July 21, 2004

Miles City mother disagrees with Redbirds’ coach

Dear Editor,

We would personally like to respond to Mr. Scott Sparks’ July 11 Billings Gazette article, "Miles City Legion baseball supporters unfairly using guilt in wood bat stance."

We would begin by thanking him for using the 11th day (Forever #11) to voice his opinion about the Miles City supporters which in our opinion were disrespectful. Mr. Sparks stated, "Our athletes do not practice with wood bats at all during the season, so we feel that it would be to our disadvantage to use wood bats during our conference games." So the advantage must have been to use the aluminum bats since the aluminum bats have an advantage over the wooden bats. (All for the price to win a game).

"It is a decision based on what we feel is best for our athletes and our program, just as you have made the change to wood bats in the best interest of your program," said Mr. Sparks. We believe the best interest for the change in Miles City was for the safety of the players, including the visiting teams.

Mr. Sparks goes on to speak for other teams, Broadus and Beartooth, for "the best interests of their athletes." We thought the safety of the athletes would be the best interest of all teams.

Mr. Sparks claims the National Federation of State High School Associations stated in 2001 the requirements for bats. We are playing American Legion Baseball and Montana is one of a few states that is not governed by the National High School Association.

American Legion Baseball follows the Official Baseball Rules as authorized by the Commissioner of Major League Baseball and published by The Sporting News. Additionally, Mr. Sparks refers to the American Baseball Coaches Association which has no ties to the American Legion Baseball.

Mr. Sparks compared the tragedy of Brandon to car accidents. Bill Thurston, member of the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA), did a three-year study in conjunction with the NCAA Division 1 College Baseball. In 1998 with 29 percent reporting there were an estimated 373 pitchers hit by batted balls. In 1999 the number was even higher.

In 2000 the report was not released. Were these injuries all comparable to car accidents as well? From the result of car accidents came safety belts, air bags and child restraint car seats – devices that save lives, and like the wooden bats, it’s your choice if you use them.

Mr. Sparks’ comments in the Lewistown News-Argus about the "All Wood" Belgrade Firecracker Tournament. He stated, "I think using wood bats was a definite disadvantage for us since we don’t use them that often and don’t really have a group of physically strong kids that can swing them." Lewistown does not have a AA baseball program so the players range in age from 15-18 years old while the Colts are a younger team, 14-16 years old.

After learning of the dangers of the aluminum bats, I can tell you I would not want my 15-year-old boy pitching against your oldest player using an aluminum bat. Wood bats come in different sizes, styles and types of wood according to a players’ different height and weight. Even for children such as the Miles City T-Ball players who presently use wood bats. If your players weren’t physically strong enough to swing a wood bat, why did you enter an "all wood bat tourney" voluntarily?

If those that believe aluminum bats are so superior to wood, why enter "all wood bat tournaments"? During this “all wood tournament," Mr. Sparks claimed, "I saw balls hit by big, strong kids that come off the bat just as hard and as fast as balls I have seen hit off of aluminum bats."

Mr. Sparks, you were lucky to have seen the ball – Brandon didn’t have that chance. In conclusion, we would like every mother reading Mr. Sparks’ letter to know this is your son you are putting on the field. We are giving you a chance that we never got. You owe it to your son – look into the aluminum bat implications, before it is too late.

Please check the information found at www.forever11.com or email us at forever11@imt.net. Duane and Debbie Patch 711 S. Jordan, Miles City, MT 59301.

In response to the “Editor’s note: Aluminum bats are the American Legion sanctioned bat" that appeared at the bottom of the 4-7-04 article "Lewistown urged to put the players first," I want to clarify the bat rule according to the American Legion Baseball rules.

Non-wood bats may be used in Legion games with detailed specifications, however, an aluminum bat it is not "the" American Legion-sanctioned bat. (Please refer to Rule 1 of the American Legion Baseball Rules.) Playing Regulations, Rule 1A. Bat Rule. Wood, metal, ceramic or graphite bats may be used. 1. Wooden bats are permitted under Official Baseball Rules as published by The Sporting News.

