So as I sat & enjoyed my cup(s) of coffee this morning watching the kids play out back, I decided to formally petition the Executive Committee of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. The goal is to revive America's 2nd past time, Baseball (and Softball) in New Jersey Youth Athletics.

I am the same as many of you - I grew up surrounded by, playing, and loving the game of baseball. So many summer memories of playing pickup baseball, life-long friends made, all-star games played, travel tournaments, incredible coaches, hit doctor camps, brooklawn legion days, the list goes on.

My daughter didn't play softball the last 2 years in favor of Lacrosse; this nation's 1st past time. I never had the chance to play Lacrosse because they didn't offer it until I after I graduated, and to be honest, I always thought of it as an elitist, rich-kid sport (which it kind of still is..but that is changing rapidly). However, it is an incredibly fun game that combines so many sports into one (baseball, basketball, football, soccer...). It was awesome to see Kenna excel and become a stud on her travel team last year. I now watch every level, male & female lacrosse every chance I can. I definitely would have played it given the chance, maybe in favor of baseball, and I know many of you feel the same.

But nowadays, kids have to basically make a choice between these two great games by the age of 6, because they are both played during the same season in New Jersey: Spring. Maybe not the worst /hardest decision in the world, I know, but unnecessary-there are four seasons on the East Coast. Baseball and softball enrollment numbers are down across every age level and most of the baseball or sotfball coaches I know barely can field a team. Its clear: the numbers are down in favor of the faster, more rewarding and engaging, instant gratification sport of Lacrosse. I have to admit, I've grown to love the sport and want Kenna to continue it in favor of softball, if she wants to.

There is no reason our kids should have to choose one sport over the other. There is too much divisiveness nowadays, people having to choose (and stay in) what 'camp' they belong to, politically and in sports. Therefore, I am formally proposing that the NJISAA moves Baseball & Softball to a Summer sport, so that athletes of all ages have a chance to play baseball after Lacrosse season.

Baseball & Softball will have to change as well, that is why I propose a 'pitch clock' much like a shot clock in basketball, less time between innings, shorter games--in general a crisper, more compact game, while maintaining the great traditions & essence of it. Admit it, you might love the sport, but watching your kids softball game is like watching paint dry and getting through all 162 games of the MLB season is like walking the Trail of Tears (sorry for the terrible / non-PC, yet prescient pun-I'm writing off the cuff.)

There are so many great things about both sports and so I'd like to start the conversation (at a minimum) to make a change. So lets keep baseball alive and move it to summer. I know change won't be easy, albeit critical to the survival of America's great game.

After all, there is just something about having a baseball catch, and I want my kids to experience that.