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An Adventure at Sea

By Giuseppe Mathis

 One of the tales parents recite to their children in order to inform them about the dangers the sea hides, I had the pleasure of experiencing when I was an adolescent and not yet a firm believer that the most beloved part of my country, its sea, could really cause me or my family any harm. Not that I was coming from a family of sailors or that my father was a captain of a big ship or anything like that, but mainly because both of my parents considered themselves to be seekers, travelers of the shore and the unknown dark blue waters. Especially my father, who used to be a very experienced scuba diver was always eager to give us a "sea lesson" while we were sailing with our small, but very loved, fishing boat.

The summer that I was about to turn fifteen and my brother was almost twelve, my father decided that we have enjoyed the island's shores long enough and we were ready to receive our first practical sea lesson. We boarded our small fishing boat and after following my father's expert advice, we begun our trip into the unknown clear blue sea. Our goal was to visit another small island, not far away from the one we lived during our summer vacations, and learn, through practical training, some important things he has been describing to us over the years. I remember looking at the horizon and getting mesmerized by its beauty. I still remember like it was yesterday, how the clear light blue sky created a thin white line at the point where it was united with the darker blue sea. The wind gently assisted our goal to leave the harbor and although there was undoubtely always something I had to do or watch someone else doing while I was on board, I can still taste the salt from the water drops that traveled through the wind and dried on my lips. In fact, that long boat trip was the first time that I felt part of nature; a part of that beautiful scenery and totally, one hundred percent, alive.

A little more than an hour later we managed to approach the deserted small island we planned that day to visit and my father yelled -probably due to the wind which was becoming stronger- that he was aware of a beautiful sandy beach where we could camp for the rest of the day. Everything went according to the original plan and we successfully set foot on that virgin shore to enjoy the warm day and cool down by diving to the sea depths to admire closer its beauty. My brother screamed happily as he jumped from the boat to the sea and later I was determined to dive from a much bigger height when I discovered that I could climb the rocks that surrounded the excluded beach. But the adventure was about to begin.

When we decided to leave the warmth and friendly shore we have spent more than three hours, my father discovered that our small boat engine was not working. After multiple attempts to start the engine that would help us safely return home, I understood that he was now stressed that he had to sail back only by pulling the boat's two oars. He succeeded in leading the boat out to deeper water and only then we realized that the sea curves were so strong that it was impossible for us to get home safely that way. In addition, the wind velocity kept increasing and instead of moving towards the direction we wanted it seemed like we were moving further and further away. Luckily my father did not give up hope. He continued to try to keep our spirits up and laugh through this sea adventure, but when I saw his eyes looking very seriously at the situation, that glance told me more than words could ever describe. That was the point that I got scared and thought that there was actually a possibility of us never returning. Although I didn't doubt that my father could lead us to safety and I could not believe that such a tragedy could ever be the actual scenario I would have to face -after all I was with my superhero dad- a voice inside my head kept yelling that I had to remain calm and help his efforts any way I could if we were to make it. In fact, while he was trying to get the engine to start, my brother and I held the oars and tried to pull them together towards the shore. When my father was in charge, we were almost hanging from the boat and assisting his efforts using our hands as two extra oars, one from each side of the boat. We did exactly what he instructed and three hours later, we were inside our island's harbor. My dad kept shouting "the shore is close" and the sound of his voice gave us the necessary courage to keep oaring with our hands. Three and a half hours later we managed to step off the boat. Needless to say that our sea adventure was the highlight of that year's summer vacations, but most importantly it taught us a huge practical lesson. Never take anything for granted when visiting unknown waters; exactly like in life.

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Jackie Robinson and the Integration of US Baseball

By Daniel Baxter

 {In 1945, when Jackie Robinson batted .387 for the Negro League Kansas City Monarchs,
he established himself as an excellent athlete. Two years later, when he stepped onto the
Brooklyn Dodgers Ebbets Field, hed become a civil rights icon.|In 1945, when Jackie Robinson batted .387 for the Negro League Kansas City Monarchs,
he established himself as an excellent athlete. Two years later, when he stepped onto the
Brooklyn Dodgers Ebbets Field, hed become a civil rights icon.}

