Do Kids Still Dream? Baseball is referred to as the Great American Pastime and it is funny to think that the exact history of baseball is vastly unknown. In mhy brief not so deep research, there is much disagreement regarding Abner Doubleday and the birth of Baseball. Though it IS agreed that the game originated before the American Civil War. Like so many others, I played a lot of "sandlot" baseball. Of course pretending to "be" one of our baseball heros; Roger Marris, Mickey Mantle... As winter came to an end, and we entered into spring the gloves and bats and baseballs came out of the closet for ydt another "Neighborhood World Series"! The year before leaving Louisville, I did try out for, and make the cut for the neighborhood YMCA team. Though in hindsight, I realize EVERY kid probably made the cut! In my travels, I don't see as many sandlot games as I once did. I DO pass by organized Little League fields, and smile to myself wondering, "How many of those kids idolize or emulate todays baseball heros?" I do try to follow the College World Series when it comes to town, and as always, I root for the underdog! This piece is dedicated to the kids whose cleats and balls and bats and gloves are sitting in the closet as they anticipate the coming of Spring...