To all American Legion mothers, my son lost his life on the mound last year pitching. I ask myself every day, how could this have happened? Brandon had played baseball since he was 3 years old. He knows the game! As a mother to a mother - the pain I deal with every day is almost unbearable.

No family should have to endure this pain and loss. It will never go away! I ask myself why did I not look into how the aluminum bats out-perform the wood? Of course we can hit them further, more hits and home runs, which in turn shows the ball is coming off the bat faster.

I did not know of all the injuries from state to state. This will happen again and again – this is no isolated incident. Why not play baseball the way the game should be played? Why are we putting our kids in this kind of danger with a game we enjoyed so much! Let's put our kids safety before the statistics, win-lose column and the money. I can't bring Brandon back, but it could save another child’s life!

Debbie Patch
Brandon Patch’s mother
Miles City

A hearty thanks to all who helped make convention a success

Dear Editor,

The Central Montana Historical Association would like to thank all those groups who participated in the opening ceremonies at Veterans Memorial Park, and the subsequent events.

The outpouring of support and hospitality extended to the members of the Northwest Chapter of the Defenders of Bataan and Corrigador during their convention held here in Lewistown this past week is a wonderful reflection of the people of our community. Without exception these brave men and their families were greatly impressed by our warm reception.

Our American Legion Honor Guard snapped to attention with military proficiency when the Honor Guard from Malmstrom Air Force Base presented the colors, as did the representatives of our police and sheriff’s departments.

And it was a fitting climax to the ceremony when the fly-over of the Montana Air National Guard came over Lewistown as the pledge to our flag and country had just been completed.

The Montana Pilots Association honored the conventioneers with a wonderful steak supper at the airport, a gathering attended by pilots from all over the state.

The help from the Chamber of Commerce was greatly appreciated. They helped make this a successful event.

The people who brought this convention here were so impressed by the reception they received that they want to return in the near future.

I would like to extend an invitation to any and all to come and view the paintings produced by Mr. Ben Steele. They are a grim reminder of what can happen if we let our guard down.

Once again, thank you Central Montana for a job well done.

Frank Hruska
Vice President
Central Montana Historical Association
Lewistown

Thanks for help with Relay fund-raiser

Dear Editor,

We, the Pink Flamingos from Troop Family Medicine, would like to thank all the businesses and residents who so kindly opened their yards to us during our stay in Lewistown.

We had a lot of fun raising money for Relay for Life and can’t wait to see you all again next year! Be ready for the invasion of the Relay for Life Flamingos in 2005. Thanks again for all of your support for a great cause.

Sincerely,
Pink Flamingos

Cause for Paws dogs need people’s help

Dear Editor,

I have been car-pooling with a small group of local people to volunteer at the Cause for Paws shelter in Stanford. There are 90 plus dogs that need care.

We urgently need more help. Volunteers are welcome at any time but are especially needed during the morning hours. We start the day by putting out food and fresh water and cleaning pens. There are many other chores to do, including walking the dogs. There are some days that the dogs do not get walked due to lack of volunteers.

The work is hard, but at the end of the day you feel incredibly warmed to know that you have contributed to the welfare of these wonderful dogs. My personal reward before returning to Great Falls is to take time to snuggle with the sweet, blind cocker spaniel or a furry ball of puppy.

The shelter hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. From Lewistown take Highway 200 and turn right after the Stanford turnoff. Continue on about across the railroad tracks and you will see two white Quonset-type huts set back from the road on your right. Turn right on the road to the huts and you will see the shelter sign. You will need a picture ID to show to the person who will handle your orientation.

Carolyn Dolezal
Great Falls

Still time to file for study commission

Dear Editor,

Three individuals have filed for the study commission to study our form of city government. If individuals do not file, the existing city commissioners will appoint the remaining required number to total five.

I say take a good look at your water bill. Are you happy paying three times as much for sewer than the same amount of water that comes into everyone’s home? How about your lawns and taxes? What with SID’s?

