Baseball appreciates sacrifice. Putting the bunt down to move a runner or driving one deep enough for the sac fly, both deserve applause. Fans recognize the dirty work of a catcher when he blocks a breaking ball with a runner on third. Monday night I watched the efforts of many at an early season Seattle Premier League game. Coaches built the rosters and pushed buttons. The best area players filled the lineups. Parents supported and enjoyed from the stands. There is much to be grateful for this summer. Good baseball, a well-run organization and families enjoying the game. The Seattle Premier League has given many, including this coach, another reason to appreciate amateur baseball in the area.

A good league in this case comes from the same traits that make a good player. The individual parts commit to the team. It took imagination, humility, a goal and tremendous work. The detail on this website is evidence of the creative grind that is building the SPL. It�s the product of adults dreaming like kids and working like dogs. Roy Campanella said, �You gotta be a man to play baseball for living, but you gotta have a lot of little boy in you too.� There is both among these 10 teams.

Here is to a summer of sliding catches, sacrifice bunts and gratitude for the Seattle Premier League.

Greg Moore
University of Washington
Pitching Coach