September 21, 2016
Page 5
Baseball
c oNtiNued from f roNt
– that it is about more than just hits and
runs. Studies point to a positive correlation
between participation in organized youth
sports and greater academic success, con-
centration, and self-esteem. Youth sports
have also been linked to the development
of the “5 C’s”: competence, confidence,
connection, compassion and character.
Two years ago, researchers from Cor-
nell University discovered longer-lasting
outcomes. Through a survey of World
War II veterans, these researchers found
connections between their participation in
youth sports and long-term career success,
as well as higher rates of leadership and
volunteerism that persisted for more than
55 years.
Having programs like Full Count on
school grounds make it possible to once
again see boys and girls hit, catch, and
throw their way to a deeper understanding
of the power of teamwork, determination,
self-confidence, and respect, no matter
what curveballs come their way.
Together we’re building, one pitch at a
time, the next generation of children who,
when their time comes to step up to the
plate as adults, will have the tools to knock
it out of the park.
From the fields of the former Peninsula
Little League, to the baseball diamonds at
Kenton, Columbia, Lillis-Albina and Un-
thank parks, to the green space where the
beloved Dawson Park provided space for
regular pickup ballgames -- our youth are
asking, “Can I Play?” Together and with
investment where it’s most needed, we can
answer a resounding “Yes.”
A benefit for Friends of Baseball’s Full
Count after school program will be held
Fri¬day, Sept. 23, 2016 at Ore¬gon Golf
Club. For tickets and more information,
visit freindsofbaseball.org/2016gala.
Nova Newcomer is executive director of
Friends of Baseball.
Wrongful Death
Settlement
(AP) -- Relatives of Sandra Bland, a
black woman who died last summer in a
Texas jail after a contentious traffic stop,
have reached a $1.9 million settlement in
their wrongful-death lawsuit, the family’s
attorney told a Houston television station
Thursday.
Bland, who was from the Chicago area,
died in her cell
three days after she
was arrested by a
white Texas state
trooper for a mi-
nor traffic offense.
Her death was
ruled a suicide,
and Bland’s family Sandra Bland
later sued Waller County and the Texas De-
partment of Public Safety.
Video from the July 10, 2015, traffic
stop shows the trooper drawing his stun
gun and telling Bland, “I will light you
up!” He was later fired and charged with
a misdemeanor perjury charge stemming
from the arrest. He has pleaded not guilty.
Friends of Baseball sponsor local programs like Full Count, forming baseball teams that help local kids build skills like
teamwork, determination, self confidence and respect.