Strokes from Other Pens

Letter to the Editor,

We’re all in the same boat, that’s what we keep hearing. I disagree, yes we have all had things taken from us since March, but the things I have lost or am missing are different than what you have lost or are missing. It may be that you are missing your loved one that is in a nursing home that has yet to have any face-to-face visits or it may be that you have missed your favorite singer in concert or to have a funeral for someone near and dear to you because we were in quarantine. My losses are no greater than yours, nor are yours greater than mine.

For about 50 teenage boys in Northeast Colorado (Phillips, Yuma, Logan and Morgan counties) and Southwest Nebraska (Duell and Keith counties) they were able to get a piece back these last couple of months when the Buckley Bombers decided that they were going to go forward with their season with as much normalcy as is possible during this time. The Buckley Trust out of Chappell, Neb. in conjunction with coaches Marcus Kammer, Sam Distefano and Collyn Heinz have given these young men something back in this time when we have been stripped of so much. It is a practice, a seven-inning game and just the time spent with teammates that have made it possible for them to have a summer of memories. We all know that sports aren’t everything in life and we learn this hard lesson as we grow older, but to many teenage boys sports and sometimes baseball seem like “everything.” I saw a light back in my son’s eyes when he heard in June that he was going to be able to play for the Bombers. After missing his senior year of playing for the Dragons, this was his chance, this was his shot. His story is no different than many of the other young men that signed up to play for the Bombers this season.

The Buckley Bombers had the chance of a lifetime last year when they advanced to the 15-18 Babe Ruth World Series in Mobile, Ala. Early on in June, Marcus Kammer was made aware that this again might be a possibility. Although Babe Ruth decided to cancel the World Series, Mobile still wanted to hold an invite only tournament with many of the teams that made it through the ranks last year, Buckley being one. July 31 through Aug. 5, 18 young men are privileged enough to get to play baseball in Mobile and continue their summer of memories. The boys are responsible for some fundraising but this adventure will be costly. If you find it in your heart to help give these boys an opportunity to make it possible to go “Back to ‘Bama,” contact Marcus Kammer at (970) 520-2938 or send check payable to Buckley Bombers, 747 S. Morlan, Holyoke, CO 80734.

Baseball Mom,

Tiffany Watson, Holyoke

A portion of this letter to the editor is a paid advertisement.