Years ago, I read an article in the Reader’s Digest that predicted soccer would become a popular sport in America.

Today, we see children choosing to play soccer instead of football or basketball. The reason for the growing interest in the sport that is popular in most other countries is most parents don’t understand the game. They never participated in the sport and, therefore, don’t know the rules, can’t coach their kids and can’t criticize the coach.

If you’re one of the few who attended a game recently, the crowds are few, the kids playing are having fun, and the abuse of the coaches and officials are almost nil. It’s no wonder the kids are having fun. The parents don’t know enough about the game to ruin it for the kids or the coaches.

Now football, basketball, baseball and softball are a different story. Most fans know just enough about each sport to mess it up for the coaches, officials and a minority of the fans who just want to enjoy the different sports and support their favorite teams. Football and basketball fans are guilty of abuse, but the worst I think is the baseball fans.

As we approach the beginning of the baseball season, a game known as the national pastime, the “boo birds” are preparing themselves to do what they do best – criticize the coaches, verbally abuse all umpires, belittle the players and quench the spirit of what is intended to be a relaxing, entertaining experience at the ballpark.

Baseball would be enjoyed much more if the fans knew as little about the game as the soccer fans. This season let’s make a commitment to let the coaches coach, the umpires call the game and the kids play and have fun.

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70068, call (985) 652-8477, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.