It costs nothing to see Kathy Fleharty at the courthouse and file for this study commission. What is the worst that can happen if you do? The due date for filing is Aug. 19.

Patrick J. Cassidy
Lewistown

July 17, 2004

Proud to have moved to Montana

Dear Editor,

We retired and moved here May 2003, after living in Houston, Texas, for 38 miserable years.

We find the people to be very friendly here, and the medical to be very good. Billings medical center is rated as one of the top 10 medical centers in the United States. It was nice going to a doctor here in Lewistown and finding out that you just weren't a social security number when you entered the office, the staff goes out of their way to accommodate you, and this certainly doesn't happen in a large city.

As for activities, there seems to be plenty of things going on in the state of Montana, besides just pretty scenery.

It is a real blessing to have the quiet that comes to living in a small town, such as not hearing sirens blowing every five minutes and the horrible traffic all the time.

As for education, it seems to be pretty good in Montana, there are quite a few famous people that have come from Montana, they come from all over the world to go to colleges here.

Sincerely,
Jeanette M. Turner
Lewistown
Proud to be a Montanan

Show Hughes how great Lewistown is

Dear Editor,

I am sorry that Doug Hughes has had such a bad experience in Lewistown. To show him how great Central Montana can be, I am taking up a collection for a one way bus ticket out of state to be given to Mr. Hughes ASAP (he can name any location he wants)!

Sincerely,
Dave Snyder
Lewistown

Hughes’ attitude is one of the few negative aspects of Lewistown

Dear Editor,

After reading Douglas Hughes’ letter in the Wednesday newspaper, I can only say “Good riddance.”

It is sad he has failed to see the many wonderful opportunities our town offers, but what is even sadder is the trouble he is having selling his house. Of course with the “sales pitch” he made in his letter, it is now doubtful he ever will.

I also want to counter, I moved here a year and a half ago and am happier than I have ever been. My children have received excellent educational support, opportunities and extracurricular activities at little cost.

The people are warm, talented and intelligent. Our community leaders work hard and seem to be reasonable, caring people who have invested in the area. There are so many fun events going on all the time, we relish the few quiet days there are.

I think it is safe to say Mr. Hughes’ attitude is one of the few negative aspects in Lewistown.

Annette Hayden
Lewistown

July 14, 2004

Fairground lights should have been turned on July 3

Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my concern regarding the lack of outside lights at the fairgrounds. I grew up in Lewistown, but have lived in Idaho for the last 12 years.

I was visiting over the Fourth of July weekend and I attended the Bump to Pass race and then a wedding reception at the fairgrounds on Saturday, July 3.

It was after sunset that we left the reception, which was held in the Trade Center. We walked outside to find the entire area in complete darkness. There are many lights in place, but not one of them was turned on. This results in an extremely dark and dangerous walk to the parking lot, for anyone, but especially for my grandmother, who is 85 years old!

I don't ever remember encountering this situation in the past and was shocked to find such little concern for our safety. Not only could someone be seriously injured from falling, but something much more serious could happen in such darkness.

I hope that whomever is responsible for this situation would take my concerns under consideration and realize how important it is to have those lights burning brightly when the sun goes down!

Sincerely,
Kris Dengel-Miller
Coeur d’Alene

Coming to Lewistown was a mistake

Dear Editor,

Moving to Montana became a nightmare for me; finding out what Lewistown is really like after I moved here and finding out how asinine the people are running this town. I can see why Montana is the highest in suicide and lowest in the country for everything else.

Montana cannot even give their kids a decent education, but yet seem to run people out of town. Montana is 100 years behind times with poverty everywhere. People running this town have only their self in mind. They don’t want any competition so they can make all the money.

Lots of people here would love to see some growth, for better jobs, higher pay and for your home to be worth something.

I have found it can take up to two years to sell a home here. Unbelievable. Anyone who builds a home here is very dumb because you will lose money just as soon as it is built. Where else can you build a home and lose money?

Some people say this is a retirement place. Bull. Land is high, taxes are very high, and there is nothing here to bring retirement people here. How smart is that. But Montana people don’t know any better because this is all they know.

