‘Name on front of jersey more important than one on back’

By Jon Moffett

NILES – Baseball is often referred to as America’s pastime. Thoughts of the game remind some fans of packed stadiums on weekend afternoons, hot dogs or just playing catch with their friends and family in the backyard.

The Niles Youth League creates memories of its own. The league teaches kids the values of fair play, sportsmanship and teamwork, fans said.

“We try to teach the kids that the name on the front of the jersey is more important than the one on the back,” said Barry Steffey, the head coach of the Sporting Goods Inc. team of the Niles Youth League.

Steffey is familiar with the league. He’s been coaching for over a decade. Steffey, a Howland native, played in the Howland Athletic Club under the tutelage of his father. He learned valuable lessons he tries to pass on to his own team.

“I try to tell them that by working hard you’ll be able to accomplish what you want to,” Steffey said. “Working hard and staying positive are important, not just in sports, but in life. I tell my kids to help pick up their teammates and to stay focused.”

Steffey, who loves the Pirates, remembers watching legends like Roberto Clemente and Barry Bonds. Steffey admits he doesn’t use his preferences on athletes to influence his players.

“I don’t use athletes as role models,” Steffey said. “I like to encourage the kids to embrace the teams and players that they like.”

Steffey is just one of many parents who volunteer their time to coach. Parents pitch to their team on one field. Other parents coach unofficially. They shout instructions and directions from outside the fence on other fields.

Two-man umpire crews, many of whom played in the Niles Youth League, call the games.

On this Monday night contest, the Sporting Goods Inc. team of the Niles Youth League played the Vienna Mustangs, sponsored by the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department.

Vienna got off to an early start and soon took a commanding lead in the game. The Mustangs were winning 7-1 going in to the final inning.

Niles wasn’t ready to give up, though.

The team rallied in the bottom of the sixth inning. With two outs and a runners on second and third base, Chris Hillier stepped up to the plate for Niles. Hillier swung and crushed the ball into the outfield. The runner on third scored, and Hillier stopped at second with an RBI double.

Next up was Brandon Cramer.

Cramer continued the momentum and hit a shot up the middle, bringing in two more runs. Nick Woloshak stepped into the box, looking to continue the rally.

Woloshak got a good pitch to hit and singled, bringing Cramer home. Danny Bellew was up next and represented the tying run for Niles.

Mustang pitcher Ashton Motts didn’t let the pressure get to him. He threw and forced Bellew to pop the ball up and Motts caught the final out to preserve the win. The Mustangs won by a final score of 7-5. Teammates swarmed Motts and celebrated the win. The Niles players walked back to the dugout dejected.

After the game, the teams lined up for the post-game congratulations. Though Niles was visibly upset by their near victory, they didn’t let it stop them from being good sports. Each player high-fived the other team’s players and coaches, and acknowledged the good game played. Some Mustang players even went up to the opposing dugout and wished the Niles players good luck in the upcoming tournament.

Steffey didn’t let the loss sit with his players too long. He encouraged his players on a good game and a great comeback. To keep their spirits high, he suggested the team give a cheer before they departed for the evening.

The players all put their hand into a circle and cheered “1-2-3 Niles!”

jmoffett@vindy.com