and person. "

Get Over It wrote on Jun 9, 2009 12:31 AM:

" Bunch of spoiled little girls whose parents are living out their own fantasies. (By the way, I hold the same view for the boys' traveling teams.) If your mommy and daddy can afford it, and are willing to pay for extra coaching and equipment, and transport you around the country, you can do this. And that's called COMMITMENT TO THE SPORT. Meanwhile, some of us have to hold down jobs and we play on local ballteams which have the juice sucked out of them because so many of the "good players" are on the elite traveling teams. I've read accounts of community baseball when my grandparents were growing up in Ontario. They used to have FUN in this town during the summer. I don't know if the Field of Dreams players realize that playing ball is fun. "

Disappointed with GOL fan wrote on Jun 8, 2009 4:27 PM:

" You said it, I understand the summer teams can be expensive, believe me I pay a lot, in travel, lodging, uniforms, gear etc... for my daughter to play on a travling team, but if it's going to better her skills, better her team concept in life, and help her meet new friends then it's worth it. COMMITTMENT is your key word. It's frustrating for a coach to try and build a winning team, there has to be committment, heart, and desire. Don't forget there has to be a true love for the sport and dedication to everything that comes with it. A true lesson in life can be learned just by playing competitive sports. Good luck to all the girls on the "Field of Dreams" team. I look forward to watching them play and to supporting them. "

GOL FAN AS WELL wrote on Jun 8, 2009 7:03 AM:

" Both Hopper and Yano have tried to get OHS girls to play. No committment and some just do not have the money. "

Disappoined with GOL fan wrote on Jun 8, 2009 4:52 AM:

" This team is not an Ontario High School team, it is a summer team with no ties to Ontario High School what so ever. Your comment doesn't even make sense, I think it's great that these ladies have an opportunity to play during the summer and better their skills. Obviously Hopper has done a great job recruiting these players from around the tri-county area. Your Ignorance Obviously shows here. How pee-brained could you be to compare this to Ontario High School, when it has nothing to do with Ontario High School. It has nothing to do with Ontario period!!! They aren't the "Ontario Field of Dreams" Team, they aren't the "Fruitland Field of Dreams" Team, or Nyssa, or Weiser, or Baker City. It's simply an 18u team Hopper has put together. I'm sure if Ontario girls that wanted to play ball, wanted to dedicate their summer to traveling and playing ball, and if they had parents and even GOL fans that would travel with them and support the team those ladies would be on the team as well? Please don't tell me that you're speaking for all GOL fans, I would hate to think they are all as dim-witted as you are. Plus remember this team has nothing to do with Ontario High School and or the GOL. Become a supporter and not a nay-sayer. Why can't you just support the team and coach instead of throwing in your ngativity? Were a bench-warmer and this is your way of getting back at all coaches? Better yet if you can do better then "shut-up and coach"!! "

GOL fan wrote on Jun 7, 2009 7:18 AM:

" Wow, only one Ontario girl on the OHS coach's team summer team. Looks like another 5-14 season for the high school team next year. "

TERMS OF USE

Those who post comments are accountable for the opinions they express and the accuracy of the information they furnish. While we encourage writers to utilize this service on our Web site, we also strongly suggest they treat it as public forum where good taste counts. We reserve the right to decline for approval objectionable material from these blogs.

Writers that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments - such as racists language, threats or comments unrelated to the story - will not be approved for the blogs. Also, entries that are unsigned or "signatures" by someone other than the actual writer will not be approved.

While writers can still post anonymously, we strongly suggest that they do not do so.

Opinions, guidance and other information expressed in Argus Observer story blog comments and on the Argus Observer blogs represent the individuals' own views and not necessarily those of the Argus Observer. The Argus Observer furnishes this type of forum and does not endorse and is not accountable for statements or advice from anyone other than an designated Argus Observer spokesperson.