The way for many within cities looking for an outlet for their athletic endeavors is the street. And not The Streets that are not only watching, but be talking now.

I’m referring to the concrete pavement that becomes a playground for millions…

(And millions)

Of children regardless of their parents’ economic conditions. Now the concrete can become an open field or a dirt patch, but the point is with enough energy, initiative and plain old moxy, kids can get it done…if they want to.

https://youtu.be/XHy5v6dOC5s

There was a wall with a box painted on it that served as my first bullpen. I threw everything at that wall; balls for tennis, racquet and sometimes even base. But that slowed down when I realized that it impacted off the wall much different than it does off a bat.

But in the cities I play in now, those same kids my age looking for an outlet are likely deterred from buying a bat since it could cause fear.

I can remember pitching at my box facing batters brandishing sticks taken from brooms and mops. But kids with brooms and mops pointing up instead of down can be feared and viewed in interesting ways.

The way ‘They’ have truly stepped down on this is the removal of public outdoor basketball courts.

It was a gathering location for youngsters of all ages. It allowed a lonely child to commit to a repetitive process…if they didn’t find enjoyment in consistently throwing a ball on the black mark on the right.