Bring back the front yard games of catch with dad, stick ball games in the street, and kids all over the neighborhood playing baseball.  The problem with the baseball today is everything is structured and geared toward getting a kid a scholarship or getting him notice by pro scouts.  This means kids get rushed from basketball practice, to open gym, and then to their private hitting lesson on a daily basis.  Kids want to play, and play they should, because you can make it to the big leagues in a flash by just pretending to be your favorite player or better yet put yourself in game seven with 2 outs, bases loaded, and a full count, and watch the ball soar out of the park and into the arms of some screaming fan.  An imagination can do great things and so can getting out in the front yard with a bat, ball and your friends and just playing baseball. Make up your own fair and foul lines and if a ball hits a tree, just call tree interference and do it over.  When a car comes by call time out and when it passes get back to the game.  The best part about this game is there are no coaches, no parents, and no rules except the rules you and your friends decide on.  Sure I think you should play organized baseball, and sure I think you should listen to your coaches, and make sure you get your homework done, but when you are finished with all that get outside and play.  Turn of the video game, make a few phone calls or knock on some doors and get an old fashioned game of pick up ball going in the front yard.  Sometimes it is more fulfilling to be king of the block, even if for only a day than it will be to make the Little League All Star team.  What are you waiting for close this screen and go PLAY BALL!!!