MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- It was a day of fun, excitement and knowledge for the Yankees and the White Sox, as they slugged it out at the Friendship Field during noncompetitive little league action, Sunday.
Six to 9-year-old children from the Station participate in the league, which exists for the sole-purpose of learning the basic fundamentals of the sport of baseball. There are no points or winners in the league, just the absorption of fundamentals of America's past time.
"We teach the children how to play the game. This league prepares and guides them," said John K. Grayvold, Yankees head coach.
The league serves as a stepping-stone rather than an actual competition.
"Before the kids started playing in this league, they played T-ball. Here, we the coaches pitch to our own players. This is something new to them and something that will better them as baseball players," said Grayvold.
"Part of the league is to help the children learn how to hit an actual pitch," said Rodney D. Bogan, White Sox head coach. "There are 10 players in the lineup and we complete an inning after all 10 players have gone up to bat. If they get three outs before that happens then the next team will go up to bat."
"This league is definitely getting the kids prepared for real baseball. They have improved so much and they continue to. At the same time, they are having fun. At this age it is difficult to develop, but through constant reinforcement, reiteration techniques and the players attitude towards the game, we have made progress," Grayvold said.
"The game of baseball for children at such a young age is a learning process," said Bogan. "There is no pressure, therefore the children can go out and apply the basic fundamentals that are taught to them, and start to get a feel for the game."
According to Grayvold, "The most important thing for these kids is not only to have fun, but also learn how to improve their game."
The league began in April and will conclude June 15. An all-star team is currently in the works to play against local Japanese teams.