Learning baseball one play at a time

On a balmy, mid-summer afternoon, Noah Steinmetz stepped into the batter’s box, awaiting a pitch from his father, Elliot Steinmetz. The young baseball enthusiast had a runner on second base and smacked a ground ball to the right side of the field, resulting in an out. As he headed back to the dugout, distraught from costing his team an out, Richard Kahn, president of the Hewlett-Woodmere Little League, called him over.

Kahn, known affectionately as Richie, explained to the young boy that although he made out, the at-bat was still successful because the runner was able to move from second to third. This single instance served as a microcosm of just what the Hewlett-Woodmere Little League summer pickup games are about: teaching, and most importantly, having fun.

“The games are mainly recreational, although we do try to teach the kids a bit at the same time,” Kahn, who has been president of the league for 18 years, explained. “It is a great opportunity for players who are new to the league to get acquainted with the others, too.”

Held Monday through Thursday at 6 p.m. at Grant Park, the summer games are a stress-free, non-committal way for boys and girls between second grade and age 13 to get out and partake in America’s pastime.

Chris Albanese brings his son down to the games whenever possible. “The number one reason we come is because the boys and their friends get to play together,” he explained. “The games are a lot of fun. It’s not about winning or throwing the ball 100 miles per hour, just about having fun.”

Many players were quick to agree with Albanese. “The games are fun because I get to play baseball with my friends,” Bradley Hagen, 12, said.

“I come down so I can play with friends and try to hit homeruns,” Kenny Bernstein, 13, echoed.

The age range, which could seem like a downfall, actually works to an advantage. If enough players, and parents who can help, show up, two games are played, one for older kids, and one for younger kids. Either way, Louis Tamiso, 12, is happy with the situation. “Just getting to play and interact with younger and older kids is very enjoyable,” he said. “It’s very fun to watch kids get better each time we play.”

Parents are quick to praise the work of Kahn. Albanese, who also helps organize the games, cited Kahn as a major reason for the success of the summer baseball. “He’s fantastic,” he said. “He’s like a savant for the game and all the players, former and current.”

Devora Stiefel was in full agreement. “My kids love the games and they love Richie,” she explained. “My son’s first coach was Richie and since then, he’s been all about baseball.”

Kahn, in a self-less manner as per usual, would take no credit for the success. “I think the games have grown lately because people have become more aware that they exist,” he said. “The kids and parents know they don’t have to commit to attending every night and kids are increasingly going away for shorter periods of time or staying around here to go to camp.”

With the fall season just around the corner, the summer pickup games provide young players with a safe and fun-filled opportunity to sharpen their skills, improve their game, and learn the sport one at-bat at a time.