Little League World Series

[Mike Deneen]

If you read the paper, you likely know that I'm a pretty big sports fan. I've covered everything from roller derby to speed skating, and have covered a lot of high school sports. However, there is one major televised sports event that I find extremely inappropriate. No, it's not poker, hot dog eating or cage fighting. It's the Little League World Series.

Does it bother anyone else that 12 year old kids are being trotted out for the profits of ESPN? Is it appropriate to put that much pressure on kids that young? If the kids win, aren't we just creating little egomaniacs? If they lose, don't some of them wind up scarred for life?

What makes it worse is that ESPN presents this as some sort of idyllic "Norman Rockwell" thing. In reality, it's just a bunch of pushy parents and coaches draining the fun out of youth sports.

Any thoughts?