{Jackie Robinson was the first African American major league ballplayer of his century.
Before Robinson accepted this courageous position, Americas national pastime had
been officially segregated for sixty years. Robinsons baseball experience exemplifies a
history of racial separation and integration in the United States.|Jackie Robinson was the first African American major league ballplayer of his century.
Before Robinson accepted this courageous position, Americas national pastime had
been officially segregated for sixty years. Robinsons baseball experience exemplifies a
history of racial separation and integration in the United States.}

{Americans had been playing baseball informally since at least the early 1800s. The sport
gained popularity over several decades, and by 1845 amateurs nationwide adopted a
standard set of rules. Unfortunately, mixed in with rules about batting and running were
the understood rules of Jim Crow culture. Even after the Civil War, people tended to
enforce segregation by skin color; and as sports participation reflected US society, black
men were often not welcomed onto white mens amateur teams. (Its interesting to note
that several were allowed to participate by identifying as white Latin Americans.)|Americans had been playing baseball informally since at least the early 1800s. The sport
gained popularity over several decades, and by 1845 amateurs nationwide adopted a
standard set of rules. Unfortunately, mixed in with rules about batting and running were
the understood rules of Jim Crow culture. Even after the Civil War, people tended to
enforce segregation by skin color; and as sports participation reflected US society, black
men were often not welcomed onto white mens amateur teams. (Its interesting to note
that several were allowed to participate by identifying as white Latin Americans.)}

{When Cincinnati formed the first professional team in 1869 -- the Red Stockings black
men were tacitly excluded. Some briefly played on less discriminatory professional teams
that formed in the 1870s. Moses Fleet Walker is known for playing in Toledo until a
prominent white player from Chicago protested his presence. Following the dispute, in
1887 the International League banned future contracts with black players. Over the next
decade, most professional black players were limited to playing the exhibition circuit
and eventually, baseball leadership actually prohibited white players from wearing major
league uniforms during these exhibition games.|When Cincinnati formed the first professional team in 1869 -- the Red Stockings black
men were tacitly excluded. Some briefly played on less discriminatory professional teams
that formed in the 1870s. Moses Fleet Walker is known for playing in Toledo until a
prominent white player from Chicago protested his presence. Following the dispute, in
1887 the International League banned future contracts with black players. Over the next
decade, most professional black players were limited to playing the exhibition circuit
and eventually, baseball leadership actually prohibited white players from wearing major
league uniforms during these exhibition games.}

{African American players still had a few professional options. Many played in Cuba and
other parts of Latin America during the winter. Some formed their own US teams, such
as the St. Louis Black Stockings, and a viable alternative league, the Negro National
League, emerged by 1920. Jackie Robinson joined the Negro American League in 1945
when he signed with the Kansas City Monarchs.
|African American players still had a few professional options. Many played in Cuba and
other parts of Latin America during the winter. Some formed their own US teams, such
as the St. Louis Black Stockings, and a viable alternative league, the Negro National
League, emerged by 1920. Jackie Robinson joined the Negro American League in 1945
when he signed with the Kansas City Monarchs.}

{Racial attitudes were starting to change across America. The experiences of black and
white soldiers in World War II contributed to some people realizing that general
segregation ought to end. Regarding sports in particular, the Navys champion baseball
team, which was integrated, may have swayed some fans.|Racial attitudes were starting to change across America. The experiences of black and
white soldiers in World War II contributed to some people realizing that general
segregation ought to end. Regarding sports in particular, the Navys champion baseball
team, which was integrated, may have swayed some fans.}

{However, Robinson would still face intense discrimination. When the brave Branch
Rickey of the Dodgers assigned him to the Montreal Royals in 1946, some baseball fans
and even some teammates expressed bigotry. People hurled insults at Robinson, and
some players even insinuated that theyd change teams. Meanwhile, Robinson had
privately agreed to Rickeys stipulation that he not take the bait when harassed.|However, Robinson would still face intense discrimination. When the brave Branch
Rickey of the Dodgers assigned him to the Montreal Royals in 1946, some baseball fans
and even some teammates expressed bigotry. People hurled insults at Robinson, and
some players even insinuated that theyd change teams. Meanwhile, Robinson had
privately agreed to Rickeys stipulation that he not take the bait when harassed.}

{Fortunately, the Dodgers management supported Robinson and refused to retreat on the
decision to integrate. Motivated by both his conscience and financial calculations, Leo
Durocher reportedly declared:|Fortunately, the Dodgers management supported Robinson and refused to retreat on the
decision to integrate. Motivated by both his conscience and financial calculations, Leo
Durocher reportedly declared:}