Plus, here good medical treatment is few and far between. After you get past all the beautiful views, there is nothing.

This is the worst place I have ever lived in my life.

It is a place that is very hard to start a business. You can see for yourself all the stores downtown with no one in them. Not a lot of people have the money to spend to keep them open. And it’s a place that real estate is lowest it can be. Why would anyone want to come here! I hope I can sell my house soon.

Douglas Hughes
Lewistown

July 10, 2004

Cemetery looked great for Memorial Day

Dear Editor,

Once again this year, I was in Lewistown for the Memorial Day holiday. Considering that the grass hadn't been mowed last year, I dreaded what I might find when I went to decorate graves, considering all the rain there had been.

I was so surprised and pleased to see it was trimmed beautifully and very well kept. The groundskeepers are to be congratulated on a job well done. I personally wish to thank them for how lovely the cemetery was this year.

Sincerely,
Sharon (Westburg) Kraft
Klamath Falls, Oregon

Urge senator to support marriage amendment

Dear Editor,

The Federal Marriage Amendment is to be voted on by the Senate next week. Senator Burns supports this Amendment (marriage is between one man and one woman). However, Senator Baucus is against it. I ask you to call one of these numbers and urge Senator Baucus to vote for traditional marriage: 1-800-332-6106 or 202-224-2651 or 406-657-6790. The future of America is at stake.

Sincerely,
Karen Price
Buffalo

Lewistown Redbirds play by the rules

Dear Editor,

In response to a letter sent to our local paper by Greg and Mary Jo Roberts regarding our recent trip to Miles City, I would like to address a few issues.

First, in response to being "late" for the game. The game time was changed four months ago to 5 and 7 p.m. Coach Larson of the AA program and I had a conversation in which I asked to have the games moved and he agreed to this, in fact stating that a later start would be great. It is not our fault the communication lines between your coaches somehow got crossed. We came to play at the time that was agreed upon.

Secondly, we respectively declined to use wood bats during our conference games with the Colts because our athletes do not practice with wood bats at all during the season, so we feel that it would be to our disadvantage to use wood bats during our conference games.

This decision was in no way intended to disrespect the family of Brandon Patch, his memory, or your program. It is a decision based on what we feel is best for our athletes and our program, just as you have made the change to wood bats in the best interest of your program.

Broadus and Beartooth also made the decision to not use wood bats in the conference games with the Colts in the best interests of their athletes. Neither I nor our program will ever be able to fathom what your team, coaches and parents went through during that tragic accident last season, but that doesn't give you the right to send a letter to our paper tossing guilt at our athletes.

Do you as parents feel good about yourselves attempting to lay those guilt trips on 15, 16, 17 and 18 year old boys that are just playing by the rules? Our boys are playing the game that Brandon loved, and I guess I have to ask you, is this the way you want to remember him by trying to pass guilt on to boys in Lewistown, Broadus and whatever town doesn't play by your rules?

My next point of contention in your letter is what recent statistics prove that beyond a doubt wood bats are safer? The National Federation of State High School Associations stated in 2001 that the requirements for bats used in high school baseball are a continuation of changes that ensure aluminum bat performance mirrors the performance of wood bats. The American Baseball Coaches Association in 2003 fully supported all of the specifications made to aluminum bats contending that they now have a quite similar performance to wood bats.

I just attended a wood bat tournament in Belgrade, and I saw balls hit by big strong kids that came off the bat just as hard and as fast as balls I have seen hit off of aluminum bats. So with this in mind, why should my kids and program be degraded and portrayed as villains for playing by the rules?

When a child is killed in a car accident do we quit driving cars? Accidents happen, and while they are tragic, we must find a way to move on as difficult as it might be. I think that the landmark of "Patch's Corner" created at your field is a worthy and appropriate tribute to Brandon. His life will never be forgotten as a result of that landmark.

Use that to honor him and try not to place guilt on the young men from other towns who are just playing the game that Brandon loved.

Sincerely,
Scott Sparks
Head Coach Lewistown Redbirds