Keeping the Politics Out of Little League Baseball

I don’t have kids and am not an avid baseball fan, so my only exposure to Harrison Little League has been writing a column about the passion and joy the coaches and kids get from the organization and their shared moments on the field.

But that was more than enough to give me a warm glow about the organization and tradition that most Harrison-ites grew up with. I smile every time I drive past a field and see the parents gathered on the sidelines, the local business sponsors’ names on the shirts and Harrison kids of all ages playing with fun, determination and passion that is contagious to everyone who comes in contact with it.

The opening ceremonies, attended by residents and town politicians of every political persuasion, are a joy to watch and there couldn’t be a more feel-good moment than when the kids march in and everyone joins in singing “Take me out to the Ballgame" to officially mark the opening of the season.

So it was with a real sense of disappointment that I heard allegations earlier this month that the coach of this year's summer all-star team was determined on political grounds, based on the upcoming November election.

The complaints centered around the abandonment of a long-standing tradition that the coach of the team with the best record in Harrison Little League is asked to coach the All-Star team every year. That was not done this year and those alleging foul play say it was to prevent that coach—Howard Hollander, a candidate for town board—from gaining positive press leading up to the election.

Richard Salerno, President of Harrison Little League, is quick to shut down those allegations.

“The suggestion that any Harrison Little League decisions would be made for political reasons is rubbish,” he said. “Every decision made by the board and everyone involved is simply about the best interest of our kids. That’s what it’s always been about and always will.” 

Salerno explained that years ago the board decided to choose the right person for the job every year from all available candidates. It is a practice common in other towns, but apparently a move that has rubbed some people the wrong way.

The change appears to have affected both Democratic and Republican candidates. Former mayor and current GOP town board candidate Steven Malfitano said he was also coach of the highest performing team during his tenure as mayor, but wasn't asked to coach.

Salerno teaches politics so he is able to appreciate and laugh at the issue, but he is clear that while everyone might have a political position, those positions become null and void the moment they put on their Little League caps.

“All we look at is what the team needs are and how we can best fulfill those needs to ensure it’s a fun, fulfilling and successful season for every kid involved,” he said.

I am hoping that the raising of this issue serves as an early warning bell for just how low politics can go in an election year. Even if this choice was made for all the right reasons, just the idea of combining back-door politics with our national past time is enough to leave a bad taste in anyone's mouth.

Let's stick to the issues, and keep the politics out of the traditions that make this town so great.