{I don't care if the guy is yellow or black, or if he has
stripes like a zebra. I'm the manager of this team, and I
say he plays. What's more, I say he can make us all rich.
And if any of you can't use the money, I'll see that you are
all traded.|I don't care if the guy is yellow or black, or if he has
stripes like a zebra. I'm the manager of this team, and I
say he plays. What's more, I say he can make us all rich.
And if any of you can't use the money, I'll see that you are
all traded.}

{Robinson, baseball, and America overall are fortunate that Dodgers management
maintained its position. Even as Robinson experienced bigotry and harassment, he also
won many friends within baseball and became a beloved national hero. A Hollywood
gossip columnist even pronounced Jackie Robinson the second-most popular man of
1947 (right after Bing Crosby). Some believe that Robinson indirectly influenced
President Trumans 1948 decision to integrate the US Armed Forces.
|Robinson, baseball, and America overall are fortunate that Dodgers management
maintained its position. Even as Robinson experienced bigotry and harassment, he also
won many friends within baseball and became a beloved national hero. A Hollywood
gossip columnist even pronounced Jackie Robinson the second-most popular man of
1947 (right after Bing Crosby). Some believe that Robinson indirectly influenced
President Trumans 1948 decision to integrate the US Armed Forces.}

{With US society slowly changing and repealing Jim Crow laws, and with Robinsons
legacy of fantastic baseball statistics, more major league teams began integrating. The
Negro League teams eventually lost many star players, and by 1960 this vestige of
segregation had entirely folded. In 1987, about forty years after Robinsons major league
debut, major league baseball paid tribute by renaming the Rookie of the Year Award the
Jackie Robinson Award.|With US society slowly changing and repealing Jim Crow laws, and with Robinsons
legacy of fantastic baseball statistics, more major league teams began integrating. The
Negro League teams eventually lost many star players, and by 1960 this vestige of
segregation had entirely folded. In 1987, about forty years after Robinsons major league
debut, major league baseball paid tribute by renaming the Rookie of the Year Award the
Jackie Robinson Award.}

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Daniel L. Baxter writes for Uniformhaven.com which offers cherokee scrubs and discount urbane scrubs as well as a lot of additional items.

Get The Gear That Can Make Rather Than Break Your Baseball Game

By Marley Martinerin

 No matter what league you play on, you need a variety of gear to play baseball. Certain equipment is fairly standard, while items such as gloves will differ depending on the position you play. Having top quality gear that fits can give you the extra edge on the field that can make all the difference. If you stick to the following guidelines, you'll be sure that all of your baseball gear is just right for you.

Batting helmets don't make you a better hitter but they do protect you from harm. Many people may underestimate how dangerous baseball can be but players have been killed by speeding pitches. Getting hit by a ball can be very serious, so always wear a helmet when batting. This is mandatory when playing in any league but you should also do this when practicing. Your helmet should be high quality, fit you well, and not interfere with your vision.

You can reduce the risk of injury by wearing as much protective gear as you can, even beyond what's strictly required. Wrist guards are a good example of this. There are many ways you can injure your wrists, whether you're at bat, running the bases or in the field.

There are enough ways to suffer this kind of injury that it's worth taking this extra precaution. This is the type of gear that's lightweight enough that you'll hardly be aware of it, but you'll be glad you have it when you need it. They shouldn't interfere with your movements at all, but they can provide solid protection

If you're serious about improving your hitting skills, a batting tee is something you may want to have. Consider a tee for any age player as an effective tool for teaching swing technique or hitting performance. Even during practice each player only gets so many times to swing or hit the ball which is why this is an essential piece of equipment for off field practice. It might seem like a tedious task to practice repetitively but this is one of the most essential skills of this sport and something you'll be happy you put the effort into. Be sure you are setting your tee up correctly so that it mimics the swing you'd have during regular play. In summary, having the right baseball gear can help bring out the best in your game. Ideally, you don't want to have to think much about your equipment while you're playing, as it should fit well and serve its purpose so you can concentrate on the game itself. This is why you need to do some research and find the gear that's most suitable for you and the position you play.

Marley Martinerin is a regular contributor to a number of sites and writes articles about such topics as Transformer toys, and Megatron.