Junior
League World Series in Taylor, Michigan is something big the city is hosting
every year. This is an Annual baseball competition of kids from North America
and other parts of the world. It becomes inviting for baseball fans from the
other side of the world to come and witness this great event. It resonates on a
couple from California who moved to Georgia; (It could be because they wanted
to be closer to Taylor, Michigan for the World Series). Kent and Lynda Waller
have been coming here for the baseball game since 2006. Their story unfolded
when I met them, and when they started to show kindness to me- a stranger in
their life. I was taking pictures at the bleacher during one of the games as
one of the Media photographer with the blessing of Mr. Dave Gorgon; the
gentleman in charge of Media, and Social Media of Junior League World Series. It
was when Kent and Lynda offered me their seats so I could take good pictures.
Our friendship started by their good deeds and good attitude. We started to
talk and started sharing about our experiences here in Taylor, Michigan and
during the baseball games.
I
was surprised to learn from this nice and great couple of their passion and
love for baseball. Prior to coming here in Taylor, Michigan for JLWS from 2006,
Kent and Lynda used to go to Williams Sports, in a Major League Training Camp,
and in many Major baseball games. I don’t know if it was a Divine plan, but I
believe it was God’s step of taking them to visit their friends and relatives
so I could meet them too. They patronize the Junior World Series League from
that time on... As some may say; “And the rest is history…” Kent said; “Baseball
here is better played, the crowd is much smaller, enjoyable and it’s pure
baseball.” No wonder they drive about 2,500 miles from Northern California in
Grass Valley with their motor home just for the game. They’ve done this for 7
years until they moved to Georgia. They only missed the game last 2009 when
Kent’s mom was ill which unfortunately leads to her death. Kent and Lynda spent
$2,000 dollars just for the gas for their round trip drive. They parked their motor
home at the Wayne County Fairgrounds, and then they drive to Heritage Park in
Taylor to watch baseball. They refused to elaborate and get into the details of
their expenses; but they said it’s a good amount of money. I made an assumption
of about $3,000 to $5,000 US dollars altogether.
Kent
and Lynda were expressive of the developments, and improvements that were made
in the game, the park, and the Series as a whole. Mr. Kent said; “One of the
perks aside from enjoying the improvements of the games of the kids are meeting
people from all over the United States, and meeting people from the other side
of the world with different languages and cultures. One of the best times we
have here was when the Philippines were here and we talked to the Philippine
team.” And I agree, truly it was the best games, and the loudest crowd I have
witnessed in this event. Mr. Waller added; “By the way, I was told by one of
the parents that he wanted to have one of his 3 sons to be the first professional
World Leaguer from the Philippines which is not impossible because his children
were so good.” I’m positive about it and I believe one of those children who
works hard and train hard will someday be in a Major League. Kent said; “We
have seen great plays and great games since we first came here in the League. A
lot of close games too.” Kent was so impressed with the championship game with
Florida and Aruba with 12 to 10- Florida the 2012 Junior League World Series. I
can tell that it was the best games due to the words I heard from friends and
players. He shared to me that the game between Hawaii and the Philippines was
also a great game in 2007. Kent and Lynda who used to be a huge baseball Major
League fans switched to Junior League since that first visit in 2006 here in Heritage
Park in Taylor. He said; “No money involved, no politics, just good baseball
games, and the children gets to play!” Kent and Lynda have been to baseball
series (Women’s, College and Little Leagues) in Portland, Oregon, Kalamazoo and
other cities in the United States and Canada; but now they kept their presence
in Taylor, Michigan. Kent pressed on; “As long as we can, we will…” They spend
thousands of dollars in their 8 days of stay here for gas, food, camp grounds
fees, and other expenses just for this special event.
They
appreciate the people, the improvements on the grounds, and the technologies in
the baseball field, especially the public restrooms. The couple said they will
recommend this to their friends and relatives. As a matter of fact, they have
their friends Tony and Linda Ciccone who have been coming here since the first
day of the World Series. They will recommend the foods, the generous restaurants,
and the place to visit and to be in anytime of the year. Kent and Linda said the
people in Taylor are friendly. They made a good commendation to the host city,
to the people who works in the field, and to the announcer, but was a little
bit on the left side of the wings in terms of the promotional, and
advertisement side of the World Series. They said; “Only 1 welcome sign since
2006. And there’s no banner regarding the baseball game along major
thoroughfares like Telegraph road.” This could be a good message and positive
critique to the organizers and the city of Taylor. Mister and Mrs. Kent Waller
said; “We were surprised that they do not tell this in the news, or evening
news or local newspaper, and promote this well…” Indeed, I did not see this
advertised along Telegraph road, I- 94, I- 75 or I-275 freeways. I interviewed
Independent candidate for Mayor of Taylor- Rick Sollars during the championship
game between Tennessee and Arizona baseball teams. Mr. Sollars made a similar
comments but with a different perspective, and a great or unique outlook and
vision for the city and Junior League World Series. We will talk more about it
soon… Congratulations to Arizona and to Taiwan teams for winning the
championships (All American, International). August 17, 2013 at 2:00 PM will be
the Championship game between Taiwan and Arizona.
