LETTER: Instant replay needed for more facts

To the Editor:

Given I have never met or had a conversation with Jerry Sullivan, I’m surprised I was not approached by Mr. Sullivan regarding his concerns and questions. A letter to the editor as the first step in which false statements were made about the Somerset American Legion baseball organization and its volunteers is the real “foul” ball.

It is important to note that there were no Somerset Legion tryouts. Many of the local Legion teams form their teams based on input from the high school coaches. Somerset was no different with the exception that the Legion coaches make the final decisions.

This season Somerset does have two players from the Hudson baseball community. Both are eligible for the Somerset Legion team, or any other, because neither player made the Hudson Legion team. The American Legion Baseball organization allows players to play within other communities with a player transfer form authorized by both coaches.

From what I understand, the New Richmond Legion also abided by the American Legion Baseball rules by choosing not to take a player from a neighboring community. In my opinion, both programs made a good decision within the Legion rules, policies, and what is best for their respective programs.

I strongly believe it is always important for the Legion and coaches to learn about all potential players, their families, and any prior history of issues within their local community to make informed decisions and ensure the integrity of the Legion program.

As to the focus of the Somerset Legion program, ironically I was quoted in a sports article from the same edition as Mr. Sullivan’s letter and stated the focus of our program is “…skill development and meeting the guidelines related to teamwork, positive attitude, trust, commitment, integrity and honesty.”

Dion Langness and Jerry Waalen

Somerset Legion coaches

Tags: letters to the editor